Virtual Energy Conference hosted by MIT takes place online
The 2020 MIT Energy Conference Goes Virtual Amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic
The annual MIT Energy Conference, usually an in-person event showcasing discussions on energy-related developments, transitioned to an online format this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The conference, which was originally scheduled for early April, was planned by Trey Wilder and a team of student event organizers.
The sudden shift to a virtual event posed numerous challenges for the team. One of the biggest hurdles was getting buy-in from the speakers, as many were new to the virtual world at the end of March. Another challenge was learning the ins and outs of running a Zoom webinar in a short time frame, as both the host and the speakers were unfamiliar with its functions.
Despite these obstacles, the team persevered. Joe Connelly, Leah Ellis, Anna Sheppard, and Michael Cheng were key contributors to the conference's smooth operation. Connelly and Ellis managed the Zoom operations during the conference, while Cheng assisted Sheppard in managing the YouTube stream and responding to emails during the event. Sheppard also live-tweeted throughout the conference.
The conference was attended by students, faculty, researchers, and industry representatives from around the world. The three keynote speakers were Daniel M. Kammen, Rachel Kyte, and John Deutch. Many speakers modified their presentations to address Covid-19 and its relation to energy and the environment.
In his opening remarks, Wilder recounted the month leading up to the event, including the disbelief felt by the team when they received the notice about the cancellation of campus events. He praised the team for their hard work, humility, and willingness to do the necessary work without seeking praise or accolades.
The transition to an online event also required the team to contact vendors, cancel orders, issue refunds to guests, and inform panelists and speakers about the conference's new format. The speaker of the first keynote lecture at the conference is not explicitly mentioned in the available search results.
The 2020 MIT Energy Conference spanned two days, with discussions covering electric vehicles, energy policy, and the future of utilities. The conference was offered for free online, allowing over 3,500 people globally to attend - a significant increase from the 500 attendees planned for the original, in-person event.
Pervez Agwan worked on various tasks, including marketing, tickets, and operations, and even pulled an all-nighter for the first day of the conference. The Covid-19 pandemic hit the United States in early March, causing the cancellation of in-person events at the Institute.
The MIT Energy Conference is an annual event organized by energy students, featuring discussions on energy-related developments. This year's virtual event was a testament to the team's resilience and adaptability in the face of unexpected challenges.
