Business & Financial Conference

Sunday, September 17

8:30 am - 5 pm

Preconference Seminars

All seminars require an additional fee.

8:30 am - Noon

Foundations for Long-Term Financial Stability
CEUs .3 / PDHs 3.25 / CPEs 3.8, Finance

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

• Basic electric system financial statement classifications
• Cash versus utility basis for financial planning
• Content and purpose of financial statements
• Key financial targets
• How key targets work together
• Using financial statement analysis for long-term planning
• Communicating objectives to your board and council

Dawn Lund, Vice President, Utility Financial Solutions

1:30 - 5 pm

Approaching Challenges and Opportunities in Public Utility Accounting
CEUs .3 / PDHs 3.25 / CPEs 3.8, Accounting (Governmental)

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

• Applying lessons from GASB 87 implementation to GASB 96
• Similarities and differences between subscription-based IT arrangements and lease accounting standards
• Funding opportunities through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and Inflation Reduction Act

Bethany Ryers, CPA, MAS, Partner, Baker Tilly; and Dan La Haye, CPA, Senior Manager, Baker Tilly

1:30 - 5 pm

Creating a Go-to Workplace Culture
CEUs .3 / PDHs 3.25 / CPEs 3.8, Personnel/Human Resources / HRCI 3.25 / SHRM PDCs 3.25

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

• Defining what a go-to workplace means and looks like
• Why mission and organizational values are essential to the employee experience 
• Best practices for building a culture of belonging
• Tools that can assist in creating and sustaining a go-to workplace

Dr. Trish “Doc” Holliday, Vice President of Human Resources and Corporate Services, Nashville Electric Service, Tennessee

2 - 4 pm

Current State of the Insurance Market/Risk Management & Insurance - Roundtable
CEUs .2 / PDHs 2 / CPEs 2.4, Management Services 

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

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
Scott Corwin, President and CEO, American Public Power Association

Opening General Session
CEUs .1 / PDHs 1.25 / CPEs 1.5, Information Technology / HRCI 1.25 / SHRM PDCs 1.25

How AI Will (and Won’t) Forever Alter Human Work
With the release of ChatGPT, artificial intelligence tools finally broke through to the mainstream and began to impact our work in obvious and meaningful ways. From writing college essays to drafting articles and emails and creating social media posts — its output can be astonishingly convincing — except when it is factually incorrect, unoriginal, and formulaic. AI can give humans superpowers, but it’s important to understand its limitations to unlock true magic. Trace the origins of AI, discover what’s remarkable about the breakthroughs of deep learning and modern AI, and get guidance and insight on how AI will change human work in the near and long-term.
 

Alex Salkever, Leading thinker on technology, society, and business; futurist and award-winning author, former Silicon Valley executive

10 - 10:30 am

Break

10:30 - 11:45 am

Breakout Sessions

1. Electric Utility Basics
   Accounting & Finance
   CEUs .1 / PDHs 1.25 / CPEs 1.5, Accounting
   
   Get a non-technical overview of how a typical public power utility is run and the critical role electricity plays in keeping our communities running. Also learn how electric utilities are undergoing a dramatic transformation in response to significant shifts and advances in technology, energy sources, and demand for electricity.
   
   Andy Fusco, Chief Strategy Officer, ElectriCities of North Carolina, Inc.
    
2. Navigating Trends in Municipal Finance
   Accounting & Finance
   CEUs .1 / PDHs 1.25 / CPEs 1.5, Specialized Knowledge
   
   Higher municipal bond interest rates coupled with skyrocketing project costs means that it’s increasingly difficult to fund necessary utility capital projects without significantly affecting utility rates. In addition, the Inflation Reduction Act brought sweeping changes to how utilities evaluate projects. Dissect trends in municipal finance, including an update on IRA guidance and the utility sector’s approach to securing funding while keeping an eye on affordability.
   
