Preview: Utility Week Live 2017

This year the top themes of the utility industry’s premier exhibition and conference will be transformation and flexibility. We trail some of the highlights in a packed programme.

Transformation and flexibility are the two headline themes of Utility Week Live 2017, which returns to the NEC in Birmingham on 23-24 May 2017 bigger and better than ever.

Today’s utilities need to rise to the challenges of changing models of consumption and competition, the demands of sustainability and extreme weather, and political and economic upheaval. All of these require a new approach from the essential businesses delivering electricity, gas and water to UK homes and businesses. Transformation and flexibility are therefore not optional for utilities but are key to survival and success.

Utility Week Live 2017 will bring together these businesses with their supply chains and wider stakeholders to explore the new models of thinking and operating that are demanded by this challenging environment.

With last year’s show featuring more than 100 speakers, 150 exhibitors and 3,000 delegates, the 2017 version promises to grow this still further.

The pan-utility keynote conference will feature top utility leaders debating themes including resilience and decision-making amid uncertainty (including the potential impact of Brexit), skills, sustainability and new business models. “Meet the regulator” and “meet the buyer” sessions will give delegates the chance to pose questions to Ofgem and Ofwat, and for utilities to engage with major energy and water users.

Meanwhile, seminar sessions will once again take place in individual theatres on the show floor dedicated to water and energy, and there will be a new customer theatre for retail and customer-focused topics.

Essential show features include the Innovation Zone (organised in partnership with the Energy Innovation Centre); the Drilling and Tapping competition, including the World Water Cup (in partnership with the Institute of Water); the Streetworks Village; the Network Zone; and the Outdoor Demonstration Zone.

To mark the opening of the non-household retail market for water we will also be introducing the Water Retail Pavilion (co-hosted with our sister exhibition edie Live), where water retailers can meet the major business buyers of water.

“After the success of last year, I am extremely excited to announce that Utility Week Live 2017 has launched,” says Amanda Barnes, chief executive of Utility Week Live. “It is a great opportunity for the multi-billion pound UK utilities industry to gather over two lively days of networking and come face to face with key decision-makers across the electricity, gas and water sectors.”

The Utility Week Live exhibition, technical seminars and keynote plenary sessions are all free to attend, while a paid ticket will be required to gain access to the keynote conference and panel discussions.

For more information, visit: www.utilityweeklive.co.uk

Last year’s show: key points of UWLive 2016

• Competition, competition, competition

Across the energy and water sectors, competitive markets were viewed as a way to drive down costs and improve customer service. This carries on in 2017.

• Upskill for the future

Utilities need to ensure they are fit for the future, with the workforce and skills required to continue to deliver their essential services. This includes being flexible enough to adapt to any future changes.

• Embrace new ways of working

Innovative new technologies are being developed across the utility sector and these need to be embraced to make the work the companies do quicker, easier, cheaper and safer. Many of these developments are expected to be deployed this year, along with their continued development.

• Be customer-centric

A key theme from the show was that utilities have to ensure everything they do is done with the customer, and the service they receive, in mind.

Show features

The Innovation Zone

Organised in association with the Energy Innovation Council, this popular feature will showcase the latest game-changing innovations for the gas and electricity industries via technical pitches and live product demonstrations.

Drilling & Tapping championships ­including the World Water Cup

In partnership with the Institute of Water, the Drilling and Tapping competition sees teams racing against the clock to complete a simulated household connection to a water main. This year the contest incorporates the World Water Cup, with visiting teams competing from the US and the Netherlands.

The Streetworks Village

The interactive streetworks village will involve a wide range of streetworks solutions providers demonstrating their products on a patchwork of specially-constructed streets.

Water Pavilion

Co-hosted with Utility Week Live’s sister show, edie Live, the Water Pavilion will bring together water retailers and major business buyers of water.

The Network Zone

Come along for insights and networking into the wholesale energy market from Network, the dedicated title for electricity, gas and heat distribution professionals.

The Outdoor Demo Zone

Take a breath of fresh air while watching live product demonstrations outdoors from a host of Utility Week Live exhibitors.