Student Program Details

Calling All Students! Discover Your Future in District Energy


IDEA’s 39th Annual Campus Energy conference, CampusEnergy2026 will take place at the Gaylord National Harbor Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, MD and we once again have a unique, free event planned for students.

The District Energy Student Session & Networking with Employers event will help you better understand the district energy industry, give you a look into upcoming innovations and industry trends, and connect you with people with real-world experience that can help you as you explore your career path in this thriving industry. Additionally, it will enable students to share their ideas and ambitions with prospective employers. Bringing generations together will accelerate the energy transition, and this event is specifically designed to make that happen. 

The Washington, D.C. area is home to many incredible universities, and while we expect strong attendance from local students, this event is open to all students who are interested in learning about district energy and networking with potential employers.

Why Attend? 

  • IDEA’s  39th Annual Campus Energy conference will bring together over 1,200 industry professionals from across North America with expertise in system development, operations, and optimization along with technology innovators, equipment providers, and consulting firms.  
  • Industry leaders view this conference as a unique opportunity to meet in person and listen to students’ fresh perspectives on solving modern energy challenges.  
  • Network with recent grads in our IDEA Young Professionals Group (YPG) at their District Energy 101 event. Hear what their industry experience has been and discover secrets into how to starting a professional career path in the energy sector.
  • Some university utility departments support internships and structured mentoring to enable deeper collaboration and facilitate students’ transition to professional environments.
  • As opportunities in this sector increase, there’s a growing need for skilled talent. Many campuses are actively driving campus energy transitions, which students are equipped to contribute their knowledge to. This is a perfect opportunity to get involved and make meaningful connections.



Visit CampusEnergy2026 Website
View CampusEnergy2026 Educational Program

Student Program: What You'll Get

The Student Session and Networking with Employers event is free of charge and takes place Tuesday, February 17, 2026 from 12:00-6:00pm EST at the Gaylord National Harbor Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, MD.

First, you'll learn about some of the key building blocks of district energy in the District Energy 101 Symposium, hosted by IDEA’s Young Professionals Group. There, you'll hear from and meet with recent industry entrants and potential mentors to get a feel for how district energy is driving decarbonization at scale. Hear about techniques, technologies, innovations and industry trends in this relaxed, 2 hour meeting. 

Up next, our Networking Meetup with Employers, where a select group of companies seeking to attract new talent will be available for quick 1:1 meetups, resume-sharing and career information exchange.  These companies are actively investing in new systems, technologies and platforms to accelerate the energy transition. 

Finally, close out your day by learning about emerging tech; meetup with industry leaders and then visit with more than 140 industry companies and organizations in the exhibit hall to see new technologies, connect with companies and see for yourself the range of opportunities in the global district energy sector.



How to Register for the Student Program

Registration for this CampusEnergy2026 student event is easy and free of charge! All you need to do is register and get yourself to the Gaylord National Harbor Resort & Convention Center on Tuesday, February 17 and we'll do the rest. The deadline to register is Thursday, February 12 . Please note that space is limited for this event, so register early!

 
After you register, we'll be in touch at a later date with session logistics, such as where to pick up your registration materials, room locations, and more.

 

Register Now!



Student Program at a Glance

Monday, Feb 17, 12:00-6:30pm

Event Time
Registration 12:00-1:00pm
District Energy 101 1:00-3:30pm
Networking Meetup 3:30-5:00pm
Opening Reception and Exhibit Hall Access 5:00-6:30pm

Eligibility

IDEA classifies students as anyone actively enrolled in an undergraduate program, or in a full-time graduate/PhD program. After you register, we'll be in touch with additional program information.

This event is open to all students interested in learning about district energy & networking with potential employers.

But wait, there's more in store for you! 

 
If you'd like to attend the rest of CampusEnergy2025 (Tuesday and Wednesday Main Program sessions), you can do so at the low Student Registration rate. Visit the IDEA Registration page for pricing details. This year, we have several students from MIT who will be leading presentations throughout the program, come see what your peers are already doing in the industry!
 
Not sure if you want to attend? Take a look at the CampusEnergy2026 Education Program for what will be our most comprehensive program ever. Registrants also get unlimited access to session recordings as well, delivering content and ideas you can always refer back to.

