Recognized and Inspired: Highlights from My First CIGRE Paris Session

Representing a leading company in synchrophasor solutions and the work done with our partners, one of the largest utilities in the United States, I felt a deep responsibility to do justice to our project and showcase the incredible efforts of my team. This was a chance to connect with professionals from around the world and contribute to the global conversation about powering the future.

Time flew by, and before I knew it, I was on my way to the event with my carry-on and a carefully crafted slide deck for my presentations, ready to dive into the experience of my first job-related international trip. Not too shabby for a Chilean immigrant making the journey all the way from Southern California, USA, to the old continent—Paris, the city of love, which also happens to be CIGRE’s headquarters and a hub for innovation and engineering.

And what can I say? I was not disappointed. On the first day of the event, not even jetlag and a nine-hour time difference could stop me from being awestruck by the sheer size and scale of the Paris session. Every floor of the Palais des Congrès revealed something new and fascinating—from technical exhibitions and expert panels to poster sessions, technology demonstrations, and presentations from all corners of the globe.

Walking into the CIGRE Paris session felt like stepping into a candy store stocked with every imaginable treat. But instead of gummies, there were drones and robots; instead of chocolates, there were speakers discussing inter-area oscillations and dynamic stability challenges in interconnected systems with high share of renewable energy. For someone who had spent years researching power system stability during my PhD and now works to enhance situational awareness for utilities and ISOs, this was the ultimate treat—and I was thrilled to add my own "flavor" to the mix with my participation in the poster presentation and Next Generation Network (NGN) presentations.

The poster session was one of the most exciting parts of the conference for me. Standing beside my poster, I had the chance to share our work with a diverse and engaged audience, answering questions, exchanging ideas, and receiving invaluable feedback from experts in the field. It was refreshing to hear so many different perspectives on my work from industry leaders tackling similar challenges in power grids around the world. The tailored solutions we had developed in the U.S. showed great potential to address global industry challenges, advancing renewable energy adoption while providing the grid with smarter, more reliable tools. These discussions helped me connect the dots between technological development and use case-driven innovation, reinforcing how vital our everyday work is in powering the world and building a sustainable future.

Two other key highlights of my first CIGRE Paris session were my NGN presentation in front of the Power System Operation and Control Study Committee and the NGN showcase. Sitting in the front row of a packed, state-of-the-art auditorium, I felt the energy of an audience eager to engage with the latest developments in our field. The panel of experts led the session with insights and dialogue, setting the stage for a day of shared learning. I was honored to share the stage with so many talented professionals, united by a common technological language and a shared vision for the future. My presentation was the very last of the session—apologies to those who stayed with me until the end—but the feedback I received made it worth the wait. Offstage, it opened the door to conversations, questions, and connections with people genuinely interested in the work my colleagues from AEP, EPG, and I had been doing. It even gave me the opportunity to hint at future projects we’re working on and how they’ll address some of the very challenges discussed at the Paris session.

The NGN showcase was another highlight—an opportunity to connect with young professionals embarking on their own journeys in the power systems industry, navigating the event as I was. Later, the best presentation of the showcase was announced, accompanied by inspiring speeches from NGN members reflecting on their CIGRE experiences. Listening to my international colleagues reminded me of the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone, taking risks, and saying "yes" to opportunities. Whether it’s volunteering for your local NGN, contributing to your national committee, or accepting an invitation to collaborate on a new project, every “yes” adds up. That message resonated deeply with me, as it mirrored my own path. My CIGRE journey began when I said “yes” to a colleague’s suggestion to submit our paper to the U.S. NGN competition two years ago in Chicago. Now, standing on the stage during the NGN networking event to accept the Best Presentation Award for the showcase, I couldn’t help but reflect on how far that decision had taken me. The very project we started years ago was now being recognized on an international stage, and I couldn’t be prouder of the journey.

And while the technical sessions and presentations were incredible, it was the vibrant social event that truly captured the spirit of camaraderie and connection that makes CIGRE so unique. The CIGRE Soirée at Les Pavillons de Bercy – Musée des Arts Forains – was the cherry on top of an already amazing experience. To anyone who thinks engineers don’t know how to have fun, they clearly haven’t been to the CIGRE Soirée! The museum, with its colorful and whimsical display of a bygone era, provided the perfect backdrop for a lively gathering where attendees could connect through fun games and activities.

I played a few rounds of games, watched a talented magician perform mesmerizing tricks, and enjoyed live music that set the tone for an unforgettable evening. Between the laughter, the fine drinks, and the delicious food, it was a fantastic opportunity to relax and strengthen friendships with my new CIGRE connections. The soirée was more than just a party—it was a celebration of the relationships that form the backbone of an industry built on cooperation and collaboration.

As I reflect on the whirlwind experience of my first CIGRE Paris session, I feel immense gratitude for the opportunities it brought—from presenting our work to engaging with global experts and creating lasting memories with peers. The session not only showcased the innovation driving the future of power systems but also highlighted the human connections that fuel that progress. I left Paris inspired, energized, and ready to take the next steps in my journey, knowing that the seeds planted at CIGRE will continue to grow for years to come.