If you were looking for a good reason to head to sunny California in February, I've got one. Come to the Renewable Energy World Conference and Expo, co-located with Solar Power-Gen Conference and Exhibition and get all jazzed up about renewable energy.

There is something magical that happens when you go to a trade show: you become keenly aware that your work matters in whole-industry picture and you remember all of those great reasons that originally drove you to get into your field in the first place.

In short, it’s like a shot of adrenaline into your day-to-day life. 

Renewable Energy World North America and Solar Power-Gen exist to give you that shot in the arm. Perhaps you are feeling low about how badly renewables have been treated by the government or by Wall Street. Perhaps you are worried about the financial viability of the next project you are planning.  Perhaps you think the industry is contracting and you’re not sure what is going to happen next.

Well come to California to find out how to allay all those fears. I can think of no better setting than California to give you hope about the future, discuss the challenges ahead and deepen your understanding of the renewable energy industry at large. 

California has long been a place where innovation and emerging markets intersect. Behind strong state leadership, the state is looking to get 33 percent of its electricity from renewables by 2020, the most aggressive RPS in the country. California knows renewables and in this state and others experts across the industry are working hard to fit them into the power-generation landscape.

You know renewables, too, and it’s because of your excellent work and success that California and the rest of North America depend on your dedication.

Of course, there is a great deal of uncertainty in the renewable energy industry right now. Financial hardships, permitting hurdles, supply and demand issues and integration challenges are all taking place amid the ups and downs of technological improvements and setbacks. It is harder than ever to keep up with the ever-evolving renewable energy industry. And that’s why you should come to our show.

This week (February 14-16) in Long Beach, you’ll find answers to your questions about the industry’s future.  By being away from you desk, perhaps you’ll even find time to discuss the issues at large, make deals, find partners and even, yes, socialize!

We have 75 conference sessions across 12 renewable energy tracks that offer you in-depth information about hurdles facing the renewable energy industry and lessons learned from challenges already overcome. With so many experts under one roof, you will gain valuable information and insights.

Here are just a few select highlights from the conference sessions:

  • Challenges to Biomass Sustainability
  • Geothermal Power Plant Systems and Technology
  • What's New in Hydropower?
  • Project Finance in a Post Stimulus World
  • Transmission Access and Lessons from ERCOT and the Pacific Northwest
  • Getting Utilities to "Yes" on Integrating Renewables
  • Wind Energy Project Opportunities and Challenges
  • Integrating Significant Renewable Content on the Grid
  • From Innovation to Security:  How the Military is Taking the Lead on Renewable Energy
  • Solar on Public Lands: Aligning Conservation & Development Interests
  • Improving the ROI of Utility Scale PV Power Generation
  • U.S. Solar Markets Beyond California

Inside the exhibit hall, you’ll find representatives from all corners of the renewable energy industry. Here’s your chance to find services, products and advice — all in one place — to help you work more productively and more cost-efficiently.

Our dynamic keynote session will feature three highly engaging speakers from Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Southern California Edison and the World Bank Group. You won’t want to miss what they have to say.

In addition, you will not want to miss the announcement of the winners of the Excellence in Renewable Energy Awards. Now in their third year, the awards honor the people, policies and projects that have moved the industry further towards mainstream adoption. The winners are honored at the keynote and an informal award ceremony takes place at the reception hall after the event.

So come to Long Beach and connect with your colleagues and friends and make new acquaintances during the lunches, coffee breaks and receptions in the exhibit hall.

My best advice for you for this year is to get even more involved in the industry. Just as I encourage readers of RenewableEnergyWorld.com to comment and ask questions, I hope you will do the same at Renewable Energy World and Solar Power-Gen.

Even though the renewables wave is turbulent and the ocean of work before us is choppy, that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the ride.

I hope you choose to attend the show.