Questions?

 

Please contact Scott Szycher, Director of Business Development at scott.idea@districtenergy.org with any questions you or your organization or campus might have about getting involved in this program.

What is IDEA?

  • Founded in 1909 as the National District Heating Association, the International District Energy Association (IDEA) continues to inform, connect, and advance the district energy industry around the globe. Today, the association has a membership of nearly 3,000 industry professionals representing more than 30 countries from around the globe.
  • IDEA members own, operate or provide technology and services to district energy systems that supply steam, hot water, chilled water and energy services to multiple buildings in cities, communities, campuses, airports, military bases, industry and healthcare facilities.
  • The International District Energy Association (IDEA) works actively to foster the success of our members as leaders in providing reliable, economical, efficient, and environmentally sound district heating, district cooling, and combined heat and power.

What is District Energy?

  • District energy involves the integration of innovative sources of heat or cold for delivery via a smart underground thermal piping network to multiple buildings in a city, cluster, campus or community.  
  • Aggregating energy needs for multiple buildings creates economies of scale for cleaner, lower-carbon solutions that may not be feasible on an individual building basis.
  • With nearly 30% of global carbon emissions associated with heating and cooling of buildings, district energy is a vital, proven solution to accelerate decarbonization of cities, communities and campuses.




Student Resources: Want to Learn More About District Energy?

IDEA has a number of introductory resources that might be of value to you as you learn more about our industry. We've included them below.

District Energy as a Decarbonization Solution

District Energy as Infrastructure Renewal

District Energy 101

In May of 2024, the IDEA Young Professionals Group (YPG) put on a virtual "District Energy 101" event that will serve as an excellent precursor to "District Energy 101" in D.C.

Mini Master Class on District Energy

In July 2023, recognized expert in district energy, Juan Ontiveros, delivered powerful insights into the ins and outs of district energy from multiple viewpoints for our Young Professionals Group. Stream this high level discussion in design, operation, and maintenance and how it evolved at The University of Texas at Austin in this one-hour webinar dubbed ‘The Mini-Master Class’.

Opportunities for Scholarships and Recognition

IDEA has a few opportunities for students to be recognized for their amazing work while receiving funds and awards to attend IDEA events. Read on for details!

CampusEnergy Student Video Contest

Each year, IDEA holds a Campus Energy Student Video contest, featuring videos about district energy systems produced by students.

Over the years, students from IDEA member campuses across North America have inspired us with innovative and exceptionally creative short videos about their campus systems. The videos are always a hit with our community and the unveiling of the winning submissions at our CampusEnergy conference is an event highlight. 

Best of all, these amazing videos are unique opportunities to promote the value of district energy to communities and campuses across the world.


Take a look at some of the amazing student-produced videos we've received over the past 10 years +. 

Apply for 2026 Student Video Contest
View Student Videos

John Gray Scholarships: Investing in the Next Generation of District Energy Leaders

Established at IDEA's 100th Annual Conference in 2009, the John Gray Scholarship aims to attract and retain individuals wishing to pursue knowledge about energy in general and district energy specifically.

The scholarship is offered annually to IDEA member employees and their children, or to individuals pursuing an enhancement of knowledge of district energy either through the educational opportunities at IDEA meetings or through educational programs at four-year universities in management, engineering, finance, or energy, or at two-year community colleges that offer an Associate’s Degree in power engineering.

Scholarships for 2026 will be announced soon!

John Gray Scholarship

Patti Wilson Leadership Program: Promoting Women in District Energy

The Patti Wilson Leadership Program was launched in 2024 to honor the legacy of former International District Energy Association (IDEA) Chair and longtime Board Member Patti Wilson.

Program funds are restricted to female applicants pursuing an enhancement of knowledge of district energy, sustainability, urban planning or energy efficiency.

Applicants should be newly employed in the district energy industry (3 years or less) or currently enrolled in an undergraduate, masters or PhD program at an accredited college, university, community college or technical institute with a focus toward a degree in marketing, management, engineering, finance, energy, environmental studies or another relevant field.   

Patti Wilson Scholarship