SPEAKERS AND EDUCATION SESSIONS
General Sessions
Monday, April 7
8:00 am - 10:15 am
Keynote Address: The Accountability Advantage - Building a Resilient Workplace Culture and Organization
Presenter: Sam Silverstein - Accountability Institute
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8:00 am - 9:15 am​
Sam Silverstein is a globally recognized authority on accountability and leadership, committed to helping individuals and organizations achieve exceptional success. As the founder of The Accountability Institute™, he works with leaders to build stronger accountability and cultivate impactful organizational cultures. The author of 12 books, including The Accountability Advantage and Non-Negotiable, Sam has been named one of the World’s Top Organizational Culture Professionals by Global Gurus. A former executive and business owner, he now partners with companies, government agencies, and entrepreneurs worldwide to enhance engagement, productivity, and growth through transformative leadership practices.
General Session # 2: Exploring Microgrid Business Opportunities: Innovations and Strategies in the Evolving Energy Landscape
Panelists:
Moderator: Cameron Brooks - Think Microgrid
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9:15 am - 10:15 am​
Join us for an insightful panel discussion that delves into the business opportunities presented by microgrids. We’ll explore key questions: Why should businesses consider deploying microgrids? What challenges might they encounter along the way? And what are the tangible benefits that can be gained? Our expert panel will share valuable insights and real-world examples to help you understand how microgrids can enhance your business strategy and drive sustainability. Don’t miss this chance to learn and connect!
Tuesday, April 8
8:00 am - 10:00 am
Keynote Address: State of the Industry: The Current and Future Outlook for the Onsite Power Generation Industry
Presenter: Aaron Jagdfeld - Generac
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8:00 am - 9:00 am​
Aaron P. Jagdfeld is Generac’s Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer. As the company’s third CEO since its inception in 1959, Aaron has led Generac’s transformation from a manufacturer of backup generators and engine powered products into a global energy technology company with a strategy to Power A Smarter World. Under his leadership, Generac has rapidly grown to a $4 billion company with a diversified portfolio of energy products and solutions serving consumers, communities, and businesses around the world. In this keynote session, Aaron will share his thoughts on the current state of the industry and how Generac is preparing for sustainable growth far into the future.
General Session # 4: Navigating Federal Policies and Advocacy for Microgrids: Leveraging Opportunities in Government Affairs
Panelists:
Chuck "Chim Chim" Dockery - Schneider Electric
Michael Sanford - Cummins, Inc.
Moderator: Thomas Popik - Resilient Societies
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9:00 am - 10:00 am​
Join us for an engaging discussion on the latest regulatory updates, federal funding opportunities, and interconnection strategies related to microgrids. Discover how these developments can impact your business and explore the future of energy resilience and sustainability. Don't miss this chance to learn from industry experts and network with fellow professionals!
Educational Sessions
Monday, April 6
Sessions 1 & 2 - 11:15 am - 12:00 pm
Sessions 3 & 4 - 1:30 pm - 2:15 pm
Session #1: Microgrid Interconnection Devices for Emergency Systems
Discover how Microgrid Interconnection Devices facilitate commercial Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) for backup power. This session will cover the latest updates to the National Electrical Code and UL 3008 Listing, explore the applications of these devices, and highlight their critical role in supporting Emergency Systems. Join us for valuable insights!
Session #2: Energizing Microgrids with Rich, Sustainable Natural Gas
Presenter: David Azhocar - INNIO Waukesha Engine
Grid availability and reliability cannot keep pace with the rapidly growing demand for electricity, but natural gas is in abundance. Distributed power generation and microgrid solutions offer businesses and communities lower costs, greater resilience, and improved sustainability over utility power. Using rich (untreated) gas for fuel can offer lower fuel costs versus pipeline-quality gas while achieving ultra-low emissions of greenhouse gas and other hazardous pollutants. This learning session will cover the economic challenges of grid connectivity and the commercial opportunities for natural gas-powered distributed generation. This session will also provide technical information on specifying gaseous generators and understanding various fuel qualities.
Session #3: A Microgrids Walkthrough - What You Need to Know to Avoid the Most Common Mistakes
Presenter: Christopher Pye - ComAp
Microgrids are shaking up the energy market, moving from niche disruptors to mainstream solutions. As demand surges, challenges like scalable technology, skilled workforce, and delivery experience still hold back supply. This presentation dives into how technology can consistently ensure successful microgrid implementation and highlights key design elements to avoid performance pitfalls.
Session #4: Microgrid Controls
Presenters: Mike Murray - Generac
This program provides an in-depth exploration of the role of paralleling inverter-based resources in the development and operation of microgrids. It examines control topologies that enable the seamless operation of multiple inverter-based resources, offering insights into how these technologies optimize grid performance, flexibility, and resilience. The content also covers the integration of inverter-based resources within the broader microgrid ecosystem and delves into simulation techniques used to design effective microgrids.
Tuesday, April 8
Sessions 5 & 6 - 10:30 am - 11:15 am
Session #5: Seismic and Beyond: Integrated Vibration Control, Sound Mitigation and Certification for PowerGen Systems
Presenter: Danielle Taylor - VMC Group