New features at the UK’s largest renewable energy exhibition and conference, such as ‘Offshore Maintenance – where offshore wind meets oil and gas’; ‘Smart Energy’ where the emphasis will be on energy efficiency, energy management and microgeneration; and the low carbon vehicle area complete with the ITM Power’s HFuel Here hydrogen refuelling system; as well as sector-specific visitor trails, have caught the imagination of exhibitors and stimulated bookings. All-Energy is held annually in Aberdeen. Space for the 12th show, filling three joined halls to meet increased demand, is selling fast, with over 70% already reserved by exhibitors from home and overseas. The major exhibition is complemented by a seven-parallel stream conference addressing all sources of renewable energy and the challenges and opportunities facing the industry, and a Giant Networking Evening, which does exactly as it ‘says on the tin’. All elements of the show are free to attend for those with a business/professional interest in renewable energy. Online registration will open during the latter half of February. Offshore Maintenance – where offshore wind meets oil and gas With operation and maintenance business opportunities available throughout a typical 26-year wind farm cycle, All-Energy 2012 sees the launch of ‘Offshore Maintenance – where offshore wind meets oil and gas’, a special area within the exhibition that will be fully supported in the conference. There are natural synergies between the offshore wind and oil and gas industries, and Aberdeen is the obvious place to highlight them. This new feature will be an event within an event, complete with seminar area amongst the stands, is aimed at accelerating operation and maintenance opportunities, and will undoubtedly be where best practice can be exchanged, knowledge and experience can be shared, and cross-sector partnerships can be established, with exhibitors and visitors alike tapping into the expertise available at the show. Smart Energy The new Smart Energy zone within the All-Energy exhibition has energy efficiency, energy management and effective use of microgeneration at its core. Exhibition stands surround a dedicated seminar area where case histories and technical briefings will be given. Exhibitors will also be providing one-to-one advice sessions on their stands to representatives from businesses eager to cut carbon emissions, save energy and make cost-effective use of low carbon technologies. As part of the Smart Energy zone, the BPVA (British Photovoltaic Association) will coordinate the “Solar PV Knowledge Centre” offering an ideal platform to meet solar industry leaders, manufacturers, project developers and financiers. In addition, a training/demonstration area will provide installers with an opportunity to be updated on technology and sector development. Low Carbon Vehicles – and infrastructure Low carbon transport - another key constituent of energy efficiency - will be featured in the Low Carbon Vehicle zone of All-Energy and again will be the object of a visitor trail. Central to this area is ITM Power’s HFuel Here system. “We believe the presence of HFuel Here at All-Energy will encourage vehicle OEMs to showcase their fuel cell vehicles by enabling \'Ride and Drive\' sessions, which will also demonstrate the readiness of a sustainable hydrogen refuelling infrastructure which offers zero carbon emissions in both fuel generation and use,” says Event Manager, Jamie Thompson. Sector-specific trails an advantage of exhibitors and visitors alike All-Energy 2012 also sees the introduction of ten sector-specific trails around the show to help visitors pre-plan their route – just prior to the show they will be available on the website for printing off as individual floorplans. These are just as important to exhibitors as visitors, they will ensure that exhibitors can expect increased footfall on their stand from relevant buyers/visitors. The trails are seen as a win:win situation helping those on both sides of the ‘buying fence’. Conference programme All-Energy features a multi-stream free-to-attend conference. There will be some 280 speakers in nearly 50 sessions covering all forms of renewable energy and the opportunities and challenges facing the industry. The programme is far reaching and will address as many topical issues as possible in the rapidly evolving series of sectors making up the overall industry. The full conference programme will be online during the build-up months and weeks to the show at www.all-energy.co.uk Looking back All-Energy 2011, the 11th in the annual series, attracted close on 8000 attendees from over 50 countries; 580 exhibiting companies from 20 countries; and some 280 speakers in the conference. All-Energy is actively supported by more than 30 government departments, development agencies, trade associations and professional bodies. Further information from the show website at www.all-energy.co.uk and from All-Energy, Reed Exhibitions Ltd, Gateway House, 28 The Quadrant, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 1DN, UK; and from all-energyteam@reedexpo.co.uk – a full list of contacts and contact details appears on the website.