Your Challenges, Shared Solutions
The Engineering & Operations Conference is APPA’s annual meeting—attracting over 400 utility professionals, industry experts and suppliers—to share information, discover best practices, and learn from case studies.
Meet other utility professionals—both veterans and those new to the electric utility industry—and share ideas and experiences in four critical areas:
- Environmental
- Grid modernization
- Safety
- Transmission & distribution
Co-hosted by:
Registration
Register by February 28 to take advantage of the early registration price. Click here for more information.
Topics
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, network and share experiences and strategies for dealing with key issues and challenges including:
- Distributed energy resources; environmental regulations; technology innovations; reliability, safety and mutual aid; security; system planning, forecasting and modeling; and operational resilience and process improvement. View the agenda.
Who Should Attend
Conference sessions are designed for utility employees at both the professional and management levels.
Attendees typically include vice presidents, superintendents, directors, managers, engineers, and safety and training personnel. Electric utility directors, city managers, and future leaders, will also benefit from learning more about these strategic areas and making connections with the national public power community.
Serve as an Officer
Utility employees play a vital role in planning the conference to bring you important topics. Incoming Vice Chairs for committees will be selected in February. 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:
- Environmental
- Grid modernization
- Safety
- Transmission & distribution
Contact Us
Registration/Hotel
[email protected]
202-467-2978
Program/Content
[email protected]
202-467-2921
Sponsorship/Expo
[email protected]
202-467-2926
Billing
[email protected]
Phone: 202-467-2967
Program
The Engineering & Operations Conference offers three days of keynotes, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities—Sunday, March 27 – Wednesday, March 30.
- Pre-conference seminars on Sunday are a great value-add.
- General sessions bring everyone together on broader issues.
- Breakout sessions dive deeper into four key areas: environmental, grid modernization, safety, and transmission and distribution.
- Networking events and the Public Power NextTech Expo provide connection opportunities.
Click here to view the PDF version of the program.
Agenda at a Glance
Sunday, March 27 |
| 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
Pre-conference SeminarsRequire an additional fee
|
| 5 – 6:30 p.m. |
Welcome Reception with Sponsors (Public Power NextTech Expo) |
Monday, March 28
|
|
| 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. |
Breakfast with Sponsors (Public Power NextTech Expo) |
| 8:45 – 10 a.m. |
Opening General Session
|
| 10 – 10:30 a.m. |
Break with Sponsors (Public Power NextTech Expo) |
| 10:30 – 11:45 a.m. |
Breakout Sessions
|
| 11:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. |
Lunch (on your own) |
| 1:30 – 2:45 p.m. |
Breakout Sessions
|
| 2:45 – 3:15 p.m. |
Break with Sponsors (Public Power NextTech Expo) |
| 3:15 – 4:30 p.m. |
Breakout Sessions
|
| 4:45 – 5:45 p.m. |
Data Debate: Benchmarking Operations
|
Joy Ditto, President & CEO, American Public Power Association
Alicia Hooks, General Manager, GEUS, Texas 
Jackie Sargent, General Manager, Austin Energy, Texas
Tuesday, March 29 |
|
| 7:45 – 8:45 a.m. |
Networking Breakfasts
|
| 9 – 10 a.m. |
General Session
|
| 10 – 10:30 a.m. |
Break with Sponsors (Public Power NextTech Expo) |
| 10:30 – 11:45 a.m. |
Breakout Sessions
|
| 11:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. |
Lunch (on your own) |
| 1:30 – 2:45 p.m. |
Breakout Sessions
|
| 2:45 – 3:15 p.m. |
Break with Sponsors (Public Power NextTech Expo) |
| 3:15 – 4:30 p.m. |
Breakout Sessions
|
| 5 – 6:30 p.m. |
Reception |
Wednesday, March 30 |
|
| 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. |
Networking Breakfast |
| 8:30 – 9:45 a.m. |
Roundtable Discussions
|
| 9:45 – 10:15 a.m. |
Break |
| 10:15 – 11:30 a.m. |
Closing General SessionChallenge of Change Joe Theismann, one of the most successful quarterbacks in the history of the Washington Redskins, speaks about how he conquered extreme pain and changed course when life dealt him the unexpected. When this two-time Pro-Bowl player, who was at the top of his game, landed on a hospital bed with a compound fracture to his leg, his career and dreams were shattered. At age 35, he had to start life over. Theismann shares how he reshaped his vision, conquered obstacles, and stayed positive on a determined new track to a meaningful life. Joe Theismann, World Champion Quarterback, Broadcaster, and Entrepreneur 
|
| 11:30 a.m. |
Conference Adjourns |
Contact Us
Registration/Hotel
[email protected]
202-467-2978
Program/Content
[email protected]
202-467-2921
Sponsorship/Expo
[email protected]
202-467-2926
Billing
[email protected]
Phone: 202-467-2967
Registration Fees
Register Now!
