WindMatch™ is now open for 2024 IPF attendees!

WindMatch™ is Oceantic Network’s premier networking service that provides IPF attendees the opportunity to speak one-on-one with decision-makers from top offshore wind and ocean renewables companies from across the globe. WindMatch™ allows you to set up 1:1 half-hour meetings with peers from attending companies. Important: you must be registered for 2024 IPF and you also must register for WindMatch™ in advance of the conference. 

Why WindMatch™? 

• Connect to a network of businesses, suppliers, and organizations engaged in the offshore wind and ocean renewables industry 
• Create active channels for business transactions. 
• Start a dialogue that will help you develop and share specialized infrastructure, labor markets, and services. 
• Build relationships with entities outside your geographic region to leverage your competitive strengths and expand business opportunities.
• Develop networks for business financing, business-to-business sales, education, and workforce development, and opportunities to expand into markets nationally and internationally. 

Where Should I Hold Meetings?

During IPF, there will be a dedicated WindMatch™ meeting area in Great Hall B at the Morial Convention Center. If you want to meet somewhere else (hotel, restaurtant, etc.), you can propose an alternate location in the Message area of your WindMatch™ request or by using the IPF app chat. 

How to Request Windmatch™ Meetings

Learn about offshore wind business innovations from the winners of Startup Alley! 

For the third year, Oceantic Network has partnered with SeaAhead, a blue tech innovation platform that helps accelerate the growth and development of new companies who are working on issues related to ocean industries and sustainability. 

SeaAhead has selected 10 startup companies to deliver five-minute pitches to IPF attendees. Congratulations to the following companies (see below) who have been selected to present their business innovations at 2024 IPF! Companies will present their pitches in two sessions on Wednesday, April 24 and Thursday, April 25. View the full IPF agenda here. 

Oceanic Network’s Next Wave initiatives are designed to empower and shape the future of the U.S. offshore wind and ocean renewables workforce. We offer young professionals access to professional development training, networking opportunities, peer-to-peer knowledge exchange, leadership recognition, and collegiate scholarships. Next Wave programming is designed for young professionals ages 35 years and younger. 

For 2024 IPF, we encourage young professionals to attend the Next Wave Educational Sessions, followed by the Next Wave Networking Reception (Wednesday, April 24 | View IPF Agenda). Review the tips below to maximize your time at IPF Week. 

To get the most of your conference, set goals on what you want to accomplish before arriving 

• Is there something specific you need to learn or a roadblock where you need help? 
• Are there people you want to meet? Anyone specific? 
• Are you looking for clients or to set up a partnership? 

Top 5 things To Do at 2024 IPF Week 

1: Attend Next Wave Programming   

Attend the Next Wave Educational Session and Next Wave Reception, taking place on Wednesday, April 24. View the agenda for complete details!

2: Participate in Networking Events 

IPF is known for networking opportunities. Take advantage of events to meet influential people, ask questions, exchange ideas, find a mentor, establish valuable relationships, and strengthen your network. 

a. SPIN (Socialize, Partner, Interact and Network)  
Tuesday, April 23 (4-6 p.m.) and Wednesday, April 24 (5-6:30 p.m.) 
 
Kick off happy hour with drinks and networking in the Exhibit Hall. Make new connections, catch up with old colleagues and explore the exhibitor booths in this informal social gathering. All attendees will receive two drink tickets to use at stations located throughout the hall, as well as light appetizers. 

b. Networking Meals 
Wednesday, April 24 (11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.) and Thursday (12:30 – 1:45 p.m.) 
 
Grab food and join any table to make new acquaintances.  Also, check the agenda for sponsored lunches taking place on Tuesday and Wednesday! 

c. Offshore Wind Drinks Live & Late-Night Networking 
Wednesday, April 24 (8:00 p.m. – midnight) 
 
The popular, after-hours get together returns to IPF this year! Join your industry colleagues for drinks, food, and live music from the all-industry band, “Making Wind.” 

d. Closing Reception Thursday, April 25 (4:30-5:30 p.m.) 

3: Attend the U.S. Premiere of Planet Wind 

Don’t miss the U.S. premiere of Planet Wind (Tuesday, April 23 at 8 p.m.) a new film that explores the history, culture and transformative potential of offshore wind across the globe.    

4: Visit the Exhibit Floor 

Featuring 400+ exhibitors, the Exhibit Hall is the place to meet new people and make connections. View the agenda for Exhibit Hall hours. 

5: Use the WindMatch™ App 

WindMatch™ is a proven networking service that provides IPF attendees the opportunity to speak one-on-one with decision-makers from top offshore wind companies from across the globe! The app goes live in March. Take the time to set up meetings and plan your networking in advance!  

Bonus Activity – Have Fun! 

