Please note that this is a preliminary agenda and subject to change.
Preliminary Agenda
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM – Mentoring and Reverse Mentoring Workshop
(By Invitation Only: For Women Who SPARK Alumni and RADIATE Women’s Leadership Program participants)
This exclusive workshop will create meaningful connections between established and emerging leaders through a dynamic exchange of knowledge, perspectives, and experiences.2:00 PM – 4:00 PM – Charitable Giving Project
Assemble Self-care kits for a Phoenix women’s shelter.
Contribute to the community by helping prepare self-care kits, which will be donated to a local women's shelter. This service activity allows participants to give back while fostering empathy and team collaboration.5:30 PM – 8:00 PM – Opening Dinner & Keynote Speaker
Join us for an elegant dinner, where a renowned keynote speaker will set the tone for the retreat by sharing insights on leadership, resilience, and empowerment.Tuesday, April 8, 2025
8:00 AM – 8:30 AM | Continental Breakfast
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM | Welcome, Safety Moments, and Introductions
My Leadership Superpower
The retreat starts with a warm welcome from program leaders, an essential safety moment to ground us, and interactive introductions. Participants will share their leadership superpowers, fostering collaboration and empowerment from the outset.
Facilitators:
-
Jody Allison, Liberty Utilities
-
Vanessa Edmonds, U2030
-
Chris Hilborn, U2030
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM | Keynote Address
Career Planning & Support: Charting Your Leadership Journey
Discover strategies for mapping out your career, building a supportive network, and positioning yourself as a leader who makes a meaningful impact within the utility industry.
9:30 AM – 10:00 AM | Group Activity
Self-Care and Mental Health: Powering Up Your Resilience
Engage in an interactive mindfulness exercise, followed by a discussion on integrating mental health practices into high-stress leadership roles. Walk away with actionable strategies to maintain resilience.
10:00 AM – 10:15 AM | Break
10:15 AM – 11:00 AM | Panel Discussion
Crucial Conversations: Turning Challenges into Opportunities
A panel of experienced utility leaders will share their insights and strategies for navigating tough conversations with confidence and empathy. Learn how to transform difficult moments into opportunities for growth and connection.
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Ignite Talks
Overcoming Workplace Challenges
Nine dynamic speakers will deliver 5-minute talks, each sharing a story about overcoming a workplace challenge. These real-life accounts will inspire you with practical lessons and renewed confidence to face your challenges.
12:00 PM – 12:45 PM | Lunch | Sponsored by Avertra
12:45 PM – 1:00 PM | Group Activity
Stay Fit While Traveling: Fitness Hacks for Leaders on the Go
Discover simple, practical exercises and wellness tips to stay healthy and energized while traveling for work. This light-hearted, interactive session will equip you with practical tools to prioritize your health anywhere.
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Ignite Talks
Overcoming Barriers to Innovation
Enjoy a new round of Ignite Talks featuring utility leaders sharing how they’ve tackled resistance to change and fostered innovation within their organizations. Gain fresh ideas to drive transformation in your workplace.
2:00 PM – 2:15 PM | Break
2:15 PM – 2:45 PM | Fireside Chat
Earning Influence Beyond Authority
Two utility executives share their experiences leading with influence rather than formal authority. Learn how to inspire collaboration, build trust, and drive change in any role.
2:45 PM – 3:30 PM | Group Activity
Hiring & Managing for Diversity of Thought
Participate in a hands-on session to explore best practices for hiring and managing teams that reflect the unique perspectives of your customer base. Through role-playing scenarios, learn strategies to create a safe space for sharing bleeding edge perspectives.
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM | Crisis Simulation
Managing a Utility Crisis: A Leadership Challenge
Step into a real-world crisis scenario in this interactive simulation. Teams will practice decision-making, communication, and leadership under pressure, building skills to manage high-stakes situations effectively.
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM | Closing & Action Plans
Leadership in Action: Turning Insights into Impact
Reflect on the retreat’s key takeaways and collaborate with peers to develop actionable leadership plans. Leave empowered to implement new strategies and drive meaningful change in your organization.
Facilitators:
-
Jody Allison, Liberty Utilities
-
Vanessa Edmonds, U2030
-
Chris Hilborn, U2030
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Sponsored Closing Dinner
Celebrating Leaders
Wrap up the day with a celebratory dinner at a stunning venue in historic Scottsdale. Enjoy an evening of laughter, reflection, and camaraderie as we toast to the progress made during the retreat and the bright leadership futures ahead.
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
-
Not sure about your company’s membership status or want to review membership benefits?
Contact Marlene Rosenberry at mrosenberry@utility2030.org for assistance.
Registration & Hotel Information
ENERGIZE Retreat
April 8-9, 2025
Hotel Adeline (Marriot Property)
Scottsdale, AZ
BOOK HOTEL - $259 PER NIGHT + TAXES
U2030 Member Tickets (Utility Employees)
As a U2030 member utility company employee, your team receives six event tickets, which can be used for either the SPARK Annual Meeting or the U2030 ENERGIZE Retreat.
Members use this link to register.
Member companies who wish to purchase additional tickets at a discount of $495, should use this registration link.
Non-Member Tickets (Utility Employees)
Utility employees who are not U2030 members may attend with a “try before you buy” ticket, registering for $995 using the this registration link.
U2030 Member Tickets (Solution Providers)
The number of tickets available to you is based on your membership level. A special registration link will be sent directly to your email.
If you’re a non-member from a solution provider company and wish to attend, please contact us at info@utility2030.org.
As a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) certified by WBENC and CPUC Supplier Clearinghouse, we prioritize diversity of thought and inclusion in everything we do.
