Knowledge is power

Energy management, efficiency and procurement will take centre stage at The Energy Event, which returns to Birmingham's NEC on 10 and 11 September. Combining a line-up of 160-plus exhibitors and a two-day speaker conference, this year's event is an ideal place to access information on the latest innovations, tools and technologies for anyone with energy management responsibilities. At the heart of the event is the two-day, CPD-accredited conference. Here, more than 80 industry leading researchers, influencers and decision-makers will come together in two theatres to share their views. Some of the key sessions to look out for include:

• Edward Davey MP, secretary of state for energy and climate change: Energy Insight theatre, 10 September. Energy and climate change secretary Ed Davey will take to the podium to explore what impact future energy legislation will have on businesses.
• Magnus Walker, head of energy trading for the government procurement service: Energy Insight theatre, 10 September. The UK's largest energy buyer Magnus Walker will lead one of three panel discussions to debate innovation in energy contracts and how best to hedge against volatility.
• Lord Robert Winston, professor of science: Energy Insight theatre, 11 September. Charismatic member of the House of Lords, professor of science and TV presenter Robert Winston will talk about how factors like genetics and education can motivate people to improve the world around them.
• Andy Pag, eco-adventurer: Energy Information Theatre, 10 September. A fascinating aside for any manufacturing or engineering boss, Andy Pag's eco-adventures range from flying across the UK powered by old plastic bags to travelling across the globe in a school bus powered by used cooking oil. These journeys are part of a series exploring the potential for eco-friendly travel, a message he'll relay in his talk entitled 'Fuelling a trip around the world – with waste'. As well as the keynote sessions, a schedule of case study presentations will take place in the Energy Information theatre. You'll hear about the tactics used by other energy managers, including controls and metering, modelling energy savings and forecasting ROI, effective energy audits and influencing employee behaviour to reduce energy bills.

Exhibitor showcase A range of exhibitors will be at the NEC to showcase the latest technologies and energy saving solutions. From major energy suppliers such as E.on, EDF Energy and npower, to brokers and consultants, there will be plenty of advice available on best practice energy buying. Other exhibitors will be displaying a range of products and solutions, from building energy management systems, to combined heat and power (CHP) and voltage optimisation. The Energy Institute, for example, will be promoting its range of resources. Energy management training is available at several levels, including an introductory e-learning course with the first module available now free of charge, plus Chartered Energy Manager accreditation for the more experienced. T-mac Technologies will be demonstrating its building energy management system – including the newly launched display screens on its 'G2' hardware and its energy management smartphone app. Elsewhere, ENER-G will, promoting its CHP technology and complementary energy procurement solutions. "It's crucial that CHP owners keep forecast consumption under review – rather than relying on historical usage patterns, so they can set new tolerance thresholds with suppliers, as necessary," said Mark Alston, general manager for ENER-G Procurement. "This might involve switching supplier to find a more flexible, 'CHP-friendly' contract and a better price on gas supply". Find out more by visiting the stand. Three other environmental shows will also take place alongside The Energy Event: the Renewables Event and RWM (covering resource efficiency and waste management), along with newcomer The Water Event. For more, see www.theenergyevent.com. your at-a-glance guide What? The Energy Event When? 10 and 11 September, 09:30-17:00 Where? NEC, Birmingham How? Register for free at www.theenergyevent.com (quote priority code WMAN2)