The first Fuel Cell Seminar was launched in June and July of 1976 in Palo Alto, California. The conference originated as a Department of Energy commissioned seminar and exhibition. Through education, outreach, and demonstration, the conference coordinators sought to advance the global energy, environmental, and economic benefits offered by fuel cell technology.
The primary goals of the Fuel Cell Seminar were and remain:
- To reach technical excellence through cutting edge research, development and demonstration of fuel cell technology.
- Award those whose work in the field has only advanced the industry.
- Educate and inform, not only the industry, but also the community and it's leaders through technical presentations, discussions, and demonstrations.
- Provide opportunities for industry leaders, researchers, students, and manufacturers and avenue to share ideas and thoughts through networking activities.
The first conference attracted just 170 attendees and did not include an exposition. Changes in political and environmental views resulted in the growth of the conference, both programmatically and in attendance. In 1998, the Exhibit Hall debuted at the Seminar with 62 exhibiting companies. Today the Fuel Cell Seminar is a 501c(3) non-profit and attracts more than 2,000 domestic and international attendees, as well as over 150 exhibitors in research and development and in manufacturing industries.
2007 brought even more change to the Fuel Cell Seminar. Not only did the conference transition into a not-for-profit 501c(3) corporation, but fuel cells weren't just a dream anymore; they were being used in everyday life. In 2007, the Board of Directors and the Planning Committees determined the importance of bringing fuel cells to the masses. A new track was added to the program, commercialization. Not only did the conference offer presentations on vital fuel cell topics, such as research and development, and end-user perspectives, but it was now committed to techniques to help manufacturers market to and inform the general public.
Due to a growth of commercialization, the exhibition became a major priority. So in 2007, Fuel Cell Seminar became the Fuel Cell Seminar & Exposition.
Today, the Fuel Cell Seminar & Exposition offers the largest number of technical papers, the most exhibits and the best coverage of the latest technical advances in the field. The simultaneous technical sessions discuss progress in four main areas: utility, residential, vehicle and portable, and discusses challenges in costs, fuels, storage, reliability, lifetime and adoptability. Fuel Cell Seminar & Exposition exhibitors and sponsors represent the latest in leading research and development-both domestically and abroad. Participants include technical leaders, scientists, educators, researchers, developers, investors, students and manufacturers of fuel cell products.
The 2008 Seminar & Exposition continues its mission to bring fuel cells into the public forefront. With new activities and events such as Welcome to the Greenhouse, our in-house demonstration area, Educator's Day, and the Ride & Drive, we're sure to attract a broader range of potential fuel cell consumers that will finally make fuel cells a commercial reality.