| By February 28 | After February 28 | |
| Member | Conference: $875 Pre-conference seminar (each): $350 |
Conference: $925 Pre-conference seminar (each): $350 |
| Nonmember | Conference: $1,750 Pre-conference seminar (each): $700 |
Conference: $1,800 Pre-conference seminar (each): $750 |
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
Not yet a member? Join today and save money on your conference registration. Call 202-467-2926 or email [email protected].
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) |
Member Registration Fee (per person, before Feb.28) |
| 1-4 | n/a | $875 |
| 5-9 | $50 | $825 |
| 10-14 | $100 | $775 |
| 15+ | $150 | $725 |
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 March 21, 2022, are entitled to a refund of their registration fee, minus a $50 cancellation fee. Registrants who cancel after March 21 will not receive a refund, but attendee substitutions will be allowed for the 2022 Engineering & Operations Conference only. Registrants and no-shows who do not cancel on or before March 21 are responsible for the full registration fee and are not entitled to a refund.
Cancellations must be made in writing and emailed 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/Hotel
[email protected]
202-467-2978
Program/Content
[email protected]
202-467-2921
Sponsorship/Expo
[email protected]
202-467-2926
Billing
[email protected]
Phone: 202-467-2967
Hotel
The 2022 Engineering & Operations Conference will take place at the Hilton hotel in downtown Austin.
The Hilton Austin
500 East 4th Street
Austin, Texas 78701
At the center of Downtown, Austin’s tallest hotel rises 31 stories over one of downtown’s quieter blocks. The entire eighth floor is a 16,000-square-foot health club with an outdoor saltwater pool with views of the city, steam room and sauna, and state of the art gym with views of UT's stadium. The onsite Finn and Porter restaurant is an excellent option for steak or sushi. The property is attached to the Austin Convention Center, is short walk to the East Sixth Street nightlife, and less than a mile from the picturesque Rainey Street Historic District.
Reservations
- Online Reservation Link: https://book.passkey.com/go/APPAEngineeringOps
- Main Phone: 512-482-8000
- Reservation Phone: 800-236-1592
- Group Rate: $289 (Single/Double) per night (plus 8.25% sales tax and 17% occupancy tax)
- Group Code: APPA
- Reservation Cut-off Date: March 2
Logistics
- Check in: 3 p.m. Check out: Noon
- Parking: $37/self-parking; $46/valet
- Internet access: Complimentary wireless internet in sleeping rooms
Reservations & Cancellations
The cut-off date to receive the group rate March 2, 2022. The room block may sell out before March 2, so early reservations are encouraged. Make your reservations directly with the hotel using the links or telephone numbers above.
Scam Alert
Please 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.
