Fridrik Larsen, CHARGE Founder and CEO.
When the world’s energy companies came to Reykjavik in 2016 for the first CHARGE event, it seemed we had achieved the impossible. Some of the finest experts in energy sector marketing and communications gathered from across the globe, for what was the first and northernmost conference on energy branding ever held.
Since 2016 CHARGE became a fixture on the conference calendar, welcoming energy professionals to Iceland for two days of discussions, social events, the Gala Dinner – and, of course, our prestigious Best Energy Brands awards. Over the last 4 years we have welcomed thousands of our colleagues to Iceland.
In 2020 we are looking at a fresh challenge. Having successfully persuaded the industry on the need for an annual energy brand-related event, we are now facing a pandemic that might affect the conference calendar well into the second half of 2020. To meet this challenge, we have mustered that indomitable Icelandic spirit which had guided the famous Viking Leif Erikson to America in a wooden boat a thousand years ago.
By this I don’t mean that you will have to row across the Atlantic to attend CHARGE 2020. On the contrary, we are bringing the event to you. We are livestreaming CHARGE for all those who will not be able to join us at the Harpa conference centre in Rejkjavik on the 28th and 29th September. Our interactive conference technology will put you right in the middle of the action. You will be able to join Q&A discussions, network and chat to your colleagues.
You will hear from Stephen Fitzpatrick, CEO & Founder at OVO Energy, Mary Powell
Former CEO at Green Mountain Power, Rahul Malhotra, Head of Brand Strategy & Stewardship at Shell, and many others.
As one of the laureates of our Best Transmission Brand award, Jukka Ruusunen, CEO of Fingrid, says in this week’s editions of our newsletter: “Whether you are interested in branding or not, the outside world has an opinion about your company.” I couldn’t have put better myself why CHARGE is as important to attend as ever.
Of course, if you decide to come to Reykjavik we will be at Iceland’s main conference and arts venue, the famous Harpa. The physical event is on schedule. Whether you have joined us at this venue in previous years, or have visited Harpa on another occasion, you might know that its stunning honeycomb facade was designed by the Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson. Harpa is just one of the many natural and cultural treasures – apart from CHARGE, of course – waiting for you in Iceland.
This year we will make sure that you can attend CHARGE and benefit from hours of unmissable content on energy branding, whether you can be there in person or not. We will have the presentations, discussions and networking opportunities available to you live and virtual. I invite you to join us in Reykjavik in September, from wherever you are!
