Statewide Advanced Energy B2B Conference & Expo® to Address the Business, Technical, Political and Economic Drivers of Ohio's Advanced Energy Economy

Agenda includes energy efficiency, supply chain opportunities, the shale gas boom, energy storage, fuel cells, smart grid, solar, waste and biomass, and public policy

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Oct. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On October 30-31, companies, researchers and supply chain manufacturers from across Ohio will convene at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus to discuss the pressing business, technical, political and economic needs and opportunities in Ohio's advanced energy industry.

The Advanced Energy B2B Conference & Expo, presented by Columbus-based Advanced Energy Economy Ohio and produced by Northeast Ohio-based NorTech, will provide a statewide forum to discuss a wide range of advanced energy issues, including energy efficiency, advanced energy supply chain opportunities, the shale gas boom and associated downstream benefits, and public policy issues – all designed to highlight and accelerate the new energy economy in Ohio.

"The Advanced Energy B2B Conference & Expo program will highlight the depth and breadth of the advanced energy assets we have in the state of Ohio," said Dave Karpinski, vice president of NorTech. "This event is an opportunity to bring industry leaders together to analyze what has already been accomplished and create the momentum and collaboration needed to move our advanced energy economy forward and accelerate the growth of the industry in Ohio."

Event highlights will include:

• The release of Ohio's first statewide asset inventory for the energy efficiency sector that highlights how the state's manufacturing sector can play a bigger role;
• A deep dive into how the shale gas play can benefit other industries in Ohio, most notably the chemical and polymer industries, which can utilize the state's "wet gas" reserves as a critical raw material;
• A strategic discussion about how business is driving the industry through collaboration, technology innovation and public-private partnerships, as well as the opportunities for, and challenges to, accessing capital in Ohio;
• Insider and outsider views of how public policy – at both the state and federal levels – influences and directly impacts the advanced energy economy;
• Insight into some of the most significant advanced energy projects being deployed in Ohio, including energy storage, fuel cells, smart grid, waste and biomass to energy, and solar. Developers will discuss their business and financing models, experiences, challenges and successes.
• "Technology showcase" presentations by companies and researchers who are seeking collaborators, project/demonstration resources and partnerships for funding – which will be of interest to companies of all sizes, research institutions, economic and work force development organizations, regional and state agencies, and public, private and philanthropic funding sources.

A robust exhibition hall will feature innovative companies, research institutions and supply chain providers showcasing their advanced energy technologies and products. Advance registration ends October 29. An additional $100 fee will be charged for registration at the door.

An exclusive online social networking tool, called "B2B Connections," will provide attendees, exhibitors, sponsors and speakers the opportunity to connect based on matching interests, enabling them to communicate and schedule one-on-one business meetings with prospective individuals and companies.

For more information about Advanced Energy B2B Conference & Expo and to register, visit: http://www.advancedenergyexpo.com/

Presented by:
Advanced Energy Economy (AEE) Ohio seeks to drive the development of advanced energy to boost the state's economy and competitiveness.  AEE Ohio works to establish private and public partnerships, remove policy barriers while encouraging market driven policies and serve as a voice for the state's advanced energy industry. http://advancedenergyohio.org/

Produced by:
NorTech is a regional nonprofit technology-based economic development organization serving 21 counties in Northeast Ohio.  As a catalyst for growing Northeast Ohio's emerging technology industries, NorTech is leading efforts to develop regional innovation clusters that create jobs, attract capital and have a long-term, positive economic impact on the region. www.nortech.org

Media Contact:
Kelly South
Sr. Director, Communications
(216) 241-8458
[email protected]  

SOURCE NorTech