Seven companies nominated for recognition as competitive energy leaders gather October 19–20 in Washington, D.C., for “America 250: Energy Innovation to Power the Future.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Energy Marketing Conferences (EMC) has announced seven nominees for its 2026 Leadership & Integrity Award, along with two keynote speakers and the full agenda for EMC26. The semi-annual event will take place October 19–20, 2026, at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C.

Under the theme “America 250: Energy Innovation to Power the Future,” EMC26 will convene retail energy suppliers, brokers, technology companies, service providers, investors and industry advocates to examine the decisions shaping competitive energy markets and the customers they serve.

Recognizing leadership that earns trust

The nominees for the 2026 Leadership & Integrity Award are APG&E, CleanSky Energy, David Energy, ENGIE, Guidepost Energy, IGS Energy and Octopus Energy.

The award recognizes organizations that demonstrate leadership through ethical business practices, transparency, accountability, customer commitment and contributions to the long-term strength of competitive energy markets. Sponsored by CereTax, the award will be presented on October 20.

Success earns recognition. Leadership and integrity earn trust. The award highlights the connection between how companies conduct business and the credibility of the broader competitive energy industry.

“Our seven nominees are companies that have clearly demonstrated both leadership as well as integrity – making the competitive energy industry proud,” said Jack Doueck, Founder of Energy Marketing Conferences. “Each of these companies are role models for all of us.  It is a pleasure to recognize them at EMC26.”

Keynotes bring distinct perspectives on energy leadership

On October 19^th, Keynote Monica Collings, OBE, former CEO of So Energy, will deliver “What I Learned Leading Through Fire.” Drawing on her experience leading through the UK energy crisis, Collings will explore leadership under pressure and the responsibility of making consequential decisions for customers, employees and the business.

On October 20^th, Keynote Gabe Phillips, Founder and CEO of Catalyst Power, will deliver “If It Were Easy, Everyone Would Do It,” bringing an entrepreneurial perspective on energy innovation and the evolving competitive market.

A full program focused on industry priorities

The EMC26 agenda features six executive-led panels:

• AI: Rewiring the Retail Energy Market, sponsored by Abundant Power.
• The Future of C&I Energy: Unlocking Value Through Integrated Energy Solutions, sponsored by Customized Energy Solutions.
• Regulatory & Compliance Nightmares and How to Avoid Them, sponsored by AEC Energy Management.
• Mergers & Acquisitions, sponsored by Atlantic Energy Group.
• The Evolution of Customer Acquisition: Mass Market & C&I, sponsored by VertexOne.
• CEO Roundtable: America 250: Energy Innovation to Power the Future, sponsored by CAPCO.

Peer to peer learning brings practical expertise into the conversation

Eight interactive breakout sessions on October 19^th will give attendees opportunities to ask questions, exchange experiences and work through business challenges directly with session leaders and fellow participants. Featured leaders include:

• Lee Lazar, Associated Agencies, on protecting an energy business while supporting growth.
• Frank Caliva III, Retail Energy Supply Association (RESA), and Josiah Neeley, R Street Institute, on how industry professionals can help protect consumer choice.
• KC Boyce, Escalent, on findings from its Texas customer acquisition and retention study.
• Will Fisher, Strobe Power, on using onsite generation and storage to reduce electricity supply costs at commercial and industrial facilities.
• John Fox, Capital Foundry, on growth, risk, regulation and business survival in retail energy.
• Rik Haslam, Brandpie, on the business case for branding.
• Dawn Lindell, Leadership Lift Consulting, on adaptive leadership and the challenges shaping the energy industry’s future.
• Steve Copeland, Bill Gosling Outsourcing, on connecting sales, service and collections across the customer journey through AI.

The discussion-led format encourages attendees to contribute their own experiences and explore practical approaches with peers.

Innovation and the next generation take the stage

The Fastball Pitcher Competition on October 20^th will feature VoxLayer, Arcobi, ennrgy.com, Prove It Media, Kollengo and Trieve. Each company will have four minutes to introduce its solution to the competitive energy community, with live attendee voting to select the winner.

Additional program highlights include Sam Slaughter, co-founder of Lighthouse Creative, presenting an executive talk entitled: “The AI Boom Is an Energy Story. Are Energy Brands Ready to Tell It?” and an ESG-sponsored session, entitled “Turning Complexity into Capability: WGL Energy’s Transformation Journey.”

The program will also include the introduction of the Young Professionals Network (YPN), presented by Women’s Energy Alliance, extending EMC’s commitment to connecting and supporting the next generation of competitive energy professionals.

Connections beyond the stage

Exhibit hall networking, meals and evening receptions provide opportunities to continue conversations throughout the conference. The opening reception is sponsored by AXPO, and the closing reception is sponsored by EDF Trading.

Before the main program begins on October 19^th, attendees can interact through two Washington experiences: “Monuments & Mimosas”, a guided motor coach tour of D.C. landmarks, or “Must-See Smithsonian”, featuring guided visits to the National Museum of American History and the National Museum of Natural History.

The agenda connects the industry’s most pressing business questions: How to use AI effectively, deliver greater value to energy customers, navigate regulatory complexity and build sustainable growth. EMC26 gives participants an opportunity to examine those questions with peers, potential partners and leaders working across the competitive energy market.

View the full EMC26 agenda and register at EMC26.Eventbrite.com.

About Energy Marketing Conferences

Energy Marketing Conferences brings together the people whose decisions shape competitive energy markets. Through its semi-annual conferences, educational programming and industry communications, EMC connects wholesalers, traders, retail suppliers, brokers, consultants, service providers, technology innovators, marketers, and other stakeholders to share practical knowledge, develop business relationships and advance a stronger competitive energy industry.

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