EMC26 Concludes in Washington, D.C., Honoring Leadership and Emerging Talent Across Competitive Energy

Centered on the theme “America 250: Energy Innovation to Power the Future,” the semi-annual conference brought together competitive energy suppliers, wholesalers, brokers, technology innovators, service providers, investors, and industry advocates to examine the challenges and opportunities shaping competitive energy markets.

Kayla Austin, Head of Operations, ENGIE North America, Inc., accepted the award on behalf of ENGIE during the ceremony sponsored by CereTax and presented by Mike Sanders. The Leadership & Integrity Award recognizes organizations that demonstrate ethical business practices, transparency, accountability, customer commitment, and contributions to the long-term strength of competitive energy markets.

ENGIE was recognized alongside fellow nominees APG&E, CleanSky Energy, David Energy, Guidepost Energy, IGS Energy, and Octopus Energy.

“Competitive energy depends on trust: the trust of our customers, our partners, and the communities we serve,” said Jack Doueck, Founder of Energy Marketing Conferences. “We congratulate ENGIE and all of this year’s honorees for the example they set. Bringing this community together gives us the opportunity to recognize that leadership, learn from one another, and build the relationships that help our industry move forward.”

Women’s Energy Alliance Recognizes Leadership That Creates Opportunity

The Women’s Energy Alliance (WEA) presented three of its annual awards on the EMC26 stage. Executive Director & Co-founder Christina Corcoran recognized women whose contributions are helping others build careers, develop confidence, and take on leadership roles across the industry.

Cori Bartlett COO, AnswerNet, received the Queen Maker Award for her commitment to mentoring, sponsoring, and championing other women. Bartlett was recognized for leading by example, supporting female-led businesses, and helping others advance.

Mary Do Sr. Manager, EDI Client Success, VertexOne, received the Her Hustle Award for her initiative and dedication to developing the people around her. As president of WEA’s Dallas chapter, Do has also helped create opportunities for women to connect and grow professionally.

Regan Ross Senior Power Marketer – Energy Trading, Karbone, received the SHERO Award in recognition of her integrity, service, and positive influence within the community. Ross, WEA’s new East Coast Chapter Vice President, was honored for the example she sets through her leadership and involvement.

Emerging Talent Takes the Stage

Pranav Velleleth, a University of Maryland engineering student and one of EMC26’s conference interns, won the Fastball Pitch competition with “Rethinking Retail Energy Operations with AI,” representing his company Kollengo. With an interest in technology, artificial intelligence, and improving operations in the energy industry, Pranav brought an emerging professional’s perspective to the event.

EMC26 also provided a platform for the soft launch of WEA’s Young Professionals Network (YPN). Led by Emily Kelman of Arbor and Isadora Matos of APG&E, the program connects women and men working in retail energy through networking and professional development.

Together, these opportunities reflected the community’s commitment to welcoming new voices and helping the next generation build meaningful industry relationships.

Practical Conversations Across Competitive Energy

Keynote speakers Monica Collings OBE, former CEO of So Energy, and Gabriel Phillips, Founder and CEO of Catalyst Power Holdings, brought distinct perspectives on leadership and the energy business.

Throughout the two-day program, participants explored artificial intelligence, integrated energy solutions for commercial and industrial customers, regulatory compliance, mergers and acquisitions, and the evolution of customer acquisition. A closing CEO Roundtable brought executive perspectives to the conference’s central focus on energy innovation and the future of competitive markets.

Peer-to-peer breakout sessions in the Customized Energy Solutions Innovation Theater created opportunities for participants to exchange experience and work through specific business challenges. In the exhibit hall, attendees connected with companies providing the technologies, services, and expertise that support their businesses.

Pre-conference networking tours, receptions, and dedicated networking time extended those conversations beyond the sessions, giving attendees space to strengthen existing relationships and make new connections.

EMC thanks all our sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, interns, volunteers, and attendees for their contributions to the conference, along with strategic media partner Energy Choice Matters. Special appreciation goes to CereTax, including Mike Sanders, Curt Proebstel, and the entire team, for supporting the awards ceremony and helping EMC celebrate the people and organizations contributing to the industry.

EMC27 Returns to Houston April 6–7, 2027

The competitive energy community will gather next at Energy Marketing Conferences 27^th semi-annual conference, for EMC27 CHOICE UNDER SEIGE: The Battle to Save Competitive Energy Markets, on April 6–7, 2027, in Houston, Texas. The spring conference will build on the conversations and connections developed in Washington, bringing industry professionals together to exchange ideas, explore business opportunities, and address shared challenges.

For updates and conference information, visit energymarketingconferences.com.

Advanced Registration for EMC27 is now open. REGISTER NOW
Save 30% off your two-day pass with code “EMC27_30”

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About Energy Marketing Conferences
Tammy Murphy is the Director of Communications and Marketing at Energy Marketing Conferences.  Energy Marketing Conferences connects the people and companies shaping competitive energy markets. Through its semiannual conferences and year-round community, EMC brings together suppliers, brokers, technology innovators, service providers, and industry leaders to share practical knowledge, build trusted relationships, and address the business challenges facing the industry and its customers.