   Doug Baldessari, CPA, Partner; David E. Freund, CPA, Senior Manager, Baker Tilly Municipal Advisors
    
3. Got Talent? Upskilling and Reskilling the Workforce
   Human Resources
   CEUs .1 / PDHs 1.25 / CPEs 1.5, Personnel/Human Resources / HRCI 1.25 / SHRM PDCs 1.25
   
   Gain a competitive advantage by creating a culture of learning. Explore how establishing a learning culture is an organizational strategy that can guide workforce requirements and drive strategic alignment and continuous improvement from top to bottom.
   
   Dr. Trish “Doc” Holliday, Vice President of Human Resources and Corporate Services, Nashville Electric Service, Tennessee
    
4. Information Technology & Cybersecurity Roundtable
   Information Technology & Cybersecurity
   CEUs .1 / PDHs 1.25 / CPEs 1.5, Information Technology
   
   Share insights around topics of interest, including bring-your-own device programs, IT and cybersecurity frameworks, cyber insurance, password requirements, supply chain issues, and solutions for IT equipment.
    
5. Talking About Price Volatility
   Rates & Pricing
   CEUs .1 / PDHs 1.25 / CPEs 1.5, Specialized Knowledge
   
   A variety of factors have significantly disrupted energy costs, from the war in Ukraine to inflation, severe storms, and supply chain disruptions. In some cases, prices in energy markets have doubled or tripled, and the cost of everything from basic goods to specialized equipment is unpredictable. Examine whether trends point to ongoing volatility, and what your utility can do to lessen the impact of swings in the market.
   
   Mark Perman, Director of Energy Solutions, AESI-US, Inc.; and Todd White, Executive Director of Business Development, ACES
    
6. Sharing Resources and Tools to Successfully Manage Risk
   Risk Management & Insurance
   CEUs .1 / PDHs 1.25 / CPEs 1.5, Management Services
   
   Learn about the recently formed Risk Management Working Group, which brings together public power participants from various fields including disaster response, supply chain and logistics, insurance, and management. Walk through the basic risk management framework/life cycle of risk and hear a case study from one utility's approach to business risk.
   
   Paul Dietz, Enterprise Risk Management Manager, Grant County PUD No. 2, Washington; Kyle Gibbs, Insurance Risk Management Program Manager, Colorado Springs Utilities, Colorado; Tracy Johnson, Senior Risk Analyst, Grant County PUD No. 2, Washington; Dan Laskowsky, Director, Risk Management and Compliance Governance, Omaha Public Power District, Nebraska; and Tom Spencer, Senior Director, Enterprise and Operational Risk Management, New York Power Authority

11:45 am - 1:30 pm

Lunch on your own

1:30 - 2:45 pm

Breakout Sessions

1. The Cost of Federal Grants
   Accounting & Finance
   CEUs .1 / PDHs 1.25 / CPEs 1.5, Accounting (Governmental)
   
   Accounting for federal funds (and potential audits that accompany these opportunities) takes considerable time and effort. Review what to expect once you receive a grant and the steps required to track progress on deliverables.
   
   Rich Meene, Principal, Global Consulting Solutions, Government Contracts Practice, CohnReznick, LLP
    
2. Analyzing the “G” in ESG
   Accounting & Finance
   CEUs .1 / PDHs 1.25 / CPEs 1.5, Accounting
   
   The "E" (environmental) and "S" (social) of ESG are getting a lot of attention, however, without the "G" (governance), businesses looking to showcase these principles will lack an effective implementation. Discuss what’s involved in implementing governance mechanisms, and what external stakeholders see as signs of good governance as it relates to ESG.
   
   Olga Darlington, Partner, Moss Adams LLP; and Keith Simovic, Partner, Moss Adams LLP
    
3. Leave Me Be! Managing Employee Requests for Leave
   Human Resources
   CEUs .1 / PDHs 1.25 / CPEs 1.5, Business Law / HRCI 1.25 / SHRM PDCs 1.25
   
   It’s not easy to keep up with leave law requirements – from ADA and FMLA to state paid leave and much more. Get an attorney’s point of view on how to tackle each one and address liability concerns. Leave with the tools you need to manage these programs correctly.
   
   Jonathan Mook, Esq., Partner, DiMuroGinsberg, P.C.
    
