Joint Use (Sep 12-15)

Join us for a morning of networking and golf at the beautiful Siena Golf Club in Las Vegas! Start your day off right with a delicious breakfast, sponsored by Osmose Utilities Services, and connect with peers and professionals from the industries. This networking golf tournament is the perfect opportunity to build meaningful connections while enjoying the stunning views and challenging fairways of Siena Golf Club. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just starting out, this event welcomes players of all skill levels. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to combine business and pleasure in a picturesque setting. Secure your spot today and tee off towards success at the Siena Golf Club networking golf tournament and breakfast! Transportation from the M Resort to Siena Golf Club will be provided.

Separate registration and additional fee required during conference registration process. Registration fee does not include equipment rental if needed ($50) and return transportation from the event. Siena Golf Club is located 20 miles from the M Resort (20-25 minutes drive).

Join us for a lively Welcome Reception as we kick off the 2023 WEI Joint Use Conference! Mingle with fellow attendees, enjoy delicious refreshments and appetizers, and set the stage for a memorable experience ahead. It's the perfect opportunity to connect, network, and get in the spirit of what promises to be an incredible event.

Pick up your name tag and meet the WEI staff. Need to register a colleague? On-site registration will be available. Lanyards sponsored by Orbital Engineering. 

Start your day with a delicious breakfast from our breakfast buffet. Sponsored by Icon Consulting & Design LLC.

Joint Use 101 will break down the basic physical materials involved in Joint Use. A must for those who are new to the Joint Use industry and those who are not frequently working in the field and want a refresher.

Opening Remarks by WEI and the 2023 Joint Use Conference chairs.

Jesse Murray, Vice President of Electric Delivery and Natural Disaster Protection at NV Energy will highlight some industry wide challenges and their impacts on traditional joint use assets.

Vendors and sponsors will join us on the main stage to introduce their company and a quick overview of their products/services.

Embrace the power of collaboration during our First Networking Break with Vendors at the Joint Use Conference. This brief intermission offers a dynamic opportunity to connect with fellow attendees and explore the diverse offerings of our participating vendors. Engage in conversations, share insights, and uncover innovative solutions that can propel your projects forward. It's a perfect moment to recharge, refuel, and network while experiencing the wealth of knowledge and resources available in one place. Coffee service sponsored by UtilityEngineering, LLC

Last year, the US Congress committed an unprecedented $65 billion dollars for broadband infrastructure under the $1 trillion federal infrastructure bill. This money is in addition to some $40 -$50 billion in other largely recurring federal  broadband funding. Some of this money has been expended; most remains to be spent over the next several years.  

Most recently, the US Department of Commerce will be expending some $43.5 billion dollars in grants to the 50 states who, in turn, will through block grants will  select in 2024 which private entities qualify to construct and build out broadband networks in their respective states. Dozens of telcos, cable and metro broadband providers are competing for these dollars. 

The speaker will discuss the broadband funding programs available both under the Infrastructure bill and elsewhere and share their experience and insights on how broadband funding applicants can optimally create and successfully advocate for winning local BEAD local broadband applications.

Recharge and network over a delicious meal at our Lunch with Vendors in the Exhibit Hall. It's the perfect opportunity to savor a meal, gather insights, and explore the latest products and services on display in our vibrant exhibit hall. Fuel your body and your business at this unique networking lunch.

Join us for an enlightening session on 'Pole Transfers / Double Wood Challenges + Solutions.' In this informative event, we'll delve into the complexities of managing pole transfers and double wood challenges in utility and infrastructure projects. Our expert speakers will share valuable insights, best practices, and innovative solutions to overcome these hurdles efficiently. Whether you're an industry professional or a stakeholder, this session promises to equip you with the knowledge and strategies needed to navigate these common challenges successfully.

Take a break and amplify your networking game at our Exhibit Hall Networking Break. Coffee service sponsored by UtilityEngineering, LLC.

This presentation will provide an overview of advanced inspection technologies, from drones to trucks to portable devices for “difficult access” locations. Presenters will share the pros, cons and benefits of each technology, with examples from recent field projects.

