Technical & Operations Conference — VIRTUAL

Date:	January 26-28, 2021
Time:	Day 1: Jan 26, 2021 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Day 2: Jan 27, 2021 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Day 3: Jan 28, 2021 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location:	Online
This event is now closed for online registration

MMUA's Technical & Operations Conference has Changed to a Virtual Event

In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, MMUA decided that we would not be able to gather as we have in the past in a way that would ensure the safety of our attendees. State mandate also limited the number of people who could gather at that time.

Registration to our VIRTUAL event is now open. For best rates, register by January 12. If you prefer, you can use this printable registration form.

Note: If you previously registered, we will transfer your registration to the new event. No need to register again.

Instructions on how to connect will be emailed prior to the start of the conference.

Program Details*

Tuesday, January 26

9:00 am Welcome & Opening Remarks, Mike Willetts, MMUA

9:15 - 10:15 am The True Cost of Distractions — A Traumatic Event Detailed From an Incident Survivor, Lee Shelby
Lee will share his personal story because he hopes that by raising awareness and educating employees, we can mitigate distractions and reduce injuries. Safety on the job and fewer injuries means employees and families DO NOT suffer.

It's important that workers develop a questioning attitude about safety in order to recognize the consequences of shortcuts, complacency and distractions. We all must have a "Brother's Keeper" mentality and approach to the job so that everyone gets home safely.

10:30-11:15 pm FirstNet — Built with AT&T, Rus Poser and Brian Rolph, AT&T Public Safety Solutions
FirstNet is an independent government authority established by Congress to build and deploy a nationwide broadband network dedicated to First Responders. Because it is not subject to network congestion during time of emergency, calls receive priority and preemptive service on a secure network. Learn how this 24/7/365 solution for voice, text and data can benefit your utility.

11:15 - noon Technical Specifications Manual Update, Bob Jagusch, MMUA
Learn about the TSM, what the municipal version will look like, and the steps required to adopt your TSM.

noon Closing Remarks, Mike Willetts, MMUA

Wednesday, January 27

9:00 am Welcome & Opening Remarks, Mike Willetts, MMUA

9:15 - 11:45 am 6 Strategies to Overcome Leadership Obstacles in the Virtual World, Lisa Haen, Culture Inside Out, LLC
None of us were prepared for the impact of 2020. Leadership demands shifted overnight. Tough decisions were made. And we learned that adapting to rapid-fire change is essential for future success.

With the landscape of business changed forever, leaders need new adaptive tools to overcome these challenges and be successful in a virtual climate. Learn these 6 strategies that bridge the virtual gap and create a stronger connection with your workforce. You will leave empowered to lead your team into 2021 with confidence.

11:45 am - noon Closing Remarks, Mike Willetts, MMUA

Thursday, January 28

9:00 am Welcome & Opening Remarks, Mike Willetts, MMUA

9:15 - 10:30 am Lessons Learned by COVID-19: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly, Kit Welchlin, Welchlin Communication Strategies
The pandemic has touched everyone personally, professionally, emotionally, and socially. It certainly has affected the way we go about our daily lives. It probably has caused us to recalibrate our work and life balance, too. However, it may also have inspired us to think differently about our work and how we interact with our coworkers and our fellow citizens. It has compelled us to recognize and develop new methods.

Attendees will:

Recognize and discuss ways to adapt to sudden change
Learn how to recover and build resilience
Recognize the value of perspective-taking, empathy, and contingency plans
Learn strategies for staying engaged, connected, and productive during disruption.

10:30 am - noon Issues Round-Up, MMUA Staff
MMUA Staff will cover a variety of “hot topic” issues. This is your opportunity to hear about the work MMUA is involved in on behalf of you and all of our members.

Hear an update from our Government Relations team, learn about upcoming educational opportunities planned for 2021, and more!

Noon Conference Adjourns

*Schedule/program subject to change without notice.

Conference Sponsors

The following members have sponsored this event:

Thank you!

For Associate Members

Associate members are invited to attend the conference and/or become a conference sponsor. Another option is to have a video for your company played during the conference. Logos will be displayed and sponsors announced throughout the conference. To sponsor, go to the Become a Sponsor page and scroll down to the item you wish to purchase.

NOTE: If you previously signed up for the in-person conference and have a refund due, we ask that you use the Bill Utility of Company option at checkout rather than pay by credit card.

Registration Fee

Conference for Members: $300 per person if registered by January 12.
Registration fee will increase $50 on January 13.
Deadline to register is January 19, 2021.

Cancellations

MMUA will issue a refund, minus $30 per person processing fee, if notified of cancellation by 4:30 pm on January 19, 2021. No refunds issued after January 19.

Photographs

By registering for this conference, I/we the registered attendee(s), authorize Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association (MMUA) to photograph me at this event and use such photographs in MMUA marketing pieces (both electronic and print). I understand that I will not be paid for giving this consent.