TRAINING AND EDUCATION
The Utility Expo
Negotiation Tools You Need to ADVANCE Your Career will focus on essential tools and techniques to confidently navigate crucial conversations that directly impact career trajectory. Topics will include salary negotiations, how to negotiate for project assignments that will showcase your skills and how to advocate for the resources you need to succeed. Session presenters will also cover common negotiation challenges and strategies.
The Utility Expo will also host a Luncheon Symposium: Advancing Safety in the Electric Utility Industry. With safety remaining a top priority in the electric utility industry, the symposium will explore how to continue to drive down serious injuries and fatalities through proven strategies and leadership.
“ Safety is much more than protocol,” said Somers.“ It’ s a culture that starts with leadership shaping a safer, stronger future
for our workforce. The Luncheon Symposium is a unique opportunity to bring together voices from across the electric utility industry to share what’ s working, what’ s changing and how we can collectively raise the bar.”
The symposium will open with a keynote address by Mike Starner, executive director of outside line safety at the National Electrical Contractors Association( NECA). His presentation, Safety – Past, Present, and Future, will delve into the evolution of safety practices within the industry.
Starner will highlight how safety initiatives have evolved over time while emphasizing the importance of foundational principles such as hazard management, competency-based training, demonstrated proficiencies and field leadership. These core elements are key to preventing accidents and protecting workers in the ever-changing landscape of the
electric utility industry. Following the keynote, an Executive Perspectives panel will feature industry leaders discussing current challenges, opportunities and successful initiatives within their areas of responsibility. This discussion will provide valuable insights into what’ s working to reduce incidents and enhance safety across the sector.
Offering an open forum for conversation, the Luncheon Symposium will conclude with a Roundtable Discussion moderated by industry experts. During this interactive session, panelists will discuss the evolving landscape of safety, share lessons learned from their organizations and explore how industry-wide collaboration can drive continued improvements in worker safety.
For more information and to register for The Utility Expo, visit www. theutilityexpo. com.
20 l September-October 2025