Sep

16-19

Annual Meeting (Sep 16-19)

This event brings the natural gas and electric utility executive community together to encourage discussion and foster new opportunities. Learn from subject matter experts regarding imminent opportunities and the challenges pressing utilities to adapt and flex in uncharted territories for best-in-class utility management. Topics covered in recent years include customer relations, global economic insights, new business models for utilities in a carbon constrained world, opportunities and challenges of big data, energy supply and demand forecasting, and visions for the utility of the future.

Register Now

General Details

  • Program Chair(s)
  • Roger Dall'Antonia, President and CEO, FortisBC

    • Program Location
    • JW Marriott Parq Vancouver
    • 39 Smithe Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6B 0R3
    • Who Should Attend
      • Energy industry executives
      • WEI Board of Directors
      • Executive Planning Committees
      • Service company providers
      • Senior management professionals
  • Registration Options
  • Member: $1,099 USD

    Registration prices increases $150 after August 28, 2023. Registration includes a welcome reception on Sunday evening, all presentations, panel discussions, meals on Monday and Tuesday, and digital program materials via the event app. Guest tickets are available for $150 and allow for a personal guest (a spouse or partner who does not work in the energy industry) to accompany a registered attendee at the event. Guest registration includes meals and receptions. Please note that registration fees are subject to 5% Canadian Goods and Service Tax (GST).

    Current participants in the Business Acumen for Emerging Leaders and Women in Leadership + Development programs can attend the 2023 Annual Meeting at no charge. The ticket option will be available for participants to select when they register.

    Business Acumen for Emerging Leaders Program Alumni are invited to attend a portion of the 2023 Annual Meeting. Registration is $699 through August 28, 2023, after which the prices will increase by $150. Registration includes Monday evening’s Service Company event, all sessions and meals on Tuesday, and digital program materials via the event app. Please note that registration fees are subject to 5% Canadian Goods and Service Tax (GST).

  • General Cancellation Policy
  • Due to contractual obligations, cancellations received 15 business days prior to the program will receive a full refund. Cancellations received 6 to 14 business days prior to the event will receive a refund, less a $100 administrative fee. No shows and last minute cancellations, 5 business days prior to the event or less, will be responsible for the full registration fee. Substitutions from your organization for the same event are always welcome.
  • Participation Policy
  • Western Energy Institute programs and events are open to energy companies (including gas production and electric generation, gas and electric transmission and gas and electric distribution utilities). Select programs and events are open to energy industry product and service suppliers. Programs and events are closed to all media representatives and to the general public. Recording is not permitted for any portion of the event.
  • For more information contact Amy Nye, Director of Programs at (971) 303-2119.

Agenda

Sunday, September 17, 2023

7:30 AM - 2:00 PM

Optional Networking Opportunities

Please see the Networking tab for more information.

11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Women in Leadership

Open to current WEI Women in Leadership mentors and mentees only.

3:30 PM - 4:15 PM

WEI Executive Committee Meeting

Open to current WEI Executive Committee members only.

4:00 PM - 5:30 PM

Registration Open

The registration desk will open early for attendees to pick up their name badge.

4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

WEI Board of Directors Meeting

Open to current WEI Board Members only.

5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Welcome Reception

All attendees welcome.
Sponsored by KPMG

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Board of Directors Dinner

By invitation only. Open to WEI Board Members and invited guests. Sponsored by Burns & McDonnell

Monday, September 18, 2023

7:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Registration Open

8:00 AM - 8:45 AM

Networking Breakfast

8:45 AM - 9:00 AM

Welcome + Opening Remarks
Speaker(s): Roger Dall'Antonia, President and CEO, FortisBC

Sponsored by Black & Veatch

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

On the Edge: The Art of High-Impact Leadership
Speaker(s): Alison Levine, Mountain Climber, Explorer, Leadership Consultant, and Author of On the Edge, Keynote Speaker

Imagine yourself on the highest mountain in the world. You have to deal with the physiological effects of extreme altitude–along with bone-chilling temperatures, battering winds, and a climbing team that's counting on all of its members to make smart decisions. There's simply no room for poor judgment — one mistake or misstep can result in an "unrecoverable error." In any situation where lives on are the line or the stakes are exceptionally high–there's no better training ground for leaders than settings where people are pushed beyond their perceived limits. Drawing on her experience as team captain of the first American Women's Everest Expedition, Alison Levine makes a compelling case that the leadership principles that apply in the world of extreme adventure also apply to today's rigorously competitive business environments.

