By: Solar Power World Contributor Richard Lawrence, Executive Director at NABCEP
I have fond memories of my first clean energy professional conference, the 2003 Northeast Sustainable Energy Association’s Building Energy Conference in Boston. Governor Mitt Romney provided the opening address. He praised the business development opportunities that clean energy technologies could bring to the state and discussed how Massachusetts was working to encourage innovation and growth in this sector of the economy. In my mind, renewable energy and efficiency were always bi-partisan issues, but until then I had only heard politicians from the other side of the aisle actively promote clean energy development.
Having recently obtained a master’s degree in environmental education, I knew renewable energy was capable of addressing so many of our social, geopolitical and economic issues. It was refreshing and enlightening to hear this from the governor: Renewable energy could create jobs, save businesses money and reduce our reliance on foreign oil — all while having a positive effect on the environment. His speech reaffirmed that I had made the right choice by focusing my career on renewable energy education, training and workforce development.
Throughout the rest of the event, I heard other inspiring speakers present on a variety of topics. My brain was like a sponge soaking in as much as I could from the experts, their knowledge and experiences, even if the information was sometimes over my head. I also learned a great deal just by walking the show floor. I met people at that conference who would become long-time colleagues and friends. Attending the event had a great impact on my career.
I’ve been to many trade shows since, and each time I come away reinvigorated with new ideas and a fresh perspective — and with a stack of business cards. It’s amazing how quickly you can make industry connections. Just a few minutes or hours of interaction can create important relationships.
Regularly attending industry conferences like Solar Power International and Intersolar North America is among the best professional development activity that you can undertake. Yes, the price of admission and travel can be costly, and so can your time away from work or school. But in my experience, the sacrifice is worth it to gather with thousands and share ideas, information and experience.
No matter what your role or position, you will find attending an industry trade conference to be one of the most rewarding and valuable experiences of your career. Please stop by the NABCEP booth #2331 at Solar Power International and say hello. SPW
By: Solar Power World Contributor Richard Lawrence, Executive Director at NABCEP
TRADESHOW TIPS:
Consider pre- and post-conference events. Workshops provide in-depth explorations of topics, which isn’t possible during the shorter panel sessions and presentations. Other experiences are often available, such as behind-the-scenes tours of facilities otherwise not open to the public. Also, invaluable networking events may cost a little extra but are usually worth it if you bring yourself to start talking to strangers.
Plan your schedule in advance. There is always too much to do and the days go by too fast. Put aside ample time to walk the show floor. Set up appointments with the vendors you know you want to speak with. Conferences are also a great time to sit down and discuss ideas with colleagues from across the country. Reach out to them in advance and set a meeting — perhaps over a meal.
Don’t leave too early to go to bed or catch up on messages. Evening receptions and after-parties outside of show hours are some of the best opportunities to interact. Even though it is a party atmosphere, some of the most important work of the whole conference occurs at these events.
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