Energy Industry Leaders Gather in New York for 2026 International Partnering Forum
Next week, U.S. and global leaders in large-scale ocean energy projects and next-gen marine technologies will convene for the 2026 International Partnering Forum (IPF) in New York City, February 9-12. Hosted by Oceantic Network, IPF brings ports, vessel operators, grid innovators, technology innovators, and state leaders together with the supply chain to spark innovation, forge partnerships, and deliver results across the offshore wind and ocean renewables sectors.
IPF Week kicks off Monday, February 9, with a Maritime Tour through New York Harbor. Guests will gain a firsthand perspective on critical port assets like South Brooklyn Marine Terminal and Governors Island, while engaging with those shaping New York's clean energy future.
The Opening Plenary will take place Tuesday with keynote remarks from Oceantic Network CEO Liz Burdock, Amanda Lefton, Commissioner of New York State Department of Conservation, and Doreen M. Harris, President & CEO of NYSERDA. Liz Burdock will also lead a panel discussion on how to build a stronger model for the future of offshore energy with Billy Haugland, CEO & President, Haugland Group, Will Hazelip, President, National Grid Ventures, and NYSERDA’s Senior Vice President of Large-Scale Resources, Georges Sassine. Workshops will begin after the plenary, addressing topics such as grid development, project performance data, American energy dominance, and more.
“Our 2026 IPF Energy at Sea Conference will convene the companies, policymakers, investors, and innovators building the next generation of marine renewable energy solutions,” said Liz Burdock, CEO of Oceantic Network. “Oceantic is proud to deliver its 13th consecutive conference, bringing IPF back to the Northeast to lead the charge to advance a robust and local supply chain ready to build the next-gen ocean economy here in the U.S.”
Professionals are expected to attend from across the globe, joining more than 100 expert speakers, hundreds of exhibitors, and dozens of networking events. Speakers will present analysis of recent market developments, explore cross-sector collaboration, and discuss how to enact forward-looking, sustainable strategies to shape the future of the industry. Attendees will gain access to the latest intelligence on transmission, permitting, port development, technical research, and project updates—all critical for scaling marine renewable energy in the U.S. and building global collaboration.
Attending journalists will have unique access to influential voices right in the heart of New York City. Members of the press can request a complementary pass to IPF.
IPF Week Highlights: February 9-12
Presented by Oceantic Network
Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel
West 53rd Street
New York, NY 10019
Access the full schedule online
February 9
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Designed to foster business relationships across U.S. and global public and private development, this forum connects developers, investors, primes, OEMs, suppliers, and nonprofits to contracts, grants, incentives, tax credits, and public trust.
Mon: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Tues: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Hosted by the National Offshore Wind Research & Development Consortium (NOWRDC), this two-day symposium is a focused convening for industry, researchers, and public-sector leaders advancing offshore wind and marine energy innovation.
2:45 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
A networking Ferry Tour leaving Pier 79, sponsored by NYC Economic Development Corporation, Carver Companies and SUNY Maritime.
February 10
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Liz Burdock, President & CEO, Oceantic Network
Amanda Lefton, Commissioner, New York State Department of Conservation
Doreen M. Harris, President & CEO, NYSERDA
Billy Haugland, CEO & President, Haugland Group
Will Hazelip, President, National Grid Ventures
Georges Sassine, Senior Vice President, Large-Scale Resources, NYSERDA
Exhibit Hall Opens
11:30 a.m.
2026 Windward Innovation Celebration
5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Discover the next wave of offshore wind innovations at the 2026 Windward Innovation Celebration. A networking and exhibit-style showcase presented by the Offshore Wind Innovation Hub at NYU Tandon Urban Future Lab.
February 11
Talking Energy in 2026: Countering Myths & Reframing Messaging
2:20 p.m. to 3:05 p.m.
In an increasingly competitive and politically charged energy landscape, panelists will discuss how to counter misinformation and build public trust in large-scale, offshore renewable energy projects.
Steel, Scale and Strategy: Shaping the U.S. Energy Supply Chain of the Future
4:10 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Informed by a new study showing the overall opportunity the U.S. market presents for steel producers, this workshop will examine how steel tariffs, Buy American provisions, and state-level policies are reshaping the economics of domestic content.
February 12
Closing Plenary: Keynote Address
10:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.
Premier Tim Houston will outline Nova Scotia’s vision to deliver energy security and economic prosperity for its residents while seeking partnership opportunities with the U.S. and the offshore energy industry to build a binational energy alliance.
Closing Plenary: Panel Discussion
10:15 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Regional leaders will explore how cross-border collaboration can unlock the full potential of the Atlantic Canada Region. As New England states face a narrowing path to meet their own surging demand, Canada’s commitment to ocean energy––with its vast wind resources, competitive pricing, and favorable geography––is drawing fresh attention.
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Oceantic Network | https://oceantic.org/
