Virtual Summer Conference

Date:	August 25-26, 2020
Time:	Day 1: Aug 25, 2020 8:15 am - 4:30 pm Day 2: Aug 26, 2020 8:30 am - 12:00 pm
Location:	A Virtual Event
This event is now closed for online registration

MMUA's Summer Conference has Changed to a Virtual Event

In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, MMUA's Board of Directors made the decision that we would not be able to gather as we have in the past in a way that would ensure the safety of our participants.

Registration is open with a new lower rate. For best rates, register by August 9. If you prefer, you can use this printable registration form.

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

Tentative Schedule *

Tuesday, August 25

8:15 am Welcome and Opening Remarks, Vernell Roberts, Detroit Lakes Public Utilities / MMUA President

8:30 am Coping with the Change, Stress and Communication Dynamics of COVID-19, Kit Welchlin, Welchlin Communication Strategies
The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on the healthcare system, government agencies, and society as a whole. With a crisis like this one, with so many uncertainties and unforeseen change, and with so much stress, it is important to learn and apply proven strategies for managing the stress.

During this session, Kit will show attendees strategies for embracing change caused by COVID-19, remedies for reducing stress in times of uncertainty, techniques for recalibrating work and life balance, and effective communication approaches that put people at ease.

9:45 am MMUA - The Long Road to 2020, Jack Kegel, MMUA
Jack will walk through the gradual process of transformation and growth over MMUA's 89 year history that has resulted in the organization we know today.

11 am Advantages of Transmission Investing for Public Power, Jim Pardikes, MCR Performance Solutions
Jim will explain how investing in transmission can provide enhanced reliability for public power systems, provide annual transmission revenue to offset rising MISO transmission rates, and typically result in lower transmission rates for public power than IOUs for the same amount of investment. He will also explain how to get additional revenue if you are already filing a MISO Attachment O.

1 pm The Washington Scene, Michael Nolan, MMUA Washington Rep

2:15 pm Leading Public Power and City Operations During COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about many new challenges for public power and city operations leadership. In particular, the way teams and crews work together and communicate with one another and with customers—to keep everyone safe and to ensure all city services operate smoothly. This panel discussion will focus on lessons learned and offers strategies you can implement for battling this ongoing crisis.

Panel Members:

Chris Trembley, Madelia Municipal Light & Power
Vernell Roberts, Detroit Lakes Public Utilities
Mark Nibaur, Austin Utilities
Mike Willetts, MMUA – Presenter and Moderator

3:45 pm Online Networking
A chance to reconnect with friends, share your experiences, and get some advice on problems you're working through.

Wednesday, August 26

(Meeting for Regular & Affiliate Members Only)
8:30 am MMUA Business Meeting

9:00 am Awards Presentation & Passing of the Gavel, Vernell Roberts, MMUA President

9:45 am Technical Specification Manual 101: The Basics, Bob Jagusch, MMUA
A brief overview of the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission timeline to reaching this step. The discussion will center on what the Technical Specification Manual (TSM) is, what the Municipal version will look like and what steps will be required next to adopt your TSM.

11 am State Legislative Developments, Kent Sulem and Bill Black, MMUA; and Doug Carnival, McGrann Shea et al.

11:30 am Issues Round-Up, Jack Kegel, Bob Jagusch, and Mike Willetts, MMUA

Noon Conference Adjourns

* Schedule subject to change without notice.

Events for Associate Members

Trade Show

The change to a virtual format means our trade show is cancelled. We are working on ideas to involve the Associate Members in our virtual meeting.

Sponsorships

With the virtual conference, we have come up with some different ways to sponsor. For a list and descriptions, see our Become a Sponsor page and scroll to the Summer Conference items.

Cancellations/Refunds

MMUA will issue a refund, minus $30 per person processing fee, for registrations cancelled by August 9, 2020. MMUA must be notified by 4:30 pm on August 9 to qualify.

Photographs

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