Summit Updates
All AWEA Regional Wind Energy Summit - Midwest activities will be held at the Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park. Click here for the address and travel information.
Tour Suzlon's landmark, state-of the art Wind Turbine Training Center and participate in a product demo of North America's only fully-operational nacelle dedicated to training with hands-on interaction of wind components and equipment. Click here for more information and to sign-up!
Attention registered attendees! Have you setup your Attendee Connect profile? The creation of your Attendee Connect profile has been made effortless through a seamless integration with LinkedIn -- with the click of a button you can pull in your LinkedIn profile and begin to network with other attendees. You can use this platform before, during, and after the AWEA Wind Energy Regional Summit - Midwest. Get started here.
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Local market and policy overviews, with an examination of growth strategies and demand drivers
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Critical regional and local issues on siting, wildlife, and transmission infrastructure
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Regional manufacturing and supply chain opportunities
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Local utility information on securing cost-effective wind energy supply
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Jobs growth and economic development opportunities
This all-new, cutting-edge technology lets you search for and communicate with other event attendees, set up meetings with current or potential business partners, and find attendees with matching interests. Attendee Connect is easy to set up and absolutely FREE. The creation of your Attendee Connect profile has been made effortless through a seamless integration with LinkedIn -- with the click of a button you can pull in your LinkedIn profile and begin to network with other attendees. You can use this platform before, during, and after the AWEA Wind Energy Regional Summit - Midwest. Attendee Connect will add unprecedented value to your participation in this seminar, and is available now! Click Here to get started!
If you missed the How to use Attendee Connect webinar from March 1st, then click here to view the presentation.
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Access a complete directory of attendees and rich profiles built from LinkedIn and your registration information
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Attendee directory is fully searchable by name and keywords
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Get personalized recommendations on who to meet based on similar interests and profile keywords
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Create a personalized activities list of one-on-one meetings and sessions using the calendar tool
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Includes a mobile site for use at event – allows for scheduling and rescheduling meetings during event
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Communication happens securely through Attendee Connect without contact information being shared
Unlike other topic-specific AWEA educational events, this regionally-focused summit will explore Midwest-specific wind energy topics, including regional market challenges, transmission, project siting, community and utility relations, and growth opportunities.
Whether you are already involved in Midwest wind power activities, or want to learn more about entering into this growing marketplace, you won't find a more relevant event. This Summit is a prime opportunity to engage in discussions with your peers, wind industry leaders, and subject matter experts on issues unique to the Midwest U.S.
Don't miss out on these networking-specific events:
First Night Networking Reception: Meet your fellow attendees at this relaxed, yet valuable, getting-to-know-you event. Enjoy drinks and hors d'oeuvres while you make important business connections and prepare for day two of the seminar.
Closing Cocktail: Wrap up the seminar by meeting those speakers, moderators and attendees who you just couldn't find time to connect with during the sessions. Relax and unwind after this full, rewarding seminar.
Remember to bring a full box of business cards to the AWEA Regional Wind Energy Summit - Midwest because there's no better place to network and expand your business contacts than AWEA events.
The Midwest wind power market is strong, and continues to be an anchor for the entire U.S. wind energy industry. Of the over 43,600 MWs of wind capacity installed in the U.S. through October 2011, over 14,600 MWs were installed in Midwestern states - that's over 30% of total installed capacity.
As the iconic image of the wind turbine continues to pop up all across this vital wind corridor, manufacturing companies are retooling and creating growing markets for clean energy parts and equipment, parts suppliers are diversifying their product lines, construction and transportation companies are rising up to the challenge, and tens of thousands of U.S. jobs have been created to support the wind energy industry.
John Eber, Managing Director, Energy Investments, JPMorgan Capital Corporation
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Academic Organizations
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Component Suppliers
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Construction / Transportation Companies
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Consulting Services
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Economic Development Organizations
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Local Government Agencies
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Operation & Maintenance Professionals
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Project Developers
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State Regulatory Representatives
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Turbine Manufacturers or OEMs
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Utility Representatives
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Wind Project Operators
Tera-Watt Sponsors
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Mega-Watt Sponsors
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Registration
Registration is now closed!
