Staying on top of utility industry trends by reading newsletters and LinkedIn posts is one thing — hearing an in-depth presentation about a key issue straight from one of the industry’s leading experts is another.
No matter how experienced you are, everyone has more to learn and conferences provide a wealth of educational opportunities. Conferences are also a great place to meet like-minded people with similar passions and interests, share information and new ideas, and discover the latest technology and innovations in the sector.
The success of an event is often determined by the quality of its program — content is king and delegates should leave feeling inspired by the presentations they’ve just heard. The speakers should be chosen for their knowledge, confidence and ability to relay information to delegates in an engaging but easy to understand way. It’s also important that attendees are able to take away and impart some of the knowledge they have been given.
With so many events taking place every year, it can be difficult to know which ones offer genuine learning experiences and industry connections. Here, in chronological order, we list the top utility events coming up in 2019.
Digital Utilities
21-22 March, Pullman Hotel Albert Park, Melbourne
An effective digital strategy can revolutionise all areas of the utility sector, and embracing new technologies and business models is vital for optimising asset management, improving network operations and keeping up with changing customer demands.
Digital Utilities is a two-day event that provides delegates with the tools to use digital technologies to accelerate and transform their organisations. The expert speaker line-up will feature Executive General Managers, Chief Information Officers and Heads of Digital at Australia’s major water and energy utilities, as well as digitisation experts and government representatives.
The 2019 Digital Utility Awards will be presented at a gala dinner on 21 March, as part of Digital Utilities 2019, and will be attended by senior leaders and experts from within the utility community.
To find out more, visit www.digitalutilities.com.au.
Smart Energy Conference and Exhibition
2-3 April 2019, International Convention Centre Sydney
Powered by the Smart Energy Council – incorporating the Australian Solar Council and Energy Storage Council – the Smart Energy Conference and Exhibition is Australia’s biggest solar, storage and smart energy event, with targeted sessions for solar product installers.
Over 100 world-class speakers will present at Smart Energy 2019, delivering two days of free presentations across three conference streams: applied energy storage, smart energy solutions and installer professional development.
The exhibition area will showcase the newest technologies in the smart energy sector, enabling installers to meet directly with manufacturers and suppliers.
To find out more, visit www.smartenergyexpo.org.au.
Ozwater
7-9 May, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Ozwater is the Australian Water Association’s international water conference and trade exhibition. Returning in 2019 to the Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre, thousands of water professionals from across Australia and internationally will unite to share ideas on the future of water in Australia.
The three-day conference program is curated by water sector professionals who review hundreds of submissions, including technical papers and case studies.
Those working in the water industry come to Ozwater to keep up-to-date on the latest water sector trends and information, learn about solutions to current and emerging challenges, and build personal and corporate networks with peers and potential partners.
To find out more, visit www.ozwater.org.
Australian Energy Week
11 – 14 June, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Australian Energy Week is the annual meeting place for stakeholders of all levels from the entire energy supply chain. From CEOs to new graduates, energy traders to engineers, and everyone in between.
Hear from and engage with the people that shape the market, and get insights into the future of both federal and state policy and regulation. Uncover the new technology and innovative strategies that can help to transform your operations, with new streams, in-depth learning sessions and technical roundtables.
New for 2019 will be the Innovation Zone, offering digital, innovation and strategy managers a one-stop shop of solutions providers.
To find out more, visit www.energyweek.com.au.
Water Industry Operations Association (WIOA) Conferences and Exhibitions
4-5 September, Bendigo Exhibition Centre
WIOA conferences and exhibitions provide a forum for individuals involved in water operations to update knowledge and skills through interaction with other water industry employees, and view and discuss the latest advances in technical equipment and systems with suppliers and trade consultants.
The event will assist in the exchange of quality information between people undertaking operational roles in the water, wastewater and recycled water industries.
This is one of three ‘operationally focused’ conferences and exhibitions organised by WIOA annually, with events in Queensland and New South Wales earlier in the year.
To find out more, visit wioaconferences.org.au/vic-2019.
All-Energy
23-24 October, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Held in partnership with the Clean Energy Council, All-Energy is the largest and most comprehensive clean and renewable energy conference and exhibition in Australia, attracting more than 8500 visitors in 2018.
Featuring a mix of panel discussions, workshops and presentations, All-Energy provides a window into Australia’s evolving energy landscape, with representatives from Australia’s leading energy companies sharing exclusive insights into the sector’s future.
To find out more, visit www.all-energy.com.au.
