An Unhelpful Guide to #ACES2025

Network, Baby. Network.

Let’s not sugarcoat it.

Getting a ticket to #ACES2025 is the energy nerd’s equivalent of Willy Wonka finding a golden ticket.....minus the chocolate.... but adding 14 speaker panels on flexible dispatch and VPPs.

This is the Grand Final of renewables. The Coachella for NEM tragics. The Logies, Oscars and Married at First Sight commitment ceremony all rolled into one.

Except with more acronyms and less tears from jilted lovers you've only just met. Or maybe not. You do you.

Anyhow, as someone who’s been to more ACES events than I can remember (and who still pretends to understand how FCAS markets work), here’s my brutally unhelpful guide for making the most of it.

The “Hawke Express”

It's a train ride. Named after Allison Hawke who a few years back decided that taking the overnight train from Melbourne to Sydney is better than flying. Why? Because the carbon footprint is less. It seems in the spirit of renewables.

And now it's a thing.

Many industry legends will do it again this year. I hear there are still a sleeper car or two available if you'd like to join in.

Twelve hours. Minimal sleep. Lukewarm microwave meals that are 80% manufactured meat. Sounds great.

I prefer to fly.

Don't judge me. I'm a walking paradox.

However, the street cred that taking the train generates is off the charts.

When someone asks "what time is your flight home?", casually mention that your train leaves platform 12 later that evening.

“....and another thing, catching the train cuts emissions by 86% versus flying…”.

You’re instantly 86% more credible and better looking than everyone else who didn't.

Never mind the dark circles under your eyes.

That’s the look of climate commitment. Own it and be proud.

Suits and Swagger - A Friendly Heads Up

Honestly, most don’t care what you wear. If you show up in trackies and uggs, I’ll probably admire your confidence and secretly wish I’d done the same. But I'm too scared and insecure to do that.

But first impressions do count for something, at least to some people, so it doesn’t hurt to think about the vibe you're putting out if you want to maximise your networking game.

Dudes – Maybe skip the suit you wore to your cousin’s wedding in 2017, or that formal one from Year 12 that’s now clinging on for dear life. This isn’t about being fancy. It’s about looking like you gave it a bit of thought. Clean lines, something that fits well, maybe even ironed. If a photo of you in it ended up as your new LinkedIn profile, would you be cool with that? If not, have another crack.

Dudettes – Dear God, please don't ask me for advice on this topic. I'm well out of my depth and have no interest in starting an incident that could get me hauled in front of HR. Let's assume you already know what works. Whether it’s boots, blazers or bold earrings, wear whatever makes you feel like you’ve got the room handled.

You don’t need to be the best dressed person there. That position is saved for Mauricio Maura. He's won it four years in a row now.

But perhaps walk in with the energy of someone who was meant to be there. Or at least looks like they know someone important.

Coffee Cart Capitalism

Forget the plenaries. The real action? Happening in the coffee queue.

Every CEO, every analyst, every grad… all caffeinating and accidentally revealing their team’s entire market entry strategy.

Here’s your move: Cup in hand. Soft nod. Casually say: “Heard the Libs are getting onboard the CIS. They are proposing a new version next week. For nuclear”

Boom. You’re in. Someone introduces you to someone. A meeting gets set up. You’re now across everything.

Networking isn’t about knowing things. It’s about sounding like you read RenewEconomy on the flight in. Or train.

Program FOMO (and Other Lies We Tell Ourselves)

Yes, the program is impressive.

No, you won’t attend half of it.

You’ll promise your boss you’re soaking up “deep policy insights.” What you’ll actually do is wander into a DER session while looking for a bathroom, take a blurry photo of a graph, and later caption it: “Powerful insights on the energy transition.”

Note that this legally counts as CPD hours if posted to LinkedIn.

Strategic Loitering – A Masterclass

Want to meet movers and shakers? Position yourself at the top of the escalators.

Look casual, but intentional. Badge forward. Posture saying: “I’m meant to be here.”

When a Hollywood star like Andy Evans walks by, offer a measured “G’day” and a clever one liner about offshore wind. You never know. You might end up with a job offer to help him launch Star of the North.

There's no reason why #ACES2025 can't be where your renewable dream came true.

Whatever you do, avoid holding one of those tote bags full of brochures. You’ll look like you’re about to cold sell rooftop PV to someone who rents in a CBD apartment block.

Women in Renewables Lunch

This is more than just a typical networking event. It’s a gathering of some of the most inspiring and knowledgeable leaders in clean energy.

Expect engaging conversations, insightful discussions, and a few light hearted reflections on the industry’s journey.

“Women in Renewables” is about inclusion and leadership in all its forms. Everyone who’s passionate about driving change is welcome here.

Come ready to connect, learn, and be inspired.

Men are absolutely welcome too. You’ll gain fresh perspectives, build meaningful connections, and hear stories of remarkable multitasking. You may even reconsider your current definition of "imposter syndrome" after sitting next to someone who chaired a board meeting while organising child care and a community battery trial before lunch

The Gala Dinner – Shiraz and Shenanigans

It happens on a school Tuesday night. 1800 people. Round tables. Mild chaos.

Most will go corporate chic.

You? Be brave. Temu exists for a reason. If you can pull off a solar panel costume or come dressed as a hydrogen molecule, you deserve a C-suite job. At least.

And yes, Kane Thornton will be there.

CEO. Legacy. End of era vibes.

You better have your opening line ready for him.

"Kane, if we could harness the spin from policy announcements, would we have hit our 2030 targets by now?”

Afterparties & Free Riders

Once the Gala wraps, you head to the Sofitel's Champagne bar.

That’s the rule. It should be a law.

At this point, the real partnerships form. Preferably near a power outlet. If you find one, defend it like grid stability depends on it. Your phone at this stage will be on 2%, as will everyone elses, and panic will have gripped the room.

And if you see a slightly inebriated delegate waving a corporate card and shouting “Next round’s on me!” – that’s your moment.

The AER may frown on free riders, but tonight, lean in. Strategically.

The Final Word

#ACES2025 isn’t about speaking panels.

It’s about people. Connections.

Having way too much fun. Being proud of this amazing industry.

Say hello. Loiter with purpose.

Rub shoulders with Ministers and CEOs and GMs.

And if you are a Minister, CEO or GM, then rubbing shoulders with the graduates and new to industry folk is so powerful.

And please.....for the love of all things capacity factor and MLF.... don’t pitch your startup at morning tea ;)

Maybe I'll see you near at the escalators. Coffee in hand. Pretending you know what “two sided market design” actually means...because I don't.

#ACES2024 Website