10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Networking Break

10:30 AM - 11:45 AM

Industry Topic Panel

11:45 AM - 1:30 PM

Networking Lunch + The Global Economy
Speaker(s): Linda Nazareth, Future of Work Expert, Economist, and Author, Keynote Speaker

Europe, the U.S., oil prices, interest rates, population change, currency markets, the markets and more – what is the big picture and how do you make the right decisions to stay ahead of the curve? How does North America fit into the mix – and how do you plan for your own industry and investments? In this presentation Linda Nazareth looks at the economic outlook, the opportunities in the face of challenges, and the way that the larger picture will affect your own business interests.

Lunch sponsored by Tecnosylva.

1:30 PM - 2:00 PM

Networking Break

2:00 PM - 3:15 PM

Industry Topic Panel

3:15 PM - 3:30 PM

Break

3:30 PM - 4:45 PM

Concurrent Committee Meetings

By invitation only. Open to WEI Board Committee Members. The WEI Service Company Committee will also meet during this time.

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

WEI Service Company Networking Event

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

7:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Registration Open

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Networking Breakfast + 2023 Western Energy Institute Theme
Speaker(s): Gillian Wright, SVP and Chief Customer Officer, Southern California Gas Company

9:00 AM - 9:30 AM

Networking Break

9:30 AM - 10:15 AM

Industry Breakout #1A: Business Acumen for Emerging Leaders

9:30 AM - 10:15 AM

Industry Breakout #1B: Business Acumen for Emerging Leaders

10:15 AM - 10:30 AM

Networking Break

10:30 AM - 11:15 AM

Industry Breakout #2A: Business Acumen for Emerging Leaders

10:30 AM - 11:15 AM

Industry Breakout #2B: Business Acumen for Emerging Leaders

11:15 AM - 11:30 AM

Networking Break

11:30 AM - 12:15 PM

Industry Breakout #3A: Business Acumen for Emerging Leaders

11:30 AM - 12:15 PM

Industry Breakout #3B: Business Acumen for Emerging Leaders

12:15 PM - 1:15 PM

Networking Lunch

1:15 PM - 2:00 PM

Industry Breakout #4A: Business Acumen for Emerging Leaders

1:15 PM - 2:00 PM

Industry Breakout #4B: Business Acumen for Emerging Leaders

2:00 PM - 2:15 PM

Networking Break

2:15 PM - 3:00 PM

Industry Breakout #5A: Business Acumen for Emerging Leaders

2:15 PM - 3:00 PM

Industry Breakout #5B: Business Acumen for Emerging Leaders

3:00 PM - 3:15 PM

Networking Break

3:15 PM - 4:00 PM

Industry Breakout #6A: Business Acumen for Emerging Leaders

3:15 PM - 4:00 PM

Industry Breakout #6B: Business Acumen for Emerging Leaders

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Break

5:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Receptiong, Dinner + Graduation Ceremony for Business Acumen

Hotel + Travel

  • Reservation Instructions
  • Please contact the hotel directly at 1-877-688-9951 to reserve your room. Identify yourself as being with “WEI” to receive a special rate of $319 CAD/night. This rate is guaranteed until August 28, 2023 or until the WEI room block is full.

Networking

Saturday, September 16, 2023

2:15 PM – 5:30 PM
Gastown Walking Food Tour (Saturday)
Cost: $120 USD + 5% GST
Capacity: 19

Explore Vancouver’s Oldest Neighborhood. Rich in history, high in energy, and home to an impressive culinary scene, where foodies unite on the streets of Gastown Our Legendary Gastown Food tour takes you through the cobbled stone streets of Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood. Enjoy local craft beer, Japanese Karage chicken, freshly made Sicilian Tortellini with local wine, vegan sweet & chili cauliflower, traditional Canadian poutine, organic soft ice cream, decadent waffles and award-winning cheesecake. On this 2.5-hour walking food tour, you will be led by our talented and amazing, storytelling tour guides who will share fascinating and funny little-known stories about Vancouver and its “Wild West” history that dates back 150 years. This is a tour you don’t want to miss! Pre-registration is required. Please note that registration fees are subject to 5% Canadian Goods and Service Tax (GST).

