MAIN AGENDA

America’s Favorite Governerd: Sharon McMahon Tackles the Politics of Politics
With over a decade of experience in government and law education, Sharon McMahon is committed to breaking down tough-to-follow political headlines and events through daily news briefings, thought-provoking conversations, historical context, and humor.

With over one million followers (affectionately known as Governerds) McMahon is a reliable source for truth and logic as she battles flashy headlines and false information with non-partisan facts.

Join McMahon as she reflects on how to have productive conversations with disagreeable people, maintain civility in divisive times, and use your voice for good.

A Sober Look At Renewables and The Energy Transition with Robert Bryce
Politicians, climate activists, and media outlets frequently tout the “energy transition” as inevitable. They claim that one day soon, the world will not need to use hydrocarbons because we will be running our economy solely on weather-dependent sources like solar and wind energy. In this talk, author, journalist, and film producer Robert Bryce will provide a sober analysis of what is happening in the U.S. and worldwide. He will spotlight the many land-use conflicts hindering the growth of alternative energy and explain the many barriers to a rapid transition away from coal, oil, and natural gas. He will also discuss supply chains and why – if the countries of the world are serious about decarbonization – they will have to embrace N2N, natural gas to nuclear.

Powering Tomorrow: Energy Growth Over the Next Decade
Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) Senior Vice President Rob Chapman is part of the non-profit organization’s efforts to deliver objective thought leadership and industry expertise to the energy sector. With booming global demand for electrically powered products and sectors, like EV’s and AI platforms, the demand for both generation and battery technology solutions is also on the rise. As the industry looks ahead, Chapman will provide insights on the issues and gaps that need to be addressed for those in the energy business to not only be prepared, but pro-active.

A Mission of Miles: Finding Purpose on the Other Side of Service
Michigan’s 2022 Veteran of the Year, Travis Snyder, gained recognition for walking 2,590 miles across the state and around the entirety of Lake Michigan to put a spotlight on veterans’ issues.

After a friend he served with in Afghanistan was lost to suicide, Snyder focused his time, energy, and footsteps to not only memorialize his friend, but to bring attention to the overwhelming number of veterans who suffer from mental health issues upon their return home from service.

Snyder captured his journey on social media and gained a following who were interested in his travels. His simple gesture reminded people that not all war wounds are visible.