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Home2026 Conference Program

2026 WiNUP International Conference

Indianapolis, IN | Sept. 20-23, 2026


Attendee Information Hotel Information Register for Conference Become A Sponsor

Thank You, 2026 Conference Sponsors!


Conference Program


Sunday, September 20


WiNUP International Board Meeting

9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

International Board Representatives and invited guests

WiNUP Chapter Chair Meeting

2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Chapter Chairs or designated proxies

First Time Attendee & New Member Orientation

4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.


General Registration

4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.


Welcome Reception

6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.


WiNUP Bingo

8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Hosted by the 2027 Conference Planning Committee

Duke

Dorothy Stoler

Monday, September 21

Breakfast

7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.


Conference Welcome & Safety Briefing
8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

 
  •   Conference Welcome & Safety Briefing
  |   Rebecca Ashack, Indiana Chapter Conference Chair
 
  •  Opening Remarks
  |   Kristin Duggins, WiNUP President & CEO

Full Steam Ahead: From Shrinking to Shaping the Future 

8:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

Networking Break

10:45 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Storm Duty – Plan for the Worst, Hope for the Best 

11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Lunch, followed by tours/charitable activities

12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Please note that tour selections are made during conference registration on a first-come, first-served basis and may be unavailable if maximum capacity is reached.

Tour Option 1: The Go Game

Maximum 75 people

Imagine if the "Amazing Race", "America’s Funniest Home Videos," and Cranium got together and had a party on your phone. The Go Game, a smartphone-driven scavenger hunt on steroids, is a fantastic opportunity to network and team build, and it stars you and your fellow WiNUP teammates! Our host will kick off the game at our conference hotel, and then teams will venture out to the game zone (around our conference hotel) utilizing the mobile platform to score points, take on challenges and missions, and have a blast! We will top off the fun with an awards ceremony and prizes for the winners! 

Please note that this is a physically active tour and will include approximately 60 - 90 minutes of walking in and around our conference hotel.

Tour Option 2: Gainbridge Field House & Lucas Oil Stadium

Maximum 75 people

This is an exciting walking tour of two nearby sports complexes: Gainbridge Field House, the proud home of the Indianapolis Pacers (basketball), and Lucas Oil Stadium, where the Indianapolis Colts (football) play. Both tours will be led by knowledgeable tour guides, who will showcase the stadiums’ many impressive features and amenities while answering any questions you may have. Gainbridge Fieldhouse is committed to sustainability and has partnered with AES Indiana to power its facilities with renewable energy credits. These credits will offset energy usage during major events like NBA All-Star 2024. Lucas Oil Stadium has a renewable energy certificate purchase through Green Mountain Energy, which covers all major venues in the NFL, including Lucas Oil Stadium. This purchase includes 15,000 megawatt hours of renewable energy, which will power various facilities within the stadium, such as the media center and lights for the games. Lucas Oil Stadium is a fully accessible facility equipped with ramps, escalators, and elevators for those needing accommodation. 

Please note that this is a physically active tour and will include approximately 2.5 hrs. of walking, including about a mile of outdoor walking between facilities and the hotel.

Tour Option 3: Crowne Plaza Hotel Tour & Charitable Activity

Maximum 50 people

Step into the story of the Crowne Plaza Union Station Hotel—a place that’s been buzzing with energy since 1853, when it became the nation’s first ‘union’ station and brought four competing rail lines together under one roof. Picture the clatter of trains, the bustle of travelers, and the excitement of a brand new era of transportation as you explore the original brick-and-frame building. Your guide will lead you through the space, sharing surprising tidbits, hidden details, and the kind of fun facts that make the past feel alive. After soaking in the history, jump into a hands on activity where everyone teams up to assemble items for a local charity—turning a fascinating tour into a feel good experience that makes a real impact.

This activity only involves a little walking, and you will not be leaving the hotel.

Become A Sponsor


Monday Evening Free Time

Chapters and Committees are encouraged to use this time to connect


Tuesday, September 22

Breakfast

7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.               

Guided Networking Activity

8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.               

Morning Welcome & Safety Briefing

8:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.               

WiNUP Annual Business Meeting

8:45 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

2026 Executive Committee

  • International President and CEO - Kristin Duggins
  • International Vice President – Nikki Militello
  • International Secretary – Cindy Owen
  • International Treasurer - Judy Hurd
  • Executive Director - Lisa Morinini
  • Immediate Past President – Trisha Swayne
  • Parliamentarian - Dorothy Stoler

Networking Break

9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

From Entry to Expert: Career Paths in the Utility Industry

10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.         

Luncheon sponsored by the Past Presidents

11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Networking Break

1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Breakout Session 1

1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.               

Please note that breakout sessions are selected as part of registration on a first-come, first-served basis.

Transitional Break

2:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Breakout Session 2

2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.               

