Solar Conference San Diego

I spent this week in San Diego at the Solar Power International Conference. It's the world's largest solar conference and a good time. Even with 12,000 attendees I felt like a celebrity as I carried my 35+ week belly around the conference center and in and out of meetings. Being so pregnant actually worked to my favor. At such a large event with solar big shots present, I got more than my typical share of face time as both men and woman asked after my health and due date. So many folks shared a story from their wife's birth or own pregnancy. I was definitely more than another face in the crowd. Plus I think I earned some extra props for traveling, working and smiling with a huge baby in utero.

The solar energy industry and policy world is full of very cool people. The typical solar nerd tends to be eco-minded, forward thinking, adventurous and young. Plus there are a lot of women at the top. Martha Duggan, a VP at SunEdison told me this was in part because when electricity was de-regulated several years ago, a lot of women got out of the old boy queue at utilities and led the way at new companies in a newly competitive market. More than a few leading women in solar have shared both their enthusiasm for being a mother and a kick-ass solar leader. The stories of testifying before the state utilities commission two days before a due date or taking five months off to be with her new baby have both inspired and reassured me. Is there a secret club of professional moms that you join after having a baby?

Many folks asked me about whether the airline let me fly. Southwest Airlines says flying is fine through the 28th week and does not require a doctors note. Maybe those cheerful flight attendants are also skilled labor coaches? I was not worried about the 90 minute flight. I did worry about being overly tired, but Daniel attended the conference too and so I knew I had a good personal assistant. Mostly I had worried about what I was going to wear. I wish I had pictures but I think I looked pretty spiffy in two blue maternity dresses I got second hand recently and a pair of maternity gaucho shorts and top purchased late Friday night. With the dresses, I refused to concede to my condition and wore the cutest turquoise and navy open-toe wedge heels. The best compliment you can give a pregnant woman is to call her a hot mama. I smiled every time someone said so.

San Diego was a great trip. I built on relationships key for my policy work. I had fun at the open bar and appetizer parties every night. I asked my co-workers to down a free drink for me, and I think I may have come out on top as I was clear-headed each morning. And it was great to be with Daniel. We both realized what a joy it was to be foot-loose and fancy free, my 11 o'clock curfew not with standing, to schmooze with solar friends, change flights at a moments notice, ride a beach cruiser from the hotel to conference grounds. I was aware it may be awhile before we travel with such ease.