Energy Storage North America 2018 Wraps Up a Successful, Collaborative Event

November 20, 2018

Known as the largest and most influential North American gathering of policy, technology and market leaders in energy grid storage, Energy Storage North America (ESNA) concluded its sixth annual conference and exhibition designed to empower collaboration on the global intersection of power and transportation.

Held Nov. 6-8 at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, Ca., ESNA 2018 hosted approximately 2,000 attendees, representing more than 800 organizations and more than 30 countries. 

Produced by Strategen and Messe Dusseldorf North America, and part of the larger World of Energy Storage events in Europe, India, China and Japan, ESNA connects utilities, developers, energy users, policymakers and other key stakeholders from around the world to advance understanding and deployment of energy storage with the goal of building a cleaner, more affordable and more resilient grid. 

“It is clear that the industry is coming of age with proven and diverse technology solutions,” said Tom Mitchell, president of Messe Düsseldorf North America. “ESNA is the best exhibition opportunity for established energy storage companies, new ventures and start-ups alike – we have all the players and buyers on the floor.”

Co-located with the CALSTART Annual Symposium and the SGO Microgrid Global Innovation Forum, ESNA facilitated collaboration between developers, utility executives, energy users, fleet managers, auto manufacturers and suppliers, policy makers, technology providers and stakeholders to advance the energy storage ecosystem across the power and transportation sectors, according to show officials.

The event also featured a bustling, sold-out expo floor, with 95 exhibitors spanning 12,400 square feet of exhibit space.

Meanwhile, the show’s robust conference featured 28 panel sessions, six workshops, eight sold-out site tours, a start-up innovation showcase and a zero-emission vehicle display comprising a dozen electric vehicles and one hydrogen-powered truck.

Additional special events further highlighted the growth of the global energy storage ecosystem, including the annual ESNA Innovation Awards that recognize outstanding storage projects in the front-of-meter, behind-the-meter and mobility sectors, as well as policy and utility champions whose work reflects transformational leadership in energy storage advancement. 

In addition, ESNA hosted its third annual Women in Energy Storage networking event to foster connections among women in the industry, as well as its second Global Grid Transformation track for international delegates.

Amplified by the presence of two co-located events, a record number of international attendees, and inspiring keynote speeches from industry visionaries and public policy champions, ESNA 2018 was the most successful to date, according to Janice Lin, ESNA conference chair.

“The global grid transformation is rapidly accelerating, thanks in large part to the game-changing impact of energy storage,” Lin said. 

She continued, “This year we welcomed colleagues and added conference content from the transportation sector, which is experiencing an electrification transition of its own. Together we shared insights and opportunities across the distributed energy value chain, creating a vibrant marketplace for attendees.” 

The 2019 Energy Storage North America Conference and Exhibition is scheduled for Nov. 5-7 at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, Ca. 

 

Don’t miss any event news! Sign up for any (or all) of our e-newsletters HERE & engage with us on TwitterFacebookLinkedIn & Instagram!

Add new comment

Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.    Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.    Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.   The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.    MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.     MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.