The Kansas Energy Conference will be held Oct. 4-5 at the Century II Convention Center in Wichita. More than 330 people are expected to attend. The conference highlights the latest developments in the renewable energy industry. The day-and-half event will feature three general sessions and several breakout sessions focusing on different areas of the sector, including the community/small wind industry, biomass/biofuels, solar, wind farm development and transportation. Gov. Sam Brownback will open the conference.

WHEN/WHERE: 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Oct. 4, and 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Oct. 5, at the Century II Performing Arts and Convention Center, 225 W. Douglas Ave., Wichita, Kan. 67202. The first day also features a reception and open exhibits from 5-7 p.m.

SPEAKER INFO: A complete list of speakers and workshops is available through the Kansas Energy Conference web page at KansasCommerce.com/EnergyConference. General session speakers include:

• 2-3 p.m., Oct. 4 – Stanley R. Bull, associate director emeritus for science and technology, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and director of energy programs, MRI Global.

• 9-10 a.m., Oct. 5 – Rick Needham, director of green business and operations strategy, Google.

• 3-4 p.m. Oct. 5 – Anthony Dorazio, senior vice president, Duke Energy.

Other topics for breakouts include “alternative alternatives,” solar, wind component manufacturing, wind farm development and biomass/biofuels.

MEDIA NOTES: Media are asked to RSVP to Dan Lara, public information officer for the Department, at dlara@kansascommerce.com. Please indicate which days and/or sessions you wish to attend. Reporters are asked to check in at the registration desk to be issued a media pass.