Those of you within striking distance of the Boston area may wish to attend the Tufts Energy Conference, which will be held on April 16-17 in Medford, Mass. Why? We’ll give you three reasons.

First, several very smart, very engaging energy-sector personalities will be there. The list of speakers and panelists includes, but is not limited, to: Joseph Stanislaw, Co-founder of Cambridge Energy Research Associates; Michael Eckhart, Founder and President of the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE); Sara Greenbaum, Chief Strategy Office of the Clinton Climate Initiative (CCI); and, finally, Tufts staffers Bruce Everett and William Moomaw who, in addition to their reputations as top-notch professors, are also known for their annual locking-of-horns over the future of fossil fuels in the global economy. (We won’t say which one is wary of oil and carbon-based fuels. All we’ll tell you is that Professor Moomaw and his wife recently completed construction of an ultra-efficient, low-impact home using the latest and greatest green-building technologies.)

Second, the panel discussions look really interesting. Here’s just a taste:

• Evolving Fossil Fuels: Highlighting developments of the coal, oil and natural gas industries in a world increasingly concerned with sustainability.
• Renewables to Scale: Exploring domestic perspectives on rapidly scaling up the development of the alternative energy sector.
• Energy in Emerging Markets: Leaning how emerging markets can better manage the balance between economic growth and environmental impact.
• Green Technology and Entrepreneurship: A discussion on the roles of technology, entrepreneurship and venture capital in the renewable energy industry, from the viewpoints of innovators and financiers.

For a complete list of topics, consult the schedule.

Third, FREE COFFEE! What better way to hob-nob, network and rub elbows with some of the energy sector’s leading brains than over a cup of free joe? Answer: there is no better way.

If you’re interested in attending, try to register before the end of the day on Saturday, April 3 and you’ll get an early registration discount.