Utilities proactively partner with industrial, commercial and other large customers to better understand their needs, anticipate load, improve services, maintain competitive edge and stabilize the grid in their service territory. Join key accounts directors and managers to share best practices, and develop creative solutions to current challenges. The meeting format features a keynote from the host utility and ample time dedicated to roundtable conversation for members to share information and effective strategies for managing key accounts. Breakout sessions are utilized to provide more focused and relevant conversation as needed. Overall program content covers a wide range of topics, including: alternative energy; customer communication and education; organizational approaches and metrics for managing KA departments; new customer programs and business development.
General Details
- Program Chair(s)
- Adam Tulloch, Lead, Distribution Commercial Accounts and Aris Argyriou, Lead - Builder & Developer Accounts, ATCO Gas
- Program Location
- Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
- 107 Tunnel Mountain Dr., Banff, Alberta T1L 1H5
- Who Should Attend
- Directors and Senior Managers of Key Account teams
- Senior Account Managers
- Major Accounts or Major Customer Representatives
- Energy Solutions/Strategic Energy Partners or Advisors
- Commercial or Industrial Account Services
- Key Account Representatives
- Registration Options
Member: $499 USD
Registration price increases $100 after April 8, 2024. Registration includes digital materials and access to all event sessions and meals listed on the agenda. Guest tickets are available for $150 and allow for a personal guest (a spouse or partner who does not work in the energy industry) who is staying at the host hotel who wishes to to accompany a registered attendee. Guest registration includes all meals and receptions while at the Banff Centre.
- 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 Carlow, Program Manager at (971) 303-1716.
Agenda
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Optional Networking Happy Hour
For those arriving into town the evening prior, grab a drink or appetizer, and network with colleagues at this optional pre-conference meet up.
Thursday, May 9, 2024
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Networking Breakfast + Registration
Breakfast will be provided to attendees staying at the Banff Centre Hotel.
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Welcome + Introductions
Facilitator(s): Adam Tulloch, Senior Key Account Representative - Natural Gas, ATCO Natural Gas
Speaker(s): Aris Argyriou, Senior Key Account Representative - Natural Gas, ATCO Natural Gas
Come prepared to introduce yourself, and share anything you hope to focus on or learn about while attending the forum.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
The Customer Journey at ATCO
Speaker(s): Leah McDonald, Director of Customer Experience and Innovation, ATCO Natural Gas
Hear from the ATCO's VP of Customer Service and Innovation and learn about the customer journey at ATCO.
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Networking Break
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Implementing Customer Projects in the Current Regulatory Environment
Learn how utilities are navigating the regulatory environment to get upgrades in place for customers with large projects.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Networking Lunch
WEI hosted networking lunch.
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Open Roundtable Discussion + Electric, Gas + Dual Utility Breakout Session
Come prepared to highlight any updates from your company and highlight a success over the past year, along with any challenges you are facing. Have an opportunity to divide into smaller work groups based on utility service type to discuss issues of importance related to your utility and departments.
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Networking Break
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Industry Topic: Enhancing Customer Relationships with CRM Tools
How to best utilize your company's Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools, such as Salesforce to leverage and enhance your customer relationships.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Roundtable Discussion: Training Up Your Teams
Facilitator(s): Manuel Alarcon, Customer Energy Solutions Manager, Southern California Gas Company
Discussion: How do others train teams for customer engagement and message their work to customers?
o Best practicing on training up teams
o Examples from member utilities including Southern California Gas Company and ATCO Gas
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Hosted Networking Dinner
ATCO hosted networking dinner in downtown Banff.
Friday, May 10, 2024
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Networking Breakfast
Breakfast will be provided to attendees staying at the Banff Centre Hotel.
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Innovations in Decarbonization Technology
Hear updates from member utilities on their newest Hydrogen, RNG, and decarbonization efforts and how these programs are impacting customer relationships and projects.
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Networking Break
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Wrap Up + Future Planning
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Networking Lunch To-Go
Attendees are encouraged to enjoy a networking lunch with other attendees or take it to go to enjoy the day in Banff.
Hotel + Travel
- Banff Centre Hotel
- 107 Tunnel Mountain Drive
- Banff, Alberta T1L 1H5
- Reservation Instructions
Please contact the hotel directly to reserve your room. Identify yourself as being with Western Energy Institute (WEI, Booking ID: WEI2405 to receive a special rate of $242 CAD/night based on availability. Please see contact information below:
Front Desk: +1 403.762.6148
Reservations: +1 403.762.6308
Reservations Reservations@banffcentre.ca
- Getting to Banff
The Calgary International Airport (YYC) is the closest airport to Banff. Once arrived, it is a 1.5 hr drive to get from the Calgary Airport to Banff. In addition to renting a car, there are several shuttle options:
• Banff Airporter
• Vivo Green Public Shuttle
• Brewster ExpressIf you are driving, parking at the Banff Centre is complimentary.