9:00 AM – 9:15 AM | Opening Remarks & Sponsor Message
– Matt Holleran: V.P. Sales, SmartestEnergy US
9:15 AM – 10:00 AM | Policy in Practice: Energy One Year Later
Nearly a year into the new administration, the dust has settled on campaign promises and early executive orders. What’s been implemented, what stalled in Congress, and what’s been reshaped by agencies like FERC, DOE, and EPA? This panel will evaluate the real impact on energy markets, customer costs, and competitive choice. We’ll also explore the regulatory horizon for 2026–2027 and debate whether federal actions are helping or hindering innovation in retail markets.
– Travis Fisher: Director of Energy & Environmental Policy Studies, CATO Institute
– Ed Fortunato: Chief Economist, Constellation Energy
– Thomas Pyle: President, Institute for Energy Research
– Dan Romito: Managing Director, Pickering Energy Partners
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM | Powering the Future: Why Natural Gas is the World’s Foundational Fuel
As global demand for power and liquefied natural gas surges, natural gas is stepping into the spotlight as the cornerstone of America’s energy future. In this dynamic session, Kevin Greiner, President and CEO of Gas South, will unpack the forces shaping the natural gas landscape from shifting supply and demand to the critical infrastructure behind pipelines and storage. He’ll reveal how smart purchasing strategies can boost reliability and price stability in an increasingly volatile market. Whether you’re a broker, consultant, or energy decision-maker, you’ll gain actionable insights to help your clients stay ahead of the curve and prepare for what’s next.
– Kevin Greiner: President & CEO, Gas South
10:30 AM – 11:15 AM | Grid-Ready Green: Reliability Meets Sustainability
As U.S. electricity demand surges, customers are pushing for ambitious sustainability commitments but the need for reliable, dispatchable power has never been greater. How can competitive markets deliver on both? This session will explore how brokers, suppliers, and customers can align sustainability goals with reliability requirements and what “sustainable but practical” looks like in today’s retail markets. Panelists will discuss strategies for balancing renewable growth with grid stability, the role of storage and flexible generation, and how customer expectations are shaping the future of sustainable retail energy.
– Moderator | Erin Schmerschneider: Managing Director, Pilot Energy
– Taymur Bunkheila: Reg. V.P. of Key Accounts and Energy+, ENGIE Resources
– Thomas Rumsey: EVP, Sustainability & External Affairs, Competitive Power Ventures
– Krishnan Kasiviswanathan: Chief Risk Officer, Chariot Energy
– Jeff Wall: Director of Northeast Sales, CPower
11:15 AM – 12:00 PM | Digital Trust: Accuracy, Transparency, and the Customer Experience
For customers, trust often comes down to the basics: accurate bills, clear contracts, and fast responses when issues arise. For brokers, choosing which suppliers to recommend hinges on strong partnerships built on accuracy, efficiency, and reliability. Technology is becoming a key differentiator, as retail energy suppliers and service partners use new tools and AI integrations to simplify transactions, enhance performance, and put more powerful capabilities in sales hands. This panel will explore how technology is reshaping operations and sales across the broker–supplier–customer relationship — where it’s working, where it still falls short, and what improvements could unlock the next wave of innovation across the retail energy value chain.
– Moderator | Kristin Pledger: Head of Customer Success, Therm
– Mary Atkinson: V.P. of Operations, Freepoint Energy Group
– Elliott Chorn: VP of Customer, Amperon
– Shaleen Gupta: Chief Customer Success Officer, ESG Global
Afternoon Activities
Mahjong Mixer hosted by Power Women | 1-5PM
Grab your tiles and your friends for an afternoon of fun, laughter, and friendly competition. Whether you’re a seasoned player or brand new to the game, this is the perfect chance to connect, play, and mingle with other women who love (or want to learn) Mahjong. All levels welcome!
5th Floor, Austin Marriott Downtown
Pickleball Tournament sponsored by CPV Retail | 1-5PM
Get ready for an afternoon of fast-paced action and exhilarating competition at the Pickleball Tournament hosted by CPV Retail! This event is perfect for players of all skill levels who are eager to showcase their talents and enjoy the vibrant pickleball community.
Urban Pickleball Club
300 San Antonio St, Austin, TX 78701 | Top of Garage N
Wine Tasting sponsored by Hudson Energy | 6-8PM
Indulge in an evening of refined flavors and sophisticated ambiance at the Wine Tasting Experience hosted by Hudson Energy. Join us for a delightful exploration of exceptional wines and culinary pairings that promise to captivate your senses.
(Topics and times subject to change)
