Start the day with an update on the state of play in Ohio energy policy from OMA Energy Group counsel Kim Bojko and Plaskolite’s Tim Ling. This plenary session highlights the Ohio Manufacturers Association’s ongoing efforts to advance manufacturers’ interests in energy policy across the state and how they are leveraging the collective strength and insights of the OMA Energy Group.

Moderator: TBA

Speakers: Kim Bojko (Carpenter Lipps), Tim Ling (Plaskolite)

Energy markets are evolving rapidly, making reliable forecasting and strategic procurement more important than ever. Hear from subject matter experts on how electricity and natural gas forecasts are developed and how they impact procurement decisions. Attendees will gain insight into key market trends and constraints for these markets and what they may mean for manufacturing operations and costs.

Moderator: Melville Nickerson (NRG Energy)

Speakers: Susanne Buckley (Scioto Energy), John Pintozzi (Nutrien)

As manufacturers face rising energy costs and increasing pressure to reduce emissions, on-site solar generation is becoming an increasingly attractive solution. This session will feature real-world case studies highlighting how industrial facilities are using on-site solar to lower energy costs and improve resilience. Presenters will share practical lessons learned related to project development, system design, and implementation.

Moderator: Trish Demeter (Advanced Energy United)

Speakers: Gary Leckonby (Kokosing)

As artificial intelligence and data center expansion drive rapid growth in electricity demand, manufacturers and utilities alike are asking what this means for the future of the grid. This panel will bring together data center representatives to discuss how load forecasting is conducted, how new facilities are planned and interconnected, and what the industry is doing to address concerns around grid capacity and reliability. Attendees will gain firsthand insight into the realities behind projected load growth and the strategies being deployed to support long-term energy resilience.

Moderator: TBA

Speakers: TBA

This session provides timely updates on federal energy policy shaping today’s manufacturing and power landscape. Panelists will discuss emerging priorities related to data centers, national energy trends, and rising costs. Key topics include transmission planning and policy, recent developments at FERC, and updates on interconnection and permitting processes. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how federal actions may impact energy availability, costs, and project timelines.

Moderator: Greg Lawson (Buckeye Institute)

Speakers: Karen Onaron (Elcon), Kent Chandler (R Street Institute)

Reliable and affordable energy remains critical to manufacturing operations, particularly as facilities navigate evolving grid conditions and rising electricity demand. This session will explore how manufacturers are leveraging natural gas technologies and infrastructure to support reliability, resilience, and operational continuity. Presenters will discuss on-site generation, combined heat and power, fuel supply considerations, and strategies for integrating natural gas solutions into long-term energy plans.

Moderator: Chris Zeigler (API)

Speakers: Jay McChesney (Williams)

For manufacturers, even brief power disruptions can result in significant operational and financial impacts. This session will examine how microgrids, on-site generation, and advanced power management technologies are helping facilities stay “always on” while reducing dependence on the traditional grid. Presenters will discuss strategies for improving resilience, managing energy costs, and building more flexible and self-reliant manufacturing operations.

Moderator: Jade Davis (Brite)

Speakers: TBA

Join Congressman Troy Balderson and Congressman Bob Latta for a keynote discussion on the federal energy policy landscape and the critical challenges shaping the nation’s energy future. Those challenges are coming to a head right here in Ohio where rising utility costs and volatile load forecasts are causing headaches for ratepayers across the board. From Capitol Hill to the Statehouse, Congressmen Balderson and Latta will provide attendees insights into the policies and issues impacting Ohio’s manufacturers and large energy users and how we as a nation may meet these challenges.

Moderator: Ryan Augsburger (Ohio Manufacturers’ Association)

Speaker: Congressman Troy Balderson (U.S. House of Representatives), Congressman Bob Latta, (U.S. House of Representatives)

What will the future of Ohio’s energy landscape look like? Hear from some of Ohio’s largest energy generators on the prospects of nuclear energy, natural gas infrastructure, and emerging technologies. Attendees will get an inside look on what lies on the horizon for Ohio’s energy infrastructure. Crystal balls not included.

Moderator: TBA

Speakers: Jay O’Bryant (Vistra)

Continuous process improvement (CPI) and energy management often go hand in hand in high-performing manufacturing facilities. This session highlights manufacturing solutions identifying and capturing energy savings opportunities through operational improvements, data-driven decision making, and employee engagement. Presenters will share practical strategies for aligning energy initiatives with productivity, reliability, and financial performance goals to deliver measurable ROI.

Moderator: TBA

Speakers: TBA

The role of regional transmission organizations is facing increased scrutiny. This panel will examine the policies, planning practices, and operational challenges shaping the future of the PJM Interconnection grid. Panelists will provide diverse perspectives on transmission development, generation interconnection, market structures, and regulatory barriers, while exploring potential solutions to improve reliability, affordability, and long-term grid readiness.

Moderator: TBA

Speakers: Maureen Willis (OCC)

Forecasts of rapid growth in artificial intelligence, data centers, and emerging technologies is disrupting our view of future energy demand and creating new challenges and opportunities for utilities, policymakers, and industrial energy users. This keynote session will explore the forces driving these changes and examine their implications for power infrastructure, resource planning, and economic development. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the trends, investments, and decisions that are helping define the future of energy in Ohio and across the nation.