AWEA - American Wind Energy Association

About the Symposium

Executive-Level Networking, Education, and Collaboration

Realigning for Success, Realigning for the Future

 

Analyzing the Post-Election Impact

Year after year, the Fall Symposium serves as the industry’s annual ‘think tank’ event. Senior leaders from across the industry meet at this stimulating and thought-provoking event once a year to aid them in setting their corporate strategy for the future. But this year the Fall Symposium is even more important as the focus is on the post-election impact on the industry and overcoming the challenges that lie ahead.
 
How will the national and state elections affect the wind business? How much does the Presidential election matter to the wind industry? How will the PTC be shaped? Will Congress consider other forms of incentives to eventually take the PTC’s place? How will political issues around deficits, taxation, spending and traditional energy subsidies impact our industry? And how should you adjust your strategy to survive and thrive in that changing environment? We recommend you join us at the Fall Symposium, as we brainstorm the answers to these questions and more.
 
The agenda of this event is designed to help professionals evaluate the best ways to tackle industry challenges and examine the potential solutions to emerge as a stronger player in the industry.
 
As always, we have selected a talented group of moderators and key industry leaders for each of our focused sessions, but this year we also welcome our two keynote speakers and CNN political analysts, Paul Begala, former counselor to President Bill Clinton and Ari Fleischer, former press secretary and spokesman for President George W. Bush. During the opening session, this bipartisan duo will offer insight on the new political climate and take questions from the audience.
 
It is time to chart a path for the next phase of growth in America’s most successful form of clean energy!

Registration

Registration is now closed!

However, you may register onsite at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass starting Tuesday, November 13 at 9:00 am or starting at 7:30 am on Wednesday or Thursday.

Click here to download a PDF list of current registrants for the Fall Symposium 2012 (updated 11/12/12)

Registration Prices

All prices quoted are per person

Main Conference	Early Bird by September 28	Regular by November 9	Onsite After November 9
AWEA Business Member	$745	$845	$945
AWEA Advocate	$925	$1025	$1125
Non-Member	$925	$1025	$1125
Government Agency	$450	$525	$625
Full-Time Student or Faculty	$350	$400	$495
Non-Profit	$350	$400	$495
Presenter	$250	$250	$250
One-Day Conference (per day)	Early Bird by September 28	Regular by November 9	Onsite After November 9
AWEA Business  Member	$425	$475	$525
AWEA Advocate	$525	$575	$625
Non-Member	$525	$575	$625
Government Agency	$275	$350	$400
Full-Time Student or Faculty	$225	$275	$300
Non-Profit	$225	$275	$300
Presenter	$150	$150	$150

Optional Activities	Early Bird by September 28	Regular by November 9	Onsite After November 9
Utility Seminar - CANCELLED	$275 to add to a Symposium registration; $375 as a stand-alone seminar	$275 to add to a Symposium registration; $375 as a stand-alone seminar	$275 to add to a Symposium registration; $375 as a stand-alone seminar
Guest Pass	$150	$150	$150
Golf Tournament	$150	$150	$150

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. 

 

Registration Descriptions

Main Conference: Includes Fall Symposium sessions on Wednesday and Thursday including continental breakfasts, lunches, and receptions. Does not include any pre-conference seminars or optional activities.

One-Day Conference:  Includes Fall Symposium sessions and food functions on the day specifically purchased only. Does not include any pre-conference seminars or optional activities.

Guest Pass:  May be purchased by a Fall Symposium registrant for a spouse or personal guest to attend the two (2) networking receptions only. May not be purchased as a stand-alone registration or for wind industry professionals. Guest passes do not provide access to other food functions or conference sessions.

 

Attendee Types

AWEA Business Member: An employee of a current AWEA Business Member (Corporate, Associate, Utility, or Academic). If you are not a current business member of AWEA, click herefor membership information or contact AWEA's Membership Department at membership@awea.org.

AWEA Advocate Member: An individual advocate member of AWEA. Please note:  AWEA advocate members are not eligible for Business Member conference registration discounts.

Non-Member: A non-member of AWEA that does not fall into any of the other special attendee categories below.

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 Academic (ID required at registration): A current full-time student or faculty at an educational institution. You must bring your student ID to registration to verify your status.

