Whether you were a member, delegate, sponsor, partner, or organizer, you will certainly agree that the 2022 CAREC Conference & Exhibition, was indeed a highly successful event. With an agenda which critically explored pertinent topics such as clean energy transition, grid modernization planning, cybersecurity, e-mobility, and decarbonization; CAREC2022 provided attendees with emerging and tried and tested solutions to energy sector challenges, from leading regional and international experts.
CARILEC’s vision for this event was to create a learning and development, expertise sharing, and solutions-driven forum for energy sector professionals to critically assess pertinent issues, and share best practices geared towards holistic and sustainable solutions. This was certainly achieved! Over 230 industry professionals gathered at the Hyatt Regency Miami, from September 25th to 29th, representing regional governments, electric utilities, regulatory bodies, power producers, and suppliers.
This premier conference commenced with an Opening Ceremony and Cocktail Reception, sponsored by Aggreko, which featured an insightful keynote address form Mr. Rodney George, Vice President Caribbean, Business Development, Wärtsilä Caribbean Incorporated. Mr. George stressed the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach towards the overall advancement of the region’s energy sector. “Modernizing the Power Sector and Combatting Climate Change with Green Electricity & Resilient Infrastructure, this year’s CAREC Conference theme, requires an approach that involves input from all relevant parties.”
Other conference highlights included the Member-Exclusive Speed Networking Session, which was a record success, with 21 CARILEC Member Utilities in attendance and over 60 representatives from CARILEC Associate Member organisations. CARILEC’s Associate Members had the opportunity to deliver an elevator pitch to utility leaders, articulating how their products and services would be an asset to their respective companies. Also receiving record participants was the Energy Storage Workshop, with over 50 attendees representing 21 CARILEC Member Utilities, CARILEC Associate and Affiliate Members and Partners, and regional governments.
A Regulatory Roundtable was held on September 25th, comprising of government officials, regulators, utility CEOs, observers, and facilitators. The roundtable presented various scenarios where participants explained the ideal relationship between key stakeholders in the energy sector, in order to achieve fair regulation, thriving utilities, fundamental governmental support and overall a prosperous regional energy sector. Participants expressed the critical need for such discussions to be held more frequently among major stakeholders.
Amidst informative and power-packed sessions, attendees were given the opportunity to network and socialize with their industry peers, through several networking breaks and themed cocktail hours, brunches, and dinners. CAREC2022 showcased an exquisite exhibition, with over 30 exhibitors from around the world, displaying cutting-edge and innovative products and services, specifically designed for the energy sector. Attendees adorned their Miami-Vice inspired outfits for the MSHS sponsored Gala Dinner, which was truly a riveting party! The BELCO sponsored Cocktail Hour served as the ideal mixer event, with a popular Bermudian beverage “Dark & Stormy” becoming a crowd favorite. As the curtains came down on a stellar event, delegates enjoyed the sweet sounds of jazz, at the American Wire Group (AWG) sponsored Jazz Brunch.
The CARILEC Team is certainly thrilled that this event was a true success. We are constantly seeking your feedback to improve the quality and value of our events. Thus far, your feedback has been truly humbling:
“Hats off to the organisers for a great Conference and Exhibition. Your dedicated assistance and support before, during and after CAREC2022 is much appreciated!”
“Great event and good to be back in person.”
“The event was well organized, and the content delivered was relevant and of top quality.”
Finally, CARILEC thanks its valued sponsors for their significant contribution to the success of CAREC2022: MSHS (Diamond Sponsor), Aggreko (Platinum Sponsor), BELCO (Emerald Sponsor), AWG (Emerald Sponsor), Accelleron (Gold Sponsor), Altec (Silver Sponsor), Bronze Sponsors: Wärtsilä, Koppers, Tantalus, Classic Controls Inc., and BWSC. We also extend tremendous gratitude to our esteemed partners: Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), CARICOM, Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE), and Organisation of Caribbean Utility Regulators (OOCUR) for their substantial contribution to the Energy Storage Workshop and the Regulatory Roundtable; two key components of CAREC2022. Thank you to one and all!
See you in 2023!
