Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The NREL Industry Growth Forum is a premier event dedicated to energy innovation and investment, taking place from May 5-7, 2027, at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel in Denver, USA. This forum brings together startups, investors, and industry leaders to foster connections and explore new opportunities in the energy sector.
With structured networking sessions and a pitch competition, participants can engage with cutting-edge technologies and market trends. NREL Industry Growth Forum takes.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: 5-7 May 2027 at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel in downtown Denver, Colorado.
- 2Organiser: Hosted by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and run through industrygrowthforum.com, with NREL researchers and DOE programme staff in the room.
- 3Format: A deal-making forum rather than a hall-based expo - company pitch sessions, pre-matched investor one-on-one meetings and sector panels on clean energy technology commercialisation.
- 4Scale and Focus: Built to connect more than 200 investors with early- and growth-stage clean energy startups, with a meeting programme organised around 2,000+ pre-scheduled one-on-one sessions.
- 5Who Attends: Clean energy founders raising first or growth rounds, venture and corporate venture investors, utility and offtake strategists, accelerators and national-lab technology scouts.
Why visit
Attendees will gain access to over 200 active investors and industry partners, participate in structured one-on-one networking sessions, and observe startup pitches to industry experts. Dates and Venue: The NREL Industry Growth Forum takes place from May 5-7, 2027, at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel in Denver, USA. Buyer Authority: Attendees include startups, investors, industry leaders, and researchers focused on energy solutions.
Why exhibit
For a clean energy startup or technology sponsor, the Industry Growth Forum compresses months of investor outreach into three days in Denver. Attending NREL Industry Growth Forum on 2027-05-05 to 2027-05-07 in Denver lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit - worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Clean energy startup founders and CEOs raising seed, Series A or growth capital
Venture capital and growth equity investors with cleantech or climate mandates
Corporate venture capital and strategic innovation leads from utilities, OEMs and energy majors
Technology scouts and licensing officers from national laboratories and research institutes
Utility resource planners, offtake and procurement strategists evaluating emerging technologies
Accelerator and incubator programme directors sourcing portfolio companies
Foundation, philanthropic and government programme officers funding energy innovation
Legal, IP and transaction advisors supporting clean energy financings
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Early- and growth-stage clean energy technology companies seeking investment and pilot partners
Solar PV, energy storage and power electronics developers
Hydrogen, carbon management and industrial decarbonisation technology firms
Grid modernisation, DERMS and energy management software vendors
National laboratory technology transfer offices and research spin-outs
Accelerators, incubators and cluster organisations presenting portfolio companies
Professional service providers to clean energy scale-ups such as IP counsel, grant consultancies and engineering testing labs
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Solar photovoltaic modules, inverters and balance-of-system hardware
Lithium-ion and long-duration energy storage systems
Hydrogen production, electrolysers and storage technology
Grid modernisation, distributed energy resource management and grid-edge software
Building energy efficiency, heat pumps and demand flexibility systems
Carbon capture, utilisation and industrial decarbonisation processes
Transportation electrification, charging infrastructure and fleet energy management
Energy analytics, resource modelling and project finance tooling
Location & Facilities
Venue
Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel
Denver, USA
Facilities
Parking
Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel in Denver typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel in Denver typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Who runs the show
Organisers
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Denver, USA
Why it matters
Attending NREL Industry Growth Forum on 2027-05-05 to 2027-05-07 in Denver lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Denver International
to venue
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel
4-star (on-site venue hotel)
Downtown DenverThe forum venue itself, so no daily commute: meeting rooms, one-on-one tables and networking are in the same building. Amenities include paid Wi-Fi, paid parking, outdoor pool, air conditioning, pet-friendly policy, fitness centre, breakfast and bar. Rates rise during conference weeks - book early and confirm the attendee room block with the organiser.
Sheraton Denver West Hotel
3-star
Denver West / Lakewood corridorWest-side option with free Wi-Fi, free parking, fitness centre, breakfast and bar; cheaper than downtown but requires a 15-25 min drive or rideshare to the venue each day. Useful if you are road-tripping or combining the forum with Front Range site visits.
