Frequently Asked Questions
| 2020 Ticket Type | Early Bird Pricing Through May 1 |
Front Gate Pricing Starting May 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Weekend Pass | $28 | $35 |
| Senior (65+)/Student Weekend Pass | $16 | $20 |
| Youth (13-18) Weekend Pass | $16 | $20 |
| Adult 1-Day Pass | $12 | $15 |
| Senior (65+)/Student 1-Day Pass | $8 | $10 |
| Youth (13-18) 1-Day Pass | $8 | $10 |
| Kids 12 and under | Free | Free |
| MREA Members | Free | Free |
| Volunteers | Free | Free |
| Special Event Tickets | Member | Non-Member |
|---|---|---|
| Networking Dinner | $15 | $15 |
| Benefit Dinner | $40 | $55 |
| Extended Workshops | $30-$37 | $30-$37 |
Free Admission: MREA Members, kids 12 & under, and Hardcore Volunteers receive free admission! Volunteers giving two-hours time can get in free the day they volunteer.
2019 Information
Some areas of the Fair accept credit card payment including the Front Gate, Silent Auction & Info Tent, and MREA Marketplace.
An ATM is located at the MREA Marketplace to supply cash if needed. The following areas of The Energy Fair accept cash only:
– Organic Valley Breakfasts (Saturday & Sunday)
– MREA Cafe
– Beer Tent
– Some exhibitors and food vendors
At this time public wifi is not available.
Wifi will be available to presenters and exhibitors.
Please check back for any updates.
- Most importantly, yourself, friends, and family!
- Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- Rain jacket and umbrella – we’ll be going strong in rain or shine!
- Refillable water bottle
- Business cards for networking, pencil, and/or pen
- Camera or mobile device – tag @TheEnergyFair on Facebook and Twitter
- If you’re an MREA Member, bring your membership receipt or simply tell your name to the Front Gate volunteers (we are no longer mailing membership cards).
2020 Dates & Times
Friday, June 26………………………………………………………9:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 27…………………………………………………..9:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 28……………………………………………………..9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Exhibitors receive an email confirmation containing the exhibitor information packet which can also be found on the exhibitor information page at www.TheEnergyFair.org/exhibit.
To access the 2020 packet directly, please click here.
Sorry, NO PETS are allowed unless your animal is training to be or is a service animal.
MREA does not and has never sold any list of the sort. MREA staff and some fair participants have been experiencing a higher number of spam emails with Energy Fair attendee lists for sale. Please know that these solicitations are scams and the senders have not been authorized on behalf of MREA or The Energy Fair. We encourage you to mark theses emails as spam and then delete them.
2019 Exhibitor Staffing Dates and Hours
Thursday, June 20 (Exhibitor check-in and setup)……………9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Friday, June 21 (Vehicles permitted)……………………………….8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.
Friday, June 21 (Exhibits Open)………………………………………9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 22 (Vehicles permitted)……………………………7:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.
Saturday, June 22 (Exhibits Open)…………………………………..9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 23 (Vehicles permitted)………………………………7:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m
Sunday, June 23 (Exhibits Open)……………………………………..9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 23 (Exhibitor take-down)……………………………5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Once you register to volunteer our Volunteer Coordinator will begin to build your schedule. They will send you a confirmation that will include where and when you’ve been scheduled.
Please note, as the Energy Fair approaches, the Volunteer Coordinator will try their best to schedule all the volunteers who register, however, due to the high influx of submissions, they may have to build your schedule when you arrive at The Energy Fair.
If you have any questions or need to change your schedule please contact us at volunteer@midwestrenew.org or by calling 715-592-6595.
All campsites at The Back 40 do not have access to electricity.
All current members will be listed on our roster at The Energy Fair Front Gate and receive a membership wristband which includes entry for the entire weekend.
In order to expedite Front Gate entry, please present your membership payment receipt as proof of membership (this can be done by printout or phone).
Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@midwestrenew.org
There are many options for camping and lodging near The Energy Fair. You can even camp at The Energy Fair (but sites will sell out, so don’t delay in purchasing your campsite at The Back 40 Campground, sales begin April 1st).
For more information on purchasing a campsite at The Back 40, camping near The Energy Fair, local hotels, etc. head to www.TheEnergyFair.org/camping-hotels.
If possible, please register for vehicle charging before you get to the Fair. Once you arrive, please go to the Front Gate to pay for or receive your admission wristband.
In 2019, charging on Level II chargers is free, but the ABB Terra 53CJ requires payment, which will be accepted through GreenLots registration. More information can be found on the Clean Transportation Show Page (including the charging registration form).
Parking at The Energy Fair is free!
