FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 27, 2022
MnSEIA Expects Biggest Year Yet at 9th Annual Gateway to Solar Conference
St. Paul, MN— The Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association (MnSEIA) is gearing up for its 9th annual Gateway to Solar Conference on October 17th and 18th at the Hyatt Regency in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Each year the conference draws solar and energy storage professionals from across the country for two days of networking and a full line-up of educational sessions including 4 keynotes, 18 break-out panels, and 6 NABCEP continuing education courses. There’s a wide range of topics this year including: federal policies and the Inflation Reduction Act, energy storage, the DG tariff, supply chain challenges, local energy policy efforts, labor and workforce discussions, and much more!
The 9th annual event is expected to be MnSEIA’s largest ever. Despite the challenges of COVID-19 uncertainty last year, the conference broke attendance records with over 415 attendees. This year, MnSEIA expects close to 450 participants.
MnSEIA’s Executive Director Logan O’Grady says, “Our staff and Board have been working hard to make this year the best Gateway conference to date. We’ve had a strong show of interest from attendees and sponsors and we’re anticipating our biggest year yet. People want to connect in-person and learn about the exciting new developments in the industry. I’m personally looking forward to welcoming Abby Hopper, President and CEO of the national SEIA, to talk about the Inflation Reduction Act as well as the Day 2 keynote “The Great Mineral Debate'' to tackle one of the biggest challenges facing our industry right now, with experts from both sides of the issues.”
MnSEIA is also excited to announce the 2022 Gateway to Solar award winners. The recipients will be honored at an Awards Luncheon on October 18th for their hard work to move the solar and storage industries forward. They include:
- Blue Earth County receiving the McKinstry Sustainability Award;
- Whitney Terrill of Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light receiving MnSEIA’s first Excellence in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award;
- Representative Athena Hollins receiving MnSEIA’s Distinguished Policy Leadership Award;
- Isabel Ricker of Fresh Energy receiving MnSEIA’s Solar Advocacy Award
- Office of the Minnesota Attorney General receiving MnSEIA’s Agency Excellence Recognition Award;
- Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA) receiving MnSEIA’s Member of the Year Award;
- Senator David Senjem receiving The Ralph Jacobson Lifetime Achievement Award, "The Ralphie"
In addition to the conference's high profile award winners, many members of the Minnesota State Legislature will be participating throughout the Gateway Conference as well. MnSEIA’s Logan O’Grady will lead an interactive closing keynote with Representatives Athena Hollins and Jamie Long, Senators David Senjem and Eric Pratt, and Commissioner Grace Arnold.
MnSEIA is incredibly thankful for all of the attendees, sponsors, and speakers who make Gateway to Solar possible. We are especially grateful to our Gigawatt sponsors: Blue Horizon Energy, Greenpenny, and All Energy Solar!
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About MnSEIA:
MnSEIA is a member-driven 501(c)(6) nonprofit that promotes and protects Minnesota’s solar and storage industries. We advocate in the state legislative and regulatory arenas in a unified and actionable way to move solar + storage forward. Find out more at www.mnseia.org.
Media Contact:
Abbi Morgan, Director of Business Development & Communications