However, you may register on-site at the hotel on Tuesday, March 6 at 7:30am.
Click here to download a PDF list of companies attending the 2012 seminar!
Registration Prices
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Registration Type |
Early Bird Discount by January 20 |
Regular by |
Onsite After |
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AWEA Business Member |
$350 |
$400 |
$450 |
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AWEA Advocate |
$395 |
$445 |
$495 |
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Non-Member |
$395 |
$445 |
$495 |
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Government Agency |
$250 |
$300 |
$350 |
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Full-Time Student or Faculty |
$175 |
$175 |
$175 |
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Non-Profit* |
$175 |
$175 |
$175 |
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Summit Speaker or Moderator |
$150 |
$150 |
$150 |
* Non-Profit registrations require pre-approval by AWEA. See below for a description of the type of organizations that meet our non-profit pricing requirement and email conference@awea.org for details.
For registration questions or general event inquiries, contact conference@awea.org or
(202) 383-2512.
If you are unsure of your AWEA membership status, contact membership@awea.org or
(202) 383-2550.
If you are interesting in exhibiting, contact exhibition@awea.org or (202) 383-2514.
Special Attendee Types
Government Agency: A full-time employee of a U.S. or international government agency (federal, state, local or tribal). Government-supported universities or colleges, government contractors, and government consultants do not qualify. Economic development organizations should register under the Government category.
Full-Time Student or Faculty: To qualify for the Student/Faculty registration rate you must be a current full-time student or faculty member at an educational institution. You must bring your institution ID to registration to verify your status.
Speaker: Registration for confirmed speakers and moderators in the summit (limit 1 per presentation). Speaker/Moderator status will be verified.
Non-Profit Wind Power / Clean Energy Advocacy Groups: Discounted registrations are available to certain non-profit wind power / clean energy organizations that receive pre-approval by AWEA. This category is intended for specific wind power / clean energy advocacy groups as well as qualified environmental or energy related non-profits such as the Sierra Club, Energy Foundation or World Wildlife Fund among others. All 501c3 organizations will not necessarily qualify for the non-profit registration rate. Economic development organizations do not qualify for the non-profit registration rate and instead should register under the government registration category. Email conference@awea.org with your full contact information and a brief description of your non-profit organization including a link to your organization website to request non-profit approval.
Media / Press: Complimentary press registrations are available to those that meet AWEA's media accreditation guidelines. To request a complimentary press pass contact presspass@awea.org.
Registration Policies
Summit registration includes: a networking reception, continental breakfasts, lunches, access to the speaker presentations, plus invaluable education from experts in the wind energy community and critical networking opportunities.
Confirmation & Changes: Registration confirmations are emailed automatically upon registering on-line or upon manual entry of registrations sent via mail or fax. If you have changes to your registration including contact information, purchasing additional items to your registration such as a pre-conferences that is available to specific events, or if you need to provide a substitution for your registration, email conference@awea.org no later than Friday, March 2, 2012. After this date, any changes or substitutions will need to be made on-site at the event.
Cancellation Policy: All cancellations and requests for refunds must be submitted to AWEA in writing via email to conference@awea.org or fax to (202) 293-2567. Refunds may not be processed until after the completion of the summit. All refund requests received by February 28, 2012 will be processed less a $100 administrative fee. There will be no refunds made for cancellations after February 28, 2012 or for no-shows and registration fees may not be transferred to a different AWEA event. However substitutions are permitted for no charge. Email information on substitutions to conference@awea.org. Any refunds to credit card payments may only be credited back to the original credit card and cannot be refunded to a different card.
Other: AWEA reserves the right to eject any registrant from the event without any prior notice or refund if while at the event your behavior is deemed disruptive, offensive, dangerous, and illegal or if you are found to be distributing unauthorized material.
This event is proceeding as planned unless the event organizer, the venue, and/or local or national authorities deem it to be unsafe to do so at which time we will update this website with more information.
