2019 Conference Schedule

Prior to attending any pre-conference tours or activities, all attendees must visit the Check-In: Energetic Women Conference desk located in the Marriott Ballroom lobby on the second floor of the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown. Temporary name badges will be available to those that will arrive directly to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Reception after registration closes at 4:00 PM.

Please visit Pit Row for the hospitality lounge, sponsored by Burns & McDonnell, or for a formal headshot, sponsored by GROEBNER. More details to come.

If you are registered for any pre-conference tours or activities (with the exception of golf), you must visit the Check-In: Pre-Conference Tours & Activities desk located near the Missouri Street Entrance on the first floor of the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown.

If you are registered for any pre-conference tours or activities (with the exception of golf), you must visit the Check-In: Pre-Conference Tours & Activities desk located near the Missouri Street Entrance on the first floor of the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown. On your registration, you will have an opportunity to indicate if you would like to be wait-listed for a tour in the event we receive a cancellation.

7:15 AM – 10:45 AM | Hendricks County Junction Purchase Point and Transmission Compressor Station Tour
50 attendees
Hendricks County Junction is a combination purchase point and transportation compressor station. Pipelines from Vectren’s central, East and North systems all meet at this point and gas can be transferred between the different systems to best meet customers’ demands. In addition to the gas that can be purchased from Panhandle Eastern Pipeline (PEPL) at the site, they have the ability to move gas from the Rocky Express pipeline regulator station inside the plant into any of the three systems. Other suppliers such as Texas Gas, ANR and additional PEPL sites are tied into the three systems that converge at this point allowing Vectren the ability to move gas from different suppliers into the different systems providing their gas supply department many additional options when purchasing gas for these three systems. Closed toed, flat bottomed or low heel shoes suitable for walking in gravel areas. Dress appropriately for weather as none of the tour is air conditioned. Please note that restroom facilities at the plant are limited to one small facility.

7:15 AM – 11:30 AM | So You Think You Want To Be A Lineman? Up Close and Personal Look at Training Tour
50 attendees
A great way to see up close and personal lineman and substation mechanic training for both overhead and underground. Our apprentice program is 4 years of rigorous curriculum that includes classroom learning to field training and you will be able to see training in progress. In an innovative and controlled environment, you will get a chance to see things that you can normally only see out in the field and from a distance. (see inside of transformers, steel tower fall protection, substation transformer, pole climbing, etc.). Closed toed shoes and long pants are required. Dress appropriately for weather, as portions of the tour will be outside. PPE will be provided. Lunch will not be provided so please plan accordingly.

7:15 AM – 1:15 PM | Sugar Creek Natural Gas-Fired Combined Cycle Generating Station
35 attendees
NIPSCO Sugar Creek Generating Station is a natural gas-fired combined cycle plant built in 2002. The station generates up to 571 MW of electricity and employs 26 employees. The tour includes a presentation explaining the generation process, a tour of the station, and opportunities to ask questions and talk with the employees. Closed toed shoes and long pants are required. Dress appropriately for weather, as the facility tour will be outside. Hard hats, protective eye wear, and ear plugs will be provided. . Lunch will be provided. Photos on the tour are not allowed.

7:30 AM – 11:30 AM | Citizens Energy Group Thermal Steam and Chilled Water Plants Tour
50 attendees
Citizens Perry K steam plant includes seven gas-fired boilers dated 1936 to 1974, three steam turbine generators, as well as water inlet, pumping, processing (which includes the 2nd largest hot lime/soda ash water treatment plant in the U.S.), and control systems equipment. The plant can produce nearly 2 million pounds of steam per hour and up to 8.4 MW of electricity. The West Street Chilled Water plant includes a stop in the main control room and the viewing of six 5,000-ton, steam-driven, centrif425 west ugal chillers, three electric chillers, cooling towers, and plant auxiliary equipment. The plant began chilled water production in 1992 and has a production capacity of 36,200 tons.  Closed toed shoes are required, hard soled preferred. Sandals and high heels are not permitted. Long pants are required, shorts, dresses, skirts, and sleeveless shirts will not be permitted. PPE will be provided. Please note this is a walking tour, so the use of stairs is extensive, and the tour includes walking over open grating, so attendees with fear of heights need to be aware. Please note this tour does not include transportation; the plants are an estimated 5 block walk from the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown. Lunch will not be provided so please plan accordingly.

