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Organizers of the Solar Power International trade show have decided to move the 2009 event to a larger venue and change the dates. Originally scheduled to be held in San Jose on Oct. 19-22, the show will now take place at the Anaheim Convention Center, Oct. 27-29. The change was made to accommodate the event’s rapid growth and position as the industry’s largest solar conference and exposition in North America.
Attendance at SPI jumped from 12,500 in 2007 to 23,200 in 2008, according to the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) and Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the show organizers. They say that the new location will be able to meet the increased demand for hotel accommodations, exhibition and meeting space, and will allow the event to deliver a positive experience for all participants while maintaining its reputation for excellence within the industry.
Organizers believe the exhibit floor will sell out quickly, since between 650 and 800 global companies showcase their technology there. Overall attendance should top 27,000 in 2009.
"Solar Power International is the definitive event for global solar companies doing business in North America," said Julia Hamm, conference chair and executive director of SEPA. "It is our top priority to provide a comprehensive yet accessible program, which serves the needs of an increasingly diverse audience.
"As always, proceeds from Solar Power International are used by SEPA and SEIA to support their year-round activities to strengthen the U.S. solar market, differentiating it further from many other events."
"The event’s growth has mirrored that of the solar energy industry," added Rhone Resch, SEIA's president of SEIA. "Despite a challenging economic climate, we have gained significant momentum in the U.S., especially with the recent eight-year extension of the solar investment tax credit.
"Also, hopes are that a new administration with a commitment to renewable energy and the environment will enact policies that stimulate domestic solar manufacturing and installation, creating hundreds of thousands of permanent green jobs while increasing our energy independence and security."
Solar Power International 2009 will feature keynote speeches from world and industry leaders and more than 60 breakout sessions. Together the conference program and expo floor encompass the complete range of solar energy technologies, and attendees and participants from more than 90 countries represent every part of the solar value chain and its customers.
(For more information, check www.solarpowerinternational.com for details in the coming weeks.)
