National Conference

Program

Download the Conference Program

The National Conference program offers three days of keynotes, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities from Monday, June 10 to Wednesday, June 12. Preconference seminars, held on Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9, are a great value-add. 

• Preconference seminars
• General sessions
• Breakout sessions
  • Monday A.M Sessions (11 a.m. - Noon)
  • Monday P.M. Sessions (1:30 - 2:30 p.m. and 3 - 4 p.m.)
  • Tuesday A.M. Sessions (11 a.m. - Noon)
  • Tuesday P.M. Sessions (1:30 - 2:30 p.m.)

Breakout Sessions

Benefit from engaging breakout sessions led by industry experts and public power colleagues—take home actionable ideas and tactics.

Breakout sessions are offered Monday through Wednesday, June 10 - 12. Several breakout sessions run concurrently in each time slot and you can go to any sessions you like. Browse sessions below or download the program PDF [coming soon!] for a listing by date/time that you can share with colleagues and use to plan your itinerary.

Sessions cover the following tracks or topic areas:

• Community & Communications
• Cyber & Physical Preparedness
• Governance & Management
• Legislative & Regulatory Threats
• Operational Excellence
• Public Power Forward/New Technologies
• Workforce Optimization

Preconference Seminars

Get help meeting complex challenges by attending one or more preconference seminars, designed to help you sharpen your skills and knowledge. Seminars allow you to dive deeper into topics with longer class times, smaller class sizes, interactive formats and experienced instructors, making them seminars a value-add to your conference registration. Preconference seminars are offered on Saturday and Sunday, June 8 - 9, before the conference. Most seminars are half-day classes, so you can attend multiple courses each day to make the most of your time away from the office.

 

Agenda at a Glance

Friday, June 7

8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Public Power Day of Giving

Saturday, June 8

8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Preconference Seminars

• Electric Utility Industry Overview: Strategic Challenges & Trends _{^{(8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.)}}
• Distributed Energy Resources: Overview of Financial Risks & Opportunities _{^{(8:30 a.m. - Noon)}}
• Achieving Community Objectives with Strategic Rate Design _{^{(1:30 - 5 p.m.)}}
• Talent Wars: Are You Ready for the Next Generation? _{^{(1:30 - 5 p.m.) FREE}}

9 a.m. - Noon
Association Board of Directors Meeting

3 - 5 p.m.
Advisory Committee Meeting

---

Sunday, June 9

8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Preconference Seminars

• Governance 101: Basics for Board and Council Members _{^{(8:30 a.m. - Noon)}}
• Wireless Pole Attachments: What's in Store? _{^{(8:30 a.m. - Noon)}}
• The Soup to Nuts of Future-proofing Your Utility _{^{(8:30 a.m. - Noon)}}
• Strategic Planning Live: A Simulated Immersion _{^{(8:30 a.m. - Noon)}}
• Measuring for Success: Performance Monitoring and Accountability for Boards _{^{(1:30 - 5 p.m.)}}
• Crisis Communications: What Every Leader Must Know _{^{(1:30 - 5 p.m.)}}
• Integrating New Technologies into Your Distribution System _{^{(1:30 - 5 p.m.)}}
• Understanding Cyber Threats: Practical Techniques to Secure Your Utility _{^{(1:30 - 5 p.m.)}}

11 a.m. - Noon
PMA Task Force Meeting

1 - 2 p.m.
Joint Action Agencies Meeting

2 - 4 p.m.
Legislative & Resolutions Committee Meeting

4 - 5 p.m.
FERC/NERC Issues Briefing

5 - 6 p.m.
Women in Public Power Reception 

6 - 7:30 p.m.
Welcome Reception 

---

Monday, June 10

7 - 8:15 a.m.
PowerPAC Breakfast

8:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Opening General Session

• Can We Move from Gridlock to Dialogue? — Mark McKinnon

9:30 - 11 a.m.
Guest Breakfast 

11 a.m. - Noon
Breakout Sessions

• Crisis Communications: How to Stay in Control
• The 100% Renewables Bandwagon: Should You Jump On?
• Economic Development Best Practices: Site Selection and Megatrends
• Federal Legislative Update: From Congress to Your Community
• Cybersecurity: Small Investment, Big Impact
• Safety Top 5: Step Up Your Game
• Boards 101: Fulfilling Your Fiduciary Responsibilities
• Winning the Talent War: Workforce Challenges and Keys to Success
• INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT - The Future is Here for Solar + Storage, 8minuteenergy Renewables _{^{(11 - 11:30 a.m.)}}
• INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT - Will Renewables Ruin Organized Markets?, Duncan, Weinberg, Genzer & Pembroke _{^{(11:30 a.m. - Noon)}} 