7:30 AM – 12:15 PM | Vectren Gas Meter Shop and MRC Global Partnership Combo Tour
56 attendees
This tour will start with a brief on screen presentation of Vectren’s gas meter shop operations. Then we will tour the operation of Vectren’s gas meter shop, serving roughly one million gas customers. We will walk through the quality control inspection of new gas meters while they are verified for accuracy and approved for installation. Then, experience the gas meter proving process on various types of meter proving equipment and various other meter shop processes to include AMR/AMI device functionality, inspection, installation and harvesting. Secondly, attached to Vectren’s gas meter shop, we will see the daily operations of a distribution facility – over 3,000 items used in the energy and industrial industry. We will get a firsthand look at receiving, picking and shipping processes and experience the partnership between the supplier and the customer. Closed toed shoes are required, shorts are permitted. Dress appropriately for weather, as portions of the tour may be outside. Lunch will not be provided so please plan accordingly.

7:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Vectren’s Franklin Gas Training Facility Tour
30 attendees
The classroom portion of the tour will consist of discussion around apprenticeships and other classroom trainings. The garage tour will consist of Vectren’s meter, regulator, and appliance rooms, 2 simulations (Performance Evaluation Form). The fire field/weld shop tour will consist of seeing both stations and discussion on how they implement safety practices into their training. Close-toed, comfortable shoes and long pants are recommended. Dress appropriately for weather, as portions of the tour may be outside. Lunch will not be provided so please plan accordingly.

7:45 AM – 11:30 AM | DigIndy Deep Rock Tunnel
30 attendees
Citizens Energy Group is building the 28-mile DigIndy Tunnel System deep beneath Mario County to improve water quality and protect public health. Each time it rains as little as a quarter-of-an-inch in Indianapolis, the combined sewer system overflows raw sewage and storm water into area rivers and streams. When the tunnel system is complete in 2025, it will prevent up to 99% of sewer overflows from reaching area waterways. The tour will include a presentation overview of the program and a tour of the tunnel. Long pants are required. Knee high rubber steel toed shoes will be provided, however, limited sizes for women could extend the duration of the tour, so if you have your own, please bring them with you. PPE will be provided. Lunch will not be provided so please plan accordingly.

7:45 AM – 1:00 PM | Golf Outing
60 attendees
The Energetic Women Conference Golf Outing is a 9-hole shotgun start at Plum Creek Golf Club. Lunch and beverages are included. If you are pre-registered for golf, there is no need to visit the Check-In: Pre-Conference Tours & Activities desk. If you do not require transportation, you may proceed directly to Plum Creek Golf Club (12401 Lynnwood Boulevard, Carmel, IN 46033). If you do require transportation, you must indicate that on your registration form and you will receive instructions on where to meet closer to the conference. Please check in with Energetic Women representatives in the golf club by 8:00 AM. The golf shop and driving range open at 7:00 AM if you are interested in visiting prior to check-in and shotgun. Appropriate golf attire required. Lunch will be provided.

7:45 AM – 2:15 PM | Eagle Valley Combined-Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) Site Tour
15 attendees
Indianapolis Power & Light (IPL) built a CCGT natural gas plant in Martinsville, Indiana. The CCGT balances IPL’s generation mix by providing electricity that is cleaner, more reliable, and more efficient at a reasonable cost to their customers. This CCGT generates about 671 megawatts of electricity with a lower rate of environmental emissions than the units it is replacing. FR clothing or FR smock are required. Hard hats, safety glasses and hearing protection will be provided. Steel toed shoes are required. A box lunch will be provided. Photos on the tour are not allowed.

8:15 AM – 11:30 AM | MISO Control Room Operations Tour
40 attendees
MISO is an essential link in the safe, cost-effective delivery of electric power across all or parts of 15 U.S. states and one Canadian province. In cooperation with stakeholders, MISO manages approximately 65,000 miles of high-voltage transmission and 200,000 megawatts of power-generating resources across its footprint. From their Carmel, IN control room, they operate as one of the world’s leading Regional Transmission Organizations and the largest geographical organization of its kind. Attendees will get a first-hand view of real-time grid operations and Q&A time with MISO staff. Closed toed shoes and long pants are required. A government issued photo ID is required for the tour. Business casual attire required with comfortable shoes for standing. Photos will not be permitted under any circumstances. Lunch will not be provided so please plan accordingly.