Presenter: A confirmed speaker, moderator, or poster presenter at the conference. As stated in the Presenter Guidelines, only one presenter per presentation is qualified for a discount.

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 501(c)(3) 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, email presspass@awea.org. Contact presspass@awea.org for more information.

  

Deadlines and Policies

Cancellations, Refunds, and Substitutions

• All cancellations and requests for refunds must be submitted to AWEA in writing via email to conference@awea.org or by fax to (202) 293-2567.  Refunds may not be processed until after the completion of the conference.
  
  

• All refund requests received by November 6, 2012 will be processed less a $100 administrative fee.
  
  

• There will be no refunds made for cancellations after November 6 or for no-shows and registration fees may not be transferred to a different AWEA event. 
  
  

• Any refunds to credit card payments may only be credited back to the original credit card and cannot be refunded to a different card.
    
  

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-conference seminar 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, November 9, 2012.  After this date, any changes or substitutions will need to be made on-site at the event.

Dietary Restrictions / Disabilities / Special Requests

If you need special accommodations or have specific dietary needs or allergies please indicate those items when you register on-line or email conference@awea.org as early as possible to ensure we have enough time to arrange for your needs.  All catered functions will provide vegetarian options.

Conference Attire

The attire for AWEA Wind Power Fall Symposium is a mix of business casual and business professional.

Please Note:  AWEA reserves the right to eject any registrants without any prior notice or refund if while at the conference their behavior is deemed disruptive, offensive, dangerous, and illegal or if they are found to be distributing unauthorized material.

Agenda

Event Location

Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa 5594 West Wild Horse Pass Blvd Chandler, AZ 85226

