Does this event cost money to attend?Does this event cost money to attend?
No. The Innovation Summit is free to attend. Attendees who are coming in-person to the event are responsible for their own travel and hotel expenses.
Where do I go to register for the event?Where do I go to register for the event?
Please visit the Innovation Summit webpage at www.ercot.com/summit to register to attend the event, either in-person or online via live streaming. If attending virtually, you will receive a live streaming link closer to the event date.
Will lunch be provided? If so, do we know what the meal will be?Will lunch be provided? If so, do we know what the meal will be?
Yes, lunch will be provided free of cost. Event staff will direct guests upstairs to the main hotel lobby area when it is lunch time, where there will be two buffet style tables set up on either side of the lobby. Tables will be set up in the back of the hotel lobby for lunch seating and networking. The meal will be a southwest buffet lunch with options, including chicken tortilla soup, salad, corn, flour and/or corn tortillas, shredded chicken marinated in chipotle topped with pico de gallo, chili and lime, garlic marinated beef steak (carne asada), vegetarian refried beans, Spanish rice, sour cream, homemade salsa, cinnamon and sugar churros and tres leches cake. Freshly brewed coffee (regular and decaf), iced water and tea will also be available.
I have a food allergy/sensitivity; will there be alternate food options?I have a food allergy/sensitivity; will there be alternate food options?
Yes. In-person registrants had the option to provide information about any food sensitivities, and the hotel’s lunch will provide allergen-friendly options.
Is there a special Innovation Summit rate for rooms at the Hilton Austin Airport?Is there a special Innovation Summit rate for rooms at the Hilton Austin Airport?
Yes. ERCOT has a block of rooms offered at a discounted rate for Innovation Summit attendees at the Hilton Airport Austin. In-person attendees staying at the hotel should mention the ERCOT Innovation Summit when booking to receive the special room rate, or book directly on this site to receive the rate.
Do we have to stay at the Hilton Austin Airport, or are we free to stay wherever we’d like?Do we have to stay at the Hilton Austin Airport, or are we free to stay wherever we’d like?
You may stay anywhere you’d like for this event. ERCOT has a block of rooms offered at a discounted rate for Innovation Summit attendees at the Hilton Airport Austin.
Will there be a shuttle or bus service from Austin-Bergstrom Airport to the hotel?Will there be a shuttle or bus service from Austin-Bergstrom Airport to the hotel?
Yes, the hotel provides a 24-hour complimentary shuttle service to and from the main terminal at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
Is this event in-person or virtual?Is this event in-person or virtual?
Both. There will be in-person and virtual audiences. Once the in-person capacity is met for the event’s location, we will close in-person registration.
If I registered for in-person, but would like to switch and watch online now, can I change my attendance status?If I registered for in-person, but would like to switch and watch online now, can I change my attendance status?
Yes, you may attend virtually instead of in-person. Please email InnovationSummit@ercot.com to let us know of that desired change, and we’ll work with you to make sure you’re on the correct registration list.
If I registered to attend online, when will I receive information on how to view, etc.? If I registered to attend online, when will I receive information on how to view, etc.?
You will receive an email with more information on live streaming and the link to watch, etc. 1-2 weeks before the Summit.
Will online attendees have a way to communicate (ask questions, etc.) with the panelists? Will online attendees have a way to communicate (ask questions, etc.) with the panelists?
Yes. The live streaming platform will have a way to submit questions. More details about the live streaming will be provided in an email closer to the event.
Will guests have to pay to park?Will guests have to pay to park?
No, you will not have to pay for parking during your stay at the event/hotel. You will receive a parking voucher during the event to use when you exit the hotel to insert in the parking kiosks.
Is this going to be a yearly event?Is this going to be a yearly event?
Yes, ERCOT is planning to make the Innovation Summit an annual event.
Is the event’s location handicap accessible? Is the event’s location handicap accessible?
Yes. The Innovation Summit’s location in the Bergstrom Ballroom at the Hilton Austin Airport is handicap accessible. There are ramps and/or elevators to access the hotel main lobby and the Bergstrom Ballroom, which is on the lower level of the hotel. If you have any specific accessibility concerns, please email InnovationSummit@ercot.com and we will work with you and the hotel to ensure your concerns are addressed.