Here’s something I’d love to attend if I could — looks interesting and useful. Here’s a description from the folks organizing it:
GridWeek 2012 will tackle the challenge of deriving value from complexity — gathering utility, policy, regulatory, and consumer experts to approach the topic head-on.
Providing a mix of in-depth panel discussions, value-focused case studies, and a forward look at how the ever-changing energy landscape will impact the electrical grid, GridWeek will explore three key themes:
- Stakeholder value: A look at the value of grid-modernization efforts for diverse stakeholders, including utilities, consumers, government and more.
- Managing complexity: Discussions on managing complexity of the ever-changing energy landscape — from the integration of microgrids to the growing importance of natural gas — as well as the challenges in handling increased volumes of data through analytics, building secure networks, managing expectations on privacy and more.
- Smart energy policy: In an election year, it’s hard to ignore the impact of politics on the energy industry. GridWeek will gather top political minds to discuss how election results could alter the path we’re on — or even provide a clearer road map.
- Greater international focus: As part of the U.S. Department of Commerce International Trade Administration’s International Buyer Program (IBP), GridWeek will gather more international stakeholders than ever before — weaving the theme of the global energy market throughout conference discussions.
- Plug-In: For the first time, the Plug-In, which initially launched at Grid-Interop 2011, will make an appearance at GridWeek, with a focus on demonstrating how interoperating devices can yield value for a range of stakeholder groups.
The event is October 2-4 in Washington, DC. For more details, check out the GridWeek website. And if you’re able to attend, I’d love to hear feedback during or after the event.

