This past week, APGA held its 2023 Annual Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona. Hundreds of public gas utility professionals gathered for several days of educational sessions, networking events and fellowship activities. APGA holds its Annual Conference every July as a means for its membership to convene and further the association’s goals.
The event started with a reception on Sunday evening. Then on Monday morning, the conference began with an update by APGA’s 2022-2023 Chairman, John Olshefski from Huntsville Utilities. He focused on his theme of Freedom to Fuel. Attendees then heard from Brock Long, a former FEMA Administrator, on emergency preparedness, and later from Donnie Sharp, also of Huntsville Utilities, on hedging strategies and lastly from LTG James Pillsbury, who is retired from the U.S. Army, with a presentation titled Who Are You? Know the Answer To Be a Better Leader. During the morning session, there were also networking breaks, a photographer for headshots, the Gild of Ancient Supplers Award, and member recognition. The afternoon held two breakout sessions—one on government relations featuring a panel on utility governance and one on renewable natural gas (RNG). The day was capped off with an ice cream social.
On Tuesday, attendees met back in the morning to hear a panel on trends, challenges and opportunities for public gas systems. Then, APGA awards were handed out and further recognitions took place. Didi Caldwell from Location Strategies then gave a presentation on how natural gas is the fuel for a green and prosperous future, followed by Wes Kelley from Huntsville Utilities who gave a presentation on the CEO/President perspective of a multi utility public service. There were then two breakout sessions: one on operations & safety, and one for past APGA Chairmen. The Summer APGA Board of Directors meeting was held that afternoon, and the nighttime was for the annual Chairman’s Reception & Dinner.
Wednesday morning was the last day of the event. It began with an APGA Research Foundation Board meeting along with a GTI Energy update on its projects. Then, Dave Schryver, APGA President & CEO, gave an his President’s Report. The APGA Annual Meeting then took place in which John Olshefski handed the Chairman’s gavel over to incoming Chairman Chris Latch of Corinth, Mississippi.
This past week was a successful one and APGA looks forward to hosting its 2024 Annual Conference in Traverse City, Michigan next year. More information on this event will be forthcoming.