*Please note these important security and compliance requirements.*
Tour participants:

• Must attest that they are not a “marketing function employee” as defined in FERC’s Standards of Conduct 18 CFR 358.3(d), and is not otherwise engaged in the sale for resale in interstate commerce, or the submission of offers to sell in interstate commerce, of electric energy or capacity, demand response, virtual transactions, or financial or physical transmission rights.
• If a Foreign National Visitor, must submit to and pass a background verification.

8:15 AM – 12:45 PM | Downtown Network Reliability and Safety for Amateur Capital of the World Tour
100 attendees
Come hear about the proactive steps IPL takes to insure reliability and safety for some of the largest sporting events in the world such as the 500 Mile Race, Super Bowl XLVI, and NCAA National Championship Games. IPL is the first electric utility ever to use a distributed temperature sensing system to monitor external high-temperature threats in an underground network and was an EEI Finalist in 2018 for this innovation approach. Those interested can also take a 90-minute tour of Lucas Oil Stadium that provides access to the locker room and the press box as well as the field itself (still need to confirm this, add information about doing presentation in meeting room, also add info about focusing on preparation for the NCAA final four, etc.) Comfortable shoes and long pants are recommended. Please note this tour does not include transportation; Lucas Oil Stadium is connected to the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown. Lunch will not be provided so please plan accordingly.

8:30 AM – 11:30 AM | Innovative Use of Battery Storage and Drones Tour
40 attendees
IPL led the way with the first utility-scale battery storage project in our 15-state transmission system Midcontinent Independent System Operation (MISO). The battery adds 40MW of flexible resources to the grid with thousands of battery cells to draw upon during peak power hours. A live drone demonstration will compliment this tour showing how IPL is utilizing this technology for boiler and distribution line inspections. Closed toed shoes and long pants are required. Dress appropriately for weather, as the drone demonstration will be outside. PPE will be provided. Lunch will not be provided so please plan accordingly.

9:00 AM – 12:45 PM | Volunteer Activity: The O’Connor House
25 attendees
The O’Connor House mission is to provide a Christian home to help single, pregnant, homeless women improve life for themselves and their children. Volunteer activities may consist of organizing, sorting, cleaning, playing with the children, or outside work. More details will follow closer to the event along with items needed for donations. Dress casual and comfortable. Lunch will not be provided so please plan accordingly.

New this year, attendees have the opportunity to sign up for one of four pre-conference sessions, conducted by industry subject matter experts.

2:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Keeping ERGs from Going in Circles
Christy Bobbitt, Duke Energy and Amanda Ward, Consumers Energy
The Employee Resource Group (ERG) roundtable discussion is a continuation of our initial gathering at the 2018 Energetic Women Conference, providing a forum to gleam best practices in the ERG space. The focus for the roundtable this year will be 2-3 key concepts regarding how to sustain ERGs (with an emphasis on women’s group ERGs) and keep things current and relevant. In addition, we would like to accept volunteers to manage an online forum for this team to continue these discussions post conference. This session would be great for attendees heavily involved in their company women’s group or ERG, or if you are looking to develop one at your company.

2:30 PM – 4:00 PM | Connect, Energize, and Create
Tony Szelzo, Aura Innovates
Networking is one of the most overused words in today’s society. Despite being overused, it is the most effective way to establish and build meaningful relationships that can be beneficial both personally and professionally. Unfortunately, many people fail to realize that networking is about developing mutually beneficial relationships and people fail to network on a continuous basis. Whether you are a first time conference attendee, or a long time attendee, learn how people should change the paradigm of what they thought networking was, how information looks when it travels through a network, and how to get in the proper state to network at an event. Not only will you learn about strategic relationship building, but you will learn tips and tricks to networking at the Energetic Women Conference (including utilizing the app!) as well as make some connections prior to the welcome reception.

2:30 PM – 4:00 PM | Mergers & Acquisitions in the Power & Utility Industry
Moderated by Jen Farkas, PwC
Mergers & acquisitions (M&A) in the power and utilities sector are at an all-time high. In this panel, you will hear from a top deals consultant in the industry and leaders of impacted companies (both the acquired and the acquirer) to learn about recent deals in our industry, why they are on the rise, and how to prepare yourself or deal with an M&A at your own company.