4. Understand and Manage Your Supply Chain Cyber Risk
   Information Technology & Cybersecurity
   CEUs .1 / PDHs 1.25 / CPEs 1.5, Information Technology
   
   Malicious attackers look for the weakest link in an organization's security posture and often find it in the interconnected supply chain. Vendors and third-party partners increase your exposure to cyber risk, and bad actors are exploiting them - from the SolarWinds hack in 2020 to the more recent MOVEit hack in June. Get a better understanding of the risks when dealing with potentially hundreds of vendors (many of whom handle sensitive data) and tips to help you better manage them.
   
   Evan Tegethoff, Vice President, Solutions Consulting, BitSight
    
5. Paying for the Changing Portfolio
   Rates & Pricing
   CEUs .1 / PDHs 1.25 / CPEs 1.5, Specialized Knowledge
   
   As the percentage of low-emission fuels in energy portfolios increases, utilities are transforming the ways in which they set rates. Examine the benefits and the risks of meeting (and not meeting) decarbonization goals, how this transformation is affecting reliability, and how utilities are designing rates to accommodate these changes.
   
   Suleman Khan, CEO, Swell Energy; and Adam Peterson, Director of Corporate Pricing, Salt River Project, Arizona
    
6. Right-sizing Future Asset Value
   Risk Management & Insurance
   CEUs .1 / PDHs 1.25 / CPEs 1.5, Specialized Knowledge
   
   Discuss how insuring maturing physical assets to their future values can better optimize financial risk transfer. Learn how to manuscript your policy with your insurance carrier to reflect future markets and generation.
   
   Heath Silvey, Vice President, Account Executive, Aon; and Scott Smidlein, Western US Power and Renewable Energy Practice Leader, Marsh

2:45 - 3:15 pm

Break

3:15 pm - 4:30 pm

Breakout Sessions

1. Large Utility Roundtable
   Accounting & Finance
   CEUs .1 / PDHs 1.25 / CPEs 1.5, Accounting
   
   Connect with colleagues from other large public power utilities and organizations to swap ideas and strategies on the business and finance topics of your choice.
    
2. Small Utility Roundtable
   Accounting & Finance
   CEUs .1 / PDHs 1.25 / CPEs 1.5, Accounting
   
   Connect with colleagues from small utilities and organizations to swap ideas and strategies on the business and finance topics of your choice.
    
3. Joint Action Agency, State & Regional Association Roundtable
   All groups
   CEUs .1 / PDHs 1.25 / CPEs 1.5, Accounting
   
   Connect with colleagues from joint action agencies and state and regional associations to swap ideas and strategies on the business and finance topics of your choice.
    
4. Adopting a People-first Culture
   Human Resources
   CEUs .1 / PDHs 1.25 / CPEs 1.5, Personnel/Human Resources / HRCI 1.25 / SHRM PDCs 1.25
   
   When it comes to an organization’s success, it’s all about the people! The value of a people-first culture extends beyond an organization’s bottom line, it also creates an environment that empowers employees to perform at their best. Explore how workplaces that help employees feel connected and motivated benefit both employees and employer.
   
   Dr. Tiffany Brandreth, Leadership DEI Expert, TBM Associates Consulting; and Heidi Glodowski, Program Manager, Employee Experience, Salt River Project, Arizona
    
5. Making Every Minute Count: Cyber Incident Response
   Information Technology & Cybersecurity
   CEUs .1 / PDHs 1.25 / CPEs 1.5, Information Technology
   
   When you get hit with ransomware, there’s little time to make critical decisions. Hear from a panel of incident response experts and representatives from utilities who’ve been through a cyber incident on what to do — and not to do — leading up to and following an incident.
   
   James Baum, Director, Cyber Security Services, Salt River Project, Arizona; David E. Fay III, CISSP, COO, Meridian Integration; and Jon Sternstein, Founder, Stern Security
    
6. Preparing for the EV-lution
   Rates & Pricing
   CEUs .1 / PDHs 1.25 / CPEs 1.5, Specialized Knowledge
   
   As electric vehicles, charging stations, and commitments to electrify vehicle fleets become more commonplace, your system needs to keep up. Get an eye-opening view of the latest EV market trends and how EVs will impact the grid across the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors in the near future. Review what you should know about setting rates for these new and growing loads.
   
