IDEA Conferences

Each year, the International District Energy Association (IDEA) hosts two flagship conferences that bring together district energy professionals from around the world to share knowledge, explore new technologies, and strengthen industry connections.
 
CampusEnergy, typically held in February, focuses primarily on the campus community, including colleges, universities, healthcare institutions, and other campus-based energy systems. The conference highlights practical solutions and real-world case studies related to operating, modernizing, and expanding campus district energy systems. Attendees gain valuable insights into a wide-variety to help with campus sustainability and decarbonization goals.
 
IDEA’s Annual Conference, typically held in June, has a broader international scope and brings together leaders from across the industry working on larger-scale district energy systems. The program highlights innovative projects from cities and communities around the world, with sessions focused on downtown district energy networks, new developments, regulatory frameworks, financing models, and emerging technologies. Together, these two conferences provide a comprehensive platform for learning, collaboration, and advancing the future of district energy globally.
 
IDEA also hosts smaller, regional meetings throughout the year, though these are not always held on an annual basis. These more focused gatherings provide valuable opportunities for professionals in specific regions or market segments to connect, exchange ideas, and explore local projects and policy developments. Be sure to stay connected with IDEA for announcements about these targeted meetups as they are scheduled.
 
At IDEA, we bring the district energy community together to shape the future of our industry, highlighting practical solutions and real-world experiences from across North America and around the globe. Whether you are new to district energy or a seasoned industry veteran, IDEA meetings offer a valuable opportunity to engage with the people and ideas driving the industry forward. We hope to see you at our next conference.

Our Next Conference! IDEA2026

We are excited to bring the IDEA2026 Annual Conference & Trade Show to Ottawa, Canada, June 23-26 for three days of education, innovation and opportunities to connect.

The theme for IDEA2026—Connecting Networks—is especially fitting for the times. It reflects not only the very essence of district energy—interconnected systems delivering value to the communities they serve—but also the power of the people behind the scenes, building relationships to create a more sustainable future.

We're convening an international audience in Canada’s federal capital—not only to celebrate the remarkable progress driving district energy at home, but also to bring in global perspectives as we gather leaders from around the world to shape the industry’s future.

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Exhibit


IDEA2026 will take place at Rogers Centre Ottawa Convention Center in downtown Ottawa, Ontario, connected to the broader district energy infrastructure that serves nearby landmarks such as the National Arts Centre and many federal buildings in the Parliamentary district.


Save the Date for Upcoming Live Events

IDEA2026
Rogers Centre and The Westin Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
June 23-26, 2026

IDEA Pacific Northwest Summit
Washington Athletic Club, Seattle, Washington
Sept. 22, 2026

IDEA Northeast District Energy Summit
Consolidated Edison Headquarters, New York, New York
Dec. 4, 2026

CampusEnergy2027
Town & Country Resort, San Diego, California
Feb. 16-19, 2027

IDEA2027
Raleigh Convention Center, Raleigh, North Carolina
June 22-25, 2027

CampusEnergy2028
Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, Aurora, Colorado
Feb. 21-24, 2028

Hosting Conferences Since 1909

Founded in 1909 as the National District Heating Association, IDEA continues to inform, connect, and advance the district energy industry around the globe. Starting in 1909, IDEA hosts an Annual Conference and Trade Show each year and added its Campus Energy Conference in 1988 and an International District Cooling Conference in 2007. 

View Previous Conference Proceedings

View Historic List of IDEA Annual Conferences and Chairs

View Historic List of IDEA Campus Energy Conferences

View Historic List of IDEA International District Cooling Conferences

Coming Soon: IDEA Dstrict Energy Summits

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IDEA will host two District Energy Summits in key North American markets—New York City and Seattle—bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, utilities, developers, campus energy professionals, and technology providers to explore critical issues affecting those locals while offering scalable solutions within the industry. 
 
These focused, regional events will provide valuable insights into emerging market opportunities, innovative projects, regulatory developments, decarbonization strategies, thermal energy networks, and the growing role of district energy in supporting resilient, efficient communities. Attendees can expect a highly interactive format featuring expert presentations, case studies, panel discussions, and ample opportunities to connect with peers tackling similar challenges.
 
Whether you're interested in advancing local projects, learning from industry innovators, or expanding your professional network, the New York and Seattle District Energy Summits offer a unique opportunity to engage with the people and ideas driving the next generation of district energy systems.

More details to come soon - contact IDEA directly if you're interested in attending or sponsoring this event.