2:30 PM – 4:00 PM | Keeping Ahead of Policy Changes
Moderated by Sarah Soard, Burns & McDonnell
This technical panel will discuss the ever-changing regulatory and political environment within which utilities are required to operate as well as innovations in cyber security to protect sensitive information. A panel of industry experts will focus on Cyber Security, Legal Requirements, Clean Energy, and Regulatory Requirements and Permitting within the energy industry. The panel of experts will highlight the challenges and opportunities presented by these concerns and host a discussion of common best practices and insights from attendees experience as well.

The Panasonic Pagoda is one of the most recognizable structures at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. A 36-inch strip of bricks runs from the track’s start/finish line, underneath the tower and into the middle of the plaza. Optional car rides available. Each guest MUST complete an IMS waiver on site and get a wristband. Event cars are driven by professional licensed drivers up to 110 miles an hour on a dry track. Transportation, food, and drinks will be provided.

Please visit Pit Row for the hospitality lounge, sponsored by Burns & McDonnell, or for a formal headshot, sponsored by GROEBNER. More details to come.

High energy, mixed martial arts class with a strength and core to finish out. Limited space available.

Mel Robbins

Imagine if you had a secret weapon that helped you beat procrastination and self-doubt. What if you had the confidence and courage to take action and share your ideas with conviction? You’d be unstoppable. In her globally praised TEDx talk, best-selling author, entrepreneur and social media influencer, Mel Robbins introduced the world to the science-backed secret to change—The 5 Second Rule. Over 13 million views later, The 5 Second Rule has become an international best-selling book translated into 29 languages, the #1 Audiobook in the world, and a life-changing global movement inspiring people to quit procrastinating, become more courageous, accomplish goals, and change for the better. Mel will recount the deeply relatable and remarkable story of The 5 Second Rule and the power of five-second decisions. She will demonstrate how this rule has helped people, teams, and businesses around the world change for the better. This life-altering speech filled with groundbreaking insights and a tool for leadership development action will show you how to use the Rule so you can achieve your goals. Mel will present the secret of HOW we change behavior, HOW to take smart risks, HOW you bring out the best in your team, and HOW to create the results that we covet at work and in life. You’ll walk away with tools you can bring back to your team, your family, and your life—and you’ll leave inspired, empowered, and able to take action.

pre-registration required

Successful Negotiation: The Female Advantage & the Power of Strategic Influence | JoAnn Corley-Schwarzkopf
Now is a great time to be a female leader. Are you surprised to hear that? The leadership trends are growing in our favor and there is no turning back! Women have natural, significant advantages to being successful leaders and effective negotiators, but you must identify, embrace, and leverage them. Learn the key elements to establishing a foundation for a successful negotiation and discover how strategic influence is essential to the process. You will walk away from this session feeling bold, invigorated, inspired, and confidently knowing (more than ever) that it is your time to fully embrace your leadership role—regardless of your title!

Master the Art of Delegation: Using the Power of Other People | Lisa Montanaro
Are you suffering from CFS (Control Freak Syndrome)?! One of the surest ways to become overwhelmed in the workplace is to try to do everything yourself. Most executives and leaders have not achieved their level of success by doing it alone. In order to be more efficient and successful, you must learn to delegate. The idea behind mastering the art of delegation is to utilize the knowledge, strengths, creativity, and ingenuity of all the people in an organization or team to create continuous improvement in the workplace. Learn how to identify which tasks and responsibilities to let go of, who to delegate to (hint: you can delegate to almost anyone, including yourself!), how to effectively delegate, how to give feedback to those you delegated to, and how to keep track of the path of delegation.

Transition: Finding Certainty in Uncertain Times | Leslie Riley
Transition is when your team is neither here nor there, but rather in that awkward place between goals achieved and whatever is next. As our culture shifts at a breakneck pace, almost every individual, team and organization is navigating the gap between the past (who we WERE) and the future (who we WILL BE). The space in between—the present (who we ARE)—is often neglected. The challenge? Present moment awareness has been all but stripped from most workplace environments and chalked up as “too woo-woo” to be useful. But what if it is that awareness that helps us close the gap to get us where we want to go? In this session, you will reset your understanding of what it takes to successfully survive transition and discover how slowing down to notice and give voice to what is here and now leads to a healthier work environment, more connected teams, and better decision making. Real-life examples will help you discover how to effectively use vulnerability in the workplace (and the answer is not what you think!).

