It is with a heavy heart that MREA’s staff and Board of Directors have decided to postpone The 31st Annual Energy Fair in Custer, WI until June 2021. First and foremost, the MREA board of directors is concerned with the safety and health of MREA’s members, business affiliates, staff, friends, and family.  Based on our current understanding of COVID-19 in Wisconsin and surrounding states, we have determined that a large event like The Energy Fair could increase the risk of exposure to the novel coronavirus even when considering the potential that transmission will decline during the summer season. 

Additionally, because of national and state recommendations to restrict travel and maintain physical distancing, we have determined that it is likely that large public events would not be allowed even through the summer season. This potential and the associated risk of late cancellation was an important factor in making the early decision.  

MREA believes strongly in its mission and vision and will continue to  work with, support, and collaborate with The Energy Fair’s many supporters during this challenging time. We are re-directing our efforts to a regional call to action, Rise Up Midwest!, to support policies and programs that advance energy efficiency and clean energy markets to create and retain jobs, invest in local communities, and help homes and businesses reduce long-term energy expenditures. Facing the prospect of high unemployment and economic recession, we have determined that focusing our efforts on advancing “Main Street” clean energy investments will be of greatest service to our members, supporters, and neighbors. 

We would like to thank all the individuals and businesses that put time, thought, and effort into the planning of The 31st Annual Energy Fair as well as the Central Wisconsin community. With your continued help, we look forward to growing clean energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable living in Wisconsin and throughout the Midwest for many years to come. 

The circumstances and government mandates surrounding the COVID–19 pandemic have evolved rapidly over the past several weeks. The economic consequences of the decisions are becoming apparent with dramatic increases in unemployment claims and dire economic forecasts. Having hosted the event for 30 years, we are very attuned to the financial needs and limitations of sponsors, vendors, speakers, and attendees.  With the uncertain future of state mandated public gathering restrictions, we have determined that it is best to give all of the stakeholders invested in the Energy Fair as much notice as possible to effectively plan and re-prioritize their investments.  

As you might imagine, postponing the The Energy Fair after 9 months of planning will result in a considerable financial loss to MREA. As such, we did not make this decision lightly. We are actively managing these circumstances and hope that you will continue to support our mission and efforts as we mobilize to ensure that state leadership in the Midwest fully understands the potential that the energy efficiency and clean energy industry has to put people back to work in service of local economic development and community energy resiliency. 

The MREA does not intend to host an Energy Fair in the 2020 year and has instead postponed to June 25-27, 2021.

At this time, the MREA is planning to host The 31st Annual Energy Fair, June 25-27, 2021.

As you might imagine, postponing the The Energy Fair after 9 months of planning will result in a considerable financial loss to MREA. As such, we did not make this decision lightly. We are actively managing these circumstances and hope that you will continue to support our mission and efforts as we mobilize to ensure that state leadership in the Midwest fully understands the potential that the energy efficiency and clean energy industry has to put people back to work in service of local economic development and community energy resiliency. 

The MREA is discussing potential avenues for hosting the Illuminate Runway Show at a later date and different venue. 

Although our in-person Clean Energy Job Fair, which was to take place during The 2020 Energy Fair, has been postponed, MREA does host an online job board with current Midwest career opportunities at www.midwestrenew.org/jobs/. Additionally, the MREA is in the process of developing a dynamic online resource center to be hosted at www.solarenergy.jobs/. For questions and further information, please contact Ellen Barlas, MREA Solar Workforce Development Manager, at ellenb@midwestrenew.org. 

The MREA will host a new podcast, “Rise Up Midwest!” aimed at addressing important issues surrounding clean energy and energy efficiency. In lieu of The Energy Fair’s in-person Energy Professional Workshop Series, the MREA is discussing the potential of hosting NABCEP accredited courses in a digital format in June of 2020 and will continue exploring additional opportunities for online education.  

To receive updates on our distance education opportunities, please sign up for our newsletter at: https://www.midwestrenew.org/newsletter/. 

While the MREA would love to host each of our presenters’ sessions on a digital platform, the planning and implementation would take substantial time and resources. If you are a presenter and are interested in providing a recording of the session you had proposed for The 31st Annual Energy Fair, please contact Jordan Pupols at jordanp@midwestrenew.org. 

The MREA is discussing the capacity for developing more digital training opportunities, especially as they relate to The Energy Fair’s Energy Professional Workshop Series (formerly Solar Professional Workshop Series). To receive updates on our distance education opportunities, please sign up for our newsletter at: https://www.midwestrenew.org/newsletter/.

The MREA is assessing each of our events on an individual basis.  For an updated list of MREA event offerings, please visit https://www.midwestrenew.org/events/.