Insights, Tools, and Leadership"
EMC25
Winner of the EMC - Leadership and Integrity - Award
NRG Energy
EMC25 Founding Sponsors
"The Power Shift: Redefining Competitive Energy Markets, Insights, Tools, and Leadership"
Welcome to EMC25 Energy Marketing Conference at the Hilton post Oak Energy Marketing Conferences is thrilled to host EMC25 this spring. April 14-15, 2026. EMC is one of the largest retail energy conferences in North America, and host to some of the most influential energy providers, brokers and suppliers in the energy industry.
EMC25 will be hosted in Houston, Texas.
April 14-15, 2026
We are looking forward to seeing you there.
Please check back to see updated agendas, speaker information and more.
EMC25 Agenda
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9:15am – Registration opens
10:00am – Chairman’s Welcome, Jack Doueck
10:05am – 10:35am – Day 1 Keynote
10:40am – 11:25am – Panel #1: “Where Do We Go from Here? – A Growth Map for Competitive Energy”
11:30am – 12:15pm – Panel #2: “Four Potentially New Consumer Choice States on the Horizon!”
12:15pm – 1:45pm – Networking Lunch
1:45pm – 2:30pm – Panel#3: “All the Same – But All Different”: Five ISOs – Five Different Worlds“
2:35pm – 3:20pm – Panel#4: “The State of Competitive Energy: State by State”
3:25pm – 4:10pm –Afternoon Networking Break
4:10pm – 4:55pm – Panel #5 – “The War on Fraud”
5:00pm –5:40pm – Panel#6 – Women’s Energy Alliance “The Future Leaders of Retail Energy”
5:45pm – 6:50pm – Welcome Reception
7:00 am – Registration
7:45am – 8:45am – Networking Breakfast sponsored by Quantum
8:45am – 9:00am – Chairman’s Welcome with Jack Doueck
9:00am – 9:30am – Keynote Speaker
9:35am – 10:20am – Panel #1 – “AI in Action: Transforming Acquisition, Operations, and Market Strategy”
10:25 – 10:40 – Morning Networking Break
10:45am – 11:05am – Fastball – 5 companies compete for 4 minutes each to win this exciting competition.
11:10am – 11:55am – Panel #2 – “SB-6 and the Future of ERCOT: Capacity, DERs and the Competitive Uncertainty”
12:00pm – 1:30pm – Networking Lunch
1:30pm – 1:40pm – Competitive Supplier of the Year Award
1:45pm – 2:30pm – Panel #3 – Suppliers and Brokers: “Whose Customer Is It?”
2:30pm – 3:15pm – Networking Afternoon Break
3:15pm – 4:00pm – Panel #4 – “Rules of Engagement: Compliance, Consent, and Customer Trust in 2026”
4:40pm – 5:30pm – The CEO Round Table: “The Power Shift: Redefining Competitive Energy Markets, Insights, Tools, and Leadership”
5:40pm – 6:40pm – Closing Reception
EMC24 Highlight Reel
EMC23 Day 2 Panels Highlight Reel
EMC25 Keynote Speaker
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
EMC25 Panel Discussions - Day One
Focus: Geographical Expansion Strategies
This strategic panel examines the current landscape and future opportunities for competitive energy market expansion across the United States and internationally. Panelists will provide a comprehensive analysis of the 50-state market structure, including the 15 fully competitive states where retail energy choice is mature, the 25 monopoly states that remain closed to competition, and the 10 hybrid states (including California, Michigan, and Missouri) that offer partial or limited competitive opportunities. The discussion will explore market entry strategies, regulatory barriers, consumer readiness, and the economic viability of expansion into new territories.
Additionally, the panel will assess international expansion opportunities, examining global markets where competitive energy models are emerging or could be successfully introduced. Attendees will gain actionable insights into market prioritization, risk assessment, and growth strategies for geographic diversification.
Navigating Regulatory Complexity Across Markets
This detailed operational panel addresses the complex patchwork of state-specific regulations and market structures that define the competitive energy landscape. Expert panelists will decode the varying nomenclature and billing arrangements across states, including Rate Ready, Purchase of Receivables (POR), Bill Ready, Dual Billing, and Consolidated Billing systems, and their implications for supplier operations and cash flow.
The discussion will examine state-specific technological capabilities and limitations, including smart meter deployment, interval metering availability, and the feasibility of offering variable rate products. Panelists will analyze how utilities in different states approach hedging strategies and how Price-to-Compare (PTC) calculations vary, affecting competitive positioning.
The session will conclude with a collaborative brainstorming segment on market redesign possibilities, identifying regulatory reforms that could enhance market efficiency and consumer benefits while maintaining system reliability.
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This forward-looking panel brings together regulatory experts and industry advocates to examine four states on the cusp of potentially opening to retail energy competition: West Virginia, Indiana, Kentucky, and Michigan. Representatives from the Retail Energy Alliance League will share insights on legislative progress, regulatory proceedings, and grassroots advocacy efforts in each state.
The discussion will cover the unique political and economic drivers in each market, stakeholder positions, timeline projections for market opening, and the potential market size and characteristics. Panelists will also address the challenges and opportunities specific to each state, including utility opposition, consumer education needs, and infrastructure readiness. This session is essential for companies planning their market entry strategies and seeking first-mover advantages in emerging competitive markets.
Protecting Markets and Consumers from Bad Actors
This critical panel addresses the growing challenge of fraudulent activities in competitive energy markets that threaten industry credibility and consumer trust. Industry leaders, regulatory enforcement officials, and consumer advocates will discuss the evolving landscape of energy fraud, including slamming, cramming, deceptive marketing practices, and identity theft.
