Technical & Operations Conference

Date:	December 6-8, 2022
Time:	Day 1: Dec 6, 2022 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm Day 2: Dec 7, 2022 8:30 am - 7:00 pm Day 3: Dec 8, 2022 8:30 am - 12:00 pm
Location:	Best Western Plus Kelly Inn, 100 4th Avenue South, St. Cloud, MN 56301 Get Directions
This event is now closed for online registration

Become an Exhibitor

The Technical & Operations Conference (or "T&O") is a not-to-be-missed event for managers, crew leaders, lineworkers, and others. This is the perfect venue to join fellow public power professionals to hear interesting speakers on timely topics, participate in discussions, share ideas and connect with friends old and new.

Check back on this page to see the great lineup of speakers, presentations and topics that will be covered during this year's T&O! Plus learn about new products and services and speak with supplier representatives during the Vendor Showcase and Trade Show.

Program Details*

Tuesday, December 6

Noon Conference Registration Open (Lobby)

1:00 pm Welcome & Opening Remarks

1:15 pm Featured Keynote Speaker - Bill Carr "Seeing with Safety Glasses

For over twenty years Bill has spoken passionately about safety with safety folks across North America and with companies and organizations that realize that a safety mindset is essential in every workplace and at all times. Bill became interested in safety when he was asked to do a safety video for mines and resources and was amazed at how attitude and simple seeing made such a difference in safety situations. From there he explored the neuroscience behind thinking and action and has incorporated this approach to safety in the workplace for both physical and psychological safety.

Never has a safety mindset been more essential as people are becoming more stressed and distracted. Bill is on a mission to bring people into a keen awareness of our interconnected nature and how safety is everybody’s business.

3:00 pm Let's Talk—Relevant Roundtable Group Discussion

Cyber Security Trends
Drug and Alcohol Consortium
Government Relations Updates
Insights on Earning the RP3 Designation
Natural Gas Rules and Regulation Changes
New Generation Technologies
Promoting Hometown Utilities
Supply Chain Update
The Future of Generation Operator Training
The Future of the Utilities Workforce
Training and Workshops in 2023
Digging Deeper into the Safety Mindset

4:00–5:00 pm Welcome Reception and Apprentice Recognition Ceremony (Presented by Northwest Lineman College)

Wednesday, December 7

8:30–11:30 am Featured Keynote Speaker—Sergeant Tad Hoeschen "Active Shooter and De-Escalation Tactics"

11:30 am Luncheon

Two Breakout Session Options: Manager Track and Crew Leader/Foreman Track

Manager Track

1:00–1:45 pm Manager Track Session A: Residential Electric Vehicle Impacts on Municipal Electric Systems

1:45–2:30 pm Manager Track Session B: First Amendment Audits

2:45–3:30 pm Manager Track Session C: The Cost of Doing Nothing

3:30–4:15 pm Manager Track Session D: Federal Energy Reporting

4:15–4:45 pm Vendor Product Showcase
This session offers a rapid-fire look at the latest products and services for the utility industry.

Crew Leader/Foreman Track

1:00–2:30 pm Crew Leader/Foreman Track Session A: Commercial/Neighborhood Design and Transformer Sizing

2:45–3:30 pm Crew Leader/Foreman Track Session B: Safeguarding Your Utility from Theft: A Case Study

3:30–4:15 pm Crew Leader/Foreman Track Session C: Online Battery Monitors and Life Extension

4:15–4:45 pm Vendor Product Showcase
This session offers a rapid-fire look at the latest products and services for the utility industry.

5:00–7:00 pm Trade Show & Reception
The ideal venue to meet with your suppliers, learn about new products and services, and catch up with colleagues from around the state while enjoying complimentary beverages and hors d'oeuvres.

Thursday, December 8

8:00–9:00 am Hurricane Ian Mutual Aid Event: Summary and Reflections

9:00–9:45 am Looking Ahead at 2023 for MMUA

10:15 am–noon Featured Keynote Speaker, John Huston, Polar Explorer

noon Conference Adjourns

*Schedule/program subject to change without notice.

Location and Hotel Information

Best Western Plus Kelly Inn
100 4th Avenue South, St. Cloud, MN 56301
Phone: 320.253.0606

MMUA has secured a reduced room rate of $99 per night + tax. Use our special link for online reservations. Link will automatically expire 30 days prior to the event, however, you can call the hotel to make a reservation up to two weeks prior.

To make a reservation by phone, call the hotel directly at 320.253.0606 and ask for MMUA's room block. The hotel block closes on November 21, 2022. The hotel may continue to accept reservations after the cut-off date on a space available basis, at prevailing rates.

Please make your hotel reservations as soon as possible as availability is limited and cannot be guaranteed.

Events for Associate Members

TRADE SHOW: Associate members can exhibit at the Trade Show to be held on December 7. For more information or to register, see our Trade Show page. This one fills up fast so don't delay!

SPONSOR: We also have an opportunity for Associate members to sponsor events at the T & O Conference. We will post a sign at the event site with your company's logo and your company will be listed in the conference program. To sponsor an event, go to the Become a Sponsor page and scroll down to the item you wish to purchase.

HOSPITALITY: How about hosting a hospitality suite? Email Christian Glanville or call 763-746-0727 to arrange an opportunity. Kelly Inn does not allow you to bring in food and beverage items from outside the hotel.

Registration Fee

Conference for Members: $465 per person if registered by November 11.
Registration fee covers tuition, materials, refreshment breaks, lunch on Wednesday and admission to the Reception and Trade Show. Registration fee will increase $50 on November 12.

Deadline to register is November 21, 2022.

Must be a MMUA member to register for this event.

Cancellations

Cancellations are subject to a $30 charge per person if received by 4:30 pm on November 21, 2022. No refunds issued after November 21.

Conference Forms

Printable conference registration form

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.