Known for his former life as con man, check forger, and impostor between the ages of 15 and 21, Frank Abagnale’s story inspired the Academy Award-nominated feature film, Catch Me If You Can. Abagnale’s unique expertise and first-hand experience now focus on a life of service and his contributions to the world of cybersecurity are immeasurable. The FBI and more than 14,000 financial institutions, corporations, and government agencies utilize his fraud prevention programs. And although most of his work is with the U.S. government, he refuses to be paid for it. He is a premier cybersecurity speaker, appearing at the FBI Academy and Bureau field offices, a faculty member at the National Advocacy Center, and runs Abagnale & Associates, a financial fraud consultancy company.

Dive into practical applications for some of the most complex and often misunderstood rules in the APPA Safety Manual. Walk through sections you may have overlooked and gain a deeper understanding of why these practices matter. Topics include truck grounding, equipotential grounding, rubber glove use, and radio frequency hazards. Get a preview of proposed changes under consideration in the next version of the NESC and discuss how the changes might affect public power’s safety practices in the future.

Discuss the benefits and limitations of AI in relation to safety programs with your peers. Hear how other utilities use AI, share outcomes from your forays into AI applications, and gain practical strategies you can take back to your utility. Review example integrations and prompts and debate how to validate information compiled by AI along with its merits and pitfalls.

Utility leaders are adapting their safety training and programs to align with a broader set of expectations and learning styles among the current and next generation of workers. Learn what strategies help bridge generational gaps in your safety programs and how public power has successfully implemented these strategies. Find out the power that more effective, inclusive training strategies have on building a safety culture that resonates across your team.

Join us for a dynamic panel discussion featuring three distinguished public power CEOs as they share their insights on the most pressing issues facing our industry today. From the critical importance of safety and workforce development to navigating evolving regulatory landscapes and advancing grid reliability, hear candid perspectives on how their organizations are adapting and innovating to meet the needs of their communities. Learn about the strategic priorities shaping public power’s future and gain inspiration and actionable ideas to take back to your utility.