Tera-Watt Sponsors
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Mega-Watt Sponsors
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Agenda
Tuesday, March 6
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| 7:30 AM |
Registration Opens
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| 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM |
Networking Breakfast
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| 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM |
Welcome & Opening KeynoteThe Honorable Pat Quinn, Governor, Illinois
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| 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM |
Wind Industry Leaders Roundtable
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| 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM |
Networking Break & Exhibits
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| 10: 30 AM - 12:00 PM |
Midwest Wind Energy Market Assessment
Facilitator: Jeff Anthony, Director, Business Development, AWEA
What are the growth prospects for wind energy in the Midwest? What do project installation forecasts predict in the Midwest on a state-by-state basis? What are the key drivers of demand for wind energy and what new, emerging drivers will help grow demand for wind energy across the region? This session will answer these fundamental questions and include updates on state RES requirement, coal plant retirements, voluntary renewable energy purchases, as well as policy opportunities and barriers in the Midwest.
Speakers:
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| 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM |
Networking Lunch & Exhibits
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| 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM |
Transmission Opportunities and Issues in the Midwest
Facilitator: Natalie McIntire, Wind Adviser - Independent Consultant
Transmission infrastructure development and transmission policies and rules hold one of the major keys to unlock the enormous potential of wind energy in the Midwest. Under the DOE 20% Wind Energy by 2030 scenario, wind energy not only supplies clean and reliable energy to the Midwest, but also supplies significant amounts of energy to states outside of the region. Learn how transmission growth and expansion is proceeding in the Midwest and surrounding regions and how key transmission issues are being solved in the region.
Speakers:
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| 2:30 PM - 3:00 PM |
Networking Break & Exhibits
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| 3:00 PM - 4:15 PM |
Siting and Wildlife Issues
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| 4:15 PM - 5:30 PM |
Wind Power as a Manufacturing Growth Engine in the Midwest
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| 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM |
Networking ReceptionLocation: International Ballroom Foyer Exchange notes with your colleagues, relax and decompress with your wind industry peers as you enjoy passed hors d'oeuvres and drinks. |
Wednesday, March 7
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| 7:30 AM |
Registration Opens
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| 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM |
Networking Breakfast
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| 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM |
Community Relations and Local Acceptance in Sub-Regional Markets
Facilitator: Susan Williams Sloan, Director, State Policy, American Wind Energy Association
Lessons and case studies from Midwestern states will highlight this session, focusing on project development challenges and the role of early and careful coordination with the communities and people surrounding wind projects. Real examples from the states and coverage of the critical issues facing local acceptance and community relations will be explored in depth by the presenters in this session.
Speakers:
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| 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM |
Networking Break
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| 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM |
Key Wind Power Issues Facing Utilities in the Midwest
Facilitator: Kim Zuhlke, Consultant, AWEA
Electric utilities play the critical roles of delivering wind energy to retail customers and balancing the variable output of wind energy to maintain system reliability. Hear from some of the leading utilities in the Midwest on their plans to increase the amount of wind energy they are providing to their customers, and the challenges they are facing. This interactive panel discussion will allow audience members to ask questions of an expert panel of utility representatives.
Speakers:
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| 11:45 AM - 1:00 PM |
Networking Lunch & Exhibits
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| 1:30 PM - 6:00 PM |
Industry Meetings and Side Meetings
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Tera-Watt Sponsors
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Mega-Watt Sponsors
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Housing Information
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Location |
Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park |
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AWEA Rate |
$149.00 (single and double occupancy) |
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Reservations |
312-565-8000
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Deadline |
A limited number of discounted rooms have been arranged for summit attendees. The discounted rate will be available while group rooms remain until February 13, 2012. Once the discounted rooms are sold out or after February 13 (whichever comes first), the hotel may continue to accept reservations at the discounted rate on a space-available basis; however, they could be at a higher prevailing room rate. |
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Hotel Contact Info |
Hotel Phone: 312-565-8000 Hotel Fax: 312-946-5311 |
Hotel Accommodations
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Just outside, the energy of downtown Chicago awaits. Lending the Fairmont a fashionable and contemporary urban resort attitude, our rich and diverse Grant Park and Millennium Park neighborhood affords your intriguing sense of adventure. The Art Institute and the Field Museum; Navy Pier and Chicago's Lakefront; the acclaimed shopping along the Magnificent Mile and Oak Street boutiques; Chicago's theaters and nightclubs; the bustling business district and the serene escape of Millennium Park all intersect at one location: Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park. Click here for more information about the Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park. |
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Travel Information
The information and pricing listed below is provided as a service by AWEA but is subject to change.
