Solar Power International 2013

Solar Power International 2013 (SPI ‘13), North America’s premier business-to-business event for professionals in solar energy, adds timely programming and new Expo features to the annual show, taking place in Chicago from October 21 – 24 at McCormick Place. New show programming and events for 2013 include multiple featured areas on the show floor: a dynamic venue to foster industry innovation and promote new business ventures; new vitality in the education program with sessions designed for engagement, idea-sharing and applicable solutions; and more. SPI provides a complete schedule of educational programs and events introducing new content throughout each day. Event details and attendee registration information is available at solarpowerinternational.com.

“Each year the solar industry convenes during SPI to collaborate and to discuss the advances, products and issues impacting our industry,” said Stephen Miner, CEO of SPI ‘13 organizer – Solar Energy Trade Shows. “Throughout the year, SPI strives to build the most dynamic event possible, reinforced through invaluable content and immersive learning, to support the expansion of the U.S. solar energy market.”

New SPI Highlights
With four full days of expo, education, and events, plus powerful pre- and post-conference workshops, SPI ‘13 is an action-packed week for the solar industry. Highlights include:

• Start-Up Alley
  Start-Up Alley, located on the Expo floor, is a dedicated area specifically designed to promote up-and-coming ideas and companies in the solar industry. New to SPI ’13, Start-Up Alley offers a competitive forum for up to 30 early-stage solar companies to present their business proposals. Companies will be selected through an application and committee review process. During SPI ‘13, 12 finalists will compete in the Start-Up Alley Challenge. The Challenge gives finalists the opportunity to pitch their business proposals to a panel of highly distinguished entrepreneurs, investors and industry leaders.
• Quick Talks
  One of the new formats for SPI education is Quick Talks; 25-minute sessions with quick content on timely topics from recognized industry experts. These 15 sessions, featuring speakers from a broad range of industry markets, will touch on topic areas such as global trends impacting photovoltaics (PV), emerging markets, construction and permanent debt financing, and the future of solar microgrids. From narrow, in-depth topics to overarching industry issues, Quick Talks will deliver quality content in an exciting format.
• Solar Industry Trends
  Solar Industry Trends features industry-leading news, trends, innovations, research and analysis. Powered by Greentech Media and IREC, this new area on the SPI trade show floor will be a hub of activity on what’s new, what’s on the horizon and what’s going to impact and shape the future of solar.
• Programming Highlights
  Through pre- and post-conference workshops, SPI ‘13 attendees will have an opportunity to further their industry knowledge and expertise. Workshops will include a range of topics including the basics of PV financing, code compliance, commercial & utility-scale inverters, and the commercialization of new solar technologies. Pre-conference workshops are planned for Sunday and Monday, October 20-21; Post-Conference workshops will be held Friday, October 25. Advanced registration is required.

SPI brings the full range of industry ideas, experts, professionals and information together in one comprehensive event featuring keynote addresses, sessions and conference events as well as nearly 700 exhibitors occupying nearly 200,000 square feet of exhibit space. Through peer-led educational programming designed to exchange ideas and share lessons learned, SPI provides attendees best practices to expand and help grow their business. Throughout the week, SPI offers unique networking opportunities for attendees to connect with industry vendors and professionals from the U.S. and around the world. SPI ‘13 sponsors include: Megawatt – Kaco New Energy and Clean Power Finance.

For more news on SPI ‘13 before, during and after the show, visit www.solarpowerinternational.com or follow the show on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

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About Solar Power International 2013 (SPI)
Presented by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA), SPI ‘13 is designed to serve and advance the solar power industry and draws industry professionals representing more than 100 countries. SPI ‘13 takes place October 21 – 24 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. Registration, sponsorship, exhibitor and program information can be found at:www.solarpowerinternational.com.

About SEIA®
Established in 1974, the Solar Energy Industries Association is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry. Through advocacy and education, SEIA and its 1,000 member companies are building a strong solar industry to power America. As the voice of the industry, SEIA works to make solar a mainstream and significant energy source by expanding markets, removing market barriers, strengthening the industry and educating the public on the benefits of solar energy. For more information, visit www.seia.org.

About SEPA
The Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) is an educational non-profit dedicated to helping utilities integrate solar power into their energy portfolios for the benefit of the utility, its customers and the public good. With more than 1,000 utility and solar industry members, SEPA provides unbiased utility solar market intelligence, up-to-date information about technologies and business models, and peer-to-peer interaction. From hosting national events to utility strategies, SEPA helps utilities make smart solar decisions. For more information, visit www.solarelectricpower.org.

Contact:
WilkinsonShein
Keira Shein
410/363-9494
keira@wilkinsonshein.com