emPOWERing Leadership Conference

Where Rising Leaders Become Industry Leaders


Thursday, November 12, 2026
at
12:00 PM (CST)
to Friday, November 13, 2026 at 3:30 PM (CST)

CONFERENCE OVERVIEW

The Gulf Coast Power Association's inaugural emPOWERing Leadership Conference brings together current and aspiring leaders from across the energy sector for a day and a half of transformative learning, skill development, and meaningful networking.

Designed for young professionals and emerging leaders, the conference delivers practical, actionable insights to accelerate your career. Whether you're stepping into your first leadership role, preparing for advancement, or building the skills to lead in an evolving industry, you'll leave with the tools, connections, and confidence to succeed.

What You'll Experience
  • Expert-Led Sessions on core leadership competencies — strategic thinking, effective communication, executive presence, and leading through change
  • Industry Insights from senior executives who've built successful careers in energy
  • Practical Skill Development through interactive workshops and case studies you can apply immediately
  • Peer Networking with emerging professionals from utilities, generators, regulators, and energy companies
  • Mentorship Connections with experienced leaders committed to developing the next generation
Who Should Attend

Professionals at every career stage who are serious about growing as leaders — from recent graduates to mid-career professionals ready to accelerate. Engineers, analysts, project managers, regulatory specialists, business professionals: if you're building a career in energy, this conference is for you.

The Lost Pines Experience

Set in the scenic Texas Hill Country, the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa offers the ideal retreat for focused learning and authentic relationship-building — away from daily distractions, where real conversations happen.

Join Us

Be part of a landmark event as GCPA launches a new era of leadership development for the energy industry. 


Schedule Overview

Thursday, November 12
  • 12:00 PM — Registration opens
  • 1:00 PM — Conference welcome
  • 1:10 PM – 5:15 PM — Sessions
  • 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM — Welcome Reception, Cocktail Buffet & Live Music
Friday, November 13
  • 8:00 AM — Registration & Continental Breakfast
  • 9:00 AM — Conference welcome
  • 9:10 AM – 3:45 PM — Sessions & Keynote

 THANKS TO OUR PLANNING COMMITTEE

Committee:
Sarah Andrews, Oncor
Monica Batra-Shrader,
ERock
Connor Beatson,
Satoshi Energy
Brooks Clingman,
NextEra Energy Transmission
Ian Haley
Blake Holt,
LCRA
Mariam Nisa,
CAMS
Christian Powell,
Pedernales Electirc Co-op
Rachel Seshan,
PUCT
Rebecca Zerwas,
ERCOT

Credits Price
Member
$300 off the Non-Member rate. Registration Ends 11/13/26 at 3:00 PM CST
$250.00
Price will increase to $300.00 on 9/30/26 12:00 AM CST
Non-Member
Registration Ends 11/13/26 at 3:00 PM CST
$550.00
Price will increase to $600.00 on 9/30/26 12:00 AM CST
Credits Price
Welcome Reception
FREE

Agenda

November 12
12:00 PM Registration
1:00 PM Welcome & Opening Remarks
1:10 PM - 8:00 PM Panel I - Breaking Into Energy
2:00 PM - 8:00 PM VIGNETTE - A Day in the Life of a Grid Operator
2:15 PM NETWORKING BREAK
2:45 PM - 8:00 PM Panel II - ERCOT Marker Design: What's Next for the Grid
3:45 PM NETWORKING BREAK
4:15 PM - 8:00 PM Panel III - The Business of Energy: Investment, Value & the Next Decade
5:15 PM Closing Remarks
5:30 PM - 8:00 PM Welcome Reception, Cocktail Buffet & Live Music
November 13
8:00 AM Registration & Continental Breakfast
9:00 AM Welcome & Day 2 Opening
9:10 AM Panel IV - Managing Up, Down & Across: A Field Guide to Generational Leadership
10:10 AM VIGNETTE - From Engineering to Leadership
10:25 AM NETWORKING BREAK
10:55 AM Panel V - Negotiating Your Career: Own Your Next Move
11:50 AM KEYNOTE
12:10 PM - 1:30 PM LUNCHEON
1:30 PM Panel VI - How Good Bosses Change Careers
2:30 PM Ask Anything: Live Mentoring with Energy's Senior Leaders
3:30 PM Closing Remarks & Adjournment

DIAMOND SPONSORS

Baker Botts

 


PLATINUM SPONSORS



GOLD SPONSORS


Sponsor Today

To learn more about sponsorships and exhibits, please review our Sponsor/Exhibitor Brochure and contact Deputy Executive Director Mary Armstrong (281.460.3054)

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HOTEL INFO

Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa - Room block cutoff date is Monday, October 12

CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR ROOM ONLINE 

ATTENDEE LIST

(Available to Registered Attendees Only)

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"I'm Attending" Promotional Template (Available to Registered Attendees Only)

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