The 2017 Minnesota Energy Fair was a fantastic event, however, at this time, we do not have plans to host another Minnesota Energy Fair.
The 2017 Minnesota Energy Fair saw significant funding from a Department of Energy award that ended in 2017.
The workshop proposal form is available from November to April each year in preparation for June’s event.
Example: 2019’s Energy Fair workshop proposal form was available Nov 2018 to April 2019
Sign up to receive Energy Fair updates which will include when workshop proposals will begin to be accepted.
Sales for The Back 40 Campground begin April 1st on the tickets page.
Quiet hours at The Back 40 are from 10:00 pm to 7:00 am daily (please shut off all generators and music and keep voices low).
There is no dumping of grey water permitted under any circumstances.
The Back 40 Campground has one shower trailer available throughout the weekend. Port-a-potties are also strategically located throughout the campground.
Unfortunately campfires are strictly prohibited. Fire danger is extremely high at this campground.
At this time ice is not on site at the campground, however you can purchase ice at the MREA Cafe located on the fairgrounds.
There are three types of campsites at The Back 40 Campground:
- RV
- RV sites are located in an open field
- You will receive a campsite number in your camping confirmation (sent by email)
- Tent with Car
- Available spaces for purchase include 1-tent with car/ 2-tents with car/ and 3-tents with car
- You will receive a campsite number in your camping confirmation (sent by email)
- Walk-in
- There is no driving in the walk-in tent area
- You will receive a campsite number in your email confirmation, but this is only to guide you to the correct area
- You get to pick your campsite once you arrive to the correct walk-in area – signage is on site to help guide you
- Cars must be parked in the parking lot at the campground
- Limited parking may be available along the road near the walk-in camping area, however it is first come, first serve
Orders are processed in the order they are received and within ten business days. If you selected to pay by check, you will not receive confirmation until we receive payment. If it has been more than ten business days, please contact us!
Your email order confirmation will be your entry ticket. Please have it ready to expedite your entry.
Ticket/membership purchase confirmations can be presented by paper or by phone. If you don’t have either of these items, we’ll have a roster of everyone who has purchased a ticket and/or membership.
Note: If you purchased camping, you will receive a unique confirmation indicating your site number.
In an effort to save resources, money, and staff time, we are no longer sending out member cards by mail. Your order confirmation is perfect for presenting at front gate for entry (by paper or phone). If you don’t have that, no worries, we’ll also have a listing of current members!
There are many ways to get involved as a volunteer with MREA. Your volunteer efforts will help promote renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable living.
Some volunteer opportunities include:
Street Team who helps us promote The Energy Fair. These volunteers play an important role in spreading the word by distributing promotional materials and/or sharing The Energy Fair on social media. Please fill this form out if interested. Materials will be ready by April and can be picked up on Move Some Earth Day.
Join us for the transformation of the grounds for The 31st Anniversary Energy Fair! Move Some Earth Day (MSED) is an annual volunteer day that happens rain or shine. MSED be held on May 9th from 9:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m. Coffee, light breakfast, and an energizing lunch will be provided. Click here to RSVP or contact 715-592-6595 or email volunteer@midwestrenew.org with your name, address, phone number, and any dietary restrictions you may have.
Check out our other volunteer opportunities to make a difference year round!
Below are the volunteer jobs you can sign up for:
- Pre-Fair Volunteer
- Help prep before the Fair; as early as Monday the week of The Fair! Heavy & light work available
- AV Volunteer
- Assist with AV equipment, testing equipment, and workshop AV
- Front Gate, Membership, & Will Call Volunteer
- Greet, answer questions, sell tickets and/or memberships, and assist with will call badge pick up and sign in
- Marketplace Volunteer
- Sell Fair tickets, extended workshop tickets, and MREA merchandise
- Food Service Volunteer
- Prepare and/or serve food, clean up the cafe and/or dining event areas
- Bartending Volunteer
- Work under our Lead Bartender and serve beer (must be 18 or over and sober)
- Tidy Tent Volunteer
- Set up and take down tents. Assist in flipping, organizing, and tidying tents for each event
- Security Volunteer
- Monitor entrance gates, wristbands, unauthorized traffic & support security staff
- Traffic Crew Volunteer
- Direct traffic on Deer Road and parking lots
- MREA Info Tent & Silent Auction Volunteer
- Answer questions of fair attendees and help set up, monitor, and tear down silent auction
- Grounds Crew Volunteer
- Empty garbage, recycling, and compost bins and educate fairgoers about waste
- Demo Derby Volunteer
- Assist the area lead with set up, monitoring, and take down of the Demo Derby
- EV Charging Volunteer
- Check in, schedule, and help escort cars to their scheduled charging stations
- Campground Volunteer
- Maintain campgrounds and manage shower trailer
- Energy Pro Facilitator Volunteer
- Introduce & assist speakers, check tickets/roster, clean-up extended workshop area, and distribute & collect evaluations
- Volunteer Tent Volunteer
- Direct volunteers to designated areas and act as a point of contact for volunteer information
- Pedal Power Volunteer
- Pedal bikes to power our Main Stage during events! (Very specific times)
- Promotion Volunteer
- Take pictures of the happenings and events at the Fair
- Rainbow’s End
- Help with workshops and monitor the free kids play area
- Take Down Crew Volunteer
- Tear down and help clean up – Take Down starts Sunday and goes until Tuesday, June 30
- Post Fair Volunteer
- Help with data entry, inputting survey results, and organizing
There are so many ways to make an impact at The Energy Fair! It would not be possible without the 300+ volunteers who help make the fair a success. Without their help, the fair just wouldn’t happen. We hope you will join us as we pave the way to a more sustainable future!
