Special Events: More Reasons Why WINDPOWER Is Special

Whether it’s for networking, learning, or just pure fun, many attendees will take advantage of the diverse range of special events at the WINDPOWER 2011 Conference & Exhibition. Of course, there’s the annual WINDPOWER Conference Dinner, where this year Jay Leno will serve up his unique brand of comedy. But a slew of other events will be happening throughout WINDPOWER’s exciting week. Here are a few more. (Note that separate tickets are required for many of these events.)

Disney California Adventure Park Event, Monday, May 23

What would a trip to Anaheim be without a little Disney? Better still, with the event that WINDPOWER organizers designed, you’ll be able to get in a little networking at the same time. Kick off your evening starting at 7:30 at a special networking event in the Hollywood Pictures Backlot. Then, starting at 9:30 pm, the entire Disney California Adventure Park will be yours for an evening. That’s right: the park will be available exclusively to WINDPOWER Disney California Adventure participants and ticketed guests. Specific registration categories only.

All evening, the park promises to be abuzz with activity. There’s the VIP Wind Energy Foundation Fundraiser (see below), and several private, invitation-only corporate events will be happening within the Disney event as well. (Note: the corporate events are independently organized, and AWEA does not have any influence over, or knowledge of, invitation lists.)

VIP Wind Energy Foundation Fundraiser, Monday, May 23

One “VIP” way to do the Disney California Adventure Park Event is to participate in the VIP Wind Energy Foundation Fundraiser. The party takes place at the Golden Vine Winery at the Adventure Park. Purchasing a ticket to the event includes a general admission ticket to the broader WINDPOWER Disney Event as well as VIP Premium Viewing for the World of Color Show, which concludes the evening’s program. Proceeds go to the Wind Energy Foundation, which has a mission of educating the public about wind power.

WINDPOWER “Careers in Wind” Summit, Sunday, May 22

Get ready for a full-day event that will set the stage for a productive conversation about career opportunities. The summit consists of two concurrent parts: the Educational Seminars and the Job Fair & Exhibition. Two separate two-hour educational sessions will provide an introduction to the wind industry, its growth, and the future of wind jobs, as well as offer the experiences and expertise of employers, educators, and those who have trained or transitioned into wind. The Job Fair & Exhibition is a venue for employers to connect face-to-face with those interested in a wind energy career. Visit www.careersinwind.com for more information. (A small fee is required to attend the educational seminars. Registration for the Careers in Wind Summit also provides access to the main exhibit halls on Sunday from 3:30 to 6:30 pm.) Separate registration required.

WINDPOWER Scholarship Golf Open, Saturday, May 21

AWEA and Suzlon Wind Energy Corp. are proud to partner again to bring you the 10th Annual WINDPOWER Scholarship Golf Open. The event benefits the AWEA Educational Scholarship Fund, which was created to allow students and others to attend AWEA educational events. Separate registration required.

WINDPOWER Scholarship 5K Race, Wednesday, May 25

Kick-start your final day at WINDPOWER 2011 and at the same time, help raise scholarship money for others to attend the premier wind energy event in coming years. Funds raised from the 5K race, now in its third year, go to the AWEA Scholarship Program, which provides educational scholarships for individuals interested in enhancing their knowledge of the wind industry by attending the WINDPOWER Conference & Exhibition. Separate registration required.

First-Time Attendee Orientation. May 22

This listing gives just a taste of the breadth of options and activities available in Anaheim. How will you make the most of your time, from visiting some of the 1,200 exhibitors to attending the various educational sessions? The First-Time Attendee Orientation provides an overview of the conference and exhibition and offers a great opportunity to get an insiders’ perspective on how to make the most of your time at WINDPOWER. Open to all attendees.

For more information on these and other events, go to www.windpowerexpo.org and click on “Special Events” on the upper-right part of your screen.