Q&A with Carl Segneri, IEEE PES North America, T&D Director: 'Folks are Anxious to Get Together'

Q: How has COVID affected planning for the show, if at all?

We are very pleased that the City of New Orleans has lifted the mask mandates and vaccine/testing protocols. As a result, we decided to extend our early bird registration to April 3^rd to allow attendees to take advantage of the savings in the hope that more will now be able to join us.

Q: How is registration going? Are you expecting a good turnout?

As companies continue to adjust their business travel policy, we are seeing a very positive trend on increased registration. We expect a very good turnout this year.  People are anxious to see one another again.  Great new innovations have emerged over the last two years.

Q: How many exhibitors are lined up for this year?

We have over 620 exhibitors with 95 first time exhibitors. We are close to our square footage goals, but always willing to add more exhibitors which are more likely to happen now that restrictions have been lifted.  We have the space available.

Q: I noticed Smart Cities Pavilion is new to IEEE PES T&D show this year (or renewed from what was supposed to be in 2020?). What is it and why did the association feel it was necessary for a T&D show?

The Smart Cities Pavilion fits extremely well into our theme and the driving trend in the industry. Utilities can’t just focus on their delivery system infrastructure, they have to incorporate upgrades the meet the emerging customer needs for information and system integration.  The Smart Cities Pavilion highlights this aspect of one of the fasting emerging trends in the industry.

Q: Is there anything else new on the show floor this year, or anything you are doing different than in years past?

We will have an Innovation Stage on the exhibit floor where technical topics of interest will be presented.  Bringing these discussions to the show floor will add excitement and energy to the area.  New ideas and  innovations will be highlighted.

Our Conference Opening reception will be held in Mardi Gras World. If you have not seen this place, you will be blown away by the floats, artwork and history that makes Mardi Gras one of the most fun events in the world. Mardis Gras World is adjacent to the Convention Center so it is convenient to get to.

Q: What other networking opportunities will there be?

The T&D Conference has an abundance of networking opportunities. Beside the always popular Opening Reception on Monday night, there are networking events throughout the week.  Conference luncheon on Tuesday, 4:30pm Networking Reception on Wednesday in the Exhibit Hall, T&D poster session on Wednesday at 5 p.m., and the closing reception on Thursday afternoon where we celebrate the New Orleans team and welcome the California team who will host the 2024 Conference in Anaheim, California.

Q: Tell us about the Utility Super Saver Program for Registration.

We have added a Utility Bundle registration package to encourage more utility attendees. Utilities can register 10 employees for $1000, an incredible savings.  Utilities can buy as many bundles of 10 as they wish.  We sold over 110 bundles for the 2020 Conference and we are starting to see more and more utilities register for 2022.

Q: Can attendees still register for the technical tours? If so, any recommendations? And what tours are you excited about? Any details?

We have a good variety of technical tours ranging from Entergy labs to the Naval Air Station Base in New Orleans.  Register as soon as possible because these sell out fast.

Q: What is the theme this year and what is the rationale behind it?

The 2022 Conference is based around Power in our Lives as the reliance on the electric grid grows more critical than ever before. Our marketing messages have stressed the Power theme:  Power in Purpose, Power in Connections, Power in Discovery.

Q: What do you have planned for the opening session? Will there be a special speaker(s) and who?

The opening session will feature an impressive panel moderated by Jessica Bian, VP at Grid-X Partners and current IEEE PES President. Our panel of industry icons includes Ed Schweitzer III-Owner and Founder of Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Paul Hinnenkamp- COO of Entergy, Allison Silverstein- independent consultant and industry strategist with key contributions including work at FERC and DOE, Damir Novosel- President of Quanta Technology and Previous President of IEEE PES.  The Panel topic will be “The Past Powering the Future.”  A look at what we predicted in the past, how has it turned out and where are we going. 

Q: Who else would you like to highlight that you plan to have speak this year?

Our Super Sessions are the anchor of our excellent and broad technical program. The Super Sessions planned for this year will cover three topics – Data Analytics, Resiliency and the Future Grid.  The combination of a world class technical program and the most influential manufacturers/suppliers in the industry make the T&D Conference the one conference that you have to attend.

Folks in the industry are anxious to get together.  The pace of change is incredible and T&D is excited to help capture these industry trends by bringing the key players, contributors and stakeholders together to learn, socialize and network.  Can’t wait to see you in New Orleans in April.