POWER-GEN Europe today marked its 25th anniversary by opening a new chapter in the history of European energy industry trade shows.

Today the show’s owner, PennWell Corporation, unveiled Electrify Europe, the world’s first event dedicated to the convergence in the power generation and transmission and distribution sectors.

Embracing the new pillars of the 21st century energy system — digitization, decentralization, electrification and customer engagement — the conference and exhibition will be held June 19-21, 2018, at the Messe Wien in Vienna, Austria.

Glenn Ensor, managing director of PennWell’s International Division, said the new show was “responding to a dramatic shift in the European power market.”

“Electrify Europe is an entirely new concept designed to foster information exchange between established and new players for the creation of advanced solutions across an entire electricity value network that has the customer as its focus,” Ensor said. “Inspiring thought leadership, collaboration and innovation, Electrify Europe unites every aspect of the European market to transform the future of electricity.”

Representing an evolution built on 25 years of PennWell’s highly-influential POWER-GEN Europe conference and exhibition and incorporating DistribuTECH — North America’s leading event for utilities’ transmission and distribution businesses — Electrify Europe will attract key economic sectors in the energy space.

The annual event will unite business and technology, including industry leaders, energy innovators, corporate and start-up visionaries and political leaders. The aim is to provide oversight and points of orientation for the advancement of the electricity industry.

Ensor added: “Fundamental change is taking place in Europe in how electricity will be generated, delivered and consumed. Essential new relationships with heating, cooling and transportation are being forged. Digital technology is enabling this change by empowering consumers, delivering sustainability and ushering in new participants to provide innovative energy services. This is disruptive change, and while it will bring about some uncertainty, it also creates exciting opportunities for the smartest and best prepared.”

Featuring a multi-track conference and simultaneous exhibition, Electrify Europe will meet a genuine market need for a platform that provides clarity, facilitates connections, and drives the industry forward. With more than 12,000 attendees and 450 exhibitors expected, Electrify Europe will offer the continent’s largest hub for information, networking and lead generation