Empower growth through new ideas
Join us in Phoenix, Arizona for the APPA Business & Financial Conference, the annual meeting for public power professionals in the areas of business and finance, offering more than 40 sessions to bring you the latest in:
- Accounting & Finance
- Human Resources
- IT & Cybersecurity
- Rates & Pricing
- Risk Management & Insurance
Agenda
Program
The Business & Financial Conference offers three days of keynotes, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities.
- Pre-conference seminars on Sunday are a great value-add, allowing you to explore topics in-depth with experienced instructors.
- General sessions bring everyone together on broader issues.
- Breakout sessions dive deeper into key areas:
- Accounting & Finance
- Human Resources
- Information Technology & Cybersecurity
- Rates & Pricing
- Risk Management & Insurance
- Networking events and the sponsor showcase provide connection opportunities.
Agenda at a Glance
Sunday, September 17 |
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8:30 am - 5 pm |
Preconference SeminarsAll seminars require an additional fee. |
8:30 am - Noon
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Foundations for Long-Term Financial Stability Gain confidence in your ability to understand and communicate the financial position of your utility through financial statement analysis. Understand the content and purpose of the balance sheet, income and cash flow statements and how the information can come together to paint a picture of the utility’s financial position. Learn how to use the trial balance to create these important documents, as well as prepare a long-term financial forecast. Gain familiarity with key financial terms and targets such as debt to equity ratio, age of system, minimum cash reserves, debt coverage ratio and how they can be used for decisions regarding the utility’s long-term financial sustainability. Topics
Dawn Lund, Vice President, Utility Financial Solutions |
1:30 - 5 pm
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Approaching Challenges and Opportunities in Public Utility Accounting Gain an understanding of current Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards and federal grant funding opportunities. Deep dive into how to continue to monitor leases and maintain compliance; and review the differences between the standard for leases and the standard for subscription-based information technology. Get updated on the latest federal funding opportunities available to public power and how your utility can leverage – and properly plan for – these opportunities. Topics
Bethany Ryers, CPA, MAS, Partner, Baker Tilly; and Dan La Haye, CPA, Senior Manager, Baker Tilly |
1:30 - 5 pm
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Creating a Go-to Workplace Culture The most important leadership focus in today’s workplace is on culture. And the ideal culture has shifted from one that prizes employee satisfaction to one that focuses on employee fulfillment and belonging. We are now in the age of purpose, with employees focused on meaning and making a difference on the job. Learn what it takes to create a workplace culture that employees want to be a part of and contribute to optimal success. Examine the three key ingredients to employee fulfillment and belonging in this highly interactive session. Explore approaches to building a culture of belonging and becoming a GO-TO workplace for employees and leave with applicable tools to use in your organization. Topics
Dr. Trish “Doc” Holliday, Vice President of Human Resources and Corporate Services, Nashville Electric Service, Tennessee |
2 - 4 pm
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Current State of the Insurance Market/Risk Management & Insurance - Roundtable Get a jump on the conference with an update on the cyber, property, and liability insurance markets followed by a discussion with your risk management and insurance peers. Open to all registrants. Sarah Baldys, Senior Vice President, FINPRO U.S. Power & Renewables Leader, Marsh; Cynthia Fee, US Casualty Broking Lead, Power & Utilities, Alliant Insurance Services; Alan Peterson, Senior Vice President, Executive Liability, CAC Specialty; and Heath Silvey, Vice President, Account Executive, Aon |
5 - 6:30 pm |
Welcome Reception Visit with colleagues and learn about the products and services conference sponsors offer. |
Monday, September 18 |
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7 am - 5 pm |
Registration Open |
7:30 - 8:30 am |
Networking Breakfast Visit with your peers and chat with conference sponsors at this informal breakfast. |
7:30 - 8:30 am |
Newcomers Networking Breakfast New to the Business & Financial Conference? Meet other first-time conference attendees, learn about the conference and APPA, and make connections you can build on. |
8:45 - 10 am |
Welcome Opening General Session How AI Will (and Won’t) Forever Alter Human Work
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10 - 10:30 am |
Break |
10:30 - 11:45 am |
Breakout Sessions |
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11:45 am - 1:30 pm |
Lunch on your own |
1:30 - 2:45 pm |
Breakout Sessions |
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2:45 - 3:15 pm |
Break |
3:15 pm - 4:30 pm |