Sunday, September 17, 2023

7:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Vancouver Half-Day Whale Watching
Cost: $195 USD + 5% GST
Capacity: 12

Experience the majesty of the Salish Sea and its wildlife, from whales surfacing in unison to bald eagles soaring overhead. Explore the Strait of Georgia’s and Howe Sound’s currents in search of orcas and humpback whales, and listen to our marine mammal experts bring the animals’ stories to life (while you stay warm, dry and hydrated in the heated cabin, of course!) The quintessential whale watching experience for every adventurer. Departing from Downtown Vancouver (Granville Island) aboard one of our Salish Sea class catamarans (95-person capacity), this adventure will take you on a 3- to 5-hour, fully-guided whale watching & marine wildlife viewing tour. Complimentary tea, coffee & hot chocolate on board. Light snacks are available for purchase. Pre-registration is required. Please note that registration fees are subject to 5% Canadian Goods and Service Tax (GST).

8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Stanley Park Bike Tour
Cost: $85 USD + 5% GST
Capacity: 9

Stanley Park is truly one of the most beautiful parks in the world. This unique tour includes a perfect mixture of both trail riding and seawall cruising. Highlights include in-depth information about the biodiversity of the temperate rainforest, the history of the coastal First Nations and their legendary totem poles, as well as an abundance of hidden treasures and stories that the park has accumulated over its 125 year history.

Stanley Park is uniquely situated with incredibly scenic views of Downtown Vancouver, the North Shore, The Lion’s Gate Bridge, as well as English Bay and the West End. Our guides will weave you down the pristine forest trails that criss-cross through the park, and give insightful information about our amazing wilderness city. This is definitely more than just a ride in the park. You will walk or ride away with a deeper understanding of both Vancouver and its green treasure.

An easy 12 km ride on dedicated bike trails. We always ride at a relaxed pace to take in the sights, so anyone with moderate fitness can easily do this ride! Bike and helmut included. Pre-registration is required. Please note that registration fees are subject to 5% Canadian Goods and Service Tax (GST).

10:45 AM – 2:00 PM
Gastown Walking Food Tour (Sunday)
Cost: $120 USD + 5% GST
Capacity: 19

Explore Vancouver’s Oldest Neighborhood. Rich in history, high in energy, and home to an impressive culinary scene, where foodies unite on the streets of Gastown Our Legendary Gastown Food tour takes you through the cobbled stone streets of Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood. Enjoy local craft beer, Japanese Karage chicken, freshly made Sicilian Tortellini with local wine, vegan sweet & chili cauliflower, traditional Canadian poutine, organic soft ice cream, decadent waffles and award-winning cheesecake. On this 2.5-hour walking food tour, you will be led by our talented and amazing, storytelling tour guides who will share fascinating and funny little-known stories about Vancouver and its “Wild West” history that dates back 150 years. This is a tour you don’t want to miss! Pre-registration is required. Please note that registration fees are subject to 5% Canadian Goods and Service Tax (GST).

Program Sponsors

Platinum Sponsors
Burns + McDonnell-01Copperleaf-01  Honeywell-01KPMG-01Rokstad-01-01SAP-01

Gold Sponsors
ActiveTelesource-01Acros-01 Barnard-01
HDR-01     TDW-03-01Wilson Construction-01

Conference Services + Session Sponsors

Burns + McDonnell-01Copperleaf-01KPMG-01

Meet The Speakers

Alison Levine

Keynote Speaker

Mountain Climber, Explorer, Leadership Consultant, and Author of On the Edge
Learn More

Alison Levine has made a career out of breaking boundaries and inspiring others to achieve more than they ever thought possible. A history-making polar explorer and mountaineer, she served as team captain of the first American Women’s Everest Expedition, climbed the highest peak on each continent and skied to both the North and South Poles—a feat known as the Adventure Grand Slam— which only twenty people in the world have achieved. In January 2008, she made history as the first American to complete a 600-mile traverse across west Antarctica to the South Pole following the route of legendary explorer Reinhold Messner. Levine completed this arduous journey on skis while hauling 150 pounds of her gear and supplies in a sled harnessed to her waist. She made history again in 2016 when she completed two first ascents: Hall Peak in Antarctica and Khang Karpo in Nepal. Her success in extreme environments is noteworthy given she has had three heart surgeries and suffers from Raynaud’s disease, which causes the arteries that feed her fingers and toes to collapse in cold weather—leaving her at extreme risk for frostbite.

