IDEA Events & Conferences

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.
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.

Past Events

Starting in 1909, IDEA has been hosting 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 Proceedings

Our Next Event!

We are excited to be heading back to Seattle for IDEA's 2026 Pacific Northwest District Energy Summit, September 22, 2026, for one intensive day focused on exploring how the Pacific Northwest can accelerate the deployment of modern district energy systems.

Make plans to join us in Seattle!

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Save the Date for These Upcoming Events

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