2027 Program

Mon Feb, 1st

1. Delivering High-Impact Commercial Energy Solutions — 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Business members expect more than reliable power. Explore emerging energy solutions, evolving expectations, and technology strategies that help cooperatives deliver value, strengthen relationships, and support long-term success for Business Members.

2. The Future of Key Account Leadership — 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.

As commercial energy needs become increasingly complex, key account professionals must evolve from service providers to strategic advisors. Discover best practices, emerging trends, and leadership approaches that forge and strengthen key account relationships.

3. The Cooperative Advantage for Business Members (Available to Business Member Guests) — 10:30 - 12:00 p.m.

What sets cooperatives apart in today's competitive marketplace? Learn how to leverage the cooperative business model, member-focused culture, and community commitment to deepen engagement and create lasting value for business members. Seated Lunch with Touchstone Energy Regional Member Groups to follow at Noon.

-Welcome to NEXT 2027
- Touchstone Energy Executive Director Presentation
- Keynote Presentation

In an era defined by rapid technological advancement and unprecedented innovation, the greatest challenge is not predicting the future, but preparing for it. Kate O’Neill, known globally as "The Tech Humanist," explores how leaders can make smarter decisions today by focusing on the intersection of technology, human behavior, and meaningful innovation.

This thought-provoking keynote will examine the trends reshaping business, energy, and society while challenging conventional assumptions about growth, digital transformation, and the future of work.

1. What’s NEXT? Tech and Trends Redefining Consumerism

Member expectations are changing at an unprecedented pace. Explore the technologies, behaviors, and market trends shaping the future of consumer decision-making and what they mean for utilities and their business members.

2. Managing Mega Loads: Energy Strategies for Data Center Growth

The rapid expansion and demand for data centers is reshaping energy demand nationwide. Examine strategies for planning, infrastructure investment, and account relations that support growth while maintaining reliability and resilience.

3. Building Stronger B2B Partnerships through the Cooperative Advantage

Strong business relationships are built on trust, value, and collaboration. Learn how co-ops and business members can leverage the Cooperative Advantage to create deeper partnerships and deliver differentiated value to their communities.

Tue Feb, 2nd

National Policy, Business Strategies & Community Development

This three-part, dynamic general session will provide a timely national policy and regulatory update, explore the issues most likely to impact businesses and electric cooperatives. Attendees will also hear directly from business members as they share insights, challenges, and success stories from across diverse industries.

The session concludes with a focus on workforce and talent development, examining how businesses, cooperatives, educational institutions, and community leaders can work together to attract talent, strengthen local economies, and build thriving communities for the future.

These fast-paced, interactive energy sessions will be quick and collaborative.

Options A (11:00 – 11:25 a.m.)

-Meeting the Energy Demands of Oil & Gas Members

Oil and gas operations require reliable, scalable, and resilient energy solutions. Explore the challenges, opportunities, and strategies involved in serving this critical segment of the economy.

-Driving Sustainability through Innovation

Businesses are balancing ambitious sustainability goals with operational realities. Discuss how innovative technologies, programs, and partnerships are helping businesses and utilities

-EV Infrastructure & Transportation

Electrification continues to impact industries and communities, including transportation. Discuss the latest developments in EV infrastructure, charging solutions, and opportunities for utilities to support the transition

Options B (11:35 a.m. – Noon)

-Mission-Critical Energy: Serving Military Installations

Dive into the unique operational needs, partnership opportunities, and innovations supporting our country’s finest.

-Connected Energy: Smart Tech for Businesses and Homes

Advances in connected technologies are transforming how energy is managed and consumed. Discuss how smart devices are creating benefits for both residential and commercial members.

-Broadband Driving Economic and Community Growth

Broadband has become essential infrastructure for economic competitiveness and quality of life. Explore how connectivity is driving business development and strengthening communities.

4. Commitment to Community & Workforce Development

Take a sneak peek of Touchstone Energy’s Commitment to Community Workshop and Explore innovative programs, partnerships, and investments that help attract talent and support local economy.

5. The Energy Horizon: National Policy and Regulation Shaping Tomorrow

The policy and regulatory landscape continues to evolve alongside changing market conditions. Gain insights into emerging developments and the potential impacts on the energy industry.

6. Grid Modernization: Microgrids, Smart Grids and Resilience

Utilities are modernizing infrastructure to improve reliability, flexibility, and resilience. Learn how microgrids, smart grid technologies, and innovative system planning are helping meet future energy demands.

7. AI in Action: Transforming Utility & Business Performance

Artificial intelligence is rapidly redefining how organizations operate and make decisions. Explore real-world applications, lessons learned, and practical opportunities to improve efficiency and impact.

8. Navigating Community Expectations, Growth and Public Perception: NIMBYism

Growth often brings competing priorities and community concerns. Learn strategies for stakeholder engagement, effective communication, and supporting the needs of the community in the face of NIMBYism (Not in my Backyard).

9. National Business Member Spotlights & Success Stories

Energy & Business innovation happens every day. Hear firsthand examples of how business members are overcoming challenges, pursuing growth, and partnering with cooperatives to reach their goals.

Wed Feb, 3rd

10. Strategies for Serving Large Industrial & Manufacturing Members

Explore strategies to meet the unique operational and energy requirements of large industrial and manufacturing business members.

11. Emerging Solutions for Energy Mix & Peak Demand Management

Hear from Generation & Transmission leaders and examine demand management strategies and resource planning solutions designed to optimize system performance and meet the growing energy needs.

12. Smart Buildings, Connected Communities: Top Tech in Commercial and Residential Development

Technology is transforming the way buildings, homes and communities are designed, built, and managed. Dive into smart technologies that improve efficiency, connectivity, and the overall electrification of communities.

Drawing on three decades of experience as an educator, coach, and mentor, Coach Lenny Krebs will share powerful lessons on mental toughness, resilience, leadership, and teamwork. Through personal stories, including his journey of overcoming profound hearing loss and the life-changing impact of cochlear implant surgery, Krebs will demonstrate how adversity can become a source of strength. Attendees will leave inspired with practical strategies to develop a championship mindset, strengthen team culture, and perform at their best when facing challenges and change.

Golf at Oak Marsh - $295

Oak Marsh Golf Course is one of the truly classic Pete Dye-designed golf courses in the world. At par 72, this 6,471-yard course is noted for its tight fairways and small greens, meandering along serpentine salt marsh creeks and through the moss draped heritage oaks for which Amelia Island is famous.

*Lunch and transportation will be provided

Omni Naturalist Kayak Experience - $195

Discover the natural beauty of Amelia Island's salt marshes by kayak. Guided by an Omni naturalist, participants will learn about the birds, fish, and wildlife that flourish in this unique coastal habitat while taking in the island's serene waterways and scenic landscapes.

*Lunch and transportation will be provided

Omni Segway Experience - $225

After a coached orientation, embark on a guided Segway excursion along novice-level trails to Drummond Point Park or Walker's Landing. This engaging outdoor experience offers a unique way to explore the island's natural beauty and coastal scenery.

*Lunch and transportation will be provided

Mon Feb, 1st

Pre-Conferences

First-Time Attendee Kick-Off | 1:00 – 1:30 p.m.

2027 NEXT Conference Connect | 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

General Session I | 2:00 - 3:15 p.m.

NEXTworking Break | 3:15 - 3:45 p.m.

Breakout Sessions 1-3 | 3:45 - 4:45 p.m.

Welcome Reception | 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.