FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 30, 2024

Gateway to Solar Conference 2024 Set to Break Records with Largest Attendance Yet

St. Paul, MN— The Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association (MnSEIA)’s 2024 Gateway to Solar Conference is set to break records with over 600 attendees gathering for two days of education and networking in Minneapolis. This year’s event marks the largest in the conference’s history, reflecting the continued growth of both the event and Minnesota’s clean energy industries.

 

While many attendees hail from the Midwest, energy professionals from across the country will converge. Attendees represent a wide range of sectors, including installers, developers, manufacturers, distributors, engineering firms, law firms, software companies, and more. Attendees also include policymakers, city and county government officials, tribal nations, labor unions, and advocacy organizations.

 

“The best part of the Gateway to Solar Conference is that we bring together the people you want to connect with,” says Abbi Morgan, Director and conference planner at MnSEIA. “Whether you’re a residential installer, a city planner, a manufacturer, or a lawmaker, attendees walk away with valuable insights and connections that move our industries forward. This conference has always been about driving meaningful, face-to-face conversations and fostering partnerships with the industry’s most influential players.”

The 2024 conference features a packed agenda with over 110 expert speakers covering a broad range of topics. Keynote sessions include:

  • “The California Solarcoaster: Lessons Learned in the Battle Around Net Metering Reform” with Bernadette Del Chiaro, Executive Director of the California Solar & Storage Association
  • “Striking a Balance: Navigating the Nexus of Mining and Minnesota's Clean Energy Future” with Julie Lucas of MiningMinnesot
  • “Legislative Luminary: Lawmakers Shine Light on Shaping & Enacting Transformative Energy Legislation” with Minnesota state lawmakers Representatives Patty Acomb and Spencer Igo, and Senators Scott Dibble and Julia Coleman
  • “Empowering All: Navigating Equity in Minnesota's Solar Renaissance” with Andrew Hazzard, Sahan Journal; Katie Kienbaum, Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR); Pouya Najmaie, Cooperative Energy Futures; Tom Figel, Reactivate; and Jamez Staples, Renewable Energy Partners
  • “Power Talks: Advancing Clean Energy Policy - A Candid Conversation Between Minnesota Energy Champions” with Majority Leader Jamie Long and Deputy Commissioner Pete Wyckoff

Conference sessions will explore a diverse range of topics, including workforce development, energy sovereignty, solar technology advancements such as solar shingles and solar fencing, panel recycling, regulatory updates, energy storage, and community solar. MnSEIA is also launching new “101 workshops” this year with the goal of providing simplified, accessible education for newcomers to the industry and the next generation of energy workers.

 

MnSEIA is also looking forward to celebrating the 2024 Gateway to Solar award winners during an Awards Luncheon on October 9th. Each year, MnSEIA honors the tireless work of individuals and organizations to move Minnesota’s solar and energy storage industries forward. The 2024 award winners are:

  • MnSEIA Excellence in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award - Channon Lemon
  • MnSEIA Distinguished Policy Leadership Awards -  Representative Patty Acomb and Senator Nick Frentz
  • MnSEIA Solar Advocacy Award - Pouya Najmaie, Cooperative Energy Futures
  • MnSEIA Agency Excellence Recognition Award - Minnesota Trade Office
  • MnSEIA Member of the Year Award - Cedar Creek Energy
  • Ralph Jacobson Lifetime Achievement Award, "The Ralphie" - Matt Schuerger, Former Minnesota Public Utilities Commissioner

Don't miss out on the opportunity to learn and connect with industry professionals at the 11th annual Gateway to Solar Conference. View the agenda, see who else is coming, and learn more on MnSEIA’s website.

 

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About MnSEIA:

MnSEIA is a member-driven 501(c)(6) nonprofit that promotes and protects Minnesota’s solar and storage industries. We advocate in the state legislative and regulatory arenas in a unified and actionable way to move solar + storage forward. Find out more at www.mnseia.org.

 

Media Contact:

Abbi Morgan, Director of Business Development and Communications, amorgan@mnseia.org