Contact Us
Registration/Hotel
[email protected]
202-467-2978
Program/Content
[email protected]
202-467-2921
Sponsorship/Expo
[email protected]
202-467-2926
Billing
[email protected]
Phone: 202-467-2967
COVID-19 Safety Protocols
The safety of those attending the American Public Power Association (APPA) 2022 Engineering & Operations Conference is our top priority. We are partnering with the hotel, have talked to local health officials, and are applying lessons-learned from other associations to ensure we follow all the best practices for safely hosting in-person meetings in the current environment. We are relying on everyone to do their part to keep themselves and everyone else safe during the conference.
Below are some of the steps we are taking to ensure the safety of all meeting participants, and our expectations for all conference participants. All participants must agree to abide by these standards before they will be permitted to attend the conference.
What attendees must do
When you register
All participants must agree to abide by APPA's safety protocols before registering for the conference. Your registration implies your consent to adhere to these standards.
These protocols may include wearing a mask at all times in public areas; engaging in appropriate physical distancing and hygiene practices; submitting to daily health screenings and temperature checks; and not attending the conference if you are ill, actively experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or have recently been in close contact with someone who has tested positive or been diagnosed with COVID-19.
Safety protocols (including mask requirements) will be updated as the situation evolves and will be communicated to all participants before the event.
Pre-Event Health Assessment
Registrants will be asked to complete a self-assessment prior to traveling to the event. Participants do not need to submit a separate form; but we ask all attendees to honestly answer these questions to help us protect all conference attendees, staff, and the local community.
- Have you had any of the following NEW or UNUSUAL-FOR-YOU symptoms within the past 72 hours?
- Fever of 100.4 degrees or above, or possible fever-like symptoms such as alternating chills and sweating.
- Frequent cough (not a chronic cough or your normal seasonal allergies)
- Trouble breathing, shortness of breath, or severe wheezing
- Muscle or body aches that are not exercise related
- Sore throat
- New loss of smell or taste
- Headache
- Have you, or anyone in your household or group, tested positive or are awaiting test results for COVID-19?
- Do you, or anyone in your household or group, have the symptoms of COVID-19 as listed above?
- Are you currently subject to a stay-at-home order from your doctor or state or local requirements to quarantine, isolate, or stay at home?
If you answer YES to any of these questions, please STAY AT HOME. Please send your cancellation request to [email protected].
COVID Test Recommended
We are recommending (not requiring) all participants get a COVID test 3 days before the conference; and again 3 days after returning home.
Anyone who tests positive before the conference should stay home. If anyone tests positive after the conference, they should email Amy Rigney-Gay, APPA’s Vice President of Human Resources & Administration, at [email protected] to confidentially report so we can try to conduct contact tracing.
On-site Safety Protocols
The safety of all conference participants is our top priority. All conference participants must:
- Follow APPA mask policy (if masks are deemed required for this event).
- Adhere to CDC, and state and local guidance before and during the event.
- Complete the health check-in each day before entering the APPA meeting space (see below).
- Sign in at your table at each session you attend.
- Engage in appropriate physical distancing and hygiene practices.
- Be respectful of all other attendees and their comfort levels.
- Not attend the event if you are ill, actively experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms or have recently been in close contact with someone who is experiencing COVID symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19.
- Notify APPA’s Vice President of Human Resources & Administration at [email protected] if you test positive for COVID-19 up to 14 days after returning home.
On-site Daily Health Check-in
Each day of the conference, all participants will be required to complete a short health questionnaire, as many of us do when we come into the office. No medical tests are required; APPA will not ask for any medical records, test results, or proof of vaccination.
The daily health check-in will be a simple online form, asking participants to self-certify that:
- You are not currently experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms that can't be explained by something else;
- You have not recently come into close contact with someone with COVID-19 or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms; and
- You are continuing to follow CDC and local guidance.
Participants must complete the daily health check-in before entering the APPA meeting space. A link will be emailed to attendees in advance, and will be available through the conference mobile app.
Show your completion screen when you arrive at the meeting space each morning to receive a colored wristband.
- When you complete the questionnaire, you will get a screen telling you to proceed to the meeting. Simply show this screen on your mobile device to verify you have completed your daily check in.
