AESP Summer Con Call for Speakers

Important Dates 
 

  • Submissions due: Wednesday, March 22
  • Submission review period: March 23 – April 14 
  • Acceptance notifications: Late April 
  • Summer Con: August 22 – 24, 2023 

Stepping on the Technology Accelerator

The Association of Energy Services Professionals (AESP) is accepting speaker submissions for its 2023 Summer Con, taking place August 22-24, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana at the Hyatt Regency. In addition to the opportunity to present alongside other subject matter experts in the clean energy industry, accepted presenters can participate in all conference activities. This includes educational sessions focusing on the latest thinking and innovations in our industry, as well as fun and highly-coveted networking events.  

  • August 22: Pre-conference Training Course(s), Utilities Connect, Emerging Professionals Event, and Opening Reception 
  • August 23: Opening General Session, Breakout Sessions, and Evening Reception 
  • August 24: Breakout Sessions and Closing General Session Lunch 
     

WHAT'S IN IT FOR A SPEAKER?  

Increase your organization’s image and visibility, and position yourself as a leading expert by speaking at AESP’s Summer Con. Summer Con is AESP’s more intimate, niche annual event, attracting 300+ energy professionals from across North America. Here you will grow your professional network and contribute your expertise to this rapidly changing industry. Connect with peers, make new contacts, and gain industry knowledge. As a speaker, you will also receive a highly discounted rate for the full conference.  
 

WHAT WILL 2023 SUMMER CON FOCUS ON? 

Summer Con 2023 will focus on how we are driving to integrate new clean energy technologies with traditional efficiency investments by speeding towards digital innovation, blasting past technology silos, and ensuring a more well-paved industry stakeholder experience. The agenda will encourage attendees to accelerate innovative technologies, market enablers, and grid integration tools. 
 

WHAT SHOULD I SUBMIT? 

Submittal Requirements:   

  • Presentation topic
  • Preferred session format (presentation, discussion, or learning lab) 
  • Topic track 
  • Presentation descriptions (shortened version for the conference agenda and then an expanded version for the judges to review)  
  • Three (3) learning objectives  
  • Speaker information, including a bio and contact info
     

The following session formats are featured at AESP Summer Con: 

Presentation Sessions: Speakers may submit as individual presenters and be combined into a moderated session. An accepted presentation speaker will be part of a session that includes 3 to 4 total presentations (10-15 minutes each), based on similar topics. All presentations must provide clear takeaways and learning objectives that are summarized in the submission. Typically, presentations are conducted by one subject matter expert, but up to two speakers may be submitted. Please note that the two speakers MUST be from different organizations, and there is a preference for at least one utility representative. Speakers typically show slides, videos, or similar visual content to support their presentation. 

Discussion Sessions: Discussion sessions will foster and stimulate discussion and debate between the panel and the audience, with a moderator keeping the panel on topic and providing questions to facilitate discussion. Discussion sessions typically include a moderator and 3 to 4 panelists, and may choose to use slides as reference, but should mainly be discussion-based. Speakers interested in being a part of a discussion session may submit themselves and their topic of interest to be combined with other speakers, or may submit a full panel of recommended speakers and moderator. If multiple panelists and a moderator are submitted, they MUST be from different organizations. 

Learning Labs: Similar to a workshop, this format is meant to be highly engaging and emphasizes participant interaction and group discussion or learning exercises.   


Submittal Guidelines: 

  • The submission should explain why the topic is relevant, innovative, and important to AESP’s audience 
  • The presentation and/or content has not been offered at a previous AESP conference or large industry event 
  • The presentation and/or content should showcase the latest innovations, best practices, and trends impacting the industry. New or unrefined concepts or lessons from other industries may be considered. 
  • The suggested speaker(s) should be considered experts on the proposed topic and experienced public speakers 
  • A submission that appears to be selling a product or service will not be accepted 
  • While AESP does not limit the number of speakers submitted by a company, the program planning committee does limit each company to two (2) accepted presenters to ensure a wide representation of organizations and perspectives 
  • Please note that preference is given when utilities are part of the presentation 
     

AESP is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. As such, please consider a diverse cross-section of speakers/panelists. 
 

Topical Categories: 

This year’s Summer Con will focus on all aspects of technology including, but not limited to: 

  • Innovative Energy Technologies
    • Microgrids
    • Energy storage
    • Smart home devices
    • GEBs
    • Intelligent loads
    • Heat pumps and heat pump water heaters
    • Thermal storage
    • Electric transportation technologies
    • Intelligent breaker panels
    • Tech to enhance traditional efficiency
       
  • Market Enablers
    • ​Software to streamline customer programs
    • Digital energy audits
    • Energy modeling software
    • Solutions for engaging with underserved communities
    • LiDAR technology for heat mapping
    • Customer marketplaces
    • Market segmentation tools
    • Predictive analytics tools
    • Consumer education platforms and portals
    • Research and evlauation tools and methods
    • New tools for developing the workforce of tomorrow
    • Customer enablement tools
       
  • Grid Integration Tools
    • Load aggregation tools
    • ADMS
    • DERMS
    • Artificial intelligence and machine learning
    • Building-level communications and controls
    • Grid modernization technologies
    • Distribution planning tools
    • Disruptive technologies for climate resilience
    • Building electrification technologies
    • Measurement and verification tools
    • DER and load forecasting
    • Hosting capacity
    • Locational value analysis

The “Fine Print” 
 

The AESP Program Planning Committee reserves the right to: 

  • Build unique sessions based on ideas presented in the proposals. For example, an idea for a presentation may be moved into a panel on the same subject. Presenters will be given an opportunity to accept or reject the reconfiguration of their proposal. 
  • Accept a limited number of proposals from the same organization/speaker. The program planning committee’s goal is to provide a diversity of opinions, speakers, and organizations on the agenda. Speakers/organizations are encouraged to send in more than one proposal for consideration, but will be limited to no more than 2 selected speakers. 
  • Reserve session slots for hot topics, late-breaking industry news, and/or invited speakers. 
  • Curate sessions to fill content gaps not addressed by abstract submissions. 

Presenter and Panelist Requirements: 

  1. All presenters must have excellent presentation skills. 
  2. All presenters will be required to use an AESP template if using PowerPoint slides. 
  3. All presenters identified in abstracts must confirm their availability to travel and present, prior to proposal submittal. 
  4. AESP sincerely appreciates our presenters’ efforts in developing and delivering exceptional presentations. However, AESP is not able to offer complimentary registration, pay speaker fees, or reimburse travel/lodging expenses for speakers. AESP does, however, offer speakers a significant conference registration discount. 
     

Please contact Melanie Cohen at: mcohen@aesp.org with any questions regarding the speaker submission process.