Stephen Miner Named CEO of Solar Energy Trade Shows, LLC

WASHINGTON, DC — The Board of Managers of Solar Energy Trade Shows, LLC (SETS) today announced the appointment of Stephen Miner as president and chief executive officer. In his new role, Miner will manage and grow the high-impact solar energy events produced by SETS — Solar Power International and PV America. SETS is a joint venture created by the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA®) to produce trade shows to advance the solar energy industry.

For the past 12 years, Miner has developed and managed trade shows, conferences and education programs in the energy and environment sectors. He comes to SETS from the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) where he was senior vice president of conference, membership and business development. In this position he managed sales and marketing for the $20+ million annual WINDPOWER Conference and Exhibition, as well as AWEA’s workshops and $10+ million membership services programs.

During his tenure, Miner helped raise the profile of the show to attract 1,400 exhibitors and 24,000 attendees earning recognition as one of the top 50 trade shows held annually in the United States. Prior to joining AWEA in 2002, he was manager of education at the Environmental Industry Association, where he developed and executed multiple master educational programs.

Miner has an extensive background in higher education having spent more than 15 years with Prince George’s Community College and the University of Michigan-Flint in a variety of capacities including director of student services operations, program director for the college activities office, alumni director and program coordinator.

Miner will lead day-to-day management and strategic planning for SETS and evaluate new innovative products and techniques to further respond to the needs of the growing solar industry. He will also oversee strategic marketing, communications and brand strategy for the organization’s trade shows, lead development of educational content and develop partnerships and relationships with non-profits and other key organizations that add value and strength to SETS events.

Miner will join SETS on January 21 and will manage the final preparations for PV America 2013 East taking place February 5-7 in Philadelphia, PA.

“Solar is the fastest-growing energy industry in America, repeatedly reaching new milestones in commercial and residential installations and in job creation,” Miner said. “SETS will continue to play a pivotal role in the industry’s dynamic growth by delivering leading-edge events that will drive growth, and provide networking and educational activities that maximize opportunities for every link in the solar supply chain.”

“Stephen brings SETS an impressive track record of achieving significant attendee, exhibitor and revenue expansion for renewable-energy sector trade shows,” said Rhone Resch, SEIA president and CEO. “His experience will help ensure that we accomplish our goal of growing the solar industry into the largest source of new energy for consumers, businesses and government by 2016.”

“With his proven skills in developing and expanding trade shows, Stephen is highly qualified to help us create events that deliver lasting value for SEPA’s and SEIA’s members and stakeholders,” said Julia Hamm, president and CEO of SEPA. “I am particularly excited about Stephen’s background in adult learning, which will help take the SETS educational experience to the next level.”

Upcoming SETS Events
PV America 2013 East – February 5-7, 2013 – Philadelphia Convention Center, Philadelphia, PA
Solar Power International 2013 – October 21-24, 2013 – McCormick Place, Chicago, IL

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About SETS
Solar Energy Trade Shows, LLC (SETS) is a joint venture formed in October, 2009, by the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) and Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) to produce trade shows that help advance the growing solar energy industry. For more information, visit http://www.solarenergytradeshows.com.

About SEIA®
Established in 1974, the Solar Energy Industries Association is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry. Through advocacy and education, SEIA and its 1,000 member companies are building a strong solar industry to power America. As the voice of the industry, SEIA works to make solar a mainstream and significant energy source by expanding markets, removing market barriers, strengthening the industry and educating the public on the benefits of solar energy. http://www.seia.org.

About SEPA
The Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) is an educational non-profit dedicated to helping utilities integrate solar power into their energy portfolios for the benefit of the utility, its customers and the public good. With more than 1,000 utility and solar industry members, SEPA provides unbiased utility solar market intelligence, up-to-date information about technologies and business models, and peer-to-peer interaction. From hosting national events to utility strategies, SEPA helps utilities make smart solar decisions. For more information, visit http://www.solarelectricpower.org.