Energy Efficiency in the Building Sector

We are thrilled to extend a warm invitation to join us for an exciting and engaging event that promises to bring together a diverse group of industry experts, thought leaders, and innovative minds from both Germany and the US. Get ready for an immersive in-person business delegation, conference, and networking events, all centered around the fascinating world of green building technologies and energy-efficient solutions in the building sector. 

Mark your calendars for November 6-10, 2023, as we embark on this remarkable journey across Illinois and Colorado, where opportunities for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and growth await. 

Conference & Networking Session on November 7, 2023, at the GACC Midwest in Chicago (8:30 am – 12:30 pm): 

Picture yourself in our prestigious Chicago office, where on November 7, 2023, a public in-person expert conference will unfold. This event serves as a vibrant platform for sharing insights, engaging with industry experts, and exploring the latest trends and challenges within the realm of energy efficiency solutions in the building sector. Enriching keynotes and dynamic panel discussions will be followed by a delightful networking session over lunch. It's a not-to-be-missed opportunity to connect, learn, and foster transatlantic cooperation. 

Please find conference agenda below.

Conference & Networking Session on November 9, 2023, at the Denver Country Club (8:30 am – 12: 30 pm): 

Fast forward to November 9, 2023, when we'll convene at the prestigious Denver Country Club for another exciting conference and networking session. Here, you can dive deep into market insights, operational best practices, and connect with fellow industry enthusiasts. The day will include a delightful lunch, further enhancing your networking experience. 

Please find conference agenda below.

Expert Conference: "Building the Future Together: Green Tech, Energy Efficiency & Networking" Agenda

Location: 150 North Michigan Avenue, 35th Floor | Chicago, Illinois 60601  

please bring a photo ID 

8:30 am Doors Open, Coffee & light Breakfast

9:00 am Welcome Remarks

• Mark Tomkins, CEO and President, GACC Midwest
• Michael Ahrens, Consul General of Germany in Chicago
• Maria Sasse, Regional Manager Americas, German Energy Solutions Initiative

9:10 am Keynote Speech

• Angela Tovar, Chief Sustainability Officer at the city of Chicago, TBC

9:15 am Paul Heitman, Director, Heitman Architects: Decarbonization Strategies for the Building Industry

9:30 am Innovation Pitches from the US and Germany

• Wolfgang Bonder, CEO, MIG: Decarbonization with DHMb Lining System Based on “low-e” Technology in Combination with Moisture Management
• Jon Going, Western Regional Sales Manager, 2G Energy: Combined Heat and Power Plant for a Carbon-Free Future
• Markus Hoeschen, CEO, H-BI: Heat – A Curse and a Blessing: How Heat Can Become a Business and Ecological Success!

9:45 am Panel Discussion: Heating the Future: Innovations in Heat Pumps, CHP Technologies, and Coating Materials

• Paul Heitman, Wolfgang Bonder, Markus Hoeschen, Jon Going
• Moderator: Said Al-Hallaj, Founder and CEO, NETenergy

10:20 am Coffee Break

10:35 am Simon Schmidt, Head of Department Hygrothermics, Fraunhofer IBP: Decarbonization and Innovative Green Buildings Technologies in Germany

10:50 am Alison Lindburg, Building Policy Director, Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance: How Energy Efficiency Policies Are Shaping Buildings in the Midwest

11:05 am Innovation Pitches from the US and Germany

• Zakaria Benazzouz, Managing Engineer, Optimo Solar & Energy: Complete and Optimal Solar & Energy Efficiency Solutions from Germany
• Arne Olszok, CTO, UCanPower: Smart Battery Storage Systems and Hybrid-Inverters for the Intelligent and Economical Use of Renewable Energy

11:15 am Panel Discussion: Navigating the Path to Net Zero Through Renewable Energy Integration and Storage Solutions

• Alison Lindburg, Simon Schmidt, Zakaria Benazzouz, Arne Olszok, Said
• Moderator: Holly Pepper, Electrical Engineer, Stantec

11:50 am Networking over complimentary appetizers

12:30 pm Conclusion of Event

Expert Conference: "Spotlight on Innovation: Green Building, Energy Efficiency, and Networking" Agenda

Location: Denver Country Club, 1700 E 1st Ave, Denver, CO 80218 

8:30 am Doors Open, Coffee, and Light Breakfast

9:00 am Welcome Remarks

• Samantha Tillner, Executive Director, GACC Midwest Colorado Chapter

9:05 am Keynote Speech

• Michelle Hadwiger, Director of Global Business Development, Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT)

9:10 am Innovation Pitches from the US and Germany

• Wolfgang Bonder, CEO, MIG: Decarbonization with DHMb Lining System Based on “low-e” Technology in Combination with Moisture Management
• Kimberly Garcia, US Sales Leader, 2G Energy: Combined Heat and Power Plant for a Carbon-Free Future
• Markus Hoeschen, CEO, H-BI: Heat – A Curse and a Blessing: How Heat Can Become a Business and Ecological Success!
• Ben Olender, Product Consultant, LUNOS – The Decentralized, Balanced, Heat Recovery Ventilation Solution
• Wale Odukomaiya, Advanced Concepts Team Lead and Principal Simulation Engineer, AtmosZero, Title tbd

9:35 am Sam Gage, Industrial Decarbonization Consultant & Team Lead, Energetics: Title tbd

9:50 am Panel Discussion: Heating the Future: Innovations in Heat Pumps, CHP Technologies, and Coating Materials

• Moderator: Sam Gage
• Panelists: Markus Hoeschen, Wolfgang Bonder, Kimberly Garcia, Wale Odukomaiya

10:35 am Coffee Break & Networking

10:50 am Innovation Pitches from the US and Germany

• Arne Olszok, CTO, UCanPower: Smart Battery Storage Systems and Hybrid-Inverters for the Intelligent and Economical Use of Renewable Energy
• Zakaria Benazzouz, Managing Engineer, Optimo Solar & Energy: Complete and optimal Solar & Energy Efficiency Solutions from Germany
• Mike Kruger, CEO & President, Colorado Solar & Energy Storage Association: Title TBD
• Doug Hargrave, President, Iconergy: Title tbd
• Das Paritosh, Researcher IV-Model Engineering, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL): Title tbd

11:10 am Panel Discussion 2: Empowering Our Energy Future: The Integration of Solar and Energy Storage into the Grid

• Moderator: Mike Kruger
• Panelists: Arne Olszok, Zakaria Benazzouz, Doug Hargrave, Dos Paritosh

11:55 am Networking over complimentary lunch appetizers

12:30 pm Conclusion of Event

Key Topics for the Conferences include: 

- HVAC & Heat Pump Solutions 

- Onsite Solar & Energy Storage 

- Sustainable Building Materials & Carbon Capture 

- Use of Control Systems & Building Automation Solutions 

- Combined Heat and Power (CHP) 

- Building Codes & Policy Frameworks 

Individual Business Meetings from November 6-10, 2023: 

Don't miss the opportunity to engage with innovative German companies eager to collaborate with local experts in the US. If you're passionate about exploring groundbreaking building solutions, GACC Midwest is at your service. We'll arrange individual business meetings tailored to your interests throughout the delegation week. 

Stay tuned for more detailed information about the conference agenda, our distinguished speakers, and the list of participating companies. If you have questions, please contact Jan-Felix Kederer. 

Be a vital part of the transatlantic dialogue that is shaping a sustainable future for the building sector.  

This delegation is a part of the German Energy Solutions Initiative funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action.