By Amy Fischbach

In the electric utility industry, safety professionals and field managers often face the same challenges time and time again. Rather than reinventing the wheel, they can collaborate and communicate with peers at ESMO 2019. This event, which includes four days of networking, tours, demonstrations and technical sessions, is sponsored by IEEE PES and hosted by American Electric Power.

In mid-January, the team from Informa had the opportunity to travel to Columbus, Ohio, to meet the team from AEP and tour the Transmission Technical Training Center. Also, we visited the Columbus Convention Center as well as the outdoor training grounds where hands-on demonstrations will take place this June. If you’re looking for a way to expand your industry knowledge, tour an indoor substation and learn about the latest trends, don’t miss your opportunity to register for the four-day event from June 24-27 in Columbus Ohio!

1. Learn about the Latest Power Industry Trends and Technologies

Experts in the field, such as Ed Hunt from Western Area Power Administration, will deliver panel presentations during a robust transmission and distribution conference covering safety, line, station and business issues.

2. Engage in Hands-on Demonstrations at AEP’s Dedicated ESMO Outdoor Site

Jonathan Cronin, transmission line manager for American Electric Power, is working with the outdoor vendors to provide hands-on demonstrations for attendees.

3. View Exhibits on Everything from Animal Mitigation to Zero Harm

The trade show, which will take place at the Columbus Convention Center, will feature more than 100 exhibitors.

4. Tour AEP Transmission’s Technical Training Center

The training center features an indoor substation, transformers and a vast array of other electric system equipment. The outdoor training ground behind the training center houses a diverse range of electric utility infrastructure including wood poles, towers and monopoles.

5. Network with Utility Professionals from Across North America Including Employees from AEP

For 2019, the host utility for ESMO 2019 is American Electric Power, which has the largest transmission system in the United States and is parent to seven electric utility operating companies serving customers in 11 states.

6. Explore the City of Columbus, Ohio

Columbus, home to ESMO 2019, is a city known for its diversity, vibrant downtown, eclectic neighborhoods, thriving art scene, business and technology companies and the Ohio State University.

7. Go Wild at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

You can also check out Shadowbox Live Theater or the Funny Bone Comedy Club. If that doesn’t suit you, rent a paddleboard or kayak at Hoover Reservoir. You can also treat yourself to a fine or hearty dinner, delightful drink or shopping extravaganza. Columbus has an incredible food scene, thriving microbrews, and world-class shopping at Easton, Polaris and beyond.

8. Apply Your Knowledge to Real-Life Demonstrations

Learn about the latest power industry best practices and then watch techniques being performed during the outdoor demonstrations. ESMO 2019 is one of the few industry events that integrates both conference technical session learning and outdoor demonstrations.

9. Sharpen Your Skill Sets

Discover how to solve common industry problems through four days of learning, networking, tours and demonstrations.

10. Earn Professional Education Credits

Participants can earn professional development hours from IEEE PES by attending technical sessions.