Frequently Asked Questions

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How much does it cost to attend The Fair?

2023 Ticket Type	Early Bird Pricing Through May 1	Front Gate Pricing Starting May 2
Adult Weekend Pass	$35	$45
Senior (65+)/Student Weekend Pass	$16	$20
Youth (13-18) Weekend Pass	$16	$20

Adult 1-Day Pass	$15	$20
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	$20	$20
Benefit Dinner	TBA	TBA

Who gets free admission to the Fair?

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 and those working 12+ hours receive weekend admission.

Workshop Presenters, Exhibitors, and certain Sponsor levels also receive free weekend admission and may be eligible for additional benefits. Head to theenergyfair.org/sponsorship to learn more!

Is there WIFI at the Fair?

At this time public wifi is not available.

Wifi will be available to presenters and exhibitors.

Please check back for any updates.

What should I bring to the Fair?

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- check our Media Kit to connect via social media!
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).
As of now, masks are optional in buildings.

What are the Fair’s hours?

2023 Dates & Times
Friday, June 23: 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Saturday, June 24: 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Sunday, June 25: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Where can I find the exhibitor information packet?

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.

Stay tuned for information on the 2023 Energy Fair packet!

Are pets allowed?

Sorry, NO PETS are allowed unless your animal is training to be or is a certified service animal.

Do you sell attendee, workshop, sponsor, or exhibitor lists?

MREA does not and has never sold any list of the sort. In the past, MREA staff and some fair participants have experienced 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 these emails as spam and then delete them.

I’m a member, how do I receive free admission to The Energy Fair?

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).

Where Can I Stay?

There are many options for camping and lodging near The Energy Fair. You can even camp at The Energy Fair! 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 theenergyfair.org/camping-hotels.

How do I charge my electric vehicle at The Energy Fair?

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 2022, charging on Level II and Level III chargers are free. More information can be found on the Clean Transportation Show Page (including the charging registration form).

How much is parking?

Parking at The Energy Fair is free!

How do I sign up to present a workshop?

Head to theenergyfair.org/workshop-form to submit your General Education Workshop Proposal. Those who submit their proposals by February 15th are eligible for free camping at the Back 40 Campground. Workshop review and approval will be completed and confirmed in March.

If you are interested in participating in the Energy Professional CE Series, please go to theenergyfair.org/energy-pro/ to view the requirements and submit your proposal!

When can I purchase a campsite at The Back 40 Campground?

Sales for The Back 40 Campground begin April 1st on the tickets page.

More information on the Campground will be released in early 2023!

Campground Site Costs:

1 Tent, Walk-in= $20
1 Tent, Car= $25
2 Tents, Car= $45
3 Tents, Car= $66
RV= $25

When are quiet hours enforced?

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).

Can RVs dump grey water?

There is no dumping of grey water permitted under any circumstances.

Are there showers and restrooms available at the campground?

The Back 40 Campground has one shower trailer available throughout the weekend. Port-a-potties are also strategically located throughout the campground.

Is ice available for purchase at the 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.

What are the differences between the campsite types?

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.

Do you mail tickets?

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.

Where do I find my member card?

Our staff emails all current members their digital member card within two weeks of their membership purchase. You can print your card and present it at The Energy Fair Front Gate or save the email to your smartphone for speedy entry to the Fair. If you don’t have your card, no worries; we’ll also have a list of current members!

For any other membership questions, please check midwestrenew.org/membership

What are other ways I can make an impact at MREA?

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 32nd Anniversary Energy Fair! Move Some Earth Day (MSED) is an annual volunteer day that happens rain or shine. The 2023 MSED date is being planned currently, stay tuned for more information. 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!

If you would like to make a financial contribution to the MREA, head to midwestrenew.org/donate

What volunteer jobs are available at The Energy Fair?

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
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
Gate Greeter
- Monitor vehicle and pedestrian traffic at the Front Gate, assist Front Gate Volunteers & support Security Staff
Traffic Crew
- Direct traffic on Deer Road and parking lots
Grounds Crew
- Empty garbage, recycling, and compost bins, other facilities tasks
Food & Café Volunteer
- Prepare and/or serve food, clean up the Café and/or dining event areas; make and serve coffee
Beverage & Special Event Volunteer
- Work under the Lead Bartender and serve beer (must be 18 or over and work sober). Help set up special events during the Fair, prepare food, and takedown event
Campground Volunteer
- Maintain campgrounds and manage shower trailer, assist in delivering supplies to The Coffee Bean
Rainbow’s End
- Help with workshops and monitor the free kids’ play area
Take Down Crew
- Tear down and help clean up – Take Down starts Sunday and goes until Tuesday, June 27
Post Fair Volunteer
- On-site assistance; cleaning, inventory. Begins Monday, July 10th

Stay after the Fair on Sunday for our Volunteer Appreciation Party!
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!

What is the Check-in and Check-out process as a volunteer?

Please note that the volunteer tent does change locations and availability and does not have a place to store personal valuables.

When you arrive, you will check-in at the Volunteer Tent (map to be attached.)

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
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 your 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!

Are all The Energy Fair workshops free?

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	$tbd	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.

Event Waste Reduction – How can I help?

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 13, 2023) – 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. Details TBA!
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 dinner events utilize reusable dinnerware? On top of that, all of our food vendors are required to use compostable plates, napkins, and utensils!

We are proud to continue our partnership with Recycling Connections in creating a Near Zero Waste Event! You can learn more at theenergyfair.org/zero-waste/

Where should I park at The Energy Fair?

Parking is available on the MREA grounds. View the Fairgrounds Map to see parking entrances and parking spaces. We recommend keeping an eye out for public transportation and bike route options to cut down on our collective carbon footprint!

Will there still be a Thursday night Networking Dinner?

We are making plans for a Pre-Fair Thursday Night Dinner to be held on Thursday 6/22/23! We will release information on menu and ticketing closer to the event.

Are there other volunteer opportunities at the MREA?

Yes! Head to midwestrenew.org/volunteer to keep up to date on all available volunteer opportunities with the MREA!

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 us at volunteer@midwestrenew.org to be added to our volunteer solicitations.

Will you still host a Clean Energy Career Fair?

Yes! We are currently at work planning the next Clean Energy Career Fair and will be announcing more information as we near the Fair.

The MREA does host an online job board with current Midwest career opportunities at www.midwestrenew.org/jobs/. Additionally, the MREA has developed a dynamic online resource center at www.solarenergy.jobs/. For questions and further information, please contact Ellen Barlas, MREA Solar Workforce Development Manager, at ellenb@midwestrenew.org.

Aside from The Fair, are there other sponsorship opportunities available through the MREA?

If you would like to support the MREA’s work as a whole, head to midwestrenew.org/donate/ or email Events Director, Celia Sweet, at celia@midwestrenew.org.

MREA has launched a public education call to action – “Rise Up Midwest!”

The energy efficiency and distributed energy industries have the capacity to rapidly expand services resulting in increased local investment, business growth, energy resiliency as well as employment opportunities in urban and rural communities across the region. Let’s put people to work. Let’s make home and business investments that reduce expenses for the long-term. Let’s build a strong and resilient electric grid that weathers future crises. Let’s invest our energy dollars locally. Let’s build an energy economy that best serves people and the places we live and love. Now is the time. To do this, state, local, and utility leadership across the Midwest must expand programs and advance policies that provide business opportunity and create market stability. To learn more, visit riseupmidwest.org.

What are volunteer passes good for?

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!