Noon - 1:30 p.m.
Lunch (on your own)

1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Breakout Sessions

• Green is the New Black: Communicating Environmental Stewardship
• Energy Storage: Behind or in Front of the Meter?
• Protecting Your Customers and Community from Scams
• What is Happening in the RTO-Operated Markets?
• Threat Alert: Cybersecurity for Leaders
• Getting the Most Out of Your AMI Investment
• Understanding Your Board Role and Responsibilities
• Training Programs to Bring in and Keep the Best
• INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT - Safety and Tool Traning: Phasing Meters and Voltage Detectors, Bierer Meters _{^{(2 - 2:30 p.m.)}} 

1:30 - 4 p.m.
Public Power Expo: Preview Hours

3 - 4 p.m.
Breakout Sessions

• More than Poles and Wires: Measuring the True Value of Your Utility
• Community Solar with Storage: Lessons Learned
• What is Blockchain and Why Should You Care?
• Transmission: Increasing Rates Demand Increasing Scrutiny
• Lessons from Disaster: Making the Most of Mutual Aid
• Powering Resiliency for Our Military Systems
• Report Card Time for the CEO and Board
• Tipping the Pay Scales: Strategic Roundtable
• INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT - Partnering to Develop Solar Facilities: Case Study of a 300MW Solar Project for Virginia Electric Cooperative, D.E. Shaw Renewable Investments _{^{(3:30 - 4 p.m.)}}

4 - 6 p.m.
Public Power Expo: Grand Reception

6 p.m.
Young Professionals Happy Hour

---

Tuesday, June 11

8 - 10 a.m.
Awards & General Session

• Are We Ready for the Rise of the Robots? — Jennifer Golbeck

10 a.m. - Noon.
Public Power Expo

11 a.m. - Noon
Breakout Sessions

• Reaching Tomorrow's Customers: Public Power in Our Schools
• Winning the Rate Race for Your Utility and Community
• Pole Attachments: Overcoming Barriers to Local Control
• Addressing Climate Change: The Washington Report
• Can Your Utility Survive a Cyber Attack? 
• R&D: Bring the Power of Innovation to Your Community
• Boards and Managers: Leading as a Team
• Bond Ratings: Straight from the Big Three
• INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT - The UMPA Peaking Plant: A Breath of Fresh Air, Caterpillar _{^{(11 - 11:30 a.m.)}}
• INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT - The Energy Storage Playbook: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Gear Up and Save Money, ENGIE Storage _{^{(11:30 a.m. - Noon)}}

Noon - 1:30 p.m.
Public Power Expo: Closing Luncheon

1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Breakout Sessions

• Tell Your Story, Save Your Utility
• What Will Your Utility Look Like in 2029?
• Electrify Your Fleet and Recharge Your Benefits
• Are Your Transmission Rates About to Go Up?
• Physical Security: The Threats Haven't Gone Away
• Upping  Your Operations Game to Become a Five-tool Utility
• Flexible Nuclear for Low-Cost Decarbonization
• It's Never Too Early for CEO Succession Planning

2:45 - 4:15 p.m.
General Session

• How to Build a Culture of Excellence in Public Power — Timothy Burke, David Koster, Debra Smith, and Lynne Tejeda

4:30 p.m.
Association Business Meeting

8 - 10 p.m.
Public Power @ Speakeasy

---

Wednesday, June 12

8 - 10:30 a.m.
Chair's Breakfast & Closing General Session

• A Leadership Roadmap from Four American Presidents — Doris Kearns Goodwin

10:30 a.m.
Conference Adjourns

---

Platinum Sponsors  

  

          

 

 

Registration

Members receive substantial discounts. Not yet a member? Learn more and join now.

Member Registration Fees

American Public Power Association members receive the member rate.

