Dept. of Commerce Secretary Gary Locke to Keynote First Day of GridWeek 2010 Conference and International Smart Grid Summit

WASHINGTON, Aug. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke will highlight the opening day of GridWeek  2010 on October 18, with a keynote address before an international gathering of Smart Grid policy, regulatory, utility and technology executives.   The International Smart Grid Summit, part of the fourth annual GridWeek Conference being hosted at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. this October, will examine global issues and opportunities for the Smart Grid.

Industry research predicts the global market for Smart Grid investments will reach more than $200 billion between 2008 and 2015. Business leaders and trade delegations from a number of countries will discuss the impact of the Smart Grid on the global economy at this year's GridWeek Conference, October 18 through 21.  

"Both industrialized and emerging countries view the Smart Grid as a way to revitalize their electricity networks, support economic growth, and advance job creation in a dynamic and evolving clean energy sector," says Shannon Fraser of the DOC International Trade Administration and track leader for the International Summit at GridWeek 2010. "We're honored that Secretary Locke will be part of this important, international gathering."

Panelists from international governments, business and industry, research facilities and universities, consumer groups and investment communities will share their perspectives on Smart Grid activities around the globe.

The GridWeek International Summit marks the third year of thought leadership around the globalization of the Smart Grid, including worldwide implementation strategies, international innovation, and advancement of global standards.  Monday's International Summit agenda includes "Smart Grid Implementations – an International Overview," "Smart Grid Consumers – International Approaches to Adoption and Support," and "The Global Smart Grid Innovation Ecosystem."

The four-day conference offers a broad range of experts and sessions on the Smart Grid's impact on the economy, the electric utility infrastructure, consumers and the environment – helping to set the agenda for Smart Grid advancement.  The conference will host some 150 speakers, participating in 40 sessions, covering Smart Grid issues and topics centered around four key themes: International Collaboration, the Consumer, Smart Grid Deployment, and Putting Smart Grid on the Fast Track.

GridWeek 2010 is organized by Clasma Events. For more information on the conference, registration or sponsorship, visit www.gridweek.com.

About Clasma Events, Inc.

Clasma Events, Inc. is a global event company specializing in strategic conferences at the center of the worldwide energy discussion. With a finger on the pulse of leading industry technologies and trends, Clasma provides a stage for collaboration and cooperation among industry thought leaders at the forefront of the smart energy movement.  Focusing on Smart Grid, connectivity, and the new energy economy, Clasma's major events include ConnectivityWeek, GridWeek, and Grid-Interop . More information on Clasma is available at www.clasma.com.

Clasma, GridWeek, ConnectivityWeek and Grid-Interop are registered trademarks of Clasma International Corporation. Other product or service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.

SOURCE Clasma Events, Inc.