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.
Energy company corporate communications senior leadership, including directors and managers.
Member: $499 USD
Registration price increases $100 after February 6, 2024. Registration includes digital materials and access to all event sessions and meals listed on the agenda. Guest tickets are available for $100 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 and receptions.
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Networking Happy Hour
Join us for a no-host happy hour to catch up with your peers.
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 + Introductions
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
Idaho Power Brand Refresh: Process, Challenges, and Lessons Learned
Speaker(s): Melissa Thom, Marketing Leader, Idaho Power Company
Learn about Idaho Power’s Brand Refresh Process- their challenges, successes, and lessons learned as they implemented their branding changes both internally and externally.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Networking Lunch
A catered lunch will be provided onsite.
1:00 PM - 1:15 PM
Travel to Tour Site
1:15 PM - 2:15 PM
Clark Public Utilities Education Engagement Initiative
Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders- Exploring Energy Science, Utility Careers, Environmental Engagement, and Safety Education for students in Clark County Washington
2:15 PM - 3:30 PM
Tour of Clark Public Utilities Education Engagement Center
Tour Clark Public Utilities Education Engagement Center.
3:30 PM - 3:45 PM
Travel Back to Clark Public Utilities or Hotel
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Hosted Networking Dinner
Join us for a WEI hosted networking dinner in downtown Vancouver.
Twigs Bistro
801 Waterfront Way
Suite 103
Vancouver, WA 98660
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM
Networking Breakfast
A catered breakfast will be provided onsite.
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
DEI and Bill Discount Programs
Speaker(s): Traci Trace, DEI Facilitator, NW Natural
Learn about NW Natural’s successes in developing and launching their bill discount programs with a focus on DEI.
9:30 AM - 9:45 AM
Networking Break
9:45 AM - 11:00 AM
Field Staff Engagement and Communications Panel Discussion
Facilitator(s): Rebekah Anderson, Senior Manager, Communications and Marketing, Tacoma Public Utilities
Panelist(s): Heather Allmain, Sr. Manager of Communications, Clark Public Utilities, Robyn Smith, Communications Specialist III, Eugene Water & Electric Board, Dave Santen, Corporate Communications, NW Natural
Join our panelists to hear what utilities are doing to engage field staff in internal and external communications. What has worked and what hasn't? Time will be left at the end for open discussion, so bring your questions, success, and challenges to share!
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Open Roundtable Discussion
This time is designated for an open roundtable discussion on top-of-mind issues. Topics will be guided based on the current challenges shared during introductions.
11:45 AM - 12:30 PM
Networking Lunch
A catered lunch will be provided onsite.
Please contact the hotel directly at (360) 993-4500 to reserve your room. Identify yourself as being with Western Energy Institute (WEI) to receive a special rate of $212 USD/night. This rate is guaranteed until February 6, 2024 or until the WEI room block is full.