Wednesday, November 14
7:30 AM		Registration Opens
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM		Networking Continental Breakfast
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM		General Session: A Washington Insiders Perspective & AWEA Member Awards   Fresh off the campaign trail, hear from Paul Begala and Ari Fleischer as they analyze and discuss the post-election results.
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM		Networking Break
10:30 AM - 11:45 AM		What the Pundits are Saying: What's the Post-Election Impact? Session Chair:  Jon Chase, Vice President, Government Relations, Vestas American Wind Technology, Inc.   What you ought to know about the impacts on the wind energy industry post-election.     Panelists: Denise Bode, Chief Executive Officer, AWEA Pat Bousliman, Lobbyist, Elmendorf | Ryan Lindsay Hooper, Partner, Capitol Tax Partners, LLP
11:45 AM - 1:15 PM		Networking Lunch
1:15 PM - 2:15 PM		CEO Panel: Adapting to a Changing Landscape Session Chair:  Gabriel Alonso, Chief Executive Officer, EDP Renewables   In these uncertain political and economic times, successful CEOs are thinking outside the box and abandoning the business-as-usual approach. This strategy session provides a high-level forum where CEOs share their perspectives on how the industry has changed, how they’ve personally adapted to that change, and the new vision they have for their workforce. Hear their take on the future of the industry and how their companies are newly-positioned to compete.    Panelists: Tristan Grimbert, President and Chief Operating Officer, EDF Renewable Energy Steve Lockard, President and Chief Executive Officer, TPI Composites Michael Skelly, President, Clean Line Energy Partners Peter Wells, Chief Executive Officer, UpWind Solutions Martha Wyrsch, President, Vestas American Wind Technology, Inc.
2:15 PM  - 2:45 PM		Networking Break
2:45 PM - 4:00 PM		Optimizing Your Bottom Line Session Chair: Steve Jones, Head of Department, DNV Kema Energy & Sustainability   Your wind project is up and running – now how do you improve net income? Project developers need to anticipate, factor in, and prepare for all variables related to the operation of the project. What are the options and evolving best practices to ensure the best project performance and highest return on investment, with the fewest surprises? Industry experts will offer brief thoughts on various topics, followed by a deeper evaluation based on audience interest and feedback.   Panelists: Julius Carter, Manager, Renewable Resources, We Energies Power Generation David Jesty, Managing Director, Project Finance, Manulife Financial Jeff Wiener, Global Sales Manager, GE Wind Services Gerrud Wallaert, Vice President, Regional Operations, E.ON Climate and Renewables North America The New Normal in Wind Project Financing Session Chair: Jim King,  Senior Vice President, Structured Finance, Bayern LB   As the wind industry looks ahead to 2013 and beyond, we've gathered our top project finance experts at the Fall Symposium. Examine how these leading wind financial executives are successfully raising capital through unique transactions in today's financial climate. Their insights will help you get to and stay at the forefront of the evolving project finance market.     Panelists: Sharon Canavan, Community Relations Expert, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, U.S. Department of Treasury John Eber, Managing Director, Energy Investments, JP Morgan Daniel Elkort, Director, Legal Services, Pattern Energy Joshua Schaff, Nord/LB Ray Henger, Chief Financial Officer, OwnEnergy, Inc.
4:15 PM - 5:30 PM		Modern Resource Assessment - Expectations vs. Reality Session Chairs: Kevin Walter, Director of Meteorology, TradeWind Energy and Chris Ziesler, Senior Vice President of Meteorology & Wind Analysis, Wind Capital Group   Since expected energy production is centrally important to investors and developers when building an accurate financial modeling of a project, the accuracy of pre-construction assessments is of paramount significance.  This session will discuss the most up to date statistics on operational project performance relative to projections, any issues that are likely contributing to systemic inaccuracies that remain, and other evolutions in resource assessment that may be informative to the decision maker.     Panelists: Michael Brower, Chief Technical Officer, AWS Truepower, LLC Erik Hale, Director, Wind Assessment, EDF Renewable Energy Clint Johnson, Senior Vice President, North America, GL Garrad Hassan Wind Energy Workers - Where Do They Go From Here? Session Chair: Brian Hayes, Executive Vice President, Asset Operations, EDP Renewables North America   The exponential growth of the wind industry in the last three years has created a wind workforce rich with experienced, enthusiastic professionals. Today, in a tentative economy, workers feel the pinch, and we need to maintain that momentum. What does your company’s parachute look like? How do you keep your employees motivated, trained, and strong – and keep them loyal to wind and away from competing renewable energy industries? Government agencies, including the Department of Energy and NREL, are evaluating the industry’s engineering, manufacturing, logistics, development, construction, and operations functions – and are ready to help the industry address the current climate, and prepare for tomorrow's rebound.  Speakers: Kevin Devlin, Vice President, Commercial Operations, Iberdrola Renewables Suzanne Tegen, Senior Energy Analyst, NREL Christian Venderby, Chief Operating Officer, Vestas American Wind Technology, Inc. Peter Wells, Chief Executive Officer, UpWind Solutions
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM		Networking Reception
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM		WindPAC Reception
Thursday, November 15
7:30 AM		Registration Opens
7:30 AM - 9:30 AM		Wind Energy Industry Strategy: AWEA Committee and Working Group Meetings  (Continental Breakfast Provided)
9:45 AM - 10:45 AM		Advocacy Bootcamp...Advancing Your Message and Position with Legislators and the Media The 2012 election is sure to bring many changes to the ranks of legislators and effect the dynamics in the lame duck session. In this complex environment for wind energy, it's more vital than ever to equip your company with the essential tools to work effectively with media and important policymakers to bolster public and leadership support for the industry. AWEA's grassroots and public affairs teams will provide hands-on training on various communication techniques, such as op-eds, letters to editors; meetings on Capitol Hill and in your state that will help you get your message out in the best possible light.  The training will incorporate insights from the 2012 election results and how the newly-elected 113th Congress will affect our outreach strategies.   Speakers: Aaron Severn, Director of Federal Legislative Affairs, AWEA Elon Hasson, Development Manager, E. On Climate Renewables Peter Kelley, Vice President, Public Affairs, AWEA John Purcell, Vice President, Wind Energy, Leeco Steel
10:45 AM - 12:00 PM		Increasing Market Share in Power Generation Session Chair: Barrett Stambler, Renewable Origination, Iberdrola Renewables   For the last five years, the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) has driven enormous demand for wind energy in the U.S. – so much so that many states are generating much more electricity than they require. Until RPS requirements are increased, the wind industry needs outlets for the surplus of created energy. Publicly owned utilities, municipalities, and cooperatives that are committed to diversifying their portfolios and providing their customers renewable energy products are just a few good targets. This panel explores opportunities for additional wind power sales; panelists are representatives of retail corporations and educational institutions committed to finding and implementing voluntary environmental stewardship, carbon neutrality, and sustainability   Speakers: Mark Russell, Senior Planning Analyst, Resource Planning and Development, Salt River Project R. Scott Potter, Senior Energy Advisor, Office of Energy and Environment, The Ohio State University Kenneth Davies, Managing Director, Altenex Blake Butler, Project Manager, Energy Research & Development, Sacramento Municipal Utility District
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM		Networking Lunch
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM		Driving State Demand for Wind Session Chair: Roby Roberts, Communications and Government Affairs, EDP Renewables North America   Whether your state has a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) or not, you need to stay abreast of the issues that are driving demand at the state level.  This dynamic panel of on the ground experts will evaluate strategies and opportunities to increase state demand and incentives as well as new trends. You'll leave with the means to help you work with local regulators or legislators to help increase demand in your state and how to combat efforts to contract wind markets.   Panelists: Tanuj Deora, Director, Energy and Environment, IHS Energy Insight Chet Culver, Founder, The Chet Culver Group Rachel Shimshak, Director, Renewable Northwest Project Eric Thumma, Iberdrola Renewables The Positive Power of Wind Energy Session Chair: Jim Walker, Vice Chairman of the Board, EDF Renewables Energy   Speakers will guide you through several case studies covering a wide range of projects, from behind the meter distributed generation, through community wind projects, projects and portfolios of projects that range up to utility scale applications. You’ll leave this session with a deeper understanding and renewed appreciation of the positive impacts that wind projects can have on the local community and economies, as well as methods for achieving, documenting and communicating these benefits.    Speakers: Robert Crowell, Vice President & Head of Development, OwnEnergy, Inc. Eric Luesebrink, Managing Director, Development, Edison Mission Energy John Pimentel, President, Foundation Windpower Cai Steger, Energy Policy Analyst, Center for Market Innovation, Natural Resources Defense Council
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM		Networking Break
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM		Integrating Wind Energy in 2013 and Beyond: Utility Interests in Transmission, Wind Integration, Wind Forecasting and Wind Curtailment Session Chair:    Amanda Ormond, Southwest Representative, Interwest Energy Alliance Proper markets and rules governing the integration of wind energy from source to load are essential for utilities to successfully expand their wind energy portfolios. Discover how you can help your utility more effectively manage variable wind energy production. You’ll gain insights and tools on wind integration as a distinguished panel of experts guide you with valuable advice on how to best manage the integration of wind energy in 2013 and beyond.    Speakers: Erik Ela, Senior Research Engineer, NREL Mark Ahlstrom, Chief Executive Officer, WindLogics, Inc. Raja Sundararajan, Transmission Strategy and Grid Development, AEP Transmission
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM		Closing Networking Reception