Your Branding Blueprint: How to Advocate for Your Ideas and Sound Like a Leader | Terri Trespicio

You want what you do to matter, and for others to take notice. It’s not enough to work hard anymore. You need to compel others to listen, and to care. Whether you’re stepping into a new role or mentoring an employee, trying to get an idea approved or implement a new practice, the way you present your message, and yourself, matters. To be a leader, you need to be able to get up in front of people and answer the one question they have: “Why should I care?” You need to know how people think and how to position your message, your value, and yourself to help you become a more powerful and memorable presenter of your ideas so that you can get the attention, recognition, and respect you deserve.

pre-registration required

Successful Negotiation: The Female Advantage & the Power of Strategic Influence | JoAnn Corley-Schwarzkopf
Now is a great time to be a female leader. Are you surprised to hear that? The leadership trends are growing in our favor and there is no turning back! Women have natural, significant advantages to being successful leaders and effective negotiators, but you must identify, embrace, and leverage them. Learn the key elements to establishing a foundation for a successful negotiation and discover how strategic influence is essential to the process. You will walk away from this session feeling bold, invigorated, inspired, and confidently knowing (more than ever) that it is your time to fully embrace your leadership role—regardless of your title!

Master the Art of Delegation: Using the Power of Other People | Lisa Montanaro
Are you suffering from CFS (Control Freak Syndrome)?! One of the surest ways to become overwhelmed in the workplace is to try to do everything yourself. Most executives and leaders have not achieved their level of success by doing it alone. In order to be more efficient and successful, you must learn to delegate. The idea behind mastering the art of delegation is to utilize the knowledge, strengths, creativity, and ingenuity of all the people in an organization or team to create continuous improvement in the workplace. Learn how to identify which tasks and responsibilities to let go of, who to delegate to (hint: you can delegate to almost anyone, including yourself!), how to effectively delegate, how to give feedback to those you delegated to, and how to keep track of the path of delegation.

Transition: Finding Certainty in Uncertain Times | Leslie Riley
Transition is when your team is neither here nor there, but rather in that awkward place between goals achieved and whatever is next. As our culture shifts at a breakneck pace, almost every individual, team and organization is navigating the gap between the past (who we WERE) and the future (who we WILL BE). The space in between—the present (who we ARE)—is often neglected. The challenge? Present moment awareness has been all but stripped from most workplace environments and chalked up as “too woo-woo” to be useful. But what if it is that awareness that helps us close the gap to get us where we want to go? In this session, you will reset your understanding of what it takes to successfully survive transition and discover how slowing down to notice and give voice to what is here and now leads to a healthier work environment, more connected teams, and better decision making. Real-life examples will help you discover how to effectively use vulnerability in the workplace (and the answer is not what you think!).

Your Branding Blueprint: How to Advocate for Your Ideas and Sound Like a Leader | Terri Trespicio

You want what you do to matter, and for others to take notice. It’s not enough to work hard anymore. You need to compel others to listen, and to care. Whether you’re stepping into a new role or mentoring an employee, trying to get an idea approved or implement a new practice, the way you present your message, and yourself, matters. To be a leader, you need to be able to get up in front of people and answer the one question they have: “Why should I care?” You need to know how people think and how to position your message, your value, and yourself to help you become a more powerful and memorable presenter of your ideas so that you can get the attention, recognition, and respect you deserve.

Stacey Hanke

We all want to enhance our influence…but what if we are sabotaging our influence without even knowing it? You may not be as influential as you think you are! Most of us believe if we know our topic or if we feel good, we must be good. Without effectively communicating verbally and non-verbally, you inhibit your potential to reach a goal of: influencing, increasing profits, and building a reputation you’re proud of Monday to Monday®. Learn a proven, step-by-step method for creating influence that moves people to action long after an interaction is over.

Please visit Pit Row for the hospitality lounge, sponsored by Burns & McDonnell, or for a formal headshot, sponsored by GROEBNER. More details to come.

High energy, mixed martial arts class with a strength and core to finish out. Limited space available.

Michelle Poler

A talk that will change your perception of fear and inspire you to take action. Michelle’s authentic storytelling, engaging visuals and her ‘100 Days Without Fear’ experience will show you how to challenge your comfort zone to tap into your full potential. We often (and naively) associate great leaders with perfection when, actually, success comes from making mistakes and learning along the way. Calculated risks allow you to take steps toward your goals. How do we deal with the unknown in order to seek growth over safety? Learn how to redefine fear by going from obstacle to opportunity.