The T&D Conference is not only known for the largest gathering of exhibitors, the most informative technical program but a world-class party every two years!  The Opening Reception at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry set the tone for the next four days.  It was the perfect setting for engineers to mingle over awesome “science projects”, while meeting old and new friends.

The 2014 IEEE PES T&D Conference electrified it’s Opening Session with General Co-chairs Ronald Donovan and Joe Svachula showing the audience the highlights of Chicago through the eyes of electrical engineers, complete with the “safety first” hardhats. Who said engineers aren’t funny??!!

Carl Segneri, the PES North America T&D Chair invited us to celebrate its Anniversary by taking a look back at 50 years of firsts in a video that exemplified Transmission and Distribution and those who have “kept the lights on” (take a look!).  It was quite moving and the perfect gateway to the session speaker Daniel Burrus.  A futurist who, not only predicts, but, urges you to step up to your biggest challenge and be to ready for your next opportunity.

Tommy Mayne, the VP of Meetings for PES, then thanked all of the past chairs (going back to 1989) that had come for the anniversary reunion and the 2014 Organizing Committee who brought together a group to put on the best show ever before announcing the “Next 50 Starts Now!”

Announcing the official opening, Anne Pramaggiore, President and Chief Executive Officer, ComEd, allowed attendees to enter the exhibit halls to visit the 778 exhibiting  companies from around the world.  That afternoon kicked off three days of Technical Panel Sessions, Forum Sessions, the first of three Super Sessions, a new Hot Topic Session, and the Poster Sessions, all well attended and applauded for their comprehensive content.

Thursday afternoon’s Closing Reception was the final notch in raising the bar and setting the challenge for the folks from Dallas who will host the 2016 T&D Conference, May 2-5.  But, before moving on, one last shout of congratulations to all involved in this record-breaking 50^th Anniversary event.