Recharge and reconnect!
We are pleased to announce the annual CAPE Users’ Group Meeting, plus refresher training, and the one-day Tony Giuliante protection seminar... and, as always, you are invited! We promise an exceptional opportunity to expand your knowledge of system protection, learn the latest about CAPE, guide CAPE’s future development, and meet with colleagues from other companies and countries.
We work to make the User Group Meeting accessible to every CAPE customer because we're totally convinced of the value of a face-to-face confab. One online registration form covers all three events: the protection seminar, Users’ Group Meeting, and the training days.
CAPE Users’ Group Meeting
8:30 a.m – 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, June 24 – 25
$375 (includes 2 continental breakfasts, 2 lunches, one dinner)
This 2-day session is eligible for 1.5 continuing education units
We have a lot to share with you. We continue to focus on serious new tools that will let CAPE do more for you and will help you with more of the real-world problems you face daily. Beyond all the work that has been done, we want to hear your ideas on what should be done in the future.
We'll do our part to introduce you to green energy sources too: great meals and between-meal treats are never far away at our UGM.
Here are just a few of the planned topics:
- Automatic relay reset and reclosing
- More detailed bus structures beyond your dreams (and ours)
- How to model wind farms in CAPE
- Graphic fault location tool
- Arc flash calculations in CAPE
- New idea for a CAPE link with an electromagnetic transients analysis
- New! U.S. Department of Energy project to link CAPE with a transient stability analysis
CAPE new user and refresher training
Economical refresher training classes will be held again this year on Thursday and Friday, June 21-22. This is a great way for current users to extend their CAPE skills and for new users to get the “big picture” quickly. You can sign up in half-day increments. You’ll need 
to bring your own laptop and, optionally, your own database. $350 / day ($175/half-day); includes continental breakfast (am) and lunch (pm). Each full-day session is eligible for .75 continuing education units
Choose your topics when you register. Each topic is a half-day class except "CAPE for new users," which is a whole day. Preliminary list:
- CAPE for new users (1 full day - covers Database Editor, Short Circuit, One-Line Diagram, and Coordination Graphics)
- Modeling detailed bus structures and open-ended lines with OL
- Using Coordination Graphics and its special displays
- System Simulator and Relay Checking including pilot protection
- Introduction to writing macros
- Introduction to ready-to-use Relay Setting algorithms
- Modeling transformers, neutral buses, neutral networks
- Breaker duty analysis
- Data compare, merge, and management techniques
- Modeling transmission lines with Line Constants
- Introduction to SQL and associated reporting
Accommodations
Most attendees stay at the Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest, which is effectively part of the conference center (no umbrella needed to protect you from the bright Michigan sun). To make your room reservations with the Marriott, call 800-228-9290 (U.S. and Canada) or 734-487-2000. We have reserved a block of rooms at a group rate. To receive the group rate of US$145 / night, identify yourself as part of the Electrocon group (reservation code ELI).
The deadline for this room rate is May 30. After this date, the Marriott will accept reservations if rooms are available, but the group rate will not apply. Not to create anxiety, but last year, we used our room block prior to the deadline, so don’t delay. (If you prefer to stay at another hotel in Ann Arbor and can taxi or rent a car, we will be happy to send you recommendations.)
Transportation
If you travel by plane, fly to Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW). It’s halfway between Detroit and Ann Arbor and about 15 minutes from the conference center. Transportation from the airport to the hotel and conference center is available from a shuttle service, Select Ride Airport Shuttle, $36.50 one way. This is a shared-ride, door-to-door service. Call 866-663-8898 to make a reservation at least two days in advance. Or there are plenty of taxis and limos available on the spot.
Area map (PDF)
Attitude adjustment: Monday night dinner
Monday evening. For those who wish to fortify themselves for two days of intense technical discourse, we will offer an all-you-can-
laugh bus ride to a local restaurant again this year. We provide the transportation and great company; you pay for your own dinner. We promise to have you back to your hotel not much later than 9 p.m. Great fun! More details soon.
Attire
Yes, but don’t dress up. You’ll stand out.
Food
Our record is clean. No one has ever gone hungry during this meeting. There will be “continuous break” food bars outside the conference and seminar rooms, which provide a more-than-adequate breakfast for most of us. Lunches are part of your registration fee for each day you attend an event. Happy hour and dinner on Tuesday evening may spoil your present good eating habits, but they are always fun ...and the price is right (no additional charge).
See you in June!
The CAPE UGM brings together a wonderful group of protection engineering experts. The atmosphere is interactive and enjoyable. We hope you’ll all be able to attend. You won’t regret it. On behalf of the entire CAPE team, we look forward personally and professionally to seeing you.
Meeting dates
Monday, June 23: Tony Giuliante Protection Seminar ($375)
Tuesday-Wednesday, June 24-25: CAPE Users’ Group Meeting ($375)
Thursday-Friday, June 26-27: CAPE Refresher Training ($350/day)
Register online for any or all of the content-packed events.
Location
Meetings: Eagle Crest Conference Center
Accommodations: Ann Arbor Marriott at Eagle Crest
1275 South Huron Street Ypsilanti, MI 48197 (map)
800-228-9290 (U.S. and Canada) or 734-487-2000.
Registration code: ELI
Reserve your room by May 30 to get the group rate.
Tony Giuliante Protection Seminar: Learning Distance Relaying Using the CAPE Playback Macro
Each year we offer a one-day professional seminar on a high-interest topic in system protection. This year Tony Giuliante will examine distance relays, making the subject accessible for anyone from beginners to advanced practitioners. Tony's practical approach and depth of real-world experience will provide insights you can use immediately. More
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday, June 23. $375 (includes continental breakfast and lunch)
