Energy Forward 2012

March 2, 2012 | Gleacher Center, Chicago

Now more than ever, the search for affordable and reliable access to energy is of primary importance to the global economy. Yet remarkable and unexpected changes have drastically reshaped the energy sector. The shale gas revolution, the Fukushima accident, new federal laws and international accords, as well as new ways of thinking about electrification are reshaping the energy industry to a degree not witnessed in a century. How we, as men and women of business, respond to these changes will play a disproportionate role in the development of the new energy landscape of tomorrow.

The Chicago Booth Energy Group proudly presents Booth Energy Forward 2012, an exploration of the most important topics in today’s global energy industry. As the largest business school energy conference in the heart of the United States, Booth Energy Forward 2012 provides a unique opportunity for today’s energy business leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators to interact with tomorrow’s captains of industry. Centered around a core of four panels and three keynote presentations, Booth Energy Forward 2012 is a once a year opportunity for students and business leaders to meet and share ideas in a relaxed social setting. The knowledge imparted and the contacts made here will help attendees make better informed business decisions in the future.

The conference will create a dynamic setting focusing on the most important topics of debate with respect to energy:

• How have new shale gas discoveries improved the issue of energy dependence for the United States?
• Is the nuclear renaissance over in the wake of Fukushima?
• How are federal and international laws and regulations reacting to new technologies and safety concerns?
• How viable and smart grid and electric automobile technologies today?
• Where are the newest opportunities for innovators and how can those opportunities be exploited?
• What are the long term trends in traditional and renewable energy, and how can career-oriented professionals position themselves to maximize growth opportunities?
• What is the outlook for investing and entrepreneurial opportunities in infrastructure, renewables, and oil and gas upstream?
• What roles can private equity and venture capital play in these areas?

For those interested, day two will feature the largest clean-tech business plan competition in the region, the Clean Energy Challenge.