Media Advisory: University of Missouir System to host Missouri Energy Summit

WHAT: The four campuses of the University of Missouri System will host their first Missouri Energy Summit to explore the next frontiers in energy research, development, management and consumption. The summit will feature a robust lineup of speakers on topics ranging from energy policy and research to energy security, management and consumption. T. Boone Pickens, a visionary in the nation's future energy strategy, will be the keynote speaker.

WHEN: April 22-23, 2009. A full program schedule can be found at www.missourisummits.com.

WHERE: MU campus, Columbia, Mo. A full program schedule can be found at www.missourisummits.com.

WHY: University of Missouri System President Gary Forsee has underscored the four campuses' commitment to serving as strategic assets and leaders in helping the state address challenges, including the currently volatile economic environment.  Previously, Forsee announced the university would host two economic development initiatives in 2009—one on energy in the spring, and another on the biological and life sciences in the fall. The university has invited faculty and researchers, businesses, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, federal and state agencies, students and citizens from across the state and beyond to the Missouri Energy Summit to explore energy research and development opportunities, discuss energy policy issues, and create new energy jobs to strengthen the state's economy.

Media credentialing:
Journalists interested in attending Pickens' speech or any other portion of the Missouri Energy Summit should contact the MU News Bureau at (573) 882-6211 to request media credentials. Reporters who register for credentials may pick up media passes at 329 Jesse Hall during the conference. They should bring identification as a media representative when they pick up their passes.

Media opportunities:
Reserved seating for media is available in the balcony level of Jesse Auditorium. A direct audio feed is available from that location.

Reporters interested in interviewing speakers have the following opportunities:

• T. Boone Pickens: A 30-minute press conference will be held immediately following Pickens' speech. The press conference will begin at 1 p.m., Wednesday, April 22 in Jesse Hall Room 220.  For reporters unable to attend the summit in person, the following dial-in phone number is available to ask questions during the press conference: (866) 434-5269; Access Code: 6109108.
• All other Missouri Energy Summit speakers: Each scheduled Missouri Energy Summit speaker in Jesse Auditorium will be available for media inquiries for 15 minutes in Jesse Hall Room 220 immediately following his/her speech.

An Internet connection is available in Jesse Hall Room 220 for reporters' use. Please note that extra computers and phones will not be available.

Reporters unable to attend the Missouri Energy Summit:
The University of Missouri System has made the following accommodations for reporters unable to attend the Missouri Energy Summit, but who would still like to cover the event:

• Most summit speakers will be video streamed live. The video stream can be accessed online from www.missourisummits.com.
• A dial-in number (see below) is available throughout the duration of the summit for reporters who would like to interview summit speakers, including Pickens. Reporters should listen to the live stream of the summit, then call the number immediately following the conclusion of the speech. All speakers except Pickens will be available for questions for 15 minutes following their speech. Pickens will be available for 30 minutes.

Dial-in number:
The dial-in number for reporters unable to attend the Missouri Energy Summit is
(866) 434-5269; Access Code: 6109108.

Event day assistance:
Media questions the day of the event should be addressed to Assistant Director of Strategic Communications Jennifer Hollingshead at (573) 882-0601 or the MU News Bureau at (573) 882-6211.