Internal and external communication professionals in the utility industry face a variety of challenges in supporting their organizations’ strategic plans, particularly as the utility workforce undergoes significant transformation, communication channels multiply, and utilities face increasing competition. This semiannual forum provides a unique, collaborative space for leaders in corporate communications to discuss these challenges and communications best practices. Recent topics of discussion include executive communications strategy, communicating with employees in the field, crisis communication, branding for employee recruitment and onboarding, environmental stewardship communications, and resource mix communication strategies.
General Details
- Program Chair(s)
- Rebekah Anderson, Communications Manager, Tacoma Public Utilities
- Program Location
- Tacoma Public Utilities
- 3628 S. 35th Street, Tacoma, Washington 98409
- Who Should Attend
Energy company corporate communications senior leadership, including directors and managers.
- Registration Options
Member: $499 USD
Registration price increases $100 after March 13, 2023. Registration includes digital materials and access to all event sessions and meals listed on the agenda. Guest tickets are available for $100 and allow 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 all meals and receptions.
- 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 Cassie Leone, Program Manager at 9713031395.
Agenda
Tuesday, March 28, 2023
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Networking Happy Hour
Join us for a no-host happy hour at the Marriot Tacoma Hotel Bar to catch up with your peers.
Wednesday, March 29, 2023
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Registration + Networking
Arrive early to register and network with peers. Please note, breakfast is on your own.
9:30 AM - 10:45 AM
Welcome + Introducations
The Program Chair will welcome the group and kickoff roundtable introductions. Come prepared to share a recent success story and the biggest challenges you and your team are facing right now.
10:45 AM - 11:00 AM
Networking Break
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Beyond Translation: Building Cultural Competency into Your Communications Plan
Speaker(s): Rachel Hansen, Senior Communications Strategist, Chelan County PUD
Public relations is a strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics. In this presentation, we explore ways to build relationships with primarily Latino communities, but the lessons learned here applies to a multitude of cultures. Building relationship requires us to do more than translate English materials into other languages. We’ll analyze how to re-orient your strategy and tactics to communicate in a way that speaks to the specific community you’re trying to reach.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Networking Lunch
A catered lunch will be provided onsite.
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Substation Attacks: A Communications Case Study
Speaker(s): Jessica Wilson, Community Relations Officer, Media Relations, Tacoma Public Utilities, Rebekah Anderson, Senior Manager, Communications and Marketing, Tacoma Public Utilities, Steven Shortt, Social Media Specialist, Tacoma Power
2:00 PM - 2:15 PM
Networking Break
2:15 PM - 3:30 PM
Open Roundtable Discussion
Facilitator(s): Sarah Sciandri, Corporate Communications Supervisor, Sacramento Municipal Utility District
This time is designated for an open roundtable discussion on top-of-mind issues. Topics covered will be guided by participant questions, and will also include:
- Extreme Weather Lessons Learned
- Outage Preparation Communications
- Resource Adequacy
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Hosted Networking Dinner
Join us for a WEI hosted networking dinner.
Indochine Asian Dining Lounge
1924 Pacific Ave
Tacoma, WA 98402
Thursday, March 30, 2023
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM
Networking Breakfast
A catered breakfast will be provided onsite.
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Help with Utility Bills: Connecting Customers with Financial Assistance
Speaker(s): Jenny Levesque, External Communications Manager, Seattle City Light
Seattle City Light reinstated credit and collections activities by using an equitable approach to electric service disconnections for non or insufficient payment. Seattle City Light implemented a “Help with Utility Bills” campaign to ensure customers were aware of and had access to financial assistance available to them. The campaign was developed and implemented with a focus on social justice. In this presentation, we will explore the targeted messaging, flexible payment options, and resources that were developed to help customers get from the start to finish of their journey.
9:30 AM - 9:45 AM
Networking Break
9:45 AM - 10:45 AM
Employee Engagement Communications: Data Driven Strategies
Speaker(s): Rebekah Anderson, Senior Manager, Communications and Marketing, Tacoma Public Utilities, Sonja Bert, Creative Development Manager, Tacoma Power, Sarah Nystrom, Internal Communications Specialist, Tacoma Power
10:45 AM - 11:00 AM
Networking Break
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Open Roundtable Discussion
Speaker(s): Sarah Sciandri, Corporate Communications Supervisor, Sacramento Municipal Utility District
This time is designated for an open roundtable discussion on top-of-mind issues. Topics covered will be guided by participant questions, and will also include:
- Field Communications
- Hybrid Work Communications
- Rate Increase Communications
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Networking Lunch + Future Planning
A catered lunch will be provided onsite as we discuss our plans for the Fall 2023 Corporate Communications Forum.
Hotel + Travel
- Marriott Tacoma Downtown
- 1538 Commerce Street
- Tacoma, Washington 98402
- Phone: (253) 294-9200
Click here to make your reservation now.
- Reservation Instructions
Please contact the hotel directly at (253) 294-9200 to reserve your room. Identify yourself as being with Western Energy Institute (WEI) to receive a special rate of $159 USD/night. This rate is guaranteed until March 14, 2023 or until the WEI room block is full.