• Join the Fun Run (walk or run) around New Orleans 
• Relax with Yoga 

Let your network know that you will be participating in the inaugural Floating OSW Port & Vessel Summit, taking place February 22 in Sacramento, CA. Whether you are an attendee, speaker, or sponsor, use the marketing and social media tools below to share information about the Summit with your colleagues – let the industry know you are ready to connect in Sacramento! 

Download the promotional toolkit to access sample email, newsletter, and social media copy. 

Social Media Overview 

Make sure you are following Oceantic Network on your favorite social platforms and tag us in your posts: 

• LinkedIn   
• X  
• Instagram   

Use the following hashtags in your posts so that the Network can find them and share: 

#offshorewind #floatingoffshorewind #FloatingOSW 

Social Media Copy 

SAMPLE SOCIAL POSTS FOR SPEAKERS 

I’m excited to be speaking at the inaugural Floating OSW Port & Vessel Summit, taking place February 22 in Sacramento. Hosted by Oceantic Network [tag] (in partnership with the California Port of Authorities (CAPA) [tag] I’m looking forward to connecting with colleagues to set goals, tackle challenges, and unlock business opportunities for port infrastructure and specialized vessels on the West Coast. Don’t miss out on this chance to shape the future of the industry! Register:  https://bit.ly/3tOWPTY  

Join me in Sacramento! I look forward to speaking at the Floating OSW Port & Vessel Summit, hosted by @oceanticnetwork. I will be part of the following panel: [NAME OF PANEL]. View the full agenda + register: https://bit.ly/3tOWPTY [inset graphic] 

SAMPLE SOCIAL POSTS FOR ATTENDEES/ SPONSORS 

I/we are thrilled to [ATTEND/ SPONSOR] the inaugural Floating OSW Port & Vessel Summit, taking place February 22 in Sacramento! Together, let’s discuss and identify pathways to success for critical port infrastructure and vessel demands in the U.S. floating offshore wind industry. Don’t miss this opportunity to collaborate and unlock the West Coast’s port & vessel business opportunities. Presented by Oceantic Network [tag] https://bit.ly/3tOWPTY [Insert graphic] 

I will be [ATTENDING/SPONSORING] the Floating OSW Port & Vessel Summit, Feb 22 in Sacramento. I can’t wait to identify challenges + propose pathways to success to meet port infrastructure + vessel demands in the U.S. floating offshore wind industry. Register: https://bit.ly/3tOWPTY  [Insert graphic] 

Speaker Graphics

Attendee Graphics

Sponsor Graphics

Traveling to New Orleans for 2024 IPF? As you make plans, be sure to leave time to experience the city’s stunning architecture, delicious and varied cuisine, and unique culture that have led to New Orleans being described as America’s “most European” city.  In addition to the recommendations below, check out our IPF map that that has all conference events as well as our food and sight-seeing recommendations.

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival 

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival kicks off on April 25 (the final day of IPF Week). The city’s largest music festival celebrates Louisiana art and culture and offers an eclectic variety of music, food, and entertainment that few festivals can match. Best-selling artists will be joined by more than 500 musicians playing across dozens of genres from jazz to reggae to blues. While music dominates the headlines each year, the true value of Jazz Fest lies in its cultural variety. There are 15 stages and multiple tents across the fairgrounds `offering different musical genres, local foods, and fun activities.  

Jazz Fest is also a great place to find a wide sampling of southern Louisiana food. Some of the best restaurants are a bit of a drive from the city, but many set up booths at Jazz Fest, offering some of the best foods all in one place. While you’re enjoying the musical acts, enjoy freshly cooked gumbo, jambalaya, pasta, po’ boys, and more. Check out a sampling of last year’s food. 

French Quarter Attractions 

With a rich history spanning over 300 years, New Orleans has lots to see and do.  Start with the iconic French Quarter, the city’s oldest neighborhood. Visit  Jackson Square, where local artists showcase their work alongside street performers entertaining cheerful crowds. Not too far away is  St. Louis Cathedral, America’s oldest continuously operating cathedral, and right across the street is the New Orleans staple Cafe du Monde ,serving its famous beignets and chicory coffee. 

Make your way across the levee to Woldenberg Park for a beautiful view of the Mississippi River and catch a glimpse of the vessel traffic that fuels the city’s economy. And if you want to get out on the river the Steamboat Natchez offers daily river cruises serving lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. 

