Connecticut’s role at the forefront of the nation’s offshore wind energy industry was well represented at one of the largest international offshore wind conferences, International Partnering Forum 2024, sponsored by Oceantic Network.

Just two weeks after coming onboard as Executive Director, Kristin Urbach was off to New Orleans with Board Chair Paul Lavoie, Vice Chair Andrew Lavigne, Secretary Paul Whitescarver and Board member Will Cox of Rhode Island Commerce for the four-day event.

“The networking opportunities at IPF are invaluable, and we were able to meet with developers and a variety of business leaders in the supply chain,” Lavoie said. “It was clear that the offshore wind industry has put the Port of New London on the map for a whole new audience and many of them  wanted to hear more about all that is going on in Connecticut. It was really encouraging for us.”

Paul Lavoie and Will were invited to speak as panelists for “What’s now and what’s next for Offshore Wind in New England” where they shared lessons learned thus far and what they anticipate based on their participation in the nation’s first tri-state – Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts – energy procurement process.

Meanwhile, Kristin participated in the “Workforce Summit” all-day session led by the U.S.  Department of Energy. Workforce development is one of the four pillars of the Connecticut Offshore Wind Strategic Roadmap, along with Infrastructure and Real Estate, Supply Chain and Research and Development.

This was the 11^th edition of the IPF, billed as the largest offshore wind conference in the Americas, and it drew attendees from 32 countries who heard from more than 350 speakers and browsed the 400 exhibition booths.

Kristin has attended the IPF for several years and noted that each year is bigger than the previous.

“It’s a great indication of how fast this part of the clean energy sector is developing,” Kristin said. “And it’s always interesting to learn about new technologies and to develop new relationships.”

IPF connects global leaders and businesses in the supply chain, offers networking opportunities, and delivers timely and relevant updates on the industry, from technology and policy to safety and siting.

This year’s event featured more than 100 sessions and 65 workshops across 13 tracks. Attendees could also hear from top developers, including Ørsted, Dominion Energy, RWE, and others about their progress and upcoming opportunities across the supply chain during the “What’s New & Spinning” sessions.

“Startup Alley” allowed startups to present their new technologies and the ‘Global Insights Stage’ hosted offshore wind leaders from around the world discussing international market updates and opportunities for collaborative growth.