Four Points by Sheraton Englewood Centennial Airport
3-star
Englewood / Centennial Airport corridor, about 22.3 km from the venue hotelLowest-cost of the three for most dates, with free Wi-Fi, free parking, outdoor pool and breakfast. Best for late arrivals into DEN who only need a bed, not for walkable access - plan a rideshare for each forum day.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
commuter rail
Estimated costUSD 12-28 airport or regional rail single journey
Best forDenver International (DEN) to Denver Union Station, then a short walk or rideshare to the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel
Fare-appropriate alternative to a taxi for solo travellers; the rail leg takes roughly 37 minutes and runs frequently through the day. Buy the airport fare at the station or in the RTD app before boarding.
rideshare (Uber or Lyft)
Estimated costApprox. USD 55-75 one way for a standard ride (estimate; surge pricing and traffic vary)
Best forDenver International (DEN) to Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel
Fastest Google Maps driving route at capture was 23.1 miles via Pena Boulevard and I-70 W, about 29 minutes in normal traffic; a 22.7-mile alternative via Colorado Boulevard takes about 33 minutes. Pick-up is on the airport's designated rideshare level.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD 60-80 metered one way, plus tip (confirm with the driver or dispatch app)
Best forDenver International (DEN) to Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel
Metered cabs are available curbside at DEN; a metered fare typically lands above the budget rideshare tier but avoids surge pricing. Allow 45-60 min at peak times.
light rail and local bus (RTD)
Estimated costUSD 2.50-6 single metro/light-rail journey (contactless)
Best forUnion Station and downtown Denver to the venue district
Downtown light rail and bus lines converge on Union Station and the 16th Street corridor, which puts most downtown hotels within a short walk or one stop of the venue hotel.
free downtown shuttle
Estimated costFree (USD 0), no ticket required
Best for16th Street MallRide shuttle through the downtown core
RTD-operated shuttle running along 16th Street in downtown Denver; the cheapest way to hop between downtown hotels and the venue area during the forum.
parking (venue hotel garage)
Estimated costApprox. USD 30-45 per night self-parking (confirm the current rate at booking)
Best forSheraton Denver Downtown Hotel self-parking
On-site parking is listed as a paid amenity at the venue hotel. Garage height limits and event-day congestion apply, so arrive early or use valet where offered.
parking (downtown meters)
Estimated costApprox. USD 2-3 per hour at downtown meters (confirm signage; enforcement on weekdays)
Best forMetered on-street parking near the venue hotel
Metered spaces turn over quickly in the downtown core and most have short time limits - realistic only for drop-offs and short meetings, not full forum days.
Weather
Early May is late spring in Denver: mild, sunny afternoons but sharp overnight cooling and a real chance of afternoon thunderstorms or late snow showers. Daytime highs typically sit in the high teens to mid 20s Celsius (mid 60s to mid 70s Fahrenheit), with nights dropping to around 4-9 C (40-48 F). The city sits at roughly 1,600 m (5,280 ft), so UV is strong and dehydration and fatigue hit faster - drink water through the day and take the first evening easy. Pack layers, a light rain shell and comfortable shoes for walking between downtown hotels and the venue. These are climatological norms, not a forecast: check a live Denver forecast in the week before travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
U.S. mobile networks use eSIM-friendly LTE/5G, so an eSIM data plan bought before departure is usually cheaper than roaming for international attendees. The venue hotel lists Wi-Fi as a paid amenity, so plan for either a hotel Wi-Fi package or a hotspot for meeting-heavy days. Power is 120 V at 60 Hz with Type A/B plugs - travellers from Europe or Asia need a converter, not just a plug adapter. Denver is on Mountain Time (UTC-6 in May with daylight saving), which means a 7-9 hour gap to European offices and a 15-17 hour gap to Australia; schedule investor follow-ups accordingly.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Altitude and pacing
Denver sits at about 1,600 m, and visitors often feel breathless or tired on day one. Keep the first evening light, drink more water than usual, and avoid scheduling back-to-back meetings for your arrival day.
Business dress
Clean energy investment events in Colorado run business casual: collared shirts, jackets without ties, and trousers with comfortable shoes for walking between meeting rooms. A blazer is enough for evening receptions.
Meeting style
Introductions are short and direct, and investors expect a clear ask within the first minute. Bring a one-line thesis, a two-page summary and a follow-up contact rather than a long corporate deck.
Tipping and payments
Card payment works nearly everywhere, but tipping is expected: 18-20 percent at restaurants and bars and a few dollars per bag for hotel staff. Sales tax is added at checkout, so listed prices are not final.
