This program provides fleet leadership professionals an opportunity to discuss best practices, and share new processes and technologies. Participants work collaboratively to select topics that are relevant to all organizations with vehicle and equipment fleets. Addressed are strategic questions surrounding staff management, alternative fuel technology, vehicle replacement policy, the role of fleet within an organization, and tactical solutions for managing ever-changing fleet operations and administrative functions.
General Details
- Program Chair(s)
- Alex Parga BSBM, MBA, Fleet Manager, El Paso Electric
- Program Location
- El Paso Electric
- 100 N. Stanton Street, El Paso, Texas 79901
- Who Should Attend
- Fleet managers
- Fleet directors
- Fleet administration supervisors
- Fuel maintenance supervisors
- All fleet professionals responsible for cost-effective fleet functions
- Registration Options
Member: $499 USD
Non-Member: $699 USDRegistration prices increase $100 after March 6, 2023. Registration includes access to all Fleet Management agenda items and meeting materials. Registration also includes a networking dinner on Tuesday night as well as all catered breakfast, lunch, and refreshments at the meeting. Guest tickets are available for $95 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.
- 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 Traci Pepper, Program Manager at (971) 303-1004.
Agenda
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Tour of Kay Bailey Hutchinson Desalination Plant
This will be a guided tour and provide a step-by-step process of how the City of El Paso is able to convert salt water into workable fresh water. Registration will end March 16, 2023. A governmental issued identification maybe required and appropriate clothing is recommended (i.e. closed toe shoes, long pants, long sleeve shirt and no shorts etc.)
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Tour of El Paso Electric Fleet Shop
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Registration + Lunch
Sponsored by Altec, Inc.
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Welcome to El Paso Electric
Speaker(s): David Rodriguez, Vice President of Power Generation, El Paso Electric Company
David Rodrigez, VP of Power Generation will welcome attendees and give a brief history of El Paso Electric.
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Introductions
Facilitator(s): Alex Parga, Manager, El Paso Electric Company
Get to know your peers with our round-robin attendee introductions. Come prepared to share a recent project, new development, or share a success story or set-back that you and your team have experienced in the last six months.
2:30 PM - 2:45 PM
Networking Break
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
Upfitting Electric Chassis: What do you need to know?
Panelist(s): Steve Hoover, Sales Representative, ECCO Safety Group, Bert Perozzi, Regional Sales Manager, Central (South), The Knapheide Manufacturing Co.
Speaker(s): Brendan King, Fleet Engineering Operations Manager, Salt River Project, Dylan Bosworth, Sr. Fleet Engineer, Sacramento Municipal Utility District
This session will bring together several upfitters to discuss what is currently on the market for EV upfit and how we may need to think outside of the box in order to make use of untypical EV vehicle models. We will look at the question "Can we use an EV sedan do the job of an EV truck in order to reduce cost?" We will also hear from Salt River Project, El Paso Electric and Sacramento Municipal Utility District on how they integrate their fleets needs such as, electric components, amber warning lights, and inverters into the chassis. We will hear from both on the challenges and benefits of upfitting electric chassis and what it means to each.
3:45 PM - 4:45 PM
Industry Roundtable Discussion
Bring your questions to share with industry peers and learn what best practices are working for other utilities.
5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
WEI Hosted Dinner
Join us at Julio's Mexican Grill for a night of networking and catching up with your peers. Sponsored by AssetWorks Inc.
Wednesday, March 22, 2023
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM
Networking Breakfast
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
How Can a Good Apprenticeship Program help with Staffing?
Speaker(s): Alex Parga, Manager, El Paso Electric Company, Jorge Garay, 1st Class Technician, El Paso Electric Company
We will hear from El Paso Electric on how their apprenticeship program is helping to build the foundation of their next generation of employees. They will talk on the partnerships with local high schools, trade schools and other avenues that has boosted their recruitment numbers.
9:30 AM - 9:45 AM
Networking Break
9:45 AM - 10:45 AM
Training: What are Utilities using and What are the Options?
Panelist(s): Barry Nelson, Senior Safety Rep, El Paso Electric Company, Chad Sprag, Sales Representative, Altec, Inc.
Speaker(s): Don Ashmore, Fleet Manager, Tacoma Public Utilities, Jeffery Neal, Fleet Maintenance Supervisor, San Diego Gas & Electric Company
This session will be an interactive presentation and panel of utilities and service companies giving examples and ideas on the different avenues available to train your employees.
10:45 AM - 11:00 AM
Networking Break
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Fleet Management: Managing your Fleet in a Disruptive World
Speaker(s): Don Ashmore, Fleet Manager, Tacoma Public Utilities
Tacoma Public Utilities will present on how they maneuvered through the time of social unrest, vandalism, property theft and the lessons learned moving forward.
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
Networking Lunch
Sponsored by Wilson Construction Co.
12:45 PM - 2:00 PM
Open Roundtable Discussion + Wrap up
Ask any remaining questions that were not yet discussed and benefit from the wealth of knowledge and experience of the group. Attendees can also provide input about what content should be part of future WEI Fleet Management programs.
Hotel + Travel
- Tru by Hilton El Paso East Loop 375
- 3620 Joe battle Blvd
- El Paso, Texas 79938
- Phone: (915) 706-2705
Click here to make your reservation now.
- Reservation Instructions
Please contact the hotel directly at (915) 706-2705 to reserve your room. Identify yourself as being with Western Energy Institute (WEI) Fleet Management to receive a special rate of $134 USD/night. This rate is guaranteed until March 6, 2023 or until the WEI room block is full.