   Britta Gross, Director of Transportation, Electric Power Research Institute; and Erin Miller, Associate Vice President of Energy Policy and Sustainability, American Municipal Power Inc., Ohio
    
7. Effective Risk Management Communication
   Risk Management & Insurance
   CEUs .1 / PDHs 1.25 / CPEs 1.5, Management Services
   
   Presenting a holistic view of your organization’s risk profile enhances transparency and provides your leadership with the visibility required to enable risk-based decisions. Get tips for communicating risk exposure in a concise and effective manner to executive leadership.
   
   Alan Peterson, Senior Vice President, Executive Liability; Mari Beth Ross, Senior Vice President, Natural Resources Practice, CAC Specialty; and Tom Spencer, Senior Director, Enterprise and Operational Risk Management, New York Power Authority

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

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
David Osburn, General Manager, Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority; Chair, American Public Power Association

General Session - APPA Update
CEUs .1 / PDHs 1.25 / CPEs 1.5, Specialized Knowledge / SHRM PDCs 1.25

The New Era of Work
Over the past three years, nearly everything about work has changed. Everything from when and where work happens to how work gets done, and it’s continuing to evolve at a pace unlike anything we’ve seen before. Learn how organizations are optimizing a variety of technology solutions to connect and engage employees, vendors, and consultants in today’s work-from-anywhere environment. Discuss what skill sets and tools are required while learning ways to drive competitive advantage and efficiency to emerge stronger.

J.P. Westwood, VP & COO North America, M365 and Security, Microsoft

10 - 10:30 am

Break

10:30 - 11:45 am

Breakout Sessions

1. GASB Update
   Accounting & Finance
   CEUs .1 / PDHs 1.25 / CPEs 1.5, Accounting (Governmental)
   
   Learn the latest updates from the Governmental Accounting Standards Board, including how changes to standards might affect your utility and what to expect to come down the pipeline.
   
   David Bean, Former GASB Director of Research and Technical Activities; CEO, Governmental Accounting Research, LLC
    
2. Tales from the Trenches: HR Roundtable
   Human Resources
   CEUs .1 / PDHs 1.25 / CPEs 1.5, Personnel/Human Resources / HRCI 1.25 / SHRM PDCs 1.25
   
   Get to know your HR colleagues as you discuss your most unbelievable HR issues — and solutions — in this engaging roundtable. Cover topics such as, “Investigations Gone Wrong,” “Parking Lot Puffer: Breaktime Marijuana,” and “My Grandma Passed Away Again: Issues with Attendance.”
    
3. Utilizing Cybersecurity Frameworks Including Zero Trust and CISv8
   Information Technology & Cybersecurity
   CEUs .1 / PDHs 1.25 / CPEs 1.5, Information Technology
   
   Cybersecurity frameworks are recommended sets of actions for cyber defense that provide specific and actionable ways to reduce the risk of today's most pervasive and dangerous attacks. Get an overview of the CISA.gov Zero Trust and the CISv8 frameworks, and how implementing even a subset of these controls can greatly enhance your ability to respond to cyber threats.
   
   Jon Sternstein, Founder & CEO, Stern Security                                                                                                                                         
4. Dealing with Data Mining Demand
   Rates & Pricing
   CEUs .1 / PDHs 1.25 / CPEs 1.5, Specialized Knowledge
   
   Cryptocurrency miners often choose to set up where they can access affordable and reliable power, leading them to places served by public power. Learn how electric demand from crypto mining can affect your system and hear how utilities are managing these new high loads. Explore additional load options for working with crypto mining customers and considerations for establishing fair rates and policies with high-demand facilities.
   