In addition to climbing mountains, Levine has also spent time climbing the corporate ladder. She has worked for several Fortune 500 companies in both sales and marketing roles and spent three years at Goldman Sachs. She left Wall Street in 2003 to serve as Deputy Finance Director for Arnold Schwarzenegger in his successful bid to become governor of California.

When not challenging herself in the outdoors, Levine focuses on training others to become strong leaders. She spent four years as an adjunct professor at the United States Military Academy at West Point in the Department of Behavioral Sciences & Leadership. In 2013 she transitioned from training cadets to working with corporate leaders and currently serves on the board and faculty of the Thayer Leader Development Group at West Point—one of the nation’s premiere executive leader development programs. She was a contributing author to the book Leadership in Dangerous Situations: A Handbook for the Armed Forces, Emergency Services and First Responders (Naval Institute Press). She also served as a board member and Senior Fellow at the Coach K Center on Leadership & Ethics at Duke University.

Levine is the founder of the Climb High Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of jobless women in western Uganda by training them to be trekking guides and porters in their local mountains, thus allowing them to earn a sustainable living wage through climbing-related tourism. Prior to her work in Uganda, women’s only avenue to earn money in this area of the country was through prostitution. Her efforts enabled the very first group of local women to climb Uganda’s highest peak—Mt Stanley. Her work to change the lives of women in Africa is the subject of the PBS documentary Living Courageously.

Levine’s newest role is that of executive producer of the upcoming documentary film The Glass Ceiling (www.theglassceilingmovie.com), which chronicles the life of Pasang Lhamu Sherpa (1961-1993), the first female Sherpa to summit Mt. Everest.

Levine was inducted into the Arizona Women’s Hall of Fame in 2018. She holds a BA from the University of Arizona and an MBA from Duke University, where she currently serves on the Board of Visitors. She is the recipient of the 2019 Ellis Island Medal of Honor which recognizes individuals whose accomplishments in their field and inspired service to our nation are cause for celebration. The Medal has been officially recognized by both Houses of Congress as one of our nation’s most prestigious awards and is annually memorialized in the Congressional Record.

A sought-after consultant and keynote speaker on the subject of leadership development, Levine has addressed audiences ranging from Fortune 500 companies to professional sports teams to the prestigious World Economic Forum at Davos. She is the author of the New York Times best-seller On the Edge: Leadership Lessons from Mount Everest and other Extreme Environments. Having spent prolonged periods of time in some of the world’s most dangerous and inhospitable places, she tackles the topics of creating cohesive teams, taking responsible risks, and developing no-nonsense leaders that can succeed in times of uncertainty.

Roger Dall’Antonia

FortisBC

President and CEO

Gillian Wright

Southern California Gas Company

SVP and Chief Customer Officer

Linda Nazareth

Keynote Speaker

Future of Work Expert, Economist, and Author
Learn More

Linda Nazareth is an economist, a futurist and a respected authority on the future of work.

As a newspaper columnist and an author, she knows how to frame things in ways that both educate and entertain, and as the Senior Fellow for Economics and Population Change think-tank at the Macdonald Laurier Institute, she knows what she is talking about.

In 2023 she released her new book ” Working it Out: How to Be Ready for the Redefined Future of Work”

She is also the host of Work and the Future, a new podcast that explores trends around the labour force and the workplace.

Linda’s career has taken some non-traditional turns for someone in her field. Her first jobs was as a government economist where she specialized in labour market planning, which was followed by a stint at a major financial institution where she spent years as a Senior Economist. Wanting to change things up while she could, she lobbied to have a job created for her on Business News Network BNN, and during her time at BNN, Linda started writing books and giving keynote presentations, and eventually left daily broadcasting to give those passions her full-time attention.