At the other end of Woldenberg Park, you’ll find the newly renovated Audobon Aquarium. Consistently rated as one of the top aquariums in the U.S., its exhibits showcase the vast biodiversity of our oceans and waterways, with a special focus on local marine ecosystems and their fauna. The Audobon Insectarium is in the same building where, if you’re lucky, you might catch a newly transformed butterfly emerging from its cocoon! Elsewhere in the French Quarter, you can listen to live jazz music at Preservation Hall. Don’t let the building’s shabby exterior fool you; Preservation Hall is dedicated to preserving classical New Orleans jazz experiences with performances from the globally renowned Preservation Hall Jazz band in a historic venue with wooden seats and no air conditioning. Their shows capture the true essence of the jazz music scene and a key point for generations of New Orleans cultural pride.  

Explore Beyond Downtown 

Outside the French Quarter and downtown areas, New Orleans still has a lot to offer. Nearby is Uptown, where you could spend an entire day walking down Magazine Street, featuring dozens of restaurants, grand mansions, the St. Charles Streetcar, stores, and artists. Head to Mid-City to visit the New Orlean Museum of Art, which permanently houses over 50,000 pieces of art from around the world. The museum is inside New Orleans’ scenic City Park, which hosts an amusement park, another Cafe du Monde location, and 1,300 acres of outdoor space to experience nature. Take a short hike through Couturie Forest to reach the highest point in New Orleans, a whopping 27 feet above sea level! 

If you’d rather stay close to downtown, the nearby Bywater and Marigny neighborhoods also have much to offer. Frenchmen Street is the place to be for live music in New Orleans, hosting several music clubs in addition to local restaurants and art markets. The nearby Crescent Park runs along 1.4 miles of the Mississippi River, providing great views. On the park’s eastern side, you can get a full view of downtown across the river and, if you arrive at dusk, you’ll witness the most beautiful sunset the city has to offer. 

Southern, Asian, and Global Cuisine 

New Orleans has a unique restaurant scene you won’t find anywhere else. Classic New Orleans staples like jambalaya, gumbo, and crawfish etouffee can be found all over. Many talented chefs have made a name for themselves perfecting these dishes and own restaurants that are cultural icons. Arnaud’s, Brennan’s, and Commander’s Palace are highly regarded, but the city is home to dozens of other less famous restaurants serving authentic, delicious local food. Whenever the Network’s staff visits New Orleans, Jacques-Imo’s is always a top dinner pick. There, upscale New Orleans food meets a laidback, casual atmosphere. Pay them a visit and the owner, Jacques, might be around to ask you how you like the food. 

Aside from its more classical dishes, New Orleans is also famous for its po’ boy sandwiches served on fresh French bread. As with the city’s more “refined” cuisine, you’ll find dozens of places serving po’ boys around the city, with some of the best at Parkway Bakery & Taven and Shortstop. If you haven’t tried one before, be sure to order your first one fully dressed even if you’re not usually a fan of lettuce, tomato, mayo, and pickles. 

Home to an incredibly diverse mix of restaurants serving food from all over the world. New Orleans also has a thriving Vietnamese community and home to some amazing Vietnamese food. Restaurants like Mint Modern Vietnamese, Pho Orchid, and Pho Nola serve vermicelli bowls, spring rolls, and other quintessential Vietnamese dishes. The must-try dish, though, is bánh mì, the Vietnamese equivalent of the po’ boy. They’re made on the same delicious French Bread, but usually include grilled pork and pickled carrots. The coalescence of New Orleans and Vietnamese culture around French bread has created a great city for sandwich lovers. 

Outside those staple culinary genres, lots of other great restaurants don’t fall neatly into another category. Cafe Abyssinia on Magazine Street serves traditional Ethiopian food like injera and lamb tibs, a must try if you’ve never had it. The reservation only Yo Nashi offers a traditional Japanese omakase multi-course tasting menu that combines New Orleans seafood with traditional Japanese preparation styles. And if you’re just in the mood for some great Italian food, visit Impastato’s in Metairie to enjoy four courses of pasta and other Italian classics complemented by local seafood. 

Tasty Treats for Tourists 

New Orleans has a variety of dessert options that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Of course, you need to have some beignets, but there are also lots of other baked goods to try. Angelo Brocato has served classic Italian pastries and ice cream for over 100 years. Crêpes à la Cart is great for a quick snack, or you can get some of the city’s most unique ice cream flavors at one of Creole Creamery’s three locations.  

Have a Few Drinks 

Of course, New Orleans is famous for its party atmosphere. The famous Bourbon Street isn’t for the faint of heart. If you do make your way out there, be sure to stop by Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, one of the oldest bars in the United States. If the hustle and bustle of Bourbon Street is a bit much for you, the nearby Erin Rose is a common refuge for locals. The city’s downtown hotels also offer some great bars, with The Sazerac Bar in the Roosevelt Hotel offering high quality craft cocktails and The Carousel Bar in the Hotel Monteleone featuring a central, revolving circular bar that spins patrons at a rate of one spin every fifteen minutes.