   Andrew Webber, CEO, Digital Power Optimization, Inc.; and Doug Handley, Director of Finance, Power Supply and Rates, Paducah Power System, Kentucky
    
5. Words Matter: Mitigating Risk through Contracts
   Risk Management & Insurance
   CEUs .1 / PDHs 1.25 / CPEs 1.5, Management Services
   
   When it comes to a contract, you have to be explicit about what you want and expect from the vendor or partner. Get tips and tricks on how to mitigate exposure with the belt and suspenders approach by merging insurance requirements with other portions of the contract such as limitation of liability and indemnification clauses.
   
   Cynthia Fee, US Casualty Broking Lead, Power & Utilities, Alliant Insurance Services

11:45 am - 1:30 pm

Lunch on your own

1:30 - 2:45 pm

Breakout Sessions

1. Positive Arbitrage is Back! Arbitrage Rebate Compliance and Bond Strategies
   Accounting & Finance
   CEUs .1 / PDHs 1.25 / CPEs 1.5, Accounting
   
   Dive into the arbitrage rebate and yield restriction requirements for tax-exempt bonds. Get a better understanding of the important investment and compliance considerations related to tax-exempt bond proceeds in the current positive arbitrage environment. Discover exceptions to the requirements and strategies to maximize retained earnings, proactive tax planning, and post issuance compliance considerations. Hear insight on the IRS payment process for arbitrage rebate and yield restriction liabilities. Participants will walk away better prepared for a smooth - and compliant - issuance of tax-exempt bonds.
   
   Sarah Hart, Senior Managing Consultant, PFM Asset Management LLC

2. Rating Agency Risk Profiling
   Accounting & Finance/Risk Management & Insurance
   CEUs .1 / PDHs 1.25 / CPEs 1.5, Specialized Knowledge
   
   The game is changing as it relates to credit ratings and the ultimate impact it has on the customer. Learn how the ratings agencies consider and evaluate new and evolving risks in utility ratings, how they are considering the information you provide, and how they evaluate that information against your individual profile.
   
   David Bodek, Senior Director, Standard & Poor’s Rating Services; William Oh, Vice President, Senior Analyst, Moody's Investment Service; and Dennis Pidherny, Managing Director, Public Finance, Fitch Ratings; 
    
3. Can We Talk? Creating a Holistic Approach to Wellness in the Workplace
   Human Resources
   CEUs .1 / PDHs 1.25 / CPEs 1.5, Personnel/Human Resources / HRCI 1.25 / SHRM PDCs 1.25
   
   When employees are healthy, they are more likely to be more productive and engaged, and less likely to be burned out. But health goes beyond physical measures, and includes financial, social, and mental wellbeing. Learn from other utility professionals about how they have built holistic wellness programs that support all facets of an employee’s life – and better connect employees to any help they might be seeking.
   
   Jodie Broderick, Health Services Manager, Salt River Project, Arizona; and Stacey Centarri, Wellness Specialist, Omaha Public Power District, Nebraska
    
4. Maximizing IT’s Value in an Uncertain Economy
   Information Technology & Cybersecurity/Accounting & Finance
   CEUs .1 / PDHs 1.25 / CPEs 1.5, Management Services
   
   Given the souring economic outlook, it’s as important now as ever to show value in every dollar spent and to avoid unnecessary costs. Walk through one utility’s approach to delivering cost-effective IT services without compromising quality expectations
   
   Todd Cannon, IT Applications Manager, Greenville Utilities Commission, North Carolina
    
5. Emerging Trends in Electric Pricing and Rates
   Rates & Pricing
   CEUs .1 / PDHs 1.25 / CPEs 1.5, Specialized Knowledge
   
   As electric end uses continue to evolve, and technology brings increased insight into new patterns of demand, new pricing and rate structures are becoming more viable. Learn what emerging trends you should be looking for that will affect your utility’s rates and how your utility can get ahead.
   
   Chris McCarthy, Executive Director, Market Analysis, NextEra Energy Resources; and Herman Trabish, Contributing Editor, Utility Dive
    

6. Using Data to Identify EV Customers and Quantify System Impacts and Opportunities 
   Spotlight Session
   CEUs .1 / PDHs 1.25 / CPEs 1.5, Specialized Knowledge
   
   To optimize EV adoption and ensure off-peak charging, utilities must be able to identify and target EV customers and transition them to time-differentiated rates. Learn how to use AMI data, machine learning, and other publicly available information to detect EVs on your system, develop detailed consumption and charging profiles, create targeted customer engagement, and use that data to improve TOU or EV rate adoptions to optimize system benefits.