Closest Airports:
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is approximately 18 miles northwest and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is approximately 12 miles southwest.
For more information on the Chicago O’Hare International Airport or the Chicago Midway International Airport, visit http://www.ohare.com.
CTA Trains:
From O’Hare International Airport- The CTA Blue line travels downtown in approximately 45 minutes. The closest stop to the Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park Hotel is Monroe-Blue, which is about a thirteen minute walk to the hotel. It costs $2.25 or less one-way.
From Midway International Airport- The CTA Orange Line travels downtown in approximately 35 minutes. The closest stop to the Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park Hotel is Madison/Wabash, which is about an eleven minute walk to the hotel. It costs $2.25 or less one-way.
Shuttle Information:
Go Airport Express- Go Airport Express offers daily, door-to-door service to/from O'Hare Airport and most city and suburban neighborhoods. Their hours of operation are from 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., departing approximately every 5 to 10 minutes outside the baggage claim areas of the Lower Level of the Domestic and International Terminals. The fare to the city is approximately $25.00. Lift-equipped vehicles are available on request for passengers with disabilities. Advanced notice is strongly urged. To contact Go Airport Express, call 1-773-247-1200 or 1-888-284-3826.
Continental Airport Express- Continental Airport Express offers door-to-door service to and from Midway airport and most city and suburban neighborhoods from 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Departures are about every 15 minutes. The fare to the city is approximately $19.00. The pickup location is located outside door LL3, inside lane. Lift-equipped vehicles are available on request for those passengers with disabilities. Advanced notice is strongly suggested. To contact Continental Airport Express, call 312-454-7800 or 800-654-7871.
Taxi Information:
From O’hare Ain>port-Taxicabs are available on the lower level curbfront of all terminals. Shared ride service is available. Fare is approximately $35 to $40 for a taxicab ride to downtown Chicago.
From Midway Airport- Taxicabs are available at the main entrance area of the terminals. Fare is approximately $30 to $35 for a taxicab ride to downtown Chicago.
Driving Directions:
From Chicago International O'Hare Airport (From I-90/94)
• Take I-90/94. Follow signs to Chicago.
• Exit at Ohio Street (Exit number 50B) Proceed three blocks to LaSalle Street.
• Turn right on LaSalle Street. Proceed five blocks to Wacker Drive.
• Turn left on Wacker Drive. Proceed ¾ mile to Columbus Drive. (Second light after Michigan Avenue)
• Turn right on Columbus Drive - 1¼ blocks.
• The Fairmont Chicago will be on your right (immediately after South Water Street).
From Midway Airport (From I-55)
• From Midway Airport follows signs to Cicero Avenue (Northbound).
• Proceed on Cicero Avenue for two miles to I-55 North.
• From I-55 North, follow the signs to Lake Shore Drive North.
• From Lake Shore Drive North, drive one mile past Museum Campus, staying to the right. Exit Randolph Street/Wacker Drive.
• Upon crossing Randolph Street, stay to the left following the signs to Wacker Drive.
• Once on Wacker Drive, immediately merge right driving up ramp to upper level.
• Turn left on Columbus Drive (first stoplight) - 1¼ block.
• The Fairmont Chicago will be on your right (immediately after South Water Street).
From Lake Shore Drive - Southbound (Route 41)
• Using the Grand/Illinois/Navy Pier/Wacker Drive, exit and continue on the exit ramp.
• Upon crossing Illinois Street, stay to the right for the Wacker Drive exit.
