The 2008 IEEE PES T&D Conference and Expo kicked off on Monday evening at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. More than 4200 visitors attended the reception, but "it never seemed crowded," said Gene Wolf, official IEEE PES blogger. (For more up-to-the-minute musings from the chairman of the IEEE PES T&D Committee, see www.ieee-pes-td.com).

The opening session followed on Tuesday morning and introduced the future by focusing on the major issues confronting the worldwide power delivery industry in 2008 and beyond. Throughout the opening session, expert speakers offered interesting perspectives from where they sit as participants in the power-delivery industry.

The exhibit hall opened immediately following the opening session. Throughout the entire show, the exhibit hall will be bustling with activity. In addition to presenting their products and services at their booths, many of the exhibiting companies will conduct Information Sessions providing lively, in-depth explanations about their products. Visitors will be able to see innovative solutions to prepare for the future.

Exhibits will be open today until 6 p.m. and tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Immediately following will be the closing celebration and reception from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., looking ahead to New Orleans in 2010.