Recent headlines have raised concerns that surging data center growth could strain aging power infrastructure and challenge generation capacity. In this keynote session, Jonathan Koomey will examine the accuracy of these narratives and explore the real drivers behind rising data center energy demand. With more than 40 years of interdisciplinary research on energy and environmental issues, Dr. Koomey is best known for formulating Koomey’s Law, which states that the energy efficiency of computers doubles approximately every 18 months. Dr. Koomey’s research and insights are critical to understanding data center efficiency and the energy demands of artificial intelligence.

Moderator: Lindsey Short

Speakers: Jonathan Koomey, Ph.D. (Koomey Analytics)

OMA Energy Group counsel Kim Bojko and Plaskolite’s Tim Ling provide an update on the state of play in Ohio energy policy. This break-out 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: Chris Zeigler (American Petroleum Institute)

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

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: Christye Leasure (GMi Companies), 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: Melville Nickerson (NRG)

Speakers: Krystina Schaefer (Google); Samantha Robertson (Bitdeer)

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)

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: Dylan Borchers (Bricker Graydon Wyatt)

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

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)

Speaker: Dan Degan (Bloom Energy), Brice Kosnik (Eaton)

Join Congressman Bob Latta and Congressman Troy Balderson 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 Latta and Balderson 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 Bob Latta, (U.S. House of Representatives), Congressman Troy Balderson (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: Chair Jenifer French (Public Utilities Commission of Ohio)

Speakers: Sam Scuilli (Voltus), Andy Weinstein (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: Clarence Mingo (Marzetti)

Speakers: John Bollinger (SugarCreek), Pete Kleinhenz (Go Sustainable Energy), Elizabeth Melisz (NRG)

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: Ashley Brown (Retired: Harvard University)

Speakers: John Seryak (Runnerstone), Maureen Willis (OCC)

Artificial intelligence is driving forecasted growth in electricity demand and accelerating investment in energy infrastructure. In this keynote session, SB Energy will discuss the PORTS Technology Campus, an ambitious “mega project” that combines a planned AI data center campus with large-scale power generation. New natural gas generation will be funded in part through the historic US-Japan Strategic Trade and Investment Agreement and will be owned by the U.S. Government. Additionally, SB Energy will also invest $4.2 billion through AEP Ohio to build new high-voltage transmission lines that will power the facility and support long-term regional grid reliability. Attendees will gain insight into the partnerships, planning, and strategies behind one of Ohio’s most significant infrastructure developments.

Moderator: Michael Zimmer (Executive in Residence , Ret. Ohio University, Voinovich School of Leadership & Public Service and Russ College of Engineering & Technology)

Speakers: Abhijeet Sathe (SB Energy)