• Once on Wacker Drive, immediately merge right driving up ramp to the upper level.
• Turn left on Columbus Drive (first stoplight) - 1¼ block.
• The Fairmont Chicago will be on your right (immediately after South Water Street).
From Interstate 290/Interstate 88
• I-88 to I-290 East to Congress Parkway merge.
• Remain on Congress Parkway six blocks to State Street.
• Turn left on State Street. Proceed on State Street one mile to Wacker Drive.
• Make a soft right turn on Wacker Drive.
• Drive four blocks to Columbus Drive (second stoplight after Michigan Avenue).
• Turn right on Columbus Drive - 1¼ block.
• The Fairmont Chicago will be on your right (immediately after South Water Street).
Valet parking:
Up to two hours- $24.00
Two to six hours- $36.00
Six to 24-hours and overnight parking- $51.00
Internet:
Wireless High-Speed Internet Access in all guest rooms is provided at an additional charge of $14.95 per day.
Tera-Watt Sponsors
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Mega-Watt Sponsors
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Network, Increase Brand Recognition, Promote Your Company
The AWEA Regional Wind Energy Summit - Midwest is AWEA's first regionally focused event. The seminar will feature a wide variety of exhibiting companies, representing the full spectrum of products, services, and solutions needed to advance the wind industry in the Midwest. Throughout the event, particularly during session breaks, breakfast, and the reception, attendees are encouraged to stop by the exhibit area to learn more about these companies.
Current Exhibitors:
View the exhibitor listings here.
Sponsorships
Sponsoring an AWEA Seminar generates the type of exposure you are looking for in an effective marketing program. Reach your target audience, promote your company and product, and leave a lasting impression. Please see below for a list of available sponsorship items.
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Networking Reception
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Networking Luncheon Day 1 - SOLD
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Networking Luncheon Day 2- SOLD
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Networking Breakfast & Breaks
- Lanyards - SOLD
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Brochure Placement
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Notepads - SOLD
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Highlighters
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Pens
- Hotel Keycards - SOLD
There are still several excellent sponsorship opportunities available. We can always work together to create the best package for you; please contact Brandon Kopp at 202-383-2514, or email exhibition@awea.org.
Advertising
Each attendee at the event will receive a program guide that includes the summit agenda, sponsor listings, exhibitor listings, and any ads that have been placed. Maximize your participation in the event by placing an ad in the hand of every attendee. Click here for more information.
Tera-Watt Sponsors
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Mega-Watt Sponsors
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Side Meetings
Monday, March 5
U.S. Offshore Wind Market and Supply Chain Workshop
11:30 am - 4:00 pm
Crystal Room
Tuesday, March 6
Wind on the Wires Quarterly Board Meeting
2:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Regent Room
Wednesday, March 7
Wind on the Wires Quarterly Members Meeting
1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Gold Room
AWEA Utility Working Group
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Ambassador Room
NEW Suzlon Training Center Tour
1:15 pm – 4:45 pm
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Suzlon invites you to step-inside their landmark Wind Turbine Training Center to explore its state-of the art facility. The tour will feature a product demo of North America's only fully-operational nacelle dedicated to training with hands-on interaction of wind components and equipment. Immerse yourself in classroom and workbench demonstrations and view safety rescue training. |
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The Suzlon Wind Turbine Training Center is located in Elgin, less than one hour from downtown Chicago. The tour is free and transportation will be provided by Suzlon. No cameras, including phone cameras, are allowed in the center. |
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1:15: Promptly, bus leaves Fairmont Chicago
2:15: Bus arrives at Suzlon Wind Turbine Training Center in Elgin IL
Approximately 2:30 – 4:30: Tour of facility (coffee/refreshments provided)
4:45 Bus departs Suzlon Wind Turbine Training Facility
5:30 Bus* makes a drop at Chicago O'Hare Int'l airport
6:30 Bus arrives at Fairmont in downtown Chicago
To register for the event please send an email to Jessica Morrissey at jessica.morrissey@suzlon.com.
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In your email you will need to confirm if you require bus transport.
