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.
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).
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
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
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
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.
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).
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).