One more model and then I’ll move on. Toshiba had a series of underground substation models on display. They were both GIS and Oil filled. It is amazing the lengths utilities have to go to meet their customer’s needs. Everyone wants electricity, but they don’t want the infrastructure showing. Personally I think substations are works of art, but manufacturers such as Toshiba have met the challenge by developed some pretty amazing applications for the technology.

I never knew how many of my friends were photographers until I walked the Expo floor with my Nikon hung around my neck. It is eye catching with the flash unit, and 18mm to 200mm lens. I use it in my consulting work a lot, so it has to be versatile, but it attracts attention. John Estey had a lot of questions about the lens. He is considering purchasing one, so we had a great time comparing notes. That is another benefit of attending the PES Expo. Along with the education, I get to visit with lots of old friends. We catch up with what is going on in our lives and find out new things about each other, which brings us closer.

Did you see all the models on the floor? The Hyundai exhibit included some very cool models of equipment way to big to bring into the exhibit floor. I had tried to get photos of them, but the crowds were so thick taking photos didn’t work very well. Yesterday morning I was on the floor about 8AM taking photos of everything I could not during the show before the crowds. Yep folks, PES gave me the run of the place and I took advantage of it. Of course I met a lot of the security guards this way. I might add they were very nice folks too. After they checked my credentials, they told me to have a nice day and sent me on my way.

I was talking with John Estey (President S&C and Past PES President) about the new IEEE PES award honoring Doug Staszesky. S&C is sponsoring the award. John provided this poster for the blog. He was very close to Doug and told me they find out how much they miss him every day. He was such a driving force and touched so many lives.

I had to go back to the folks at Delta-Star to get the story about the Harley. Delta-Star is celebrating their 100 anniversary. They decided to give away this beautiful Harley at the PES Expo. It fits me perfectly hope I win. Pam rolled her eyes at me when I got on it, but agreed to take the photo. She has been a great help with all this blogging and going around to the exhibits with me.

Yesterday at the PES press conference, Wanda Reder, PES President, announced a new award has been approved by PES. It will be called the Douglas M. Staszesky Distribution Automation Award. It is to be given yearly to a person in the industry who has demonstrated the enthusiasm for promoting and implementing Distribution Automation Projects. Doug recently passed away, but was told of the honor a few months ago. He said, “This is truly a high honor and just the sort of legacy I’d like to leave the industry.” It includes a scholarship to the school of the recipient’s choice and a travel stipend to the awards banquet. Doug was a good friend to all of us and we will miss him. He helped me with a lot of articles I have written. He could really get you excited when he explained a concept. Stop by the S&C exhibit and talk to them about the award. They have supported this award from the start.

I have been talking with the exhibitors over the past couple of days and they are saying this is the best Expo they have attended. They love the crowds. Their exhibit floors have had steady traffic. The people visiting have been their customers. The one thing that worries them is the amount of future work this represents. They say the customers are talking real projects and about buying equipment.

The shear size of some of the equipment is impressive. Look at the EHV breaker I found at Mitsubishi’s exhibit. I watch it being set up and was impressed. The attendees are too. Go by and ask them questions about it.

What a week! I have been planning for this conference for months now. Sunday finally came and we were in Chicago. Monday I was on the floor dodging fork lifts and trying to stay out of everyone’s way, while still taking photos of what was going on for the blog. Tuesday was the big opening and now it is Thursday morning – where did the time go? The last figures I heard were over 12,000 for the attendees. Tommy is going to make an announcement this morning as to the exact numbers. His eyes were sparkling when we talked. I think he is happy.

After the press conference I was talking to Cheryl Warren (PES Secretary) about the camera I have been using for all the photos on the blog. She is a super photographer and uses a Canon. I prefer the Nikon – it gives us a point to bicker about at times. Noel Schulz (PES Treasurer) came over to see what we were having so much fun with and we took a photo for the blog. Paula Traynor (PES VP of Technical Activities) saw what we up to something and wanted to be part of the fun, which attracted Wanda Reder (PES President). Here is our photo –enjoy.