The International Partnering Forum (IPF) is the largest offshore wind and ocean renewables conference in the Americas. Hosted by Oceantic Network, IPF is where industry experts from around the world come together to transform the industry through collaboration and innovation. Featuring thousands of attendees, hundreds of speakers and numerous sessions, IPF is where you make connections, grow your business, and access insider knowledge you need to navigate the changing and growing industry. 

In addition to plenary presentations and cutting-edge workshops from public officials and industry leaders, IPF offers registrants a wide array of networking opportunities to make connections to help grow your business including the popular WindMatch™ program. With the rapid expansion of offshore wind and ocean renewables, IPF attendance is the place to be to participate in the offshore wind and ocean renewables industry. 

2025 IPF will take place April 28-May 1, in Virginia Beach, Virginia. 

Why Virginia Beach  

Coastal Virginia has quickly become a major player in the offshore wind industry. Offshore wind companies have been setting up shops and existing suppliers are rapidly expanding in preparation for upcoming offshore wind projects.   

One of the world’s largest ventures, the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project, is expected to start construction in 2024. Once it is complete, the 2.6 GW project will be comprised of 176 monopiles, towers, and nacelles, and will generate a swarm of installation, operations, and maintenance activity. The region also holds the distinct honor of soon being the home base to the nation’s first American-flagged Wind Turbine Installation Vessel (WTIV).  

On the horizon is even more work as a 2024 summer auction opens new areas and other mid-Atlantic projects come to life.  As these projects come online, Hampton Roads and Virginia Beach will serve as installation and operations hubs creating new jobs, business development opportunities and an active supply chain. 

Who is the Oceantic Network? 

The Oceantic Network is a non-profit organization whose driving purpose is to inform, coordinate, and mobilize human ingenuity, enterprise, and labor to take advantage of the urgent need to tap the vast offshore wind and renewable energy resources that lie in the world’s oceans. The collective, coordinated efforts of our 600+ members equip communities and nations to accelerate the transition to clean energy and create economic opportunities. Join us by becoming a member. 

The International Partnering Forum (IPF) is the largest offshore wind and ocean renewables conference in the Americas. Hosted by Oceantic Network, IPF is where industry experts from around the world come together to transform the industry through collaboration and innovation. IPF is where you make connections, grow your business, and access the insider knowledge you need to navigate the changing and growing industry. Oceantic Network will host 2025 IPF in Virginia Beach!! Join us for IPF Week, April 28-May 1, 2025.

The Call for Workshops will open summer 2024 and registration will open fall 2024. Details coming soon!

Transportation 

Upon arrival in New Orleans via the Louis Armstrong New Orleans Airport, you have three options for getting to your hotel: taxi, city bus, or Uber.   

Taxi 

• There is a cab stand outside Level 1 of the airport. Via taxi, it is a 25-minute drive ($36) from the Louis Armstrong New Orleans Airport (MSY) to the city center.  

Uber 

• You can use the Uber app to book a ride from the airport to the city center. Be sure to arrange a roaming data plan for your phone prior to travelling if applicable.   

City Bus 

• Hop on the RTA’s 202 Airport Express, which travels from the airport terminals to Elk Place at Canal Street in Downtown New Orleans. The fare is $1.50, and the bus makes 9 daily trips between the airport and city center. 

When trying to order a rideshare from the Convention Center, keep in mind that the location has strict rideshare zones. You must order a ride share service from the Transportation Hub, located outside Hall G. Alternatively, you can walk to the nearest hotel to get an Uber/taxi. 

Safety in New Orleans

When travelling around New Orleans, as with any other large city, please remain alert. We encourage you to be always aware of your surroundings and recommend the following safety measures:  

• Travel in groups and avoid walking alone on unlit streets at night. Pay attention when walking and using your smartphone, as these devices have been the target of theft nationwide. 
  
• If driving, remember to lock car doors. Stow valuables out of sight in your vehicle. 

• Do not leave your personal belongings unattended, particularly on the back of a chair where it is not visible to you. Be on the lookout for pickpockets. For any travel, we recommend you consolidate the credit cards/personal information in your wallet. Move your wallet to your front pocket or wear a cross-body bag to keep your purse in front of you. 

• Remove your convention badge when leaving the convention center. 
   
• If you are intoxicated, please take a taxi, Uber, or Lyft instead of walking or driving. When hailing a ride via a mobile app, confirm the identity of your driver before getting into the car. 

• If someone or something seems suspicious, leave the area, and alert a police officer or Safety Ranger. If approached by strangers for con games, such as, “I bet I can tell you where you got your shoes,” do not participate. Simply smile and walk past them. 

• Ensure your hotel room door is fully closed and locked when leaving or retiring for the evening. 

• Open containers of alcohol are allowed in public. Remember, do not leave drinks unattended or accept drinks from strangers. 

• In an emergency inside the New Orleans Convention Center, please CALL 504-582-3040. Add this to “Favorites” in your phone for the conference. DO NOT DIAL 9-1-1 within the Convention Center. There is a medical office across from the IPF Exhibit Hall entrance (Hall B) that will be open during event hours.  

• The New Orleans Downtown Development District has a team of public safety rangers that provide a walking escort free of charge within the downtown area 7 days per week from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Call 504-415-1730 at least 20 minutes before you plan to depart to organize an escort. For a full map of covered areas, visit downtownnola.com/district-map/  

Use the IPF app to stay up to date with the latest news and announcements, view the IPF agenda with speakers and workshop details, view sponsor and exhibitor information, add workshops to your personal IPF schedule, create your event profile, make WindMatch™ appointments, and more.  

Make sure you download the 2024 International Partnering Forum (IPF) app before the conference kicks off! 

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