Frequently-Asked Questions for PLMA ConferencesWho typically attends the PLMA Conference?PLMA Conferences attract about 375 demand response industry professionals are expected to attend from energy utilities and government agencies as well as industry allies, including consultants and solution providers. Look Who Came to Charlotte! How does PLMA plan the agenda and choose presenters?If you have a story to share, preferably about a utility or government-sponsored program, research project or field application, consider submitting it for the Call for Presenters usually conducted in December-January time-frame for the spring conference and the May-June time-frame for the fall conference.(If PLMA chooses to do a third event such as the 2023 EV Symposium, consider submitting it for the Call for Presenters conducted in March-April time-frame). Conference ConductEveryone attending or interacting with PLMA registrants at a PLMA Event is required to comply with the PLMA Code of Conduct Handbook posted at at www.peakload.org/policies as it may be updated from time-to-time. A few key highlights are noted below, but do not represent the full text of either policy or the Code of Conduct. Anti-Harassment Policy. PLMA is dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, color, ethnicity, political position, or religion. We do not tolerate harassment of participants or staff in any form. Sexual language and imagery is not appropriate for any venue, including talks, workshops, parties, Twitter and other online media. Participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the event without a refund at the discretion of the PLMA. Conference Promotion Policy. PLMA believes in creating an open experience for all members and registrants at our conferences and training programs (PLMA Event). PLMA recognizes that one of the benefits of a PLMA Event is the interaction among the attendees and the open environment provided. It is the intent of PLMA that participants attending PLMA Events be allowed to fully participate without outside distraction. Sample distractions or actions that undermine the success of a PLMA event include holding a dinner that competes with a PLMA organized reception, hosting a meeting that leverages the location of a PLMA Event during conference sessions or sharing registrant name badges. Read the full text of the policies above in the Code of Conduct Handbook and other policies relevant to PLMA activities at www.peakload.org/policies. Time available for Sanctioned Sponsor Activities and other free time are posted on the conference Attend page. What does my registration fee include?PLMA ConferencesYour registration fee includes:
The conference and most adjacent activities are open to everyone. The tiered registration fee charges members a reduced price to encourage their participation. All others wishing to be full event participants must pay the higher price to help cover administrative overhead expenses. All presenters are expected to pay the registration fee as well. PLMA SymposiumYour registration fee includes:
The tiered registration fee charges members a reduced price to encourage their participation. All others wishing to be full event participants must pay the higher price to help cover administrative overhead expenses. All presenters are expected to pay the registration fee as well. Cancellation Policy: All registration payments must be received one week prior to the conference. All walk-up registrations, including those for off-site events, must be paid on-site at the time of signup. Late registration fees may apply. If circumstances change and you are no longer able to attend this event, you can cancel your registration for a full refund two weeks prior to the event. Cancellations received on or after the two week deadline will receive a 50% refund of the total registration fee. If you become ill the Friday prior to the conference kickoff date, you will need to obtain a doctor's note documenting your illness. In this situation, you can apply your registration fee as a credit toward a future PLMA event, or you can request a refund in the form of your original payment method. Please email your doctor's note with proof of illness to [email protected]. PLMA is unable to issue refunds for no-shows. How Do I Download the PLMA Conference Apps?
The WebEx Events (Formerly Known as Socio) app will be used for an enhanced networking experience in this event. If you haven't already done so, please take a minute and download the Socio app and set up your profile. To Access the PLMA Conference Platform App on Your Web Browser or Mobile DeviceClick here to download the app from the Apple Store, Google Play, or access via the Web App. How do I request a W-9 or other special forms for my accounting department?You can download a W-9 for PLMA. CLICK HERE. If you need special grant or vendor forms completed, please send them to [email protected]. Are my guests welcome to attend the event?Guests of registered PLMA attendees who are sharing your accommodations and are not attending the Conference itself are welcome to participate in all the Conference meal and hospitality functions for no additional charge. Children are welcome to attend the Monday evening reception which may include entertainment. Please inform us ahead of time of the names and number of your guests so we may plan for them and have a name badge ready in advance by emailing Kisha Gresham at [email protected]. All guests/spouses accompanying a registrant but who do not work in the energy industry must register at no cost to receive a name badge to access meals/hospitality. Any guest/spouse who works in the energy industry (or seeks to) must register at full rate. Guests/Spouses actively promoting their organizations, products, or themselves, seeking interviews, or distributing resumes will be asked to register at the full non‐member rate or leave the PLMA Event. Read the full text of the policies above in the Code of Conduct Handbook, Section Conference Promotion Policy, and other policies relevant to PLMA activities at www.peakload.org/policies. Time available for Sanctioned Sponsor Activities and other free time are posted on the conference Attend page. How do I reserve my hotel accommodations?Information about the Hotel accommodation and the PLMA block, along with other travel information is available on the Attend page. Warning about Hotel Reservation Predators We provide you the ability to register directly with the conference hotel through its website. Unfortunately, it has been brought to our attention that there are companies contacting past attendees claiming to offer "assistance" with exhibitor registration and hotel bookings. Exhibitor Housing Management (EHM) and similar companies aggressively cold-call and spam companies and individuals whose names have appeared on our agendas and other pages. PLMA is not affiliated with any such organizations. No one should contact you directly to book your hotel room or offer you a "special discounted conference rate" or "can save you $ off your room rate". No one should ask you to cancel the room you have so they can rebook you at a "better" rate. If you receive a call or email like this, rest assured, it is a scam. Do not share any information with them. They may offer to save you a few dollars off the hotel price; but their rate will not include the same level of benefits the PLMA block provides, you will not receive points or benefits you normally receive if you participate in the hotel's rewards program, and you will face expensive booking fees and stringent no-refund cancellations policies, similar to or exceeding other third-party booking sites. If you proceed with such options, proceed with caution, and understand that if you use one of these "services" PLMA will not be able to assist you with any problems you may encounter with the terms of a third-party agreement (like not having a room upon arrival). What is the proper attire?PLMA attire is business casual. Although many business travelers wear suits, casual slacks, skirts, polo shirts, tops and sweaters are all acceptable. Some attendees opt for wearing jeans. Please, no shorts, t-shirts, or “flip flops”. The meeting room can vary in temperature, and can be chilly, as can some of the evening networking events, so dress in layers or plan to bring a sweater or jacket. What is the cancellation policy?Full refunds are given for cancellations received by the Friday before the event begins. You may designate a replacement at no additional charge if you cancel after this date. Will there be Wi-Fi and electrical outlets in the conference and hotel rooms?Their will be Wi-Fi in the meeting rooms, guest rooms (assuming you use the PLMA reservation block), and throughout most of the property for no additional fee. Electrical outlets will be present in the two front rows of the meeting room in Electrical Power Alley. Will there be any free time during the PLMA Conference?The agenda is full, but includes long breaks and much networking. Many attendees find time before and after the conference to enjoy the local attractions. Dinner is on your own each night. Can I get a Scholarship to attend the PLMA Conference?The Conference Planning Committee may award a limited number of full or partial scholarships to the event to individuals who are active in the energy industry but might not otherwise be able to participate due to financial constraints. Scholarships offset all or part of the event registration fee. Scholarship recipients are responsible for their own travel and sleeping accommodations. Contact Monica Hammond ([email protected]) to request an application. Don't see your question here? Email it to Monica Hammond at [email protected] for a prompt response. |