The panel will examine current detection methodologies, prevention strategies, and the role of technology in identifying fraudulent patterns before they cause harm. Discussion topics include industry self-policing initiatives, regulatory enforcement actions, collaboration between suppliers and utilities to prevent fraud, and the balance between market access and consumer protection.
Panelists will share case studies of successful fraud prevention programs and discuss emerging threats, including digital fraud schemes and synthetic identity fraud, providing attendees with actionable strategies to protect their businesses and customers.
Comparative Analysis of ISO Operations and Regulations
This comprehensive panel features five senior executives, each representing a major Independent System Operator: PJM, ERCOT, NYISO, ISO-NE, and MISO. Despite operating under similar fundamental principles of competitive wholesale electricity markets, each ISO presents unique challenges and opportunities for retail energy providers.
The discussion will dive deep into the operational differences that impact retail suppliers, including marketing regulations, billing mechanisms, wholesale supply structures (capacity vs. energy-only markets), and settlement procedures. Panelists will explore innovative product offerings enabled or constrained by each ISO’s rules, Time-of-Use product implementation, demand response opportunities, and emerging grid services.
The session will also address how regulatory differences affect customer acquisition costs, margin management, and risk profiles across these markets, providing attendees with practical insights for multi-ISO operations and strategy development.
Next Generation Perspectives on Industry Evolution
This dynamic panel showcases emerging leaders who represent the next generation of retail energy executives, bringing fresh perspectives on industry transformation and innovation. These rising stars will share their vision for the industry’s future, discussing how changing consumer expectations, technological advancement, and sustainability imperatives are reshaping competitive energy markets.
Topics include attracting and retaining millennial and Gen Z talent, leveraging digital-native approaches to customer engagement, integrating renewable energy and DERs into retail offerings, and building company cultures that foster innovation.
The panel will explore how younger professionals view traditional industry practices and what changes they believe are necessary for long-term market success. This session provides valuable insights for succession planning, organizational development, and understanding the workforce dynamics that will shape the industry’s next decade.
EMC25 Panel Discussions - Day Two
Practical Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Retail Energy
This technology-focused panel explores the transformative potential of artificial intelligence across the retail energy value chain. Industry innovators and technology partners will demonstrate real-world AI applications that are driving operational efficiency and competitive advantage.
Key topics include advanced demand forecasting using machine learning algorithms, Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) modeling for improved acquisition targeting, sophisticated fraud detection systems that adapt to new threats, and DER aggregation optimization through AI-powered grid management.
The panel will also examine the deployment of conversational AI and chatbots for customer experience enhancement, discussing implementation challenges, ROI metrics, and the balance between automation and human touch.
Attendees will learn about practical AI adoption strategies, vendor selection criteria, data requirements, and the organizational changes necessary to leverage AI effectively in their operations.
Redefining Partnership Dynamics for Market Success
This collaborative panel brings together suppliers and brokers to address the ongoing tensions and opportunities in their critical business relationships. The discussion will tackle the fundamental question of customer ownership and explore models for more effective partnership structures that benefit all parties, including end consumers.
Topics include commission structures and transparency, customer retention responsibilities and economics, data sharing and privacy considerations, and conflict resolution mechanisms.
Panelists will discuss best practices for channel partner management, the role of technology in facilitating supplier-broker collaboration, and emerging partnership models that align incentives for long-term success.
The session will feature case studies of successful partnerships and provide frameworks for negotiating agreements that protect interests while fostering market growth and customer satisfaction.
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Executive Perspectives on Industry Transformation
This exclusive CEO Round Table brings together chief executives from leading retail energy companies for a high-level strategic discussion on the forces reshaping competitive energy markets.
Topics include the acceleration of energy transition and its impact on business models, consolidation trends and M&A opportunities, the role of competitive markets in achieving decarbonization goals, and technology investments that will define market leaders.
CEOs will share insights on navigating regulatory and political headwinds, building resilient organizations capable of adapting to rapid change, and the leadership qualities necessary for success in an evolving industry.
The discussion will address strategic positioning for the next decade, including capital allocation priorities, talent development strategies, and the balance between traditional energy supply and emerging energy services. This candid executive dialogue will provide attendees with strategic insights and inspiration for leading their organizations through industry transformation.
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Navigating Texas Market Evolution
This Texas-focused panel examines the implications of Senate Bill 6 and other regulatory changes on the ERCOT market’s future structure and competitive dynamics. Expert panelists will analyze proposals for capacity market mechanisms or alternatives to address reliability concerns while maintaining competitive markets.
The discussion will explore the rapid growth of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) in Texas, including rooftop solar, battery storage, and virtual power plants, and their integration into wholesale and retail market operations. Panelists will address the uncertainty facing competitive retailers, including potential changes to wholesale market design, cost allocation methodologies, and the role of competitive suppliers in grid reliability.
The session will provide strategic insights for navigating regulatory uncertainty, positioning for potential market restructuring, and capitalizing on DER opportunities while managing associated risks in the nation’s largest competitive electricity market
Evolving Sales, Marketing, and Regulatory Compliance
This essential compliance and ethics panel addresses the rapidly changing landscape of customer acquisition regulations and best practices in competitive energy markets. Legal experts, compliance officers, and marketing leaders will discuss recent and upcoming changes to TCPA regulations and their impact on customer acquisition strategies.
The panel will explore evolving solicitation norms across different channels, the implementation of omnichannel marketing while maintaining compliance, and the definition and practice of “ethical energy sales” in today’s market.
Topics include consent management in a multi-touch world, balancing aggressive growth with regulatory compliance, building and maintaining customer trust through transparent practices, and preparing for anticipated regulatory changes in 2026 and beyond.
Attendees will gain practical guidance on compliance program development, training requirements, and creating competitive advantages through ethical market practices.
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