Busy trade floor at Canadian Wind Energy Association conference

This year's Canadian Wind Energy Association trade show clearly demonstrated the growing interest in Canada's wind market. The spacious exhibit floor accommodated 75 exhibits, up from 28 in 2004. Perennial favourites, including major wind turbine manufacturers, veteran development companies and resource assessment specialists, were all there. But this year they were joined by a far-ranging collection of newcomers touching all aspects of the wind business, including lawyers, insurers, consultants, engineering firms, coating and lubricant vendors, component manufacturers, electrical equipment suppliers, maintenance companies and construction contractors, some looking to break into an industry they see as offering growth potential. Space on the exhibition floor was sold out two months before the opening and conference organisers expect it will also be at a premium next year in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where half of the 102 available booths have already been reserved.