Local transport etiquette
Rideshare pick-ups in downtown Denver use designated curbside zones; confirm the pin with your driver before getting in. On the 16th Street shuttle, board at any door and step aside for commuters during rush hour.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: DEN
Denver International (DEN) is the only major commercial airport serving the metro, so every itinerary ends there. Captures for the 5 May 2027 arrival show nonstop service from New York JFK with JetBlue at about 4 hr 38 min and a nonstop from Tokyo NRT at about 10 hr 35 min, plus one-stop routings from London LHR and Sydney SYD. Book as soon as your registration is confirmed: May is a busy Denver convention month, and fares on nonstop long-haul routes move fastest. For international arrivals, leave a full day before the 5 May opening to clear immigration and adjust to the altitude, and check that your connection allows at least two hours at U.S. gateway airports. Fares vary by origin and booking date, so compare live quotes rather than relying on indicative figures.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Denver International (DEN). Allow road or rail time to Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel: Downtown Denver: Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel; Denver West / Lakewood corridor: Sheraton Denver West Hotel; Englewood / Centennial Airport corridor, about 22.3 km from the venue hotel: Four Points by Sheraton Englewood Centennial Airport.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft both operate across Denver, including airport pick-ups from DEN's designated rideshare level and downtown curbside zones around the venue hotel. Approximate one-way fares are USD 55-75 between DEN and downtown, with surge pricing during morning and evening peaks and around large conventions. Share a ride with colleagues where possible, confirm the licence plate and driver name before entering the car, and keep a card on file rather than paying cash. For short downtown hops during the forum, walking or the free 16th Street shuttle is usually faster than waiting for a car.
Public transit: Denver's regional transport operator runs a commuter rail line from Denver International to Denver Union Station, an approximate USD 10 airport fare, plus light rail and bus lines converging on Union Station and the downtown core. Local single fares run at approximately USD 3 with a day pass around USD 6, and the 16th Street shuttle through downtown is free. For the Industry Growth Forum, transit gets you to within a short walk of the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel; the last connection from Union Station is best done on foot or with a short rideshare. Check live schedules and buy tickets in the transit app before boarding, since front-door cash payment is not universal.
Parking: The Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel lists paid parking as a guest amenity, with self-parking typically in the USD 30-45 per night range - confirm the current rate with the hotel when you book, along with garage height limits. Day visitors should expect downtown garage rates in a similar or higher band and reserve a space in advance during conference weeks. On-street meters near the venue run at roughly USD 2-3 per hour with short time limits and weekday enforcement, so they suit drop-offs rather than full forum days. If you are driving from Denver West or the Centennial Airport corridor, compare garage costs against a rideshare before committing.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: May (late spring) in Denver, Colorado
Temperature: Approx. daytime highs 18-24 C (65-75 F), overnight lows 4-9 C (40-48 F) - climatological norms for early May in Denver; afternoon thunderstorms are common, so confirm the forecast before travel.
Packing: May 2027
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at NREL Industry Growth Forum usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Day 14 - Confirm your registration category at industrygrowthforum.com and check whether investor or startup credentials require approval before travel.
T-2
Day 14 - Book the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel or a downtown alternative; May is a busy conference month in Denver and room blocks tighten closer to the date.
T-3
Day 12 - Compare flights into Denver International (DEN) and build in an arrival buffer for the 5 May start; nonstop options exist from major U.S. hubs.
T-4
Day 10 - Draft your one-line investment or technology thesis so meeting matches are relevant; prepare a two-page summary for quick introductions.
T-5
Day 9 - Request the meeting-scheduling details from the organiser and block priority slots before they are taken.
T-6
Day 7 - Plan ground transport: RTD A Line rail from DEN to Union Station plus a short walk or rideshare, or pre-book a rideshare for a late arrival.
T-7
Day 5 - Check the Denver forecast; early May swings between mild afternoons and cold nights, so pack layers and a light rain shell.
T-8
Day 4 - Confirm your passport, ESTA or B-1 visa status and travel insurance, and save digital and paper copies of key documents.
T-9
Day 3 - Print or download the agenda, note the pitch session blocks and identify the investors or startups you want to approach first.
T-10
Day 2 - Set up a U.S.-compatible eSIM or roaming plan and test your meeting calendar and email on your phone.
T-11
Day 1 - Arrive in Denver, hydrate early for the altitude, and walk the venue to locate pitch rooms and the one-on-one meeting area.