Please note that breakout sessions are selected as part of registration on a first-come, first-served basis.

Breakout Session 1 Options

Option 1 - All Aboard the "AI" Train: Using AI Tools

This interactive workshop will introduce practical applications of Artificial Intelligence for utility professionals, with a focus on large language models such as Microsoft Copilot. Participants will gain a foundational understanding of how AI works, see a live demonstration, and learn effective prompting techniques to enhance productivity, decision-making, and everyday workflows. Designed for all experience levels, the session emphasizes real-world use cases and empowers attendees to confidently explore AI as a tool in their professional roles.

Option 2 - Member Engagement: The Ticket to a Thriving Chapter 

It’s a universal concern for all WiNUP chapters: how can we amp up our member engagement and ensure we are best meeting our members’ expectations? Join us at this interactive session to glean new ideas on how to make your chapter stronger by maximizing its greatest resource: its members.

Option 3 - The Regulatory Process: Different Solutions for Different Customers

This breakout session features a panel discussion with utility regulatory employees and commission staff about how a utility rate case takes shape. We’ll talk through how different customer classes - from residential to commercial/industrial - are analyzed and what is considered during rate design. Get an inside look at the intricacies involved in this process.

Option 4 - The Leadership Engine: Communication, Culture, and Connection

This session will explore the core elements that power impactful leadership in today’s utility organizations. This dynamic session focuses on how intentional communication, strong workplace culture, and authentic connection drive engagement, trust, and performance. Through practical insights and real-world examples, participants will gain tools to strengthen relationships, lead with clarity, and foster inclusive, resilient teams—empowering women leaders to influence positive change within their organizations and the utility industry as a whole.

Breakout Session 2 Options

Option 1 - All Aboard the "AI" Train: Using AI Tools 

This interactive workshop will introduce practical applications of Artificial Intelligence for utility professionals, with a focus on large language models such as Microsoft Copilot. Participants will gain a foundational understanding of how AI works, see a live demonstration, and learn effective prompting techniques to enhance productivity, decision-making, and everyday workflows. Designed for all experience levels, the session emphasizes real-world use cases and empowers attendees to confidently explore AI as a tool in their professional roles.

Option 2 - Change That Sticks: Aligning People, Process, and Leadership

You may not be driving the change- but you play a critical role in whether it succeeds or fails. This session will introduce key change management principles, what they look like in practice, and how to recognize them within your organization. Attendees will walk away with the confidence and tools to become a proactive advocate who help move change forward instead of reacting to it.

Option 3 - Achieve Culture and Community Goals in a Hybrid Workspace

This break-out session will address the evolving world of work and workplace culture. Our work environments include on-site, remote and hybrid for our teams. Culture programs have historically been focused on the physical workplace. That focus has to change and how we need to think, act and feel must also change to develop and achieve our company goals. Intentionality, clarity and community building are some of the ways we address this change through programming. In doing so they open us to evolve and create a workplace that is welcoming and engaging for everyone, wherever they work.

Option 4 - How Does Your Career Shape Your Professional Identity?

Learn how your career phases determine who you are in the workplace, how you see yourself and how others see you. When you discover the professional roles that are best aligned to your strengths and values, you’ll be more likely to achieve your career goals.

Free Time

3:45 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Attendees are encouraged to use this time to prepare for the evening banquet

Pre-Banquet Reception

5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. 

2026 Annual Awards Banquet

6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

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Tuesday Evening: WiNUP Annual Awards Banquet

"All Aboard the WiNUP Express! The Golden Age of Rail"


Banquet Attire Guidelines

Wear jewel or earth tones for elegance – emerald green, sapphire blue, rich burgundy, mahogany brown

Add brown leather accents – belts, shoes, or bags for a nostalgic feel

Elevate with vintage travel elegance – silk scarves, gloves, hats, vintage brooches


A prize will be awarded for the best interpretation of the theme!

Wednesday, September 23


Breakfast

7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.

Guided Networking Activity

8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

Morning Welcome

8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

  • Safety Message
  • Morning Welcome
  • Conference Charity Presentation
  • 2027 Conference Teaser

Resilient by Design: Leading Critical Infrastructure Into the Future

9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Networking Break

10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Sustainable Utility Operations Through Technology

10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Closing Remarks

11:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

  • Closing Remarks
  • Conference Wrap-Up

Join Us At Conference!

Indianapolis, IN | Sept. 20-23, 2026


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Women's International Network of Utility Professionals is a not-for-profit 501 (c) (6) organization under the IRA Code.  Section 501 (c) (6) of the IRS code provides for the exemption of business leagues - which is an association of individuals with a common business interest.  Contributions to WiNUP are not tax deductible as a charitable donation.  Contributions may qualify as a business expense.  Donors should consult a tax professional.