In response to the global coronavirus outbreak Business Network for Offshore Wind (BNOW) has decided to hold its annual International Partnering Forum (IPF) offshore wind event, on 18-21 August 2020 in Providence, Rhode Island.
As IPF contains time-sensitive content, the network will also hold a virtual IPF conference during the original time frame, from 21-22 April, which will be open at no additional charge to all registered attendees and recorded for their convenience.
IPF Virtual will cover “valuable information on what is occurring right” now in the business market and government policies. There will be no in-person component of the April event.
BNOW chief executive Liz Burdock said: “This remains a critical time for the US offshore wind industry, and the network is as committed as ever to making the most up-to-date content available through a virtual conference and recordings while we prepare to gather in person.”
Over 575 companies are signed up to exhibit and participate at IPF in August. The conference kicks off with CareerMatch, a national job fair designed to help supply chain companies prepare for the future of offshore wind in the US.
CareerMatch will connect companies looking to hire in the next 12 months with qualified talent from across the US. IPF will also feature a half-day summit on workforce development, additional workshops, WindMatch, and tours.
“This two-pronged course of action provides everyone the opportunity to fully experience the hallmarks of IPF: its valuable educational content and its quality networking opportunities. IPF Virtual and IPF Together are doubling the opportunities the offshore wind industry will have to come together to learn, collaborate, and find ways to push the industry forward,” said Burdock.
Current IPF registrants will be automatically registered for both the IPF Virtual in April, and the in-person IPF Together in August at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence. Information on logistics, such as hotel and travel reservations, can be found on the conference website in the updated FAQ section.