Program agenda is subject to change.

 

Housing Information

 

Location	Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa 5594 West Wild Horse Pass Blvd Chandler, AZ 85226
AWEA Rate	$189.00 (single and double occupancy) plus applicable taxes - includes all gratuities, complimentary self-parking and complimentary in-room internet
Reservations	The deadline for the discounted AWEA room block has passed, however the hotel will attempt to accommodate any late reservations pending room availability.  Please contact Dixie Fuller, Group Reservations Coordinator, to request a room within the AWEA block:  (520) 796-8276 or dixie.fuller@sheraton.com
Deadline	A limited number of discounted rooms have been arranged for symposium attendees. The discounted rate will be available while group rooms remain until October 22, 2012.  Once the discounted rooms are sold out or after October 22 (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.
Hotel Contact Info	Hotel Phone: 602-225-0100 Hotel Fax: 602-225-0300

Hotel Accommodations

Within the Wild Horse Pass area and beyond, Arizona offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy arts, culture, history, and incredible natural wonders. The following activities range from nearby shopping, sports, and natural parks to road trips to some of the most unique locations in the world, as well as to the vibrant downtown Phoenix area. All within close range from Wild Horse Pass. Experience it all. The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa was designed to be an authentic representation of the Gila River Indian Community's heritage and culture. The architecture, design, art and legends of the Pima (Akimel O'otham) and Maricopa (Pee Posh) tribes are celebrated in every detail imaginable, indoors and out. The AAA Four Diamond resort includes Aji Spa (a 17,500 square foot spa with 17 treatment rooms), Whirlwind Golf Club (with two 18-hole, Troon-managed golf courses), Koli Equestrian Center (for riding lessons, trail rides and outdoor events), four pools with cascading waterfalls and a 111-foot waterslide modeling the ancient Casa Grande Ruins, tennis courts and jogging trails, and extensive indoor and outdoor meeting space. Click here for more information about the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa.

