2026
2026
UTC Telecom &
Technology Conference
June 1–4, 2026 • Minneapolis, MN
Navigating Innovation in the Land of 10,000 Lakes
Co-Host UTILITIES
When & WHERE
June 1–4, 2026
Minneapolis, MN
HOTEL
Hilton Minneapolis,
1001 S Marquette Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403
ABOUT THE EVENT
The UTC Annual Conference is your opportunity to join thousands of information and communications technology (ICT) professionals and technology partners. Each day is filled with opportunities to learn from global experts who aren’t just talking about modernizing utilities — they’re putting it to work.
Attendees can participate in pre-conference training, workshops, roundtables, and summits, plus three full days of ICT education. The event also features an exhibit hall where you’ll build powerful professional connections and explore innovative solutions.
Cast Your Line — Reel In New Connections
Don’t Let These Networking
Opportunities Float Away
Enjoy your stay with us at
Hilton Minneapolis
Hotel
1001 S Marquette Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403
A block of rooms has been reserved for conference
attendees. Book early to secure your special rate.
All events on Monday will be held at the Hilton. The Hilton is connected to the convention center via skybridge.
Reservation deadline is Monday, May 11
We’re waiting for you at the
Minneapolis Convention Center
Thank you to our sponsors
The Innovators
Powering Our Journey
Embark on a Technology Journey
Explore the Current of Innovation
Immerse yourself in three days of learning, connection, and groundbreaking technology from global experts.
Showcase Your Solutions
Exhibitor/Sponsor Information
Showcase Your Solutions
Exhibitor Information
Are you an exhibitor?
Take advantage of the premier opportunity to showcase your solutions to thousands of information and communications technology (ICT) professionals and utility decision-makers. As an exhibitor at the 2026 UTC Telecom & Technology Conference, you’ll gain unmatched visibility, generate valuable leads, and build lasting partnerships with technology leaders from across the nation.
Position your brand at the center of innovation and be part of the conversations shaping the future of utilities.
Chart Your Course
Exhibit Hall Floorplan
See Who’s Docked
Exhibitor List
Registration Information
Registration Rates
Utility Members
- $995 through 12/31/25
- $1,195 from 1/1/26 – 3/31/26
- $1,395 from 4/1/26 through 5/29/26
- $1,595 from 5/30/26 through onsite
- $750 – Day Rate
- $995 - Groups of Seven or more rate through end of conference
- $695 – Gas/Water Utilities
Utility Non-Members
- $1,790 through 12/31/25
- $1,990 from 1/1/26 – 3/31/26
- $2,190 from 4/1/26 through 5/29/26
- $2,390 from 5/30/26 through onsite
- $1,500 – Day Rate
Associates/Vendors Members
$1,690
Associates/Vendors Non-Members
$3,500
Speaker Registration
Speakers will receive registration instructions from Cynthia Perez once they are confirmed
Exhibitor/Sponsor Registrations
All exhibitor/sponsor registrations should be processed through the exhibitor/sponsor registration portal. As soon as the portal opens instructions will be provided to all participating companies. Please email support@utc.org with questions.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations received by Monday, May 11, 2026 will receive a refund less a 25% cancellation fee. There will be no refunds after May 11; however, substitutions will be accepted. Cancellation/Substitution requests must be received in writing to support@utc.org
Meet the Speakers
Shaping the Future of Utilities
Tony Suppa
Chair UTC Board,
Public Service Electric and Gas
Steve Liegl
Vice Chair UTC Board,
WEC Energy Group
Mike Unser
Secretary/Treasurer UTC Board,
Salt River Project
Gary Vondrasek
Immediate Past Chair UTC Board, JEA
Rusty Williams
President & CEO,
UTC
Tony Suppa
Chair UTC Board,
Public Service Electric and Gas
Steve Liegl
Vice Chair UTC Board,
WEC Energy Group
Mike Unser
Secretary/Treasurer UTC Board,
Salt River Project
Gary Vondrasek
Immediate Past Chair UTC Board, JEA
Rusty Williams
President & CEO,
UTC
2026 T&T Conference
Awards & Recognition
UTC Annual Awards Program
Deadline for entry:
March 31, 2026
Meehan Award
Established in 1998, the Meehan Award is named in honor of UTC’s first Executive Director, Charles M. (Mike) Meehan. The award was created to recognize individuals for their extraordinary leadership in projects during the past year that greatly furthered the interests and objectives of UTC.
Meehan Award nominees exemplify leadership and dedication in the utility industry. These individuals go above and beyond for UTC, its members and the mission and vision of the Association.
Deadline for entry:
March 31, 2026
Dondanville Award
Established in 1989, the Dondanville Award is named in honor of UTC’s first president, Russell V. Dondanville. This award formally recognizes an individual’s extraordinary service and dedication to UTC over the years through active participation in numerous Association activities.
