Clean Energy Week is billed as Australia's largest event for the energy efficiency and renewable energy industries, and going on last year's event, you'd be hard set to disagree.
From the 25-27 July 2012 in Sydney, the event boasted 2,500 attendees, 172 speakers and 10,000 square metres of exhibition space.
But that wasn't all. There was also a public debate, a primary school education program, two formal dinners and two awards ceremonies.
And perhaps just as important for the industry, it managed to shine some light on the clean energy sector. According to the event's runners, the Clean Energy Council (CEC), it generated 47 print, broadcast and online media stories.
It was a big deal for the local renewables industry and there are signs that this year's staging could be even bigger.
What kind of signs? Well, for one thing, one of the world's largest manufacturers of photovoltaic (PV) cells has come on board as a major sponsor.
That would be Hanwha Q.CELLS, the German provider of solar PV solutions which was recently acquired by South Korean conglomerate Hanwha Group.
"Clean Energy Week is Australia's premier event by the industry for the industry," said CEC chief executive David Green.
"Having a world-leading company such as Hanwha Q.CELLS join us as the event's major sponsor is testament to both the growing reputation of the event, and also the strength of the Australian renewable energy industry."
Hanwha Q.CELLS Australia managing director Dr Oliver Hartley said the sponsorship was a perfect fit for his company.
He thinks that Clean Energy Week 2013 will be the "cornerstone" of a successful year for the solar power sector.
"With our major sponsorship, we want to demonstrate our clear commitment to the Australian market and our confidence in a bright future of solar in Australia," said Dr Hartley.
Clean Energy Week 2013 is scheduled for July 24 to 26 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Posted by Mike Peacock