• $875 - National Conference
• $400 - Half-day preconference seminars (each)
• $500 - Full-day preconference seminar

Non-Member Registration Fees

• $1,700 - National Conference
• $750 - Half-day preconference seminars (each)
• $950 - Full-day preconference seminar

 

Conference Mentor Program
If you’re a first-time attendee, or the only one from your organization, pair up with a seasoned conference-goer who’ll show you the ropes. Your mentor will meet you at the Sunday Welcome Reception and stay in touch with you throughout the conference.

Want to have a conference mentor or serve as one? Select the check-box on the online or PDF registration form or contact us at [email protected]; 202-467-2973 by May 31 to participate. 

Cancellation Policy
Registrants who cancel in writing on or before May 31, 2019, are entitled to a refund of their registration fee, minus a $50 cancellation fee. Registrants who cancel after May 31 will not receive a refund, but attendee substitutions will be allowed for the 2019 National Conference only. Registrants and no-shows who do not cancel on or before May 31 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].

Questions?
Email [email protected]

---

Gold Sponsors

                                                          

Hotel

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 the Association—in conference brochures and the website at www.PublicPower.org.

Conference Location & Hotels

All conference events will take place at the Austin Convention Center. The American Public Power Association has room blocks at the following hotels:

JW Marriott Austin 110 E. 2nd Street Austin, TX 78701 Group rate: $249 (Single/Double) per night (plus 15.2% tax) Check in: 3 p.m. / Check out: 11 a.m. Main telephone: 1-512-474-4777 Parking: $34.64/day self parking; $48.71/overnight valet parking	Courtyard Austin Downtown 300 East 4th Street Austin, TX 78701 Group rate: $249 (Single/Double) per night (plus 15.2% tax) Check in: 4 p.m. / Check out: 11 a.m. Main telephone: 1-512-236-8008 Parking: $35/day self parking; $43/overnight valet parking
Reservations Online reservation link Attendee group code: APPA American Public Reservation telephone: 1-888-236-2427 Reservation cut-off date: May 10, 2019	Reservations Online reservation link Attendee group code: APPA 2019 Conference Reservation telephone: 1-800-321-2211 Reservation cut-off date: May 10, 2019

Assistance
For assistance making your hotel arrangements, please contact Meeting Services at 202/467-2941 or [email protected].

Reservations & Cancellations
The cut-off date to receive the group rate at both the JW Marriott Austin and Courtyard Austin Downtown is May 10, 2019. The room blocks may sell out before May 10, so early reservations are encouraged. Make your reservations directly with the hotels using the links or telephone numbers above.

Cancelled reservations that are not resold may become a financial liability for the Association, so please make your reservations thoughtfully.

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 the Association—in conference brochures and the website at www.PublicPower.org.

Transportation
The hotels are located approximately 10 miles from the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS). Please visit the JW Marriott Austin or the Courtyard Austin Downtown web sites for information regarding directions and parking.

Austin
Austin is one of the nation’s most exciting cities — a hub of creativity, a hotbed for start-ups, and a vibrant musical and artistic epicenter. It’s home to the Texas state capitol, University of Texas, and the world-renowned South by Southwest festival (SXSW). Consistently topping “best city” lists, Austin boasts a diverse cultural scene, laid-back and friendly vibe, great weather, and stunning outdoor settings and activities. The self-proclaimed “Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin celebrates music at over 250 venues citywide. Dining also puts the city on the map, with some of the country’s best Tex-Mex and Southwestern-influenced fare. Despite rapid growth, the city remains an extraordinarily open and welcoming place with a casual yet lively atmosphere that appeals to everyone.

Discover more at www.austintexas.org.

Dress Code
The attire for the conference is business casual. Meeting room temperatures vary, so prepare to dress for cool conditions.

Questions?
Contact us at [email protected].

---

Mobile App Sponsor

    

Silver Sponsors

       

Frequently Asked Questions

Where and when is the next National Conference?

June 7-12, 2019
Austin Convention Center
Austin, TX

June 5-10, 2020
Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center
Long Beach, California

June 18-23, 2021
Hyatt Regency Chicago
Chicago, Illinois

June 10-15, 2022
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
Nashville, Tennessee

June 16-21, 2023
Washington State Convention Center
Seattle, Washington

June 7-12, 2024
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
San Diego, California

June 6-11, 2025
Hyatt Regency New Orleans
New Orleans, Louisiana

What educational credits are available?

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)

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. Fax the completed registration form to 202-495-7484 or emailed it 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

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 us at [email protected] or call 202-467-2976.