- If you aren't able to show your completion screen, someone will look you up by name to verify you have completed your check-in.
Your wristband is required for entry into all APPA sessions and activities. It also confers in-and-out privileges; once you receive your wristband for the day, you can enter and exit the APPA meeting space freely just by showing your wristband.
What we are doing
Personal Safety
APPA will take the following steps to ensure the health and safety of all meeting participants:
- All participants (including attendees, speakers, sponsors, guests and staff) will agree to and be required to follow safety protocols put in place by APPA.
- All participants must complete a daily health questionnaire before entering the meeting space. Attendees will receive a wristband confirming they have completed the daily check in so they may enter/exit the meeting space without having to complete it again on that day.
- Masks are recommended in all APPA meeting areas and at official APPA functions, except when eating or drinking.
Meeting experience
APPA is examining every aspect of the in-person meeting experience to ensure we are taking all appropriate precautions to protect the safety of participants, including:
- Modifying room seating and event layouts to allow for social distancing.
- Redesigning networking opportunities to accommodate social distancing while still facilitating meaningful conversations and exchanges.
- Holding networking events outdoors, whenever possible.
- Making changes at our registration desk to alleviate congestion and reduce contact points.
- APPA may employ assigned seating, queued entrances, or timed entrance and exits of meeting rooms to manage crowd control and accommodate room capacity limits, according to state or local mandates.
Cleaning and hygiene
APPA is working with the hotel to ensure the cleanliness of the meeting facilities.
- APPA will develop and institute a cleaning and sanitizing schedule with the hotel that meets the specific needs of the conference and our attendees.
- High-touch surfaces within the meeting space will be cleaned multiple times a day.
- Hand sanitizer stations will be positioned throughout the meeting space.
- Additional hygienic supplies, including disinfectant wipes, gloves, and disposable masks, will be made available to attendees.
- APPA is working with the hotel to ensure all hotel culinary and banquet team members adhere to strict guidelines for the preparation, handling and serving of food & beverages.
- APPA will keep attendees updated on the hotel’s COVID related practices and protocols.
Questions?
Contact us at [email protected]ublicPower.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where and when is the next Engineering & Operations Conference?
We’re planning the 2023 conference for Pasadena, California.
What is the policy on refunds, cancellations and attendee substitutions?
Registrants who cancel in writing on or before March 21, 2022, are entitled to a refund of their registration fee, minus a $50 cancellation fee. Registrants who cancel after March 21 will not receive a refund, but attendee substitutions will be allowed for the 2022 Engineering & Operations Conference only. Registrants and no-shows who do not cancel on or before March 21 are responsible for the full registration fee and are not entitled to a refund.
Cancellations must be made in writing and emailed to [email protected].
Can I earn educational credits for attending this conference?
APPA Academy events include the following opportunities for educational credits:
- 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)
Requirements for obtaining a completion certificate:
- Attend and participate in the sessions
- Fill out a Verification of Attendance form noting which sessions you attended
- Submit an online evaluation
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.
Is there international registration?
Online meeting registration is for U.S. and Canadian residents only. International registrants must provide a signed registration form — signed by the authorized cardholder — if paying with a credit card. Email the completed registration form to [email protected].
Alternatively, you could send a check from a U.S. bank payable to American Public Power Association. Please mail completed form with full payment to our bank lock box:
American Public Power Association
P.O. Box 418617
Boston, MA 02241-8617
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.
How can I serve as an officer?
Utility employees play a vital role in planning the conference to bring you important topics. Incoming Vice Chairs for committees will be selected in February. 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:
- Environmental
- Grid modernization
- Safety
- Transmission & distribution
What is the APPA Code of Conduct for meeting attendees?
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/Hotel
[email protected]
202-467-2978
Program/Content
[email protected]
202-467-2921
Sponsorship/Expo
[email protected]
202-467-2926
Billing
[email protected]
Phone: 202-467-2967
