MAIN AGENDA

Subject to Change

Wednesday, April 8

9:00 am – 10:00 am: Registration & Coffee

10:00 am  – 4:30 pm: Symposium Sessions

4:30 – 5:30 pm: Reception

What a Country: Navigating Political Divisions
Join Emmy Award-winning journalist and NYT best-selling author Luke Russert for a moderated Q&A that delves into strategies for navigating political divisions in America and fostering understanding beyond election cycles.

Moderated by MECA CEO John Kran 

Meeting Members Where They Are: New Models for Cooperative Engagement
From ice cream in the park to e-sports arenas, cooperative engagement is taking new forms. Hear how two Michigan co-ops are intentionally reimagining how and where they connect with members, reaching new audiences while staying true to cooperative values.

AI and the Future of Us: Navigating the Promise and Perils of Artificial Intelligence
Few technological developments of the last century have fueled as much curiosity, misinformation, and fear as AI. In this highly-engaging, jargon-free presentation, Theresa Payton unpacks AI's transformative power while exposing its looming risks, then demonstrates how our businesses, security, and individual daily lives are being impacted by them. With anonymized stories from law enforcement's front lines and stunning live demonstrations that reveal the tradecraft of modern cybercriminals, Payton will equip you with practical actions to harness AI's vast potential while protecting yourself, your clients, and your organization.

Moderated by Wolverine Power Cooperative Chief Human Resources Officer Kacy Wickenhauser

Big Data is Coming to Your Town
This panel discussion will explore strategies for bringing data centers to the state while navigating Michigan's unique landscape from a cooperative point of view. 

Moderated by Wolverine Power Cooperative Chief Operating Officer Zach Anderson

Kalin Sheick – Designing Lives & Businesses in Bloom: Focal, Filler & Flair
Join Owner & Creative Director of Sweetwater Floral Kalin Sheick for a fun and inspiring talk about pivoting in business & life. Be ready to seek out your own focal, filler & flair to create lives that feel both fulfilling and authentic.

Moderated by Cherryland Electric Cooperative Communications & Member Relations Manager Courtney Doyle

Thursday, April 9

7:00 am: Breakfast

8:00 – 12:00 pm: Symposium Sessions

NRECA Update
Hear from NRECA President Mike Partin as he provides key updates on the cooperative energy industry, legislative priorities, and the challenges and opportunities ahead for electric cooperatives nationwide.

Moderated by Cherryland CEO Rachel Johnson

Palisades Present & Future
This panel discussion brings together those leading the effort to share what’s happening now, what it means for Michigan’s future, what comes next, and what it signals about the future of nuclear power in the U.S.

Moderated by Wolverine Power Cooperative Chief Operating Officer Zach Anderson

PROFESSIONAL GROUP MEETINGS

Professional Group Meetings are by invitation only

Tuesday, April 7

10:00 am-12:00 pm: IT Professionals Conference

10:00 am-4:00 pm: HR Professionals Conference

10:30 am-4:30 pm: Safety Professionals Roundtable

12:00 pm-5:00 pm: Communicators Conference

2:00 pm-4:00 pm: Wolverine Lenders Meeting