TechAdvantage is the leading technology conference designed exclusively for electric cooperative professionals engaged in C-level, engineering, operations, IT, purchasing and supply, and marketing decision-making. Attendees gather for four days of leading-edge strategies and best practices created to share and demonstrate advantages in science, technology, and other industry areas that will benefit co-ops well into the 21st century. If you are planning on attending this year, here are four things you cannot miss:

Opening General Session
The TechAdvantage 2017 opening general session will continue the tradition of featuring a highly respected industry expert who will share his views on the challenges and opportunities cooperatives face today. Dr. Scott Tinker, Director of the Bureau of Economic Geology at the University of Texas at Austin will share his vision for America’s energy future, which is based on the belief that energy security requires a reasoned balance among energy, environment, and the economy.

Dynamic Breakout Sessions
With more than 60 options to choose from, there is no shortage of breakout sessions at TechAdvantage 2017. Attendees can craft their own agenda to tailor their experience to their needs. As you craft your own agenda, make sure to add the Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative (MVEC) Sensor Deployment Case Study as one of your breakout sessions. Eddie Webster, Director of Demand Response (DR) and Program Development at MVEC and OATI’s Walter Kalsow will present information on MVEC’s DR programs and how they are allowing the cooperative to save millions of dollars. You don’t want to miss it!

Networking Events
TechAdvantage is a great opportunity to meet informed experts, in one place, at one time. From a member reception on the USS Midway to NRECA’s 75th Anniversary Celebration in the Gaslamp, there is no shortage of networking opportunities. These receptions will give you a chance to network with your co-op colleagues and NRECA Associate Members and also appreciate some San Diego attractions.

State-of-the-Art Solutions
This year, OATI will be demonstrating the latest in Demand Response Management Systems (DRMS), Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS), Conservation Voltage Reduction (CVR), microgrid optimization solutions, and more. If you are interested in learning about a specific solution, stop by our booth (#1929) for a quick demo.

See you in San Diego!

About the Author:
Linda Stevens is Sr. Director of Sales for OATI’s grid modernization solutions. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management and Leadership from Concordia University, St. Paul, MN. Ms. Stevens has dedicated her career to the energy industry. She began in an Investor Owned Utility where she learned firsthand about utility operations. This experience transitioned to an energy industry software and technology sales career path. Through a network of direct OATI sales executives, key technology alliances, and an industry leading distribution channel, she drives the strategic sales initiatives for OATI’s grid modernization (or Smart Grid) portfolio, with an emphasis on solutions for cooperatives and municipals.