T-12
Day 0 - On the first morning, collect your badge early, review the printed meeting schedule and keep the afternoon free for follow-up conversations.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2NREL Industry Growth Forum registration concourse
Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$240.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$390.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether NREL Industry Growth Forum fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published - confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources - confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
What is the Industry Growth Forum in Denver?
It is the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's investor-focused clean energy event, held 5-7 May 2027 at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel. The programme centres on startup pitches and pre-matched one-on-one meetings between clean energy companies and investors, rather than a conventional exhibition hall.
Who should attend the Industry Growth Forum?
Clean energy founders raising capital, venture and corporate venture investors, utility offtake and innovation teams, national-lab technology scouts, accelerators and transaction advisors. If your work involves financing or commercialising an energy technology, the meeting format is built for you; if you are a general consumer looking for products, this is not a public show.
Is the Industry Growth Forum open to the public or trade only?
Attendance is by registration through industrygrowthforum.com, and the programme is designed for investors, startups and industry professionals. Attendee categories and any eligibility conditions for startup pitch applicants are set by the organiser, so confirm your category before booking travel.
When and where does the 2027 edition take place?
5-7 May 2027 at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel in downtown Denver, Colorado. The venue is a 4-star hotel with meeting space on site, which keeps pitch rooms, one-on-one tables and networking sessions within one building.
How do I register and what does it cost?
Registration is handled online at industrygrowthforum.com, with different categories for attendees, startups and sponsors. Fees and any early-bird windows change by edition, so check the organiser's current registration page rather than relying on figures from previous years.
How are the one-on-one investor meetings arranged?
Meetings are pre-scheduled and matched around a startup's technology sector, stage and funding ask, then held in short appointment slots across the forum. Confirm the matching platform and booking deadlines with the organiser once your registration is confirmed, because slots fill before the event opens.
Can international startups and investors attend?
Yes. Travellers from Visa Waiver Program countries normally use ESTA, while other nationalities typically need a B-1 business visitor visa; apply well ahead of May 2027 and carry a passport valid for at least six months beyond your stay. Ask the organiser for an invitation letter if your visa appointment requires proof of purpose.
How do I get from Denver International Airport to the venue?
Denver International (DEN) is roughly 23 miles from downtown. The RTD A Line commuter rail runs to Denver Union Station in about 37 minutes for an approximate USD 10 airport fare, while a rideshare or taxi takes around 29-33 minutes in normal traffic and costs substantially more. Allow 45-60 minutes by road at peak times.
Glossary
- NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory)
- The U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory based in Golden, Colorado, that hosts the Industry Growth Forum and provides the technical research base behind many of the technologies presented at the event.
- Industry Growth Forum (IGF)
- NREL's investor-facing forum that brings clean energy startups together with venture, corporate and institutional investors for pitch sessions and pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings.
- One-on-one meetings
- Short, pre-matched appointments booked before the forum between a startup and an investor or corporate partner, based on technology sector, stage and investment thesis.
- Pitch session
- A timed presentation in which a selected startup presents its technology, business model and funding ask to an audience of investors and industry attendees.
- Technology readiness level (TRL)
- A 1-9 scale describing how close a technology is to commercial deployment; investors at the forum use it to separate lab-stage concepts from bankable products.
- Corporate venture capital (CVC)
- An investment arm owned by a utility, OEM or energy company that invests strategically in startups, often with a pilot or supply relationship attached.
- Offtake agreement
- A contract to buy the output of an energy project or product line, which investors treat as evidence of bankable demand when underwriting a scale-up round.
- Levelized cost of energy (LCOE)
- The lifetime cost of a generation or storage asset divided by its lifetime output, the standard benchmark investors use to compare competing clean energy technologies.
- DERMS (distributed energy resource management system)
- Software that coordinates rooftop solar, batteries, EV chargers and flexible loads on the distribution grid; a recurring category among grid-software companies presenting at the forum.
- DOE funding opportunity announcement (FOA)
- A published U.S. Department of Energy solicitation through which companies and laboratories apply for grant funding, frequently referenced by early-stage energy startups as non-dilutive capital.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- NREL Industry Growth Forum 2027
- NREL Industry Growth Forum Denver 2027
- NREL 2027
- NREL Denver 2027
- Denver USA
- Energy Innovation Conference Denver 2027
- Energy Innovation Conference Conference Denver
- Innovative energy technologies
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.