WINDPOWER 2016 wraps up record attendance conference, looks to industry’s future

WINDPOWER, the U.S. wind energy industry’s national conference, wrapped up last week, concluding four days of networking, education and negotiations for thousands of wind industry employees and stakeholders.

“Our entire industry is energized,” Tom Kiernan, CEO of the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), said. “I’ve heard all week from our investors, developers, suppliers, and manufacturers; they’re ready to add another chapter to this American success story by continuing to innovate and cut costs. AWEA is ready to equip the industry with whatever it needs to keep our momentum going.”

Attendance at WINDPOWER reached 7,200 this year, up more than 10 percent from last year. The theme of the annual meeting this year was “Generation Wind,” with numerous events, competitions and panels dedicated to inspiring and connecting future generations of diverse leaders in the wind industry.

“WINDPOWER has inspired all of our members once again,” Kristen Graf, executive director of Women of Wind Energy said. “[W]ith the larger conference and new show layout we were able to reach a wider audience and connect with new people interested in supporting the WoWE mission of a strong diversified renewable energy workforce.”

Planning is already underway for WINDPOWER 2017, which will be hosted in Anaheim from May 22-25.