Please note that the volunteer tent does change locations and availability and does not have a place to store personal valuables.
When you arrive, please check-in at the Volunteer Tent
Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your first scheduled shift to:
- Sign-in at the volunteer tent
- Complete a volunteer waiver if you haven’t already done so already
- Receive your Hardcore Volunteer T-shirt if volunteering 12+ hours
- Receive your admission wristband or Hardcore Volunteer Badge
- Verify if your shift(s) still work for you or if they require adjustments
- Pick up a map/ instructions for you volunteer shift(s)
- Grab some coffee and/or water before you head out (please bring a refillable mug/bottle to help reduce waste)
When you are done for the day, please sign-out at the Volunteer Tent (on Friday and Saturday after 7:00 p.m. the sign-out sheet will be at the Front Gate).
Why do you have to sign-out? Signing out helps us know the total hours you volunteered that day and allows us to build a better volunteer program in future years!
If you could arrive 15 minutes before your first volunteer shift, that would be great! During that time we’ll have you officially sign in, fill out your volunteer waiver if you haven’t already done so, get you a wristband or badge, pick up your volunteer shirt (if you’re volunteering 12+ hours) verify your shift and adjust as necessary, and make sure you know where to go for your shift.
Yes, please! Signing out helps us to verify the hours you completed and gives us a more accurate picture of how many hours were volunteered in total over the course of the event. This helps us to plan for the next event!
MREA’s volunteer station does change locations and availability. Please take note below.
Though the volunteer station may be closed, volunteers are welcome and encouraged to work shifts before and after those hours, sometimes those are the times we need help the most!
- Monday-Wednesday: 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Location: MREA Office Building - Thursday: 7:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Location: Volunteer Tent - Friday-Saturday: 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Volunteer Tent - Friday-Saturday: 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Front Gate - Sunday: 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location: Volunteer Tent - Sunday: 5:00 p.m.– 9:00 p.m.
Location: Near Beverage Tent
You may sign up to be an Energy Fair volunteer here.
Volunteer schedules will be sent out in the Spring of 2020! Our Volunteer Coordinator will try to match your availability, interests, passions, and abilities to the best of their ability.
Please note that some areas of The Energy Fair have their own high priority times or specific times when they operate. For example, our Pedal Power Ambassador position has very specific times that we require volunteers as they are powering our Main Stage for keynotes or live music.
The Volunteer Coordinator will try their best to schedule you in your chosen area(s), but sometimes positions fill faster for some areas or other areas may require more volunteers to effectively operate.
After you receive your schedule, please confirm that your volunteer schedule works for you. If it does not, then the Volunteer Coordinator (volunteer@midwestrenew.org) can work with you to reschedule your shift(s).
In previous years the volunteer waiver was in effect for one year from the signing date. Although, due to the turnover of the AmeriCorps Volunteer Coordinator position each September, the volunteer waivers have changed. Waivers are now effective beginning with the AmeriCorps Volunteer Coordinator position in September and ending with the Volunteer Coordinator’s position the following September. This will allow for better tracking and a smoother transition for the following AmeriCorps member at MREA.
No, but almost all of them are!*
| Workshop Type | Cost* | Length | How To Get Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Workshops | $0 | 50 min | No Tickets Necessary |
| Extended Workshops | $30-38 | 3 hrs | Energy Fair Tickets Page |
| Solar Professional Workshops | $0 | 1 to 2 hrs | Preregister to Expedite Entry |
*Attendees must purchase admission or an MREA membership to enter The Energy Fair, but volunteers can can get free entry depending on their commitment.
Prior to The Fair:
- Reduce: Fill out our online volunteer waiver form.