Participating in both regional and national events, attending meetings and joining conference calls are all of equal priority to these individuals which is evident through their consistent attendance and support for the Association. Dondanville Award nominees are recognized for their unwavering dedication, inspiring perspective and devotion. This is a person who shows integrity “on and off the court.
Deadline for entry:
March 31, 2026
Emerging Leaders Award
UTC will recognize Emerging Leaders across all the UTC Regions. These “Rising Stars” are individuals within UTC member utilities who are dedicated to the critical work of telecommunication infrastructure, IT/OT, security, policy, etc.
Criteria
The UTC Regions are a hotbed of utility leaders. We welcome nominations from all regions, but will select one individual from each region. Do you know someone at your utility who should be recognized? Nominate them today and join us in Providence to celebrate these up-and-coming utility employees.
Deadline for entry:
March 31, 2026
Impact Award
Building on the legacy of UTC awards, we have established the Impact Awards. The Impact Awards will honor the UTC Associate Member Organizations making a great impact on our industry through an innovative and proven solution. Members can choose one of three categories areas: Hardware, Software or Service.
Criteria
While difficult to define precise, objective metrics that unambiguously determine how companies and concepts rank for each evaluation criteria, we have developed a set of ranking assessments based on four key criteria:
AVAILABILITY: This is an innovation that is already in the marketplace, addressing a real need and/or solving a problem today.
EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENTS: This technology innovation is meeting a need while improving outcomes or reducing risks to the customer and/or the utility. It may save time or money, lower cost, improves security, or even makes money for a utility.
SUSTAINABILITY: The technology innovation supports sustainability, social responsibility or green initiatives – innovation that not only demonstrated commercial success, but also considers broader implications.
IMPACT: Immediate and longer-term impact that the innovation has on the utility industry or/and society as a whole.
Eligibility
Submitted technology must be from an UTC Associate Member in good standing, serving the utilities industry, any size, any geographic location
All submissions by vendors must be further supported by utility companies comprised of UTC members and/or non-members. (Meaning the utility using the technology does NOT have to be a UTC member, but the vendor must be).
Deadline for entry:
March 31, 2026
Apex Award
Apex Award
The UTC APEX Award recognizes utilities that have completed compelling telecommunication projects; whether in emergencies or in steady-state, utility communications technology saves lives, protects property, and provide opportunities for communities to enhance economic prosperity.
Criteria
The UTC APEX Award is bestowed upon one utility company that provides electric, gas or water services. The nominee must have implemented innovative projects, taken actions, or initiated procedures that leverage communications technologies or information systems resulting in demonstrated benefits and positive impact on the communities they serve.
Nominations may be submitted on recommendations of peers, partners and witnesses to the work of the utility. However, an authorized representative of the utility must accept the nomination prior to being reviewed by the selection committee. A utility may be nominated more than once for different projects. For example, Utility A may be nominated for an innovative distribution automation project. Utility A may also be nominated for the solution it used to promote communications interoperability during a mutual aid situation.
The UTC APEX Award recognizes utilities that have completed compelling telecommunication projects; whether in emergencies or in steady-state, utility communications technology saves lives, protects property, and provide opportunities for communities to enhance economic prosperity.
Criteria
The UTC APEX Award is bestowed upon one utility company that provides electric, gas or water services. The nominee must have implemented innovative projects, taken actions, or initiated procedures that leverage communications technologies or information systems resulting in demonstrated benefits and positive impact on the communities they serve.
Nominations may be submitted on recommendations of peers, partners and witnesses to the work of the utility. However, an authorized representative of the utility must accept the nomination prior to being reviewed by the selection committee. A utility may be nominated more than once for different projects. For example, Utility A may be nominated for an innovative distribution automation project. Utility A may also be nominated for the solution it used to promote communications interoperability during a mutual aid situation.
Deadline for entry:
March 31, 2026
Swing for a Cause
Past Chairs’ Golf Tournament
Crystal Lake Golf Course
16725 Innsbrook Dr, Lakeville, MN 55044
Rental Clubs
Golfers are responsible for renting their own clubs. There are several options to secure rental clubs.
– Secure the clubs through the course. Information will be provided soon.
– Through a program with Club Lender (www.clublender.com) you can rent a set of clubs online and have them delivered to the golf course.
– Through a program with Ship Sticks (www.shipsticks.com) They will come and pick your clubs up at your home, and then deliver them to the club and then back to your home.
Tee off in Minneapolis at the Past Chairs’ Golf Tournament, proudly hosted by UTC. Set against the backdrop of the Land of 10,000 Lakes, this event combines the spirit of competition with the power of giving back.
Enjoy a day of golf, camaraderie, and purpose as industry leaders, enthusiasts, and supporters come together to support a meaningful cause.
Golf Sponsors
