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Since it was established 10 years ago, The Energy Event has grown to be one of the largest energy exhibitions and conferences in Europe. As well as showcasing the wares of leading suppliers of equipment and services, the event on 13-14 September will also feature a seminar programme focused on the key issues of energy availability, affordability and sustainability. There are two educational streams – the headline Energy Insight Conference and the Energy Information Theatre – as well as 150 exhibitors. The Energy Insight Conference brings together key figures from industry and commentators in economics, climate change, energy policy and security, the nuclear industry, demand management and carbon reduction. On day one, 13 September, BBC Radio 4 presenter John Humphrys will chair discussions with key European energy industry figures in an informal chat-show format. Topics will include electricity market reform, energy pricing and the prospects for nuclear energy. Also on day one, leading businesswoman Karren Brady will talk about how to positively influence organisational change, beginning at boardroom level, in relation to energy management. On day two, Lord Digby Jones will discuss the need for UK business to promote a culture of innovation and readiness in order to adapt for the move towards a low-carbon society. Also on the second day, professor David MacKay, chief scientific advisor at the Department of Energy & Climate Change, will give a presentation entitled 'What part do major energy users have to play in creating a low carbon, sustainable future?' MacKay believes that the climate change discussion needs clear, simple numbers, so that the size of the challenge can be understood. Other speakers lined up for the Energy Insight Conference include Hugh Jones, MD of the Carbon Trust; npower's CEO Volker Beckers; and Sara Vaughan, director of regulation and energy policy at E-on. The second educational stream at the event is the Energy Information Theatre, which will offer practical, learning-based sessions. On day one, Dr Martin Blake of Carbon Zero Solutions will discuss how to design an effective carbon reduction strategy. On the second day, independent energy management consultant Vilnis Vesma will talk about how best to use monitoring data – including a time-saving trick for prioritising exceptions and novel ways of presenting overviews of large volumes of automatic meter readings. Showtime highlights As well as the conference and seminar theatre sessions, the Energy Event features more than 150 exhibitors – 25% of whom are new to the event this year. Exhibitors include EnergyQuote JHA, which will be demonstrating its carbon trading desk service for businesses participating in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. The firm's advisors will also be demonstrating a range of services to assist energy buyers with developing risk management strategies, portfolio management and reporting, forecasting, energy contract management and carbon emissions reduction. Elsewhere, compressor manufacturer Mattei will be highlighting how businesses can improve energy efficiency of compressed air systems. The team will offer advice and guidance on energy-saving technologies and highlight the importance of looking at the efficiency of a complete system. Visitors to the stand will also be able to find out about leak detection, heat recovery and compressed air system audits. Instrumentation firm Endress+Hauser is promising to show visitors how an expertly engineered energy management solution can help to improve energy efficiency and reduce utilities bills by up to 15%. Sustainable energy business Ener-G will be showcasing several new products at the event, including its new building energy management system, called E-Magine, and its RiskManager software which delivers real-time risk management for flexible energy purchasing. In addition Ener-G's independent energy and carbon consultancy, CMR Consultants, is launching its Energy Kaizen Programme, designed to deliver rapid reductions in energy consumption, carbon emissions and costs. Registration is free: visit www.theenergyevent.com. your at-a-glance guide What? The Energy Event 2011 When? 13-14 September (09:30 to 16:30) Where? NEC, Birmingham How? Register at www.theenergyevent.com