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In your email you will need to confirm if you require a drop off at O'Hare International Airport
*If there are a high number of registered attendees, there may be two buses transporting to and from the facility. In that case, it's possible only one of the two buses will stop at O'Hare Int'l Airport.
Tera-Watt Sponsors
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Mega-Watt Sponsors
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Event Partners
Wind on the Wires is a non-profit collaborative organization comprised of wind developers, turbine manufacturers, suppliers of goods and services for the wind industry, clean energy advocacy organizations, tribal representatives and farmer organizations. Our mission is to overcome the barriers to bringing wind energy to market by addressing the technical, public policy and regulatory issues, as well as through education and public outreach. windonthewires.org
The mission of the Chicago Southland Wind Council (CSWC) is to advance the capabilities of Chicago-area organizations to support and develop Wind Energy in local and global markets. Our goal is to strengthen our associates while leading economic development for Chicagoland, and enhancing Wind Energy to enrich the quality of our planet. A grassroots Wind Energy venue for education and communication, and for the enrichment of our members and surroundings. chicagosouthlandwindcouncil.com
The Environmental Law & Policy Center (ELPC) is the Midwest's leading environmental legal advocacy and eco-business innovation organization. We develop strategic advocacy campaigns to improve environmental quality and protect our natural heritage. We are public interest entrepreneurs who engage in creative business deal making with diverse interests to put into practice our belief that environmental progress and economic development can be achieved together. elpc.org
The Great Lakes Wind Collaborative (GLWC) is a multi-sector coalition of wind energy stakeholders working to facilitate the sustainable development of wind power in the binational Great Lakes region. The GLWC reaches across sectors and disciplines to identify and address the technical, environmental, regulatory, educational and financial issues related to the deployment of wind energy resources. Members include representatives from a wide spectrum of interests throughout the Great Lakes region. www.glc.org
GLWN is a non-profit service group whose mission is to increase the domestic content of North America's wind turbines---and localize new business opportunities in the wind industry. We work with wind turbine OEMs and developers to connect manufacturers and suppliers with new customers. GLWN.org is a leading online supply chain resource with over 1,600 suppliers. www.glwn.org
The Illinois Wind Energy Team is a partnership of the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, the Center for Renewable Energy at Illinois State University, and other partners to promote and develop wind projects and manufacturing in the State of Illinois. renewableenergy.illinoisstate.edu
The Office of Energy Development (OED) was created in December 2005 as an extension of the Indiana energy office. Under the leadership of Lt. Governor Becky Skillman, OED is responsible for the state’s energy policy. energy.in.gov
The Michigan Wind Working Group represents a diverse group of stakeholders, provides a forum for the exchange of information, helps to increase consumer awareness about wind energy potential, and identifies barriers and opportunities related to the development of wind energy. The Michigan WWG works closely with the Wind Powering America program and serves as the wind committee for the Michigan Public Service Commission's Michigan Renewable Energy Program. Michigan Wind Working Group
RENEW Wisconsin is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that acts as a catalyst to advance a sustainable energy future through public policy and private sector initiatives. renewwisconsin.org
The Right Place, Inc. is a regional non-profit economic development organization founded in 1985 and supported through investments from the private and public sector. Its mission is to promote wealth creation and economic growth in the areas of quality employment, productivity and innovation in West Michigan by developing jobs through leading business retention, expansion and attraction. rightplace.org
The Wind Energy Manufacturers Association (WEMA) is a trade association that was created to promote the specific needs of the U.S manufacturing base for wind turbines. WEMA is currently advocating policy to promote an increase in the number of jobs and amount of investment in the U.S. Wind Manufacturing Industry. wemawind.org
Wisconsin Wind Works is a consortium of nearly 300 suppliers and manufacturers working collaboratively to satisfy foreign and domestic wind power supply chain needs. It is a collaborative initiative of New North, Inc. a regional non-profit economic development organization, dedicated to building powerful supply chain partnerships to encourage business development in wind energy. wiwindworks.com
Tera-Watt Sponsors
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Mega-Watt Sponsors
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