   Max Bernt, Partner

2:45 - 3:15 pm

Break

Take advantage of this final opportunity to network with conference sponsors.

3:15 - 4:30 pm

Breakout Sessions

1. Breaking Up with Your Assets Is Hard to Do
   Accounting & Finance
   CEUs .1 / PDHs 1.25 / CPEs 1.5, Accounting (Governmental)
   
   Whether from market forces, environmental concerns, or operational issues — a premature shutdown of a power plant or other asset requires careful attention to balance utility finances with your customers’ needs. Luckily, the Governmental Accounting Standards Board has a playbook to follow best practices in recording asset retirements, retirement obligations, decommissioning planning, impairment accounting, and recovering losses on asset retirements.
   
   Russ Hissom, Owner, Utility Accounting Education Specialists
    
2. Are We Okay? Understanding Key Financial Indicators for Internal and External Use
   Accounting & Finance
   CEUs .1 / PDHs 1.25 / CPEs 1.5, Finance
   
   We all understand the importance of finances to governing your utility. However, the complexity of these financials can be a challenge to understand.
   This session will illuminate the numbers and other information that matters so internal and external stakeholders can answer the question “Are we okay?” and provide the perspective your governing body needs.
   
   Mark Beauchamp, President, Utility Financial Solutions, LLC; and Jillian Jurczyk, Financial Analyst, Utility Financial Solutions, LLC
    
3. The Good, the Bad, and the Law In-between
   Human Resources
   CEUs .1 / PDHs 1.25 / CPEs 1.5, Business Law / HRCI 1.25 / SHRM PDCs 1.25
   
   Hear what top employment attorneys have to say about some of the most common legal pitfalls in today’s workplace and what strategies to consider in how to avoid them. Bring questions about challenging employment issues, such as internal investigations, communication breakdowns, and professional behavior and conduct.
   
   Tiffany Cox Stacy, Attorney/Shareholder, Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak, & Stewart, P.C.
    
4. Evaluating Cyber Insurance
   Information Technology & Cybersecurity
   CEUs .1 / PDHs 1.25 / CPEs 1.5, Management Services
   
   Receive an update on the cyber insurance market and discuss what’s required to obtain the right level of coverage. Learn what alternative solutions might be available to you and get tips on how to decide what’s right for your utility.
   
   Ariana Masole, Assistant Vice President, Cyber Advisory, Marsh; and Paul Dietz, Manager, Enterprise Risk Management, Grant County PUD, Washington
    
5. Pricing and Rate Design Roundtable
   Rates & Pricing
   CEUs .1 / PDHs 1.25 / CPEs 1.5, Specialized Knowledge
   
   Share your lessons learned and digest the latest best practices from other utilities in adjusting and structuring rates in a changing energy landscape.
    
6. The Federal Government Has Declared a Disaster, Now What?
   Risk Management & Insurance
   CEUs .1 / PDHs 1.25 / CPEs 1.5, Specialized Knowledge
   
   In this session we’ll learn how your insurance interplays with federal funding and how the two work together for the maximum recovery. We’ll examine the process from before, during and after points of view.
   
   Dan Laskowsky, Omaha Public Power District, Nebraska; and Tonya Ngotel, Manager of Emergency Preparedness, Omaha Public Power District

6 - 7:30 pm

Reception
Join your colleagues for an evening reception. You are welcome to bring a guest.

Wednesday, September 20

7 - 10 am

Registration open

7:30 - 8:30 am

Networking Breakfast
Network with your peers at this informal breakfast. There are no speakers or moderators.

8:45 - 10 am

Closing General Session
CEUs .1 / PDHs 1.25 / CPEs 1.5, Personal Development / SHRM PDCs 1.25

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.
 

Fredi Lajvardi, President/CEO and Director, STEM Initiatives

10 am

Conference adjourns