Travel Information

The information and pricing listed below is provided as a service by AWEA but is subject to change.

Closest Airport:

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is approximately 11 miles from the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa.

For more information on the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, visit http://www.phxskyharbor.com/

Shuttle Information:
SuperShuttle operates 24 hours on a scheduled basis, with vans departing every 15 minutes from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The estimated cost is $24.00 one-way and $46.00 round-trip.  Call (602) 244-9000 for more information. For the telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), please call (602) 243-7786. For more information, click here.

Taxi Information:
Taxi terminal access can be found at Terminal 2, 3 and 4. The approximate fare is $38.00. 

Driving Directions:
From Sky Harbor Airport
Take 153 South to 143 & Interstate 10- East (Toward Tucson). Continue on I-10 East 11 miles to Wild Horse Pass Blvd (Exit 162). Exit right on Wild Horse Pass Blvd (Head West). Continue right and go through the stop light at 48th Street (toward the mountain range). Follow signs onto the resort grounds and guest registration.

Parking:

Over-night self-parking is complimentary for AWEA attendees.  There is an additional fee for valet parking.

Internet:
Wireless High-Speed Internet Access in all guest rooms is complimentary.

Special Events

The AWEA Wind Energy Fall Symposium is a unique event that gathers wind energy professionals within a picturesque and relaxing environment to encourage informal, yet professional interactions with industry peers.  Once again, AWEA is planning several special events that are designed to provide attendees with the most promising networking opportunities.  More information will be added to this page in the coming months. 

 

"S'mores with Staff" Fireside Chat

Tuesday, November 13 from 8:30 pm - 10:00 pm.

Kick off your Fall Symposium experience around the firepit with members of the AWEA staff and your colleagues at the always-popular "S'mores with Staff."

Networking Receptions

Extended networking receptions on Wednesday and Thursday evenings are an excellent opportunity to network with wind industry executives including the AWEA Board of Directors and staff.

AWEA Committee & Working Group Meetings
A number of AWEA Committee and Working Group meetings will be held in conjunction with the Fall Symposium.  Click here for a detailed list.

AWEA Golf Tournament
8:00 am Shot Gun Start, Friday, November 16
The Annual AWEA Golf Tournament will take place on Friday morning with an 8:00 am shot gun start – following the educational sessions on Wednesday and Thursday – allowing you to participate and still make it home for the weekend!

 

Enhance your business connections through this Captain's Choice best ball tournament with proceeds benefiting the Wind Energy Foundation.  The tournament returns to Whirlwind Golf Club which provides a truly unique Southwest golf experience sensitively designed to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Gila River Indian Community.  Surrounded by spectacular mountains and managed by Troon Golf, the courses are masterpieces designed by Gary Panks that will impress and challenge golfers of all skill levels.  Featuring pristine and uncluttered views of the Sierra Estrella Mountains, this courses showcase the beauty of the natural terrain. 

 

Networking Events & Tools

 

Networking Meals & Receptions

 

Networking breakfasts and lunches throughout the fall Symposium, and extended networking receptions on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, are an ideal venue for meeting and building relationships with wind industry executives, AWEA Board of Directors, and AWEA staff.  

 

                                   

AttendeeConnect

One of the fantastic features for delegates attending the AWEA Wind Energy Fall Symposium is AttendeeConnect - all pre-registered attendees, speakers and guests can contact each other, organize meetings and network before, during and after the event using this easy to use, private messaging system.

Maximize networking time at AWEA Wind Energy Fall Symposium by contacting other registered attendees in advance. Search other attendees by Job Title, Name or Company and send them a message directly via this secure, private system and as simple to use as email. None of your personal details will be shared with other users or displayed publicly.

 

AttendeeConnect allows attendees to:

• View all registered attendees’ profiles, including your LinkedIn connections who are also attending

• Browse "recommended" connections based on matching professional interests

• Communicate, and set up meetings, with current and potential business contacts before you even arrive

• Use LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to announce your attendance at AWEA Wind Energy Fall Symposium

 

 Use AttendeeConnect to intensify your networking and business development at AWEA Wind Energy Fall Symposium. Registered attendees will receive an invitation with login information.