The 47^thParis Session was very successful, with a record number of 3,600 delegates among 9600 participants from 98 countries.

The keynote speaker of the opening ceremony, attended by 2500 in the Grand Amphitheatre of the Palais des Congrès of Paris on Sunday, was Audrey ZIBELMAN, President and CEO of the Australian Energy Market Operator, who delivered her vision of the electricity markets and business models of the future.

After her speech, the President of CIGRE, Rob STEPHEN, handed the distinctions to the new Honorary Members (7), CIGRE Fellows (5) and the CIGRE Medal to Klaus FRÖHLICH from Switzerland and Clark GELLINGS from the United States of America, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the technical and administrative activities of CIGRE.

Among the new initiatives tested during this Session, was the increased number of Session papers from 500 in 2016 to 600 in 2018, with the related poster sessions, the organization of 16 tutorials from Monday to Thursday with a total attendance of 3,600 and the introduction of electronic poster sessions attended by more than 6,800.

The opening panel on Monday morning, on the electrical system of the future and its challenges in contributing to a sustainable world, opening up to disruptive developments, and guaranteeing safe operation, got the attention of 1200 attendees.

With more than 300 exhibitors, the technical exhibition was very successful and attended by more than 9,600 visitors and delegates.

The Session program also included a forum on CIGRE Women in Engineering attended by 220 persons, a Next Generation Network forum, a National Committees forum, and last but not least a memorable cocktail party at La Cité de la Mode et du Design.

This Session was a timely opportunity for CIGRE Central Office, with the support of the Steering Committee and a professional consultant, to inform the National Committee of the new brand and communication material including CIGRE’s new logo.