2021 NEXT PROGRAM

   
Tuesday | February 2, 2021 (Eastern Time)

Pre-Conference    |   9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

The Growing Power of Beneficial Electrification
Join this engaging workshop focused on electrifying our world through the lens of Beneficial Electrification.  Hear from the team that has powered this national initiative to grow load and increase innovation and satisfaction for cooperative members. 


General Session I    |    1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Welcome to the 2021 NEXT Conference Virtual Experience

New Rules For a New World
Mike Walsh  |  Keynote 
"The story of disruption was merely the first act of 21st century business. Now begins the age of transformation." - Mike Walsh

Whether it be serving customers through digital channels or leveraging AI, algorithms and automation to ensure business continuity - we are likely to experience in the next twelve months, a decade's worth of change. Not every business will make it, but those that do will never be the same again. And for leaders, now more than ever, is a time to upgrade their capabilities, embrace new technologies, and reimagine what they do.

Keynote Bio: Mike Walsh is the CEO of Tomorrow, a global consultancy on designing companies for the 21st century. A global nomad, futurist and author of the bestselling book, The Algorithmic Leader, he advises some of the world’s biggest organizations on digital transformation and disruptive innovation in this new era of machine intelligence.

A prolific writer and commentator, Mike’s views have appeared in a wide range of international publications including Harvard Business Review, Inc. Magazine, BusinessWeek, Forbes and the Wall Street Journal. Each week he interviews provocative thinkers, innovators and troublemakers on his podcast, Between Worlds.
 

NEXTworking Break  |  2:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Enter our virtual networking room and see the cutting edge energy solutions that our sponsoring companies can offer. 
 

Breakout Sessions    |    3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

1) Communicating Virtually With Key Accounts   |  Hear how our new virtual world can increase engagement between utilities and key account members. 
 
2) Electric Vehicles Solutions for C&I  |  Learn more about the other side of electric vehicles, including fleet, transit and community scale solutions.

3) Smart Agriculture  |  Learn how technology is taking root in rural America making agriculture a leader in innovation.
 

NEXT 2021 Evening Reception   |   4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Join us for our virtual reception from the comfort of your own home or office. 
Wednesday | February 3, 2021 (Eastern Time)

Energy Manager Focus    |    11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Hearing You Out, to Serve You Better
We turn the spotlight on the C&I community that has helped make the NEXT a unique conference for 21 years and counting. Meeting a key account’s energy needs has to be an open dialogue. Hear from a panel of esteemed energy managers and industry experts on topics ranging from sustainability goals to implementation of new technologies. 


Breakout Sessions    |    1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

4) Shades of Green: Energy Mix Playbook   |   What does "green" really mean?  Join this session focused on a strategic energy mix, including distributed generation, microgrids, renewables and more. 

5) The Small Business Comeback. Serving Unique Energy Needs  |  Hear how cooperatives key account programs can support their communities through partnering with small business accounts. 

6) Battery Storage for C&I and Communities   |  Learn how battery storage is taking the industry by storm and unlocking opportunities for demand response and capturing the true power of renewable energy. 
 

NEXTworking Break  |  2:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Enter our virtual networking room and see the cutting edge energy solutions that our sponsoring companies can offer. 

General Session II    |    2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Standout Experience: The Power of Performance and Innovation   
Connie Podesta  |  Keynote

Hear from one of the most sought after, hall of fame speakers, Connie Podesta as she shares that change is in our DNA. Innovation, adoption, creativity, and collaboration are not should have’s they are must haves to succeed. It’s scary for a lot of people though. Especially now, when change is happening lightning speed.
 

Bio: Connie Podesta is a game-changing, idea-generating ball of fire whose rare blend of humor, substance, style and personality have made her one of the most memorable, in-demand speakers in the world today. 25 years.Two million people. 1000 organizations. Hall of Fame speaker. Award-winning author.  Seven books. Former Radio/TV personality. Comedienne.  Human Relations Expert. Therapist for 30 years. Topics on sales, leadership, change, life balance and success. And (what we all probably could use now and then)…a Comedienne.