Forum 2023: What to expect from this year’s event
Calling all utility enthusiasts and innovators! We’re so excited to see you all in Denver next month for E Source Forum 2023. Every year, we look forward to bringing you the latest breakthroughs and trends in the utility sector—along with a healthy dose of fun—and this year is no different.
So, what can you expect from this year’s event? Let’s dive right in!
See what’s cookin’ at E Source
Tickle your taste buds at the SustainaBowl Café (the E Source booth) and see what we’ve been cooking up for you. Our daily specials will leave you hungry for more. Are you sensing a theme here? Make sure to leave time in your busy day to stop by the E Source booth for exclusive treats and giveaways that you won’t find anywhere else at the Forum.
While you’re at it, be sure to check out the E Source Test Kitchen to learn what’s on the menu at E Source. Hear from chefs who are familiar with the challenges you’re facing. They’ve got the recipes and secret ingredients you need to solve them. Did we mention that when you attend a demonstration, you’ll be entered for a chance to win $500?
Sustainability at the Forum
We talk the talk, but can we walk the walk? We’re always looking for ways to make the Forum more sustainable. We hope you’ll join us in our efforts this year! According to Michael Carter, president of E Source Research and Advisory, “Sustainability can be complex but even the subtle changes we make as individuals—as well as the collective changes that we can make as organizations—make a difference.”
Some of the sustainability features of the Forum include:
- A decrease in paper handouts in sessions and on the exhibitor floor
- Elimination of beef from the menu to help in our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint
- Water stations throughout the event space to keep your reusable water bottles filled
- Public transportation options
- Badge and lanyard recycling at the end of the event
“We’re aiming to be more thoughtful about nearly every aspect of the Forum program,” says Michael. “We’re moving in the right direction by being more conscious about our event’s footprint, such as our menu options and how much paper we hand out.”
Our host, the Sheraton Denver Downtown, is also making changes for good. Its parent company, Marriott International, recently announced its goal to reach net zero. According to the press release, “Marriott’s sustainability strategy is driven by a wide range of initiatives to reduce environmental impacts through the construction and operation of sustainable hotels and responsible sourcing while protecting and restoring the ecosystems on which life depends.”
While staying at the Sheraton, you may spot some of the initiatives. The company is:
- Replacing single-use toiletry bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and bath gel in guestroom showers with larger pump-topped bottles, preventing about 500 million tiny bottles annually from going to landfills
- Rolling out an internal food waste prevention and reduction educational campaign, designed to support Marriott’s goal to reduce food waste by 50%
- Launching a publicly available responsible sourcing guide to help Marriott’s supplier community join the company’s sustainability journey on the path to responsibly sourcing 95% of the company’s top 10 priority categories
Learning this made us even more proud to hold our event at the Sheraton in downtown Denver. Find more details about Marriott International’s environmental, social, and governance efforts and Serve 360 initiative on the company’s Serve 360 website.
Save some room for fun!
We make sure to keep you busy at the Forum with our informative and insightful sessions, keynotes, and more, but we also really love to see you enjoy yourself. Here are just a few of the fun activities we have to offer at this year’s event.
Explore Denver your way. Take your pick from a variety of tours to end your day on a fun note. Sip on a flight of beer, sample some wine, or learn about the storied (and sometimes spooky) history of Denver. There’s something for everyone—unwind and make unforgettable memories!
Meet and greet our exhibitors and sponsors. Representatives from each exhibiting company will be available to answer all your questions on the Forum expo floor. While you’re there, help yourself to a complimentary coffee, headshot, or caricature in the Forum mall.
Interactive afternoon workshops. Join an afternoon workshop to break up your busy day. These workshops are informal and a fantastic opportunity to collaborate with your peers to solve challenges facing the energy industry. We’ll have a variety of workshops to choose from to get your creativity flowing.
Sip with your peers. Blow off some steam at our exhibitor-sponsored networking evening and don’t miss our annual Casino Night party sponsored by our friends at Mower.
Don’t miss the ultimate mashup of networking and friendly competition. Meet your (ping-pong) match at Ace Eat Serve on September 21. Join our most popular Forum event for some Pan-Asian delights, cocktails, and good old-fashioned ping pong sponsored by our friends at Leidos and Walker Miller.