Breakout Sessions |
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5 pm |
Happy Hour with Colleagues Get to know your fellow attendees from public power utilities, affiliates, and partner organizations at a relaxing, fun, pay-your-own-way happy hour at the hotel bar. Share a drink and discuss how to take on the future. |
Tuesday, September 19 |
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7 am - 6 pm |
Registration open |
7:30 - 8:30 am |
Women in Public Power Networking Breakfast Connect with other women in public power at this networking breakfast. |
7:30 - 8:30 am |
Networking Breakfast Power up with coffee and connections at this informal breakfast. Visit with your peers and chat with sponsors. |
8:45 - 10 am |
Chair's Address General Session - APPA Update The New Era of Work
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10 - 10:30 am |
Break |
10:30 - 11:45 am |
Breakout Sessions |
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11:45 am - 1:30 pm |
Lunch on your own |
1:30 - 2:45 pm |
Breakout Sessions |
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2:45 - 3:15 pm |
Break Take advantage of this final opportunity to network with conference sponsors. |
3:15 - 4:30 pm |
Breakout Sessions |
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6 - 7:30 pm |
Reception |
Wednesday, September 20 |
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7 - 10 am |
Registration open |
7:30 - 8:30 am |
Networking Breakfast |
8:45 - 10 am |
Closing General Session Improbable to Unstoppable: Overcoming Adversity and Leaving a Legacy After disadvantaged Latino teens in a university-level underwater robotics competition defeated teams from top schools, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, their story inspired the acclaimed documentary Underwater Dreams, the IMAX film Dream Big, and the major motion picture, Spare Parts. Hear from the award-winning teacher who helped revolutionize STEM education at the Phoenix-area high school for over 30 years. Explore what was behind his success in dramatically increasing the number of students going into engineering and technical fields – and college scholarships for those graduates – and how his ongoing work has inspired similar efforts around the country.
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10 am |
Conference adjourns |
Who Should Attend
Who Should Attend
Bringing together more than 450 public power professionals, the conference is ideal for both industry veterans and those new to the electric utility industry who are interested in professional development and networking.
Conference attendees get the latest information from experts in their fields, learn about the national issues and industry-wide activities and trends that are affecting their communities and utilities, and share experiences and strategies for dealing with key issues and challenges at more than 40 breakout sessions and roundtables.
Conference sessions are designed for utility employees at both the professional and management levels, in the fields of:
- Accounting & Finance
- Human Resources
- IT & Cybersecurity
- Rates & Pricing
- Risk Management & Insurance
Attendees typically include specialists, coordinators, analysts, managers, directors and vice presidents in their area of specialty.
The conference is also recommended for utility employees with interests and responsibilities in conference topics and with cross-departmental responsibilities, as well as rising stars and future leaders those who would benefit from learning more about these strategic areas and making connections with the national public power community.
Registration
Registration
2023 Conference Registration Fees
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Not yet a member? Join today and save money on your conference registration. Contact [email protected] to learn more.
Meals
The following food functions/meals are included in the conference registration fee:
- Sunday: Welcome Reception
- Monday: Continental Breakfast
- Tuesday: Continental Breakfast; Reception
- Wednesday: Continental Breakfast
Group Discounts
Save money on each registration when your organization registers five or more people. The larger your group, the more you save!
Number of registrants | Discount (per person) |
1-4 | n/a |
5-9 | $50 |
10-14 | $100 |
15-24 | $150 |
25+ | $200 |
Your group discount will be automatically applied when you register a group of 5 or more people. Registrations must be submitted on the same order (at the same time) to qualify for the group discount; discounts cannot be retroactively applied to previous orders.
Cancellation, Refund, and Substitution Policy
Registrants who cancel in writing on or before Monday, September 11, 2023 are entitled to a refund of their registration fee, minus a $50 cancellation fee. Registrants who cancel after September 11, 2023 will not receive a refund, but attendee substitutions will be allowed for the 2023 APPA Business & Financial Conference and preconference seminars only. Registrants and no-shows who do not cancel on or before September 11 are responsible for the full registration fee and are not entitled to a refund of their registration fee.
Cancellation requests must be made through your my.publicpower portal, or addressed to: [email protected].
