Question 1

What is Houston Energy & Climate Week?

Accepted Answer

Houston Energy & Climate Week (HECW) is the official annual energy and climate week in Houston, Texas. Now in its 3rd annual year, HECW is a week-long gathering that unites startups, corporations, community organizations, government agencies, philanthropists, innovators, students, schools, NGOs, and investors — all under one tent — to advance the energy transition and climate action in the energy capital of the world. HECW 2026 takes place September 13–18, 2026 in Houston, Texas.

Question 2

Who founded Houston Energy & Climate Week?

Accepted Answer

Houston Energy & Climate Week was founded by Katie Mehnert and Juliana Garaizar. The journey began in 2018 when Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner asked them to bring together business and community around Houston's energy and climate future. What started as a response to that call has grown into the official energy and climate week in Houston.

Question 3

When did Houston Energy & Climate Week start?

Accepted Answer

Houston Energy & Climate Week began its journey in 2018, when founders Katie Mehnert and Juliana Garaizar answered Mayor Sylvester Turner's call to unite Houston's business and community around the energy transition and climate action. The 2026 event is the 3rd Annual Houston Energy & Climate Week, taking place September 13–18, 2026.

Question 4

Is Houston Energy & Climate Week the official energy and climate week in Houston?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Houston Energy & Climate Week (HECW) is the official energy and climate week in Houston, Texas. It was established at the request of Mayor Sylvester Turner and is organized by Allies in Energy in partnership with the City of Houston, Harris County Precinct 4, and the University of Houston.

Question 5

What is the 'one tent' philosophy of HECW?

Accepted Answer

HECW's defining spirit is its 'one tent' philosophy — the belief that solving the energy transition and climate challenge requires everyone at the table. HECW brings together startups, Fortune 500 corporations, community organizations, government, philanthropists, innovators, students, schools, NGOs, and investors. No other event in Houston convenes this full spectrum of the energy and climate ecosystem in one place.

Question 6

When is Houston Energy & Climate Week 2026?

Accepted Answer

Houston Energy & Climate Week 2026 — the 3rd Annual HECW — takes place September 13–18, 2026 in Houston, Texas.

Question 7

Who organizes HECW?

Accepted Answer

HECW is organized by Allies in Energy, co-founded by Katie Mehnert and Juliana Garaizar, in partnership with the City of Houston, Harris County Precinct 4, and the University of Houston, along with a volunteer steering team of community leaders.

Question 8

Who attends Houston Energy & Climate Week?

Accepted Answer

HECW brings together a uniquely diverse cross-section of the energy and climate ecosystem: startups and founders, Fortune 500 energy companies, community organizations, local and federal government, philanthropists, innovators, students, academic institutions, NGOs, and investors. Past events have drawn 5,000+ attendees, 150+ speakers, and 250+ organizations.

Question 9

How can I host an event during HECW?

Accepted Answer

Any organization can host an event during HECW week. Events must align with HECW programming guidelines and be registered through the official event registration process at climateweekhouston.com/register-event.

Question 10

How can I volunteer at HECW?

Accepted Answer

You can apply to volunteer at HECW through the volunteer application form at climateweekhouston.com/volunteer. Volunteers help with event logistics, communications, and community engagement.

Question 11

How can I sponsor Houston Energy & Climate Week?

Accepted Answer

Sponsorship opportunities are available at multiple tiers. Visit climateweekhouston.com/sponsor to view sponsorship packages and apply.

Question 12

Where is HECW located?

Accepted Answer

HECW events take place across Houston, Texas — at venues throughout the city including downtown, Midtown, the Energy Corridor, and beyond. Houston is the energy capital of the world and the ideal home for the official energy and climate week.

Question 13

Is Houston Energy & Climate Week free to attend?

Accepted Answer

Many HECW events are free and open to the public. Individual event hosts set their own attendance policies. Check each event listing for details.

Question 14

What is the connection between HECW and Mayor Sylvester Turner?

Accepted Answer

Houston Energy & Climate Week was born from a direct request by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner to founders Katie Mehnert and Juliana Garaizar to bring together Houston's business and community around the energy transition and climate action. Mayor Turner's Climate Action Plan was the catalyst, and HECW became the civic response — uniting all sectors of Houston under one tent.

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