World leaders, entrepreneurs, scientists, journalists, and activists are gathering in New York City this week for Climate Week NYC. It’s one of the most important climate action summits in the U.S., and it’s where brands go to make big news about their climate-tech innovations and sustainability strategies.

Reporters from ABC News, Bloomberg, Business Insider, CBS, Forbes, GreenBiz, Grist, HuffPost, The New York Times, Politico, The Hill and TIME have attended in the past, looking for big stories and newsmakers. This year, there are more than 400 activities and events across the city, creating valuable PR opportunities. And, that’s not lost on the most influential companies in the U.S. Amazon, Google, Nike and Unilever have all been on the speaker list.

If you didn’t make it to New York this year for the event, you’re still in luck. As we head into conference season, we rounded up a few best-in-class events in sustainability, renewable energy and climate tech worth adding to your PR calendar.

Intersolar North America | Energy Storage North America

Jan. 17 – 19, 2024, San Diego, CA

Intersolar North America | Energy Storage North America is a convergence of the latest energy technologies, services, companies and organizations striving to positively impact climate change and support the transition into a more sustainable future. More than 8,000 attendees descend upon San Diego to hear from experts and explore 400 exhibitors on designing, installing and maintaining energy technology, including code-compliant solar panels, storage systems and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

Past speakers include executives from the Coalition for Community Solar Access, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the Solar Energy Industries Association, the U.S. Department of Energy, Women of Renewable Industry and Sustainable Energy.

Media in attendance has included Bloomberg, EnergyTech, Industry Dive, North American Clean Energy, POWER Magazine, PV Magazine, Solar Builder Magazine, Solar Power World, Solar Surge, The New York Times and Utility Dive.

U.S. Tech for Climate Action Conference

March 2024, Washington, D.C.

The U.S. Tech for Climate Action Conference is in its second year, bringing together the private sector and city, state and federal government leaders to elevate the role of technology in the fight against climate change. Attendees gather to examine the resources available to businesses to help support wider climate goals and explore new ways technology can enable and inform climate action in the U.S.

Past speakers include U.S. senators and house representatives, state and city officials, as well as executives from the Bipartisan Policy Center, Cisco, Digital Climate Alliance, Federal Communications Commission, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Transportation and Volkswagen Group of America.

National Adaptation Forum

May 14 – 16, 2024, Saint Paul, MN

The National Adaptation Forum is catered to adaptation professionals working toward equitable climate resilience. The event includes nearly 1,000 practitioners— managers, planners and service providers from federal, state and tribal governments, nonprofit organizations, businesses, scientists and frontline community groups—focused across natural, built and social systems sectors.

Past speakers include executives from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, NOAA, Pew Charitable Trusts and the U.S. Climate Action Network.

Climate Leadership Conference

May 21 – 23, 2024, Cleveland, OH

The Climate Leadership Conference continues the legacy of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate Leaders program. It brings together forward-thinking climate leaders to collaborate on addressing the climate crisis through policy, innovation and business solutions.

Past speakers include executives from the American Public Health Association, GE, Rivian, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of State.

Circularity

May 22 – 24, 2024, Chicago, IL

Circularity is a media-hosted event that brings together more than 1,200 thought leaders, entrepreneurs, nonprofits and trade associations, investors, public agencies and policy experts across the industries and value chains building the circular economy. These include corporate strategy, sustainable product design, sourcing, manufacturing, distribution and finance.

The event promotes “thought-provoking keynotes, actionable breakout sessions and a solutions-oriented expo,” and aims to target a growing community of visionaries and practitioners bringing new insights on how people and companies can move beyond incremental change, catalyze systems, and change and accelerate the circular economy.

Past speakers include executives from Dell Technologies, Microsoft, Patagonia, REI and TerraCycle.

Media host GreenBiz is the most prominent press at Circularity. GreenBiz reporters covering the event included Joel Makower, Heather Clancy and Jesse Klein.

Global Energy Transition

June 25 – 27, 2024, New York, NY

Global Energy Transition is Reuters’ annual event that brings together industry leaders, policymakers and experts to discuss trends and issues related to the global transition to clean energy. Participants collaborate on a variety of topics across five conference stages and zones, including renewable energy, energy storage, carbon capture and storage, and electric vehicles.

The event is designed for senior decision-makers and executives. Past speakers include executives from Deloitte, Environmental Defense Fund, ExxonMobil, GE, Nuclear Energy Institute and the United Nations Energy Program.

As a media-hosted event, Reuters has the most significant press, although smaller trade outlets have also attended, including Solar Magazine. Reuters reporters covering climate change and energy include Timothy Gardner, Katy Daigle and Valerie Volcovici.

RE+

Fall 2024

As the largest solar energy conference and trade show in North America, RE+ (formerly Solar Power International, Energy Storage International and Smart Energy Week) brings together a thriving community in Las Vegas of more than 27,000 solar energy professionals across 24 segments of the industry. The conference showcases the newest products and services and creates opportunities to share the latest insights impacting business today. The event includes more than 800 exhibitors, technical sessions, networking events and keynote presentations from industry leaders.

Past speakers include executives from E-Mobility, Electric Power Research Institute, Solar Stewards, Sunrun and Vote Solar. Media in attendance have included Energy Storage News, Solar Power World and SunCast Media.

Why Conference Networking Matters

Thanks to an influx of companies working to solve our biggest environmental challenges, the media landscape on sustainability news is shifting from a problem to a solutions-focused narrative. Mentions of carbon markets, renewable energy, capital and ESG are big themes in media coverage, but getting noticed in the competitive news cycle remains a challenge.

Top-tier events and conferences are a wise PR investment for forward-thinking companies seeking media coverage. From a product development standpoint, knowledge sharing and networking at events like Climate Week NYC can be invaluable. And, from a PR play, there’s big potential to parlay a reporter briefing into a media hit that helps you influence the conversation on energy and climate.

When planning your conference calendar, consider your goals and the direct and indirect activities media can influence, for example, building brand awareness, educating audiences, supporting business growth, securing funding, recruiting talent or increasing your share of voice. Industry-leading events like the ones listed here can open new avenues to position your brand or executive as a thought leader.

While speaking opportunities, sponsorship packages and hosting networking sessions can come with high costs, simply attending is equally advantageous. By showing up, you can connect with influential reporters, engage with peers and build your prospect pipeline.

These gatherings can also be opportunities to evaluate your place in the market. You can measure your brand’s value proposition against the momentum of the industry and evaluate your marketing against emerging trends and customer expectations.

Interested in building greater brand visibility? We can help.

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RH Strategic is a Seattle and D.C.-based PR agency with a nationwide presence and additional global reach via membership in the Worldcom Public Relations Group. We provide strategic public relations for innovators in the technology, government, healthcare, and social and environmental impact markets.