On Oct. 30-31, more than 700 advanced energy industry leaders will convene at the Greater Columbus Convention Center for Ohio’s first statewide Advanced Energy B2B Conference & Expo. The event, produced by NorTech and presented by Advanced Energy Economy Ohio, is the largest conference and exhibition focused on the companies, technologies and researchers driving progress in Ohio’s advanced energy industry.
The business-to-business expo is also geared toward companies interested in entering the industry, supply chain manufacturers with an interest in advanced energy opportunities, national collaborators and value chain partners interested in doing business in Ohio or with Ohio partners.
“We are at a critical point in the growth and evolution of Ohio’s advanced energy economy,” says Dave Karpinski, vice president of NorTech. “The Advanced Energy B2B Conference & Expo provides a critical platform to share ideas for developing new, innovative advanced energy technologies, network with leading industry decision-makers and capitalize on common synergies for future business opportunities.”
Advanced Energy B2B 2012 builds on the success of Advanced Energy B2B 2011, which was geographically focused in Northeast Ohio and attracted more than 450 attendees. As a result, the footprint for Advanced Energy B2B 2012 has been expanded to bring together advanced energy stakeholders from across Ohio. Developing connections that will accelerate the growth of the state’s advanced energy industry is a key priority of the event.
“It is important advanced energy companies, researchers and investors convene to discuss opportunities and challenges in the industry, as well as solutions to foster innovation and economic growth,” said Michelle Murcia, executive director of Advanced Energy Economy Ohio. “We have assembled industry-leading experts from across Ohio and the nation to share their insight and knowledge with conference attendees as they formulate their own business strategies for the advanced energy market.”
The program, which includes a slate of state, national advanced energy experts and thought leaders, will highlight Ohio’s strengths in several major sectors of advanced energy as well as policy, business and regulatory issues that could impact the industry in Ohio. Compelling examples of success stories and best practices in several sectors or projects will also be featured.
Ohio’s shale play will be featured as part of the B2B program. Utica Shale in Ohio is believed to hold a significant amount of “wet gas,” which contains natural gas liquids that are used by makers of plastics and chemicals. Experts will explore downstream opportunities for the polymer and chemical industries as a result of the shale gas boom, the economic effects of shale gas and if it will be revolutionary or evolutionary in nature.
Energy efficiency is also another important topic that will be covered. Given Ohio’s strengths in manufacturing, the energy-efficiency industry could be a significant economic opportunity for the state. Up until now, there has been very little focus on how Ohio manufacturers will play in the energy efficiency industry and the impact it can have on the economy. Advanced Energy Economy Ohio (AEE Ohio) will share the results of a statewide energy-efficiency road map that will highlight the energy-efficiency products and services being provided by Ohio manufacturers, the specific players and areas of critical mass they represent, and priorities for the state and its regions to target for growth.
Energy policy experts will preview what is on the horizon for innovative state policy approaches, the short- and long-term scenario for federal initiatives and opportunities for the Buckeye State. Attendees will gain an understanding of the policies needed to continue to build Ohio’s advanced energy industry.
Companies that have deployed some of the most significant advanced energy projects in Ohio will share their experiences with getting advanced energy projects launched, as well the challenges, successes and the outlook for initiating similar projects in Ohio.
The conference program will be complemented with a robust exposition hall, showcasing innovative companies, researchers and technologies in Ohio. More than 120 companies and organizations are expected to exhibit. A new addition to this year’s event is the Technology Showcase, which will feature short presentations by companies and researchers who are seeking collaborators, project/demonstration resources and partnerships for funding.
An exclusive online social networking tool, called “B2B Connections,” will be used to facilitate networking among conference participants. This online tool provides attendees, exhibitors, sponsors and speakers the opportunity to connect based on matching interests, enabling them to communicate and schedule one-on-one business meetings with targeted prospective individuals and companies. Attendees are encouraged to register in advance at www.advancedenergyexpo.com.