Code of Conduct
Attendees of American Public Power Association meetings agree to abide by the APPA Code of Conduct. If attendees engage in unacceptable behavior as outlined in the Code of Conduct, the Association may take any action it deems appropriate, including, but not limited to, expulsion from the current and future meetings with no warning or refund.
Contact Us
Registration: [email protected]
Program/Content: [email protected]
Hotel: [email protected]
Billing: [email protected]
Hotel
Conference Location & Hotel
The 2023 Business & Finance Conference will be held at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown in Phoenix, Arizona.
Sheraton Phoenix Downtown
340 North 3rd Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Feel right at home at Arizona’s largest hotel located steps from Phoenix Convention Center, minutes from Sky Harbor Airport, and in the middle of all the dazzling downtown action. After a day of enriched learning sessions, wind down at one of the many exquisite on-site restaurants or enjoy some time at the sun-drenched terrace pool.
Reservations
- Main Telephone: 1 (602) 262-2500
- Group Rate: $243 (Single/Double) per night (plus 12.57% room tax)
- Reservation Cut-off Date: August 26, 2023
- Reservation Telephone: 1 (888) 236-2427
- Online Reservation Link: https://book.passkey.com/event/50487226/owner/68648/home
Logistics
- Check in: 4 pm Check out: 11 am
- Parking: Self-Parking: $30 a day per vehicle/Valet Parking: $40 a day per vehicle
- Internet access: Complimentary standard wireless internet
Scam AlertPlease do NOT make hotel reservations through any third party that may contact you by phone or email. Use only the online reservation links, phone numbers, and discount codes available directly from APPA —in conference brochures and the website at www.PublicPower.org. |
Cancellation Policy
The cut-off date to receive the APPA group rate (plus tax) is Saturday, August 26, 2023. If rooms remain in the block after the cut-off date, the group rate will be honored. If not, you may be charged a higher rate. The room block may sell out before August 26th so early reservations are encouraged. For individual reservations, please call 1 (888) 236-2427 or make your reservation online at 2023 Business & Financial Conference. The Sheraton Phoenix Downtown should receive all reservations no later than August 26th.
Cancelled reservations that are not resold may become a financial liability for APPA, so please make your reservations thoughtfully. If you require additional assistance with housing, please contact Meeting Services at [email protected].
Dress Code
The attire for the conference is business casual. Meeting room temperatures vary, so prepare to dress for cool conditions. Whenever possible, networking events will be held outdoors.
Questions and Assistance
For questions or assistance making your hotel arrangements, contact [email protected].
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Where and when is the next Business & Financial Conference?
The next conference will take place September 8-12 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Can I earn educational credits for attending this conference?
Yes, you can earn the following kinds of educational credits for participating in sessions during the conference:
- Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET)
- Professional Development Hours (PDHs) as established by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES)
- Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Credits from the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA)
Sessions in the Human Resources track at the Business & Financial Conference will also be eligible for HRCI credits.
To receive a certificate for your participation, participants must complete the online conference evaluation after the event.
Are meals included?
The following food functions/meals are included in the registration fee:
- Sunday - Welcome Reception
- Monday - Continental Breakfast
- Tuesday - Continental Breakfast; Reception
- Wednesday – Continental Breakfast
What is the conference dress code?
The attire for the conference is business casual. Meeting room temperatures vary, so prepare to dress for cool conditions.
How can I present at the conference?
We welcome your topic and speaker ideas for future conferences and events. To submit your idea for consideration, complete this form. Conference topics are generally determined 6-8 months before the event is held. Ideas will be kept on file for a full year, so if the agenda for the conference has already been determined, your ideas will be considered for the next year’s event, or in case any space opens up in the current year’s program. You will be contacted only if your idea is selected for an upcoming conference.
More questions?
Contact [email protected].
Future Dates
Mark Your Calendar
2024 Business & Financial Conference
September 8 - 11, 2024
Cleveland, Ohio
Serve as an Officer
Serve as an Officer
Utility employees play a vital role in planning the conference to bring you the important topics. Email [email protected] if you are interested in taking a leadership position in the conference by serving as an officer for one of the following tracks:
- Accounting & Finance
- Human Resources
- IT & Cybersecurity
- Rates & Pricing
- Risk Management & Insurance
More Information
Contact
Registration: [email protected]
Program/Content: [email protected]
Hotel: [email protected]
Billing: [email protected]