EVs are fundamentally changing the nature of the grid, and smart, energy-efficient streetlights are helping utilities and cities both operate more efficiently and build robust, well-connected networks.
But after Hurricane Ian disrupted power across Marco Island where Itron's Inspire event was happening, who would’ve guessed these two technologies would shine on in Itron's Knowledge Center, lighting the room so Itron's tear-down and shipping crews could complete their work? Just one of the unexpected possibilities created by more intelligence at Itron Inspire 2022.
After two years of virtual events, the Itron event held Sept. 25-27 had attendees reconnect, recharge and reimagine what’s possible—even for just a few days as the storm raged in and changed plans for the rest of the week. Itron is proud to report that its customers, partners, and employees all returned home safely after the chaos. All in all, it was an unforgettable week.
Here are just a few of the highlights:
• General Sessions: From a vision for energy delivery and the building blocks for a more resourceful world to a future full of possibilities, our general session keynote speakers—Brian Bentz, president, and CEO of Alectra; Tom Koulopoulos, author and founder at the Delphi Group; and Tom Deitrich, president and CEO of Itron—articulated the value of data and how to turn it into true intelligence.
• Resourcefulness Report: Marina Donovan, vice president of global marketing, ESG, and public affairs at Itron, unveiled our latest Itron Resourcefulness Report, which describes how utilities and city service providers need to make the most of actionable, real-time data and analytics to better manage energy and water.
• Awards: From the Frost and Sullivan Excellence in Resourcefulness Awards winners (TECO for energy and Simpson, Warren, and Butler Counties for water) to the City of London, this year’s Itron Innovator Award winner, we celebrated some of the best and brightest in the industry.
• Networking and Events: Starting with our First Timers’ and Welcome receptions on Sunday to our various meals, Monday night theme party, and closing reception on Tuesday evening—which took on a decidedly different tone than most years—we certainly enjoyed the opportunity to catch up, reflect and reunite with all of you as we continue to drive the industry forward.
Pictured above: On Tuesday morning, Itron’s vice president of global marketing and public affairs, Marina Donovan welcomed attendees to day two of the Knowledge Conference and invited Tom Koulopoulos, futurist, author and chairman of the Delphi Group to the stage. Tom shared his perspective on the transition to a digital ecosystem as time moves forward and unpredictability increases. As he put it, “the catalyst for change isn’t found in the habits of yesterday, but instead the behaviors of the future.”
