Is Energy Marketing Dead? AESP Conference Explores Uncertainties and Fundamentals

Is energy marketing dead in the aftermath of the California crisis and the collapse of Enron? Not necessarily. Energy marketing professionals will explore industry uncertainties and fundamentals at Strategic Marketing in the Energy Business, a conference on April 18-19 at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort and Golf Club in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Association of Energy Services Professionals International
17610 128th Trail North; Jupiter, FL 33478
Ph: (561) 575-2334, Fax: (561) 575-4688, E-mail: aesp@aesp.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE               Contact: Elliot Boardman
                         Phone (561) 575-2334
                         e-mail: eboardman@aesp.org
March 21, 2002

Is Energy Marketing Dead?
AESP Conference Explores Uncertainties and Fundamentals

Jupiter, Fla., March 19, 2002 - Is energy marketing dead in the aftermath of the California crisis and the collapse of Enron? Not necessarily. Energy marketing professionals will explore industry uncertainties and fundamentals at Strategic Marketing in the Energy Business, a conference on April 18-19 at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort and Golf Club in St. Petersburg, Florida.

The Association of Energy Services Professional International (AESP) is hosting the 2-day forum. The event aims to be the premier conference for energy marketing executives. The key audiences are vice presidents and directors of marketing at utilities and other energy service providers. The conference fills a gap left when a similar EEI-EPRI annual event was discontinued a few years ago.

The energy marketing landscape remains vibrant in many areas of the United States. Texas is apparently fulfilling its promise to be the largest deregulated market in the country as customers begin a robust switching of providers. Commercial and industrial customer activity is strong in several states, including Illinois and Ohio. Also in Ohio, municipal aggregation has set an example for others to follow. And, many regulated utilities in areas of the country where retail markets do not exist, or are stagnant, are implementing deregulated services for their customers that include HVAC services, energy management, efficiency and load control.

How to market energy-related products and services in this uncertain time is a key question. Improving customer relations, updating business techniques, and developing new products and services are other areas of prime importance to marketing executives in the energy services business community. AESP is hosting the Strategic Marketing in the Energy Business Conference to respond to this need for information.

Unlike recent events that focus on a single topic, this conference covers a broad range of topics addressing the challenges and opportunities facing todays marketing executive. Sessions addressing marketing issues in regulated and deregulated environments are included, and the conference is designed to maximize opportunities for audience participation and interaction.

·   Agenda topics include:
·   Marketing Strategies in Deregulated and Regulated Markets;
·   The Wall Street View;
·   Challenges in Marketing Energy Efficiency;
·   Developing New Products in an Uncertain Environment;
·   Internet Tools for Marketing in the Energy Business;
·   In Search of Energy Services Excellence;
·   What the Customer Needs and Wants;
·   The Attributes of Marketing Success in the Energy Services Industry;
·   Customer Service: The Key to Successful Marketing.

Presenters include speakers from: Sempra Energy Services, Xenergy, First Energy Solutions, New Energy Midwest, The New Power Company, Lehman Brothers Global Power Group, Alliant Energy, Tampa Electric, NW Energy Efficiency Alliance, Enercom, Navigant Consulting, Honeywell Building Information Services, Frontenac Company, Peace Software, Owens Corning and E-Source.

The Association of Energy Services Professionals International is a not-for-profit organization of utility executives, consultants, manufacturers, researchers, government regulators, and others concerned with providing value through energy services and efficiency. Members are individuals active in the energy services industry who share ideas, information and experience.

For details about the conference and the association, visit www.aesp.org or call (561) 575-2334.

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