- Reduce: Pick up Street Team materials at our Move Some Earth Day event (May 9, 2020) – This reduces our bulk and general mailings, saves on our packing materials use, and reduces the fuel utilized by a shipper to get you the materials!
During The Fair:
- Reduce: Ride sharing with others or utilizing one of the fair’s pre-scheduled shuttle buses.
- Reuse: Bring a reusable water bottle and/or mug for beverages!
- Recycle: Help us educate other fair-goers on which waste bin to use (compost, recycling, or landfill/trash).
- Reduce/Reuse: Did you know that the Networking Dinner (Thurs), Organic Valley breakfasts (Sat & Sun) and the event’s special dinners utilize reusable dinnerware? This is all thanks to our many volunteers washing dishes day and night to make sure they’re ready for the next meal!
Parking is available at MREA. See the 2019 Energy Fair map for more details.
Paid advertisements in the 2020 Pre-Fair Guide and/or 2020 Program Guide may be refunded upon request. Alternatively, your paid advertisement may be run in the publication MREA is creating for our new call to action, Rise Up Midwest! The Rise Up Midwest! publication will circulate to a broad stakeholder group throughout the state of Wisconsin and will be comprised of educational content related to advancing local and state action on energy issues.
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/.
At this time, we are exploring the possibility of designing a Rise Up Midwest t-shirt that Empowered Members could receive with payment of shipping. Information will be sent to all empowered members if we move forward with a design.
We sincerely appreciate the support of our Lifetime Members. Due to COVID-19, we will not be hosting our annual Networking Dinner in 2020. We wish everyone good health and look forward to seeing everyone in 2021.
We are planning to transition our General Membership Meeting from an in-person event to a virtual meeting. We will send invitations to all current members as the date and format is determined.
Yes, we are creating a Street Team to help promote Rise Up Midwest. For more information, and to join the Street Team, contact Madison Andropolis at madisona@midwestrenew.org.
MREA will alert its audiences of additional volunteer opportunities (including in–person) as they develop. If you’re interested in volunteering in any capacity, please contact madisona@midwestrenew.org to be added to our volunteer solicitations.
Yes, the MREA will provide refunds in full for all additional exhibitor and sponsor badge purchases. You may also donate any paid amount to the MREA.
Paid advertisements in the 2020 Pre-Fair Guide and/or 2020 Program Guide may be refunded upon request. Alternatively, your paid advertisement may be run in the publications MREA is creating for our new call to action, Rise Up Midwest! The Rise Up Midwest! publication will circulate to a broad multi-stakeholder group throughout the state of Wisconsin and will be comprised of educational content related to advancing local and state action on energy issues.
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/.
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.
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/.
Individuals are responsible for their own airline and hotel room reservations. For cancellation and refund information, please contact the company you used to book your reservation(s).
Yes, yes, and yes! MREA is happy to reallocate your sponsorship of The 31st Annual Energy Fair to the Rise Up Midwest call to action or credit you for The Energy Fair set to be held in June of 2021.
We realize that COVID-19 will have varying degrees of impact based on your company’s services, and are happy to refund you 100% of your fees related to the event (at this time your MREA membership is not refundable – if you wish to seek a membership refund, please let us know).
For questions or further information or to move forward with a reallocation, credit to 2021, or refund, please contact Jordan Pupols at jordanp@midwestrenew.org
Yes! MREA is launching a new public education call to action – “Rise Up Midwest!” [Insert NH elevator pitch] To learn more visit www……………………. or contact Jordan Pupols at jordanp@midwestrenew.org.
Yes, yes, and yes! MREA is happy to reallocate your exhibitor fee(s) at The 31st Annual Energy Fair to a sponsorship of the Rise Up Midwest call to action or credit you for The Energy Fair set to be held in June of 2021. For questions or further information on reallocating your exhibitor fee(s) to a sponsorship of the Rise Up Midwest call to action, please contact Jordan Pupols at jordanp@midwestrenew.org.
We realize that COVID-19 will have varying degrees of impact based on your company’s services, and are happy to refund you 100% of your fees related to the event (at this time your MREA membership is not refundable – if you wish to seek a membership refund, please let us know).
To move forward with a credit to The 2021 Energy Fair or refund, please contact Greta Ladenthin at gretal@midwestrenew.org.
Volunteers that donate 2+ hours of their time receive a day pass (in the form of a color-coded wristband) to the Energy Fair. Volunteers that donate 12+ hours of their time receive a weekend pass (in the form of a badge) to the Energy Fair. These passes are located at the Volunteer tent. Pick them up before your shift when you sign in at the Volunteer tent!