Offshore Wind Connections 2021 will be held on 21 and 22 April and will use technology to provide an “immersive” experience for remote attendees.
The specialist event, run by Team Humber Marine Alliance, has partnered with Aura, which has developed the innovative platform to create a “digital twin” of its Aura Innovation Centre (AIC) part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and led by the University of Hull.
OWC 2021’s headline sponsor is Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy.
Team Humber Marine Alliance chair Andrew Oliver said: “Although you will take part in OWC 2021 from your desk, you will feel that you are inside the AIC building and the technology offers incredible potential for networking.”
After creating an avatar, delegates will enter the virtual AIC, move around the building and network with people of their choice.
They can “take a seat” and watch presentations broadcast via the Team Humber Marine Alliance news channel straight onto the screen in the lifelike, real-time AIC conference space.
“Delegates can easily check out who’s ‘in the building’, chat with them, video call them and even get together in groups – and it’s very simple to use.” added Oliver.
Aura director Louise Smith said: “Our new virtual Aura Innovation Centre is an ideal example of innovation in practice.
“We have worked with Humber SME Clay10 to develop the digital platform which enables Offshore Wind Connections, and many other events, to go ahead, even in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.”
He said: “After a year of uncertainty and social distancing, we are really pleased that Aura has partnered with us and enabled us to access this game changing conference platform.
“We are immensely grateful for their input and to Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy for their headline sponsorship.”
Platinum sponsors include ABP, Orsted, and ORE Catapult, with the silver sponsor being Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm.
The conference is also being supported by RenewableUK, and the line-up of speakers will be announced over the coming weeks.