"We will preview the next day’s Power Tables and provide insights on their format, content, and targeted outcomes, so that attendees can make an informed decision which power tables to attend in order gain the most relevant insights and information.
We will also use this opportunity for attendees to openly get those burning questions out there regarding the challenges you face in the industry, your company and/or your daily work. On the last day of the conference, we will address any unanswered questions during the “Open Forum” session."

Step into a world of possibilities at our Exhibit Hall Reception! This engaging event is the hub of our conference, where you can connect with a diverse array of vendors and exhibitors. Discover cutting-edge products, explore innovative services, and engage in meaningful conversations with industry experts. Enjoy a lively atmosphere, enticing refreshments, and the opportunity to forge valuable connections while you navigate the vibrant landscape of our exhibit hall. This reception is sponsored by TechServ Engineering & Consulting, LTD.

Pick up your name tag and meet the WEI staff. Need to register a colleague? On-site registration will be available. Lanyards sponsored by Orbital Engineering. 

Kick off day 2 with a hot breakfast from our breakfast buffet

Updates and changes on issues such as FCC policies governing Joint Use, federal broadband funding rollout and management, and pole attachments are key for the joint use community to stay on top of. Come prepared to ask FCC staff your questions and concerns on aforementioned issues and more.

Find the topic that interests you most. The format is informal and some power tables topics may be repeated. At the end of the round, move on to the next topic of interest. Content may vary slightly depending on the those sitting around the table and the questions asked. Two rounds with four session each; each round is 50 minutes with 10 minutes for transition in between.

Enjoy a delicious meal amidst the backdrop of innovative exhibits, fostering new relationships and solidifying existing ones. Share insights, explore opportunities, and bid farewell to an event filled with valuable connections and knowledge. This networking lunch one of the last chances to make lasting impressions and take away invaluable experiences with our vendors. Lunch sponsored by UtilityEngineering, LLC.

Find the topic that interests you most. The format is informal and some power tables topics may be repeated. At the end of the round, move on to the next topic of interest. Content may vary slightly depending on the those sitting around the table and the questions asked. Two rounds with four session each; each round is 50 minutes with 10 minutes for transition in between.

Visit our vendors in the exhibit hall for a final vendor break. 

One of our most anticipated and popular session year after year. This distinguished multi-industry panel of attorneys will provide you with the opportunity to openly participate in a stimulating conversation on our industry. Find out from varying perspectives what you need to know about current and impending regulations, recent court rulings and what you must have on your radar.

Come join your hosts—Varasset, NJUNS and Osmose—at this year’s reception in The Wine Cellar. It’s a hidden gem, conveniently located in the basement of the M Hotel. Catch up with friends and network with people in the joint use industry while enjoying a beverage at the Wine Cellar’s bar. Check out the one-of-a-kind wine barrel ceiling, and try not to walk into anyone.

A breakfast buffet awaits our attendees on day 3 of the conference.

IEEE’s NESC 2023 Handbook was published in February.  This publication is pending adoption throughout the country. Knowledge of the NESC is required in 49 states to ensure the safe, reliable and compliant joint use of utility infrastructure. This session will quickly highlight some of the important changes of the 2023 NESC.

Additionally, on 6/29/23, the IEEE Standards board approved a new guide, which is nearing formal publication. It is named the “NESC Guide for the Joint Use of Electric Power Transmission & Distribution Facilities and Equipment” and falls under the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers > IEEE Power and Energy Society > Transmission and Distribution Committee > Overhead Lines Subcommittee.  A review of the data in this new guide will be presented, as this will be a great resource and catalyst for discussions with attachers and governmental entities during a period of exceptional volumes of attachment request applications.

This session will examine recent state Utility Commission wildfire mitigation regulations impacting joint users in Oregon and historical development of state Utility Commission wildfire mitigation regulations impacting joint users in California. The presentations will provide background on the origins leading to the regulatory proceedings and well as details of related Utility Commission orders.

We will review the topics discussed during the conference and via a roundtable address any topics that need further discussion. All are encouraged to engage and share experiences, best practices, and solutions.

All are welcome. This is your chance to help shape the next conference.