Solar Power Conference and Expo renamed for October event

Cited as a better reflection of the ‘international’ scope of the event, the two trade associations the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) have changed the name of the Solar Power Conference and Expo, being held in San Diego in October (13-16th), to Solar Power International, with immediate effect.

"Over the past five years we have continually reshaped our event to address the evolving needs of the industry and offer an indispensable link for solar professionals traversing the globe,” said Julia Hamm, Executive Director of SEPA and Chair of Solar Power International. "This year we will welcome more international visitors than our event's total attendance in 2004. We recognize the solar industry is defined by international exchange, and it remains our top priority to provide a comprehensive, business-to-business event that engages a worldwide audience, highlights global solar innovation and provides the unparalleled networking opportunities our attendees have come to expect.”

"As the U.S. solar energy industry has grown, this conference has become an essential event for global solar energy companies that want to do business in the thriving U.S. market,” said Rhone Resch, President of SEIA.  “The strong influx of international attendees is an indication of America's potential to attract investment, create more green-collar jobs and regain our leadership position.”

The organizers expect over 15,000 attendees to this years event with more than 1,500 coming from outside the U.S. Twenty-five percent of the total of 425 exhibitors are attending the event from overseas, the organizers said.