Rob Beckers
22nd May 2007, 17:33
What: The Canadian Energy Expo
When: May 25 (12 p.m. to 8 p.m.), May 26 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and May 27 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Where: The Woodstock District Community Complex
By Bruce Urquhart
ECONOMICS REPORTER
WOODSTOCK — Given the surge of interest in global climate change, the first annual Canadian Energy Expo is already attracting considerable notice from a number of interested parties.
Organized to showcase the very latest alternative and renewable energy technologies, this three-day event is attracting a host of exhibitors and speakers, temporarily transforming the Woodstock District Community Complex into a destination for concerned consumers. The complex’s two ice pads and a generous portion of the south parking lot will be dedicated to the hundreds of exhibits, providing a valuable forum for the participating companies and organizations.
“The expo, first and foremost, is a trade showcase for alternative and renewable energy technologies,” co-organizer Murray Logan said. “These are technologies that are adaptable to the home, the farm, industrial uses, municipal uses and the cottage.” With the “health of our planet at an almost irrevocable crossroads,” Logan suggested the expo could help foster a greater awareness amongst energy consumers about the available alternatives.
As part of the trade show component, the complex will feature an “Expo Theatre” that will provide a central venue “for all exhibitors to showcase their products,” Logan said. The expo, though, will complement the trade exhibits with a series of compelling “micro seminars” that will focus on a number of key renewable and alternative energy topics, including wind energy generation, biofuels, hybrid vehicles, solar thermal heating, energy-efficient housing and agricultural applications. Woodstock was selected as the site for the expo because of its central location, and its mix of rural and urban interests. “Our thought with the expo was to appeal to a different audience than other shows,” Logan said. “We wanted to appeal to a broad cross-section. “Everyone (of the exhibitors) has a passion for their technology … and they do have unique technologies that could make a difference if given the opportunity.”
The expo will also feature the on-site construction of a “solar tracker,” a device that helps orient solar photovoltaic panels toward the sun. Arntjen Solar, a German company that specializes in alternative energy technology, is building the expo’s apparatus, a six-metre structure replete with a diamond-shaped panel. The organizers have also tentatively booked a representative from Al Gore’s “The Climate Project” to host a slideshow
presentation based on the documentary “An Inconvenient Truth.”
The event’s exhibitors will also have a chance to mingle during a special reception on the Saturday. Because much of the technology featured at the expo is “interrelated,” the organizers decided to give their guests an opportunity to network. The expo sponsors, which include such industry heavyweights as Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, Toromont Cat and Agronoma Industries, will also have a considerable presence at the event. Logan also said the expo is enjoying a tremendous amount of local encouragement, including the endorsement of the City of Woodstock and the support of Woodstock Hydro.
“Anybody in the alternative and renewable energy industry locally has supported us very well,” Logan added, “(but) we also have representatives from across Canada and dealer representation from the U.S. “The technology in the U.S. is really blossoming, and we’re going to see more of that up here.”
For more information about the Canadian Energy Expo, individuals are invited to contact the event’s management at (519) 532-5444. The general admission for the expo will be $12 for adults and $8 for students, although children 12 and under will be free when accompanied by a guardian.
When: May 25 (12 p.m. to 8 p.m.), May 26 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and May 27 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Where: The Woodstock District Community Complex
By Bruce Urquhart
ECONOMICS REPORTER
WOODSTOCK — Given the surge of interest in global climate change, the first annual Canadian Energy Expo is already attracting considerable notice from a number of interested parties.
Organized to showcase the very latest alternative and renewable energy technologies, this three-day event is attracting a host of exhibitors and speakers, temporarily transforming the Woodstock District Community Complex into a destination for concerned consumers. The complex’s two ice pads and a generous portion of the south parking lot will be dedicated to the hundreds of exhibits, providing a valuable forum for the participating companies and organizations.
“The expo, first and foremost, is a trade showcase for alternative and renewable energy technologies,” co-organizer Murray Logan said. “These are technologies that are adaptable to the home, the farm, industrial uses, municipal uses and the cottage.” With the “health of our planet at an almost irrevocable crossroads,” Logan suggested the expo could help foster a greater awareness amongst energy consumers about the available alternatives.
As part of the trade show component, the complex will feature an “Expo Theatre” that will provide a central venue “for all exhibitors to showcase their products,” Logan said. The expo, though, will complement the trade exhibits with a series of compelling “micro seminars” that will focus on a number of key renewable and alternative energy topics, including wind energy generation, biofuels, hybrid vehicles, solar thermal heating, energy-efficient housing and agricultural applications. Woodstock was selected as the site for the expo because of its central location, and its mix of rural and urban interests. “Our thought with the expo was to appeal to a different audience than other shows,” Logan said. “We wanted to appeal to a broad cross-section. “Everyone (of the exhibitors) has a passion for their technology … and they do have unique technologies that could make a difference if given the opportunity.”
The expo will also feature the on-site construction of a “solar tracker,” a device that helps orient solar photovoltaic panels toward the sun. Arntjen Solar, a German company that specializes in alternative energy technology, is building the expo’s apparatus, a six-metre structure replete with a diamond-shaped panel. The organizers have also tentatively booked a representative from Al Gore’s “The Climate Project” to host a slideshow
presentation based on the documentary “An Inconvenient Truth.”
The event’s exhibitors will also have a chance to mingle during a special reception on the Saturday. Because much of the technology featured at the expo is “interrelated,” the organizers decided to give their guests an opportunity to network. The expo sponsors, which include such industry heavyweights as Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, Toromont Cat and Agronoma Industries, will also have a considerable presence at the event. Logan also said the expo is enjoying a tremendous amount of local encouragement, including the endorsement of the City of Woodstock and the support of Woodstock Hydro.
“Anybody in the alternative and renewable energy industry locally has supported us very well,” Logan added, “(but) we also have representatives from across Canada and dealer representation from the U.S. “The technology in the U.S. is really blossoming, and we’re going to see more of that up here.”
For more information about the Canadian Energy Expo, individuals are invited to contact the event’s management at (519) 532-5444. The general admission for the expo will be $12 for adults and $8 for students, although children 12 and under will be free when accompanied by a guardian.