Updates from Solar Power International 2019
The solar industry certainly does not lack for trade show opportunities. Seems like I get multiple invitations in my Inbox daily…India, China, the EU. You name it, there is some sort of solar event going on somewhere and seemingly every week of the year.
But THE show for us here in the US is Solar Power International. This year SPI was just was one element of Energy Week hosted at the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City. One full week of all things energy was on tap. Here are some of my takeaways…
First off, SLC is a great venue for events like SPI. The convention center was well laid out and events and sessions were easy to find. The city itself was clean and the people very friendly and helpful. The lodging choices were many and I was lucky enough to stay a mere three blocks for the venue. I even found a really fine barbeque place about 2 blocks from the hotel. And their pit master really cooked some fine pulled pork too. Yes, I know…blasphemy coming from a tried and true Eastern NC Q man. But give credit where credit is due, I say.
The event was attended by about 20,000 people from all around the world. I met vendors from Europe, China, Mexico and of course, all over the US. The show floor was always busy, with solar pro’s all looking for the next thing, the next innovation in how to build bigger, better and more cost effectively. I saw old friends, made new ones, and walked…and talked…a lot. But the steps and the time were well worth it, as I came back to Charlotte, energized, curious and ready to implement some of those new ideas seen, and those coming from my fertile imagination.
So, SEIA and SEPA, thanks for a great 2019 event. I am glad I went and look forward to the 2020 version…just wish it was going to be held in SLC again. Anaheim…really? Better than Vegas I guess.
KED