About our events and our event participation
Our events provide an easy way for chapter members to meet each other and gain new knowledge about developments in sustainable energy and other sectors focused on addressing climate change. Our chapters regularly host Shop Talk Nights that help bring workers and supporters together to build relationships and to network with industry stakeholders.
How we intend to scale our events and our event participation
We plan to support each of our chapters to host quarterly Shop Talk Nights to build and maintain a community base of engaged members and supporters. We would also like to organize more Speaker Series tours across Canada and in other countries. We will also participate at most climate and net-zero related events and conferences in Canada, and increasingly regionally and internationally.
Iron & Earth is involved in a range of community initiatives and our team regularly speaks at industry conferences. These types of activities help Iron & Earth further amplify the voice of our members while strengthening our community relationships.
Shop Talk Nights
Our chapters regularly host Shop Talk Nights that help bring workers and supporters together to build relationships and to network with industry stakeholders. A common format for these events is to have an industry leader speak about opportunities and trends in sustainable energy followed by discussion and networking. Presenters have included renewable energy business owners, renewable energy training providers, recruitment specialists, and academics who have focused their studies on renewable energy issues.
Speaker Series
Another event series we have developed is our Speaker Series, the first of which involved a tour to key communities in Newfoundland & Labrador educating workers and community members about the opportunities and barriers regarding wind energy development in the province.
Delia Warren, Nick Mercer, and Chris Collins from I&E East during a Speaker Series tour of NL
Visioning Meetings
In October 2016 we hosted our first organizational visioning event in Edmonton, which included participants from BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Newfoundland & Labrador. Feedback and ideas from our members and supporters contributed to our strategic direction. We hope to host visioning meetings on an annual basis when capacity allows.
Conference and event participation
Iron & Earth has presented at over a dozen events and conferences. Below is a snapshot of some of the events we are proud to have been a part of.
Iron & Earth founder Lliam Hildebrand on a panel at Africa Oil Week in Cape Town, South Africa
The Energy Futures Lab
We have had the honour of being an Energy Futures Lab (EFL) participant since 2016. The EFL is a multi-stakeholder platform that convenes diverse voices in the energy system. It is a trusted bridge-builder, connecting innovators working in different areas of the energy system and taking advantage of their divergent perspectives. Through the EFL, Iron & Earth has established partnerships across the energy sector, including financial support from our first major industry partners, Enbridge and Suncor.
Energy Futures Lab fellows on a walk during the Fall 2018 gathering in Kananaskis