The role of local partnerships in international conferences

Elena Perez

Head of Events and Engagement, IHA

Elena joined IHA in December 2020 as Conference Manger to lead the planning and delivery of the 2021 World Hydropower Congress. In October 2021, she became senior stakeholder manager working with staff across the different teams to help build and manage relationships with members and stakeholders beyond membership and the industry.

Elena has a wealth of experience in high-profile events management and stakeholder management with a focus on environmental and social issues. She has previously worked as an events manager at Business in the Community and Green Alliance, as well working as a research scientist and policy assistant with a focus on environmental issues both in the UK and the US.

Elena holds a BSC in Geology from the University of Granada and a PhD in Oceanography from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California in San Diego.

: https://www.hydropower.org/

Elaine Tan

Regional Manager, Southeast Asia, IHA

Elaine Tan joined the International Hydropower Association (IHA) in December 2022 through a two-year secondment with Sarawak Energy, an energy development and power utility company based in Sarawak, Malaysia. She initially took on the role of Stakeholder Engagement Manager, where she collaborated with members and diverse stakeholders beyond the membership and industry to advocate for and promote sustainable hydropower. Her efforts have been integral to various initiatives and campaigns, including flagship IHA events such as the World Hydropower Congress and Global Hydropower Day.

Currently, Elaine serves as the Regional Lead for Southeast Asia at IHA, where she is dedicated to advancing sustainable hydropower development to fuel the region's sustainable growth. In this role, she works closely with multiple stakeholders and members to promote best practices and innovative solutions in the sector.

With over 25 years of professional experience in corporate communication, Elaine has a proven track record in managing corporate reputation through proactive and strategic communication and advocacy, as well as brand campaigns across local, regional, and international levels..

Elaine is also a founding team member of the Sarawak Sustainability & Renewable Energy Forum (SAREF), a platform established to champion the role of renewable hydropower in the region. During her tenure as Head of Communication at Sarawak Forestry, she played a key role in a project that successfully converted private land into a fully protected area, working alongside various stakeholders to achieve this conservation milestone.

Elaine is an internal assessor of Hydropower Sustainability Standard. She is also an accredited member of the Malaysia Institute of Public Relations Network. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Tourism Management from Northern University of Malaysia. In addition to her professional pursuits, Elaine is passionate about mentoring women and engaging with young professionals through outreach activities.

: https://www.hydropower.org/
: elaine-tan-0b6840168