The 400-plus participants at this year's Florida Energy Summit can expect an informative program packed into an inclusive two days at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando.
The Summit begins at 9 a.m. Monday with Adam Putnam's welcome address. The Florida secretary of Agriculture and Consumer Services will outline events planned and set the tone for the two-day event.
Patrick Sheehan, executive director of the Office of Energy, told Sunshine State News Friday the commissioner believes energy and water are inextricably linked, and hereafter these meetings will alternate -- this year the Florida Energy Summit, next year Forida Water Summit.
"The water crises in Florida have made energy a front-burner issue," Sheehan said. "In fact, for the last session of the summit we've got a fantastic program moderated by Rich Budell, director of the Office of Agricultural Water Policy."
Budell's subject: "Florida's Energy and Water Nexus: Sustaining a Vital and Precious Resource." Panelists include Tom Hernandez, vice president energy supply, Tampa Electric Co.; Maggie Fernandez, water and energy learning and behavior program manager, Dream in Green; and Bart Bibler, engineering services director, Ferrate Treatment Technologies.
"This year we've been responsive to participants' comments," said Sheehan, who will moderate the event's first panel, "Florida by the Numbers."
"They wanted a shorter meeting, so we cut it from three to two days; they didn't want parallel tracks where two programs were going on at once and they had to choose -- so, we have only nine panels. Everybody will get to hear everything."
Said Sheehan, "We programmed quality over quantity."
The summit agenda features Michael Levi as the keynote speaker. Levi, author and fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, will discuss recent policy proposals affecting the United States energy industry and what they mean for Floridas economy, security and environment. He is an expert on climate change and nuclear terrorism.
Have a look at the full program at http://www.floridaenergysummit.com/agenda.html.The registration desk is open 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday and 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Monday. Walk-ups are welcome, Sheehan said.
One-day registrations will be available on-site Oct. 14 or 15 for $150, which will include meals.
Reach Nancy Smith at nsmith@sunshinestatenews.com or at 228-282-2423.
