2025 WBDC Midwest Virtual Utility Conference & Business Matchmaker
From Grid to Growth: Fostering Partnerships Across the Supply Chain to Empower Utilities, Small Businesses, and Local Economies
You’re Invited!
This conference is a powerful gathering of thought leaders, energy companies, prime contractors, and small businesses committed to transforming how local energy initiatives drive economic development and community resilience. As the energy landscape evolves, so too must the partnerships that power it. This event explores how inclusive collaboration across the utility supply chain can unlock new opportunities for innovation and sustainable growth.
Key areas of focus:
- Building Local Community and Economies: Learn how utility companies and their partners are working with businesses to strengthen supply chains and long-term community investment.
- Collaboration and Partnership: Gain insights on how strategic partnerships can overcome barriers, drive innovation, and deliver shared value.
Conference Schedule
Tuesday, November 18, 2025 9am – 12:35pm CT
Agenda:
9:00 – 9:10 | Welcome – Utility Corporations, Utility Companies, and Small Businesses | Karen Goldner, Managing Director, Established Business Programs and Services
9:10 – 9:55 | Keynote Speaker: Scott Aaronson | Senior Vice President, Energy Security & Industry Operations | EEI (Edison Electric Institute)
Title | Energy Security and Growth: How electric companies and the energy grid are powering national security and US economic competitiveness.
Description | Electric companies are investing in the energy grid to meet growing demand resiliently, reliably, and affordably. This session will be an opportunity to get a national and global perspective on the policies, geopolitics, expectations, risks, and opportunities that are affecting supply chains abroad and operations at home.
9:55 – 10:40 | Fireside Chat: Empowering Small Businesses: Building Strategic Partnerships in the Utility Supply Chain
Description | This session explores the dynamic relationships between utilities and their supplier partners, highlighting how strategic mentorship strengthened supplier capabilities and expanded their market reach. Through real-world examples, we’ll examine how these collaborations helped both utilities and suppliers meet critical business goals—driving innovation, improving service delivery, and fostering mutual growth. Attendees will gain insights into the tangible benefits of supplier development, including enhanced procurement outcomes and long-term value creation for both parties.
10:40 – 10:50 | Break
10:50 – 11:20 | Breakout Session 1 – Hosted by Gold Sponsors
11:20 – 11:25 | Transition
11:25 – 11:55 | Breakout Session 2 – Hosted by Gold Sponsors
11:55 – 12:00 | Transition
12:00 – 12:30 | Breakout Session 3 – Hosted by Gold Sponsors
12:30 – 12:35 | Closing Remarks – Karen Goldner, Managing Director, Established Business Programs & Services
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Morning Networking Breakout Sessions – 3 sessions of 30 minutes each
Hosted by Gold Sponsors – Learn how to do business with:
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Business Matchmaker
November 19, 2025 9am – 3pm CT
Join virtual business matchmaking with Utility Leaders for an opportunity to meet with suppliers based on business needs. **Please note: Buyers determine all meetings. Must be event sponsors to participate as a buyer. **
Confirmed Buyer Representatives include, but are not limited to:
Category Opportunities include, but are not limited to:
**MyBusinessMatches registration link will be provided through a separate email once you have registered for the conference. ** Please check your spam mail if you have not received the link by November 11, 2025. MyBusinessMatches Registration Deadline: November 12, 2025. PLEASE NOTE: If you are not registered in MyBusinessMatches by close of business on November 12, 2025, you will not be able to participate in matchmaking meetings.
Utility Leader or Utility Prime Contractor / Buyers
Supplier / Vendors
