It’s long been said that people don’t leave bad jobs, they leave bad managers. Get inspired to transform your leadership style to support the utility culture you want to see. Share experiences for how to effectively move safety from a “program” to a culture of caring, blending both physical and psychological safety. Discuss how leadership can demonstrate commitment, set expectations, build trust, and create a culture of accountability.

Public Power NextTech Expo

Welcome to Huntsville

Honoring Our Colleagues: Safety Awards of Excellence

Keynote: Leading Through Impossible

Col. Jack “2fish” Fischer is a senior space operations leader, combat fighter pilot, astronaut, and flight test expert with 29 years of experience across the spectrum of operational levels. He is a distinguished graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and a Massachusetts Institute of Technology Draper Fellow with bachelors and masters degrees in Astronautics. He is a command pilot astronaut with over 3,000 hours in over 40 aircraft, a Society of Experimental Test Pilots Associate Fellow, and has spent 136 days in space with two spacewalks. 2fish is currently serving as the Chief Integration Officer at Intuitive Machines, managing all production, mission operations, and integrated functions across IM’s enterprise. An active member of the community, he is also a member of the Texas Aerospace Research and Space Economy Consortium Executive Committee as part of the Texas Space Commission.

RP₃ designees and Safety Award honorees can get their photos taken.

Meet with other first-time attendees, get tips on making the most of your conference experience, and forge lasting connections that will fuel your success throughout the event.

Kick off the conference with this opportunity to unwind, network, and build lasting relationships in this relaxed setting. Enjoy live music, food, and drinks while connecting with friends and colleagues. Be sure to get your Rocket Launch Map stamped!

Battery energy storage systems, or BESS, are transforming how utilities manage reliability, resilience, and capacity. Get a comprehensive overview of BESS applications and strategies, including practical use cases and examples from public power. Explore how storage can be deployed for multiple objectives — from improving distribution reliability to supporting bulk supply services — while learning about emerging technologies and safety considerations. Through real-world examples and interactive discussion, gain understanding of the technical, operational, and economic aspects of BESS deployment, all to help you make informed decisions and plan for your utility’s future.

Imagine planning a trip without choosing a destination, mapping an itinerary, or deciding who you’ll travel with. Many of us approach our careers this way — hoping things will work out without ever taking the wheel. This is your invitation to stop wandering and start steering — not just for yourself, but for the teams you lead and influence. Learn how to begin to take ownership of your career and individual leadership development, while also learning how to cultivate accountability, foster a growth mindset, and empower others on your team. First, reflect on your values, uncover your strengths, and learn tools to help you create a personalized roadmap for growth. Then, explore how to effectively encourage your team to adopt a growth mindset, take accountability, and create a team development action plan. Whether you're just starting out or looking to reignite your path, stop waiting for someone else to lead and start practicing how to guide your own journey toward a fulfilling career and culture of results.