Most utility governance officials must quickly learn the roles, responsibilities, and expectations that come with the job. Get a comprehensive overview of public power and the duties and legal obligations of people on the governing board, including city council members. Review the nuts and bolts of governance requirements, such as open meetings and records, fiduciary responsibilities, charters and bylaws, conflicts of interest, and interaction with regulatory agencies. Learn what you can do to encourage effective board meetings and productive communication between your fellow board members, utility staff, and stakeholders. Swap strategies for successful board operations.

Topics: 
•    Advantages of the public power model 
•    Duties and obligations of governing board members
•    Common challenges and sticky situations for board members
•    Making the most of your experience

When a crisis strikes, leaders are expected to respond with speed, clarity, and confidence—often in highly charged situations where instincts can work against effective communication. In today’s fast moving media environment, successful crisis communications requires a strategic approach focused on de escalation, trust building, and keeping stakeholders informed. This fast paced session provides practical guidance for managing high stakes situations before they spiral out of control. Participants will learn how to protect credibility, calm stakeholders, and maintain control of the narrative when it matters most.

Topics:

• Establishing and maintaining control of the message
• Using social media to inform rather than inflame
• Working effectively with reporters during a crisis
• Navigating differences across TV, print, radio, and online media
• Responding when legal guidance conflicts with communication needs
• Communicating during extreme crisis events, including mass casualty incidents

Whether you’re new to the electric utility world or looking to keep pace with the rapidly evolving energy industry landscape, this course offers a practical, non-technical overview of how electric systems work. Get a solid grounding of how public power utilities operate — from energy source to meter — gaining insight into the latest trends in how utility infrastructure is built, operated, and maintained. Examine the forces transforming the industry and how regulatory structures and market dynamics are reshaping traditional business models. Learn how leading utilities are adapting their strategies and practices to maintain financial strength, enhance operational resilience, and ensure long term sustainability.

Utility staff and leaders of all levels, policymakers, and anyone who is supporting a utility’s strategic reset are welcome in this dive into the fundamentals and emerging trends shaping the sector. Leave ready to participate more confidently in your utility’s planning, oversight, and strategic decision making — and with a copy of APPA’s Electric Utility Basics manual to keep as a reference guide.

Topics:
•    Electric utility regulations and business models 
•    The regional generation and transmission grid
•    Your local public power system
•    Trends and challenges in electric utility management

Lunch is included with this workshop. 

Light Up Navajo VII Recognition

Installation of the 2026-2027 Board Chair

Closing Keynote: Going for the Gold — Leadership Lessons from the Captain of the "Miracle on Ice"
End the National Conference on a high note with an unforgettable keynote from Mike Eruzione, captain of the legendary 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team and the central figure of the hit film Miracle. As the leader who helped orchestrate one of the greatest upsets in sports history, Eruzione brings a powerful message about what it really takes to lead, inspire, and achieve seemingly impossible goals.

Drawing from his Olympic journey, Eruzione shares stories of resilience, teamwork, and the unwavering belief that ordinary people can accomplish extraordinary things when they commit to a common goal. Explore how the principles that fueled the Miracle on Ice — trust, accountability, preparation, adaptability, and heart — apply just as powerfully to today’s organizational, leadership, and community challenges.

Get a powerful reminder in why leadership matters, how teams triumph, and what it means to “go for the gold” in your organization and your community. A perfect finale for a week dedicated to learning, connection, and the power of public power leaders working together.

Learn more about Eruzione in Netflix's new documentary, Miracle: The Boys of 80.

NOTE: This event has sold out.

Experience an unforgettable evening at one of Boston’s most iconic places: Fenway Park. Mix and mingle with colleagues, soak in the ballpark atmosphere, and enjoy a relaxed night of networking in an exclusive area of one of baseball’s most historic settings. Watch the Boston Red Sox take on the Washington Nationals while you enjoy sweeping ballpark views, classic bites, and a front row experience of the game from the Sam Adams Deck — one of Fenway’s most legendary vantage points. Whether you’re a die hard fan or just love a great summer evening, this reception offers the perfect blend of Boston charm, camaraderie, and America’s favorite pastime. 

Get reports from the board Treasurer on APPA’s performance and financials and cast your vote on policy resolutions to guide APPA’s advocacy efforts for the coming year and for which members will represent your region on the APPA Board of Directors. Each utility member must appoint a voting delegate for this meeting. 

Public power utilities face growing challenges—from load growth and resource adequacy to workforce pressures, customer expectations, and policy uncertainty. In this candid CEO to CEO discussion, public power leaders share the top issues shaping the industry and the strategies they’re using to strengthen reliability, affordability, and long term success.

Modernizing operational technology is no longer optional — it’s essential for reliability, efficiency, and meeting customer expectations. Hear how a panel of utility leaders from small, mid-sized, and large public power utilities approached the challenges and opportunities of technology modernization. From integrating new systems to managing cybersecurity risks, optimizing grid operations, and balancing innovation with budget constraints, get perspective on what planning and implementation strategies fit with your utility’s size and resources.