What is the IEEE PES General Meeting All About?

The IEEE Power & Energy Society (PES) General Meeting is the annual flagship conference that brings together the brightest minds in power engineering. It covers a vast array of topics related to generating, transmitting, distributing, and using electric power, including:

• Renewable Energy: Solar, wind, geothermal, and other clean energy sources, and how they fit into the grid.
• Smart Grid Technologies: Using digital technology to modernize the electricity grid for better reliability, efficiency, and sustainability.
• Power System Resilience: Making sure our power systems can withstand natural disasters, cyberattacks, and other disruptions.
• Energy Storage: Batteries and other ways to store energy for when it’s needed most.
• Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Charging Infrastructure: How the rise of EVs impacts the grid and what infrastructure is needed.
• Cybersecurity in Power Systems: Protecting critical energy infrastructure from digital threats.
• Power Electronics: The technology that helps manage and convert electric power efficiently.
• Markets and Policy: The economic and regulatory aspects of the energy industry.
• Emerging Technologies: Discussions on new breakthroughs like artificial intelligence and machine learning in power systems.

It’s a conference where you can hear about the latest research, see real-world applications, and discuss the big picture challenges and solutions for our global energy future.

Your Power Hub: Where and When It’s Happening

Get ready to soak up some knowledge and Texan hospitality in Austin!

• Venue: JW Marriott Austin
• Address: 110 E 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701, USA
• Dates: July 27th to July 31st, 2025
• Duration: Five full days. The event kicks off with workshops and tutorials, followed by days packed with technical presentations, panel discussions, and special events.

The JW Marriott Austin is a large, modern hotel right in the heart of downtown Austin. Its central location makes it easy to explore the city’s famous live music scene, incredible food, and vibrant culture after a day of intense learning. The hotel itself offers excellent convention facilities, ensuring a comfortable and efficient experience for all attendees. Austin, known for its “Keep Austin Weird” motto, is a dynamic city that embraces innovation, making it a perfect fit for a forward-thinking conference like the IEEE PES General Meeting.

What Does It Cost to Attend This Electrifying Event?

Attending the IEEE PES General Meeting is a valuable investment in your professional growth and knowledge within the power and energy sector. The registration fees vary based on your membership status with IEEE and PES, and how early you register.

Here’s a general breakdown of the expected costs for the 2025 event:

• Full Conference Registration (includes access to all sessions, welcome reception, poster session, and conference proceedings):
  • Early Bird Rates (before June 13, 2025):
    • PES Members: Around $695 USD
    • IEEE Members: Around $775 USD
    • Non-Members: Around $998 USD
  • Regular / On-site Rates (after June 13, 2025):
    • PES Members: Around $825 USD
    • IEEE Members: Around $900 USD
    • Non-Members: Around $1070 USD
• Student Rates (Full Conference):
  • IEEE PES Undergraduate Student Member: Around $105 (Early Bird) / $135 (Regular)
  • IEEE PES Graduate Student Member: Around $280 (Early Bird) / $340 (Regular)
• One-Day and Two-Day Passes: These are available if you can’t attend the full conference, with prices ranging from approximately $340 – $850 USD depending on your membership and number of days.
• Tutorials: These are typically additional, specialized learning sessions held on the first day, with fees ranging from $75 – $550 USD depending on the duration (half-day or full-day) and your student/member status.
• Awards Gala Dinner: There is usually an additional fee for this special evening event, typically around $90 – $95 USD.

Important Tip: Becoming an IEEE and/or PES member can provide significant savings on registration fees, often making the membership cost worth it if you plan to attend. International attendees should also be aware of visa processing times, as cancellations due to visa issues may incur a processing fee.

Finding Your Austin Oasis: Nearby Stays

Austin offers a fantastic selection of hotels, particularly in the downtown area where the JW Marriott is located. Given that the IEEE PES General Meeting attracts thousands of attendees, it’s wise to book your accommodation well in advance.

• At the JW Marriott Austin: Staying at the conference hotel itself offers maximum convenience, putting you right in the heart of all the action. This can save you travel time and allow you to easily pop back to your room.
• Downtown Austin Hotels: There are numerous other hotels within easy walking distance or a short ride from the JW Marriott, offering a range of styles and price points. Many of these are close to Austin’s famous 6th Street (for live music), the vibrant Rainey Street Historic District, and excellent restaurants. Look for options like:
  • Hyatt Place Austin Downtown
  • Hilton Austin
  • Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa (a bit further out, but a resort experience)
  • The Driskill (historic luxury)
  • Fairmont Austin
• Other Austin Neighborhoods: If you prefer to stay outside the immediate downtown area, Austin has many unique neighborhoods with their own charm (e.g., South Congress for boutiques and eateries). Just factor in travel time to the convention center.

Booking Strategy: The IEEE PES General Meeting website will typically provide a list of official partner hotels or specific booking instructions to help attendees secure the best rates and convenient locations. Booking early is always a smart move to ensure you get your preferred choice.

The Incredible Benefits of Attending the IEEE PES General Meeting: Your Professional Edge!

Attending the IEEE PES General Meeting is not just about getting updates; it’s about being at the forefront of the energy revolution. The perks and benefits are truly impactful:

• Cutting-Edge Knowledge:
  • Hundreds of Technical Presentations: Dive deep into the latest research, studies, and practical applications in every facet of power and energy. You’ll hear about breakthroughs before they’re published in journals.
  • Expert Panels: Engage in lively discussions with top leaders and decision-makers on critical topics, from grid modernization to climate change impacts on power systems.
  • Plain Talk Courses: Special sessions designed to help non-engineers (like managers or policymakers) understand the complex technical aspects of the power industry.
• Unrivaled Networking Opportunities:
  • Connect with Global Peers: Rub shoulders with thousands of engineers, researchers, academics, utility executives, and policymakers from around the world. This is your chance to build a truly international network.
  • Meet Industry Leaders: Direct access to the thought leaders who are shaping the future of the power and energy sector.
  • Student Program: Dedicated activities for students, including poster sessions, career fairs, and mentorship opportunities, fostering the next generation of talent.
• Professional Development and Career Boost:
  • Tutorials and Workshops: Gain specialized knowledge and practical skills in focused areas, often earning Professional Development Hours (PDHs) or Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for your certifications.
  • Career Fair: For students and job seekers, this is a prime opportunity to connect with potential employers in the power and energy industry.
  • Awards and Recognition: Witness the recognition of outstanding achievements in the field, inspiring excellence.
• Stay Ahead of the Curve:
  • The power and energy landscape is rapidly changing. Attending PES General Meeting ensures you are up-to-date on emerging technologies, regulatory shifts, market trends, and research advancements that will impact your work and business.
  • Understand the challenges and opportunities in areas like grid stability with high renewable penetration, cybersecurity threats, and the evolving role of the utility.

In summary, the IEEE Power & Energy Society General Meeting in Austin, Texas, is an indispensable event for anyone serious about the electric power industry. It’s where you gain unparalleled knowledge, build a powerful global network, and stay at the very cutting edge of energy innovation. Don’t miss this opportunity to help shape the future of power!

To learn more and register for the IEEE Power & Energy Society General Meeting, visit the official website: pes-gm.org