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.
Member: $499 USD
Registration price increases $100 after April 21, 2023. Registration includes digital materials and access to all event sessions and meals listed on the agenda. Guest tickets are available for $125 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 all meals listed on the agenda.
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Miners to Millionaires – Downtown Helena Historical Walking Tour
Every step tells a story on this tour of Helena’s historic Last Chance Gulch. Discover the vibrant history of a rowdy mining camp turned capital city told through the complex legacies of downtown Helena’s spectacular buildings. From wooden cabins to brick jewels, you will hear stories of crime, corruption, and community spirit that transformed Helena into the Queen City of today. This tour lasts approximately 90 minutes and we will walk about 1.5-2 mi throughout downtown. Pre-registration is required for this optional networking tour.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Registration + Lunch
Check in, grab some lunch, and network with peers.
1:00 PM - 1:15 PM
Welcome + Opening Remarks
Speaker(s): Rick Edwards, Director – Community Connections, NorthWestern Energy, Howard Skjervem, Manager, Community Relations, NorthWestern Energy
1:15 PM - 2:00 PM
Introductions + Current Challenges: Roundtable Discussion
Facilitator(s): Howard Skjervem, Manager, Community Relations, NorthWestern Energy
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.
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Overview of the Current Energy Landscape
Speaker(s): John Hines, Vice President - Energy Supply, NorthWestern Energy
Hear from NorthWestern Energy's Vice President of Supply and discuss the present realities and challenges affecting energy supply across the US and the West.
3:00 PM - 3:15 PM
Networking Break
3:15 PM - 4:30 PM
Key Account Management: The Future of the Profession
Moderator(s): Bryce Tiernan, Manager, San Diego Gas & Electric Company
Panelist(s): Carmen Sumpter, Premier Account Advisor, Los Angeles Department of Water & Power, Edneisha Lee, Premier Account Advisor, Los Angeles Department of Water & Power, Rick Edwards, Director – Community Connections, NorthWestern Energy
What does the future of the Account Executive look like? How is your team handling changes within the industry and new demands from customers? Hear from panelists about their experience and discuss opportunities and insights with colleagues from other utilities.
4:30 PM - 4:45 PM
Day 1 Wrap-Up
5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Hosted Networking Dinner
This WEI hosted dinner will be at a local favorite: The Marysville House Historic Restaurant. Transportation to the restaurant from the hotel will be provided.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Breakfast
For hotel guests, breakfast is included with your room rate.
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
How to Effectively Communicate with Your Customers on Difficult Issues
Speaker(s): Edneisha Lee, Premier Account Advisor, Los Angeles Department of Water & Power, Carmen Sumpter, Premier Account Advisor, Los Angeles Department of Water & Power
Hear from colleagues at Los Angeles Department of Water and Power to share insights and lessons learned from LADWP’s high profile customers. Presentation will be followed by roundtable discussion. Come prepared to share your experience about a challenge you are facing or have faced with your team.
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Networking Break
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Electrification + Decarbonization + Key Accounts
Facilitator(s): Nanette Boga, Regulatory Strategy & Financial Controls Manager, Southern California Gas Company
Learn more about SoCalGas’ decarbonization initiatives to build the cleanest, safest, and most innovative energy infrastructure company in America. The first half of the session will highlight the decarbonization initiatives at SoCalGas, followed by a roundtable discussion between natural gas, electric, and dual fuel utilities. We will explore the opportunities and challenges of electrification and decarbonization on utility key accounts. Attendees should come prepared to discuss the opportunities and challenges that they are facing with their key accounts related to Electrification + Decarbonization.
11:15 AM - 11:45 AM
Electrification + Decarbonization Continued + Open Roundtable Discussion
Facilitator(s): Nanette Boga, Regulatory Strategy & Financial Controls Manager, Southern California Gas Company, Howard Skjervem, Manager, Community Relations, NorthWestern Energy
Joint discussion between gas, electric, and dual utilities on electrification and decarbonization issues facing utilities and how that impacts our key accounts customers
If time permits, the remainder of the forum will be open discussion for any remaining topics that attendees would like to address.
11:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Closing Remarks + Meeting Ends
Please call 406-457-5500, and refer to NorthWestern Energy when making room reservations for the discounted group rate of $165/night plus tax. This rate is guaranteed until April 3, 2023 or until the room block is full.