12/23/13

Getting Ready for 2014: Watch Out for These 7 Events in Q1

By Julian Steinforth, Expedition PR

“Music-Gear-Expo” Credit: Merrick Ales (http://sxsw.com/press/images)

Here are some of the key events (sorted by date) that should be on your calendar for the first quarter of 2014. Remember how Oreo showed us that “you can still dunk in the dark” when the lights went out at the last Super Bowl? Even when you are not physically onsite, some of these events might be a good conversation starter and media angle for your company.

1. Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Jan. 7-10, 2014, Las Vegas

Hashtag: #CES2014

Now celebrating its 40^th anniversary year, CES has been the launch pad for many world changing innovations. More than gathering 3,200 exhibitors and 152,000 attendees gather in Las Vegas for the latest innovation in consumer technologies. Check out the technology innovators key note series.

2. Sundance independent Film Festival, Jan. 16- 26, 2014, Park City, Utah

Hashtag: #sundance

Slightly ten years younger than CES, Sundance Film Festival continues to provide “a space for independent artists to explore their stories free from commercial and political pressures.” But don’t let this slogan fool you; there is lots of deal making and cool hunting going on during Sundance. The event attracts media from around the world and has large sponsors, i.e. HP and Chas. Sundance also has become a platform for address innovation of filmmaking and production – and that includes using tech and social media.

3. World Economic Forum in Davos, Jan. 22^–25, 2014,Davos, Switzerland

Hashtag: #WEF

More than 2,500 top business leaders, international political leaders, intellectuals and journalists attend this annual gathering to discuss the global state of the economy. This year’s motto is “The Reshaping of the World: Consequences for Politics, Business and Society.” Sustainability has become a set agenda item. Every year, Corporate Knights reveals its list of the world’s most sustainable companies, known as the Global 100 during Davos.

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08/27/13

Upwind for Renewable Energies in Germany – First Offshore Wind Park at North Sea Inaugurated

Park visitors looking at a wind turbine blade installation at the North Sea (photo: Katja Schroeder)

By Katja Schroeder, Expedition PR

Germany’s “Energiewende”, a government initiative to cut emissions by increasing the use of renewable energies, is in full swing. The adoption of renewable energies is evident when driving around Germany. In the country side, even in the smallest towns, you can spot houses that have covered their roofs with shimmering blue solar panels and cows graze on pastures next to giant wind turbines. More than 20% of electricity is now generated from renewable energies. This progress is largely attributable to the Renewable Energies Act (EEG), which provides for fixed rates for producers of green energy, such as solar, biogas and wind. A minimum of 80% of the electricity supply is to be generated from renewables at the latest by 2050.

This summer I got to spend some time at the North Sea and its string of tiny, and often car-free, islands off the coast. The region plays a key role in meeting Germany’s wind energy targets and its overall goal to phase out nuclear energy.

The North Sea Offshore Initiative, in which Germany and eight other EU Member States have joined forces, sees new potential for wind energy use. With almost 14 percent of global wind energy output, Germany currently places third behind China and the USA.

On Monday Germany’s Federal Minister of Economics and Technology Dr. Philipp Rösler officially inaugurated Germany’s first offshore wind park, Bard Offshore 1, located 100 kilometers north of the North Sea island of Borkum. The park’s 80 wind turbines generate a capacity of 400 megawatts, enough to provide 400,000 households with electricity. Continue reading →

07/1/13

Solar Lights: A Business Idea Born on the Beach

By Katja Schroeder, Expedition PR

Summer just started and July Fourth is around the corner. We are ready to hit the beach to spend some time in the sun with friends and family over the holidays.

While for most people the beach is a venue to relax and leave the wheeling and dealing of the office behind, for others it’s a cradle of creation. Lounging in the sun can spark great business ideas.

One example is Voltaic Systems. The New York-based company offers solar systems that can power all electronic devices with the power of the sun. At a recent Green Breakfast Club event in New York, Shayne McQuade, the founder and CEO of Voltaic Systems, talked about how he got the idea of creating a backpack that charges mobile devices using solar energy while vacationing at the coast of Spain. The idea led to the creation of Voltaic Systems. He started the company with one product, a backpack equipped with solar panels to charge mobile devices on the go. Today Voltaic Systems has a broad portfolio of chargers, adapters and batteries and lighting systems that can power all types of phones, cameras, tablets, laptops and lights.

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06/17/13

World’s Largest Solar Boat Docks in NYC

Locals Tell Tales of a “Space” Ship

Here’s to Switzerland’s MS Tûranor PlanetSolar, which arrives today in New York City.

We’ve been excitedly awaiting its arrival after this first-of-its-kind catamaran set a new world speed record for a transatlantic crossing last month. PlanetSolar is currently traversing the entire world to illustrate the practical AND AMAZING uses of energy from the sun.

Now this global ̶ and floating ̶ ambassador for renewable energy (compliments of Swiss ingenuity and innovation) is here in the Big Apple to educate the local community on solar technology.

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