2026 Fall Board of Directors Meeting

With the Indiana General Assembly entering a budget-writing year, the program examines election results and voter polling in relation to Indiana’s policy agenda, business climate and advocacy efforts. It also presents the Indiana Prosperity 2035 playbook and the Chamber’s 2027 legislative priorities. A bipartisan conversation among House and Senate caucus leaders previews their priorities, emerging policy issues and anticipated debates. The budget outlook session covers state revenue, spending pressures, preparations for the 2027 budget, early gubernatorial budget priorities, potential effects of federal policy changes, and legislative caucus perspectives. The Legislative Champions Luncheon recognizes lawmakers for leadership on business and economic policy and explores coordinated messaging and partnerships among employers, advocates and stakeholders. A panel on data centers, energy and other growth initiatives considers infrastructure, energy supply and policy needs for data centers, advanced manufacturing and other large-scale projects, including reliability, affordability and long-term planning.

Sessions address electric cooperative governance, strategic planning, and emerging industry issues. A discussion covers challenges, opportunities, and successes for electric cooperatives; other sessions examine the U.S. economy, financial markets, and electric industry outlook and their effects on cooperatives. General-session themes include planning for goals, assessing risk, preparing for adversity, and the role of heroism and service. Breakouts cover questions directors should ask about data centers, preventing electrical accidents, communicating with consumer-members, and artificial intelligence and the future of energy. Electrical-safety demonstrations illustrate the risks of high-voltage electricity and the equipment and practices used to protect cooperative employees and the public. The closing session includes an update from NRECA’s board of directors.

The Ohio Oil & Gas Association’s principal business meeting covers current issues impacting Ohio’s oil and gas industry through business sessions, breakout sessions, and a trade show. Agenda topics include the Debrosse Memorial Report on 2026 oil and gas activity in Ohio; an Ohio Natural Energy Institute program update; a Division of Oil and Gas Resources Management regulatory update; a Federal Political Perspective; and a State Legislative Leadership Discussion. The program also lists an Ohio Geological Society session and legal continuing-education sessions. Several session titles and breakout presentations remain TBD. The program includes the Oilfield Patriot Award ceremony and the Thomas E Stewart Legacy Award presentation.

Member-only annual legislative-affairs event connecting IMA members with elected officials. The briefing covers legislation expected during Indiana’s 2027 legislative session and legislative and regulatory matters affecting manufacturers. The event also releases results of the 2026 Indiana Manufacturing Survey. The reception gives members an opportunity to discuss business and community concerns with elected officials.

Hosted by WGA Chair and Hawaiʻi Governor Josh Green, the meeting includes a discussion of Pacific prosperity and U.S. regional security, including how states, territories, and the federal government can identify and mitigate emerging risks, strengthen regional resilience, and advance shared security and prosperity. A panel on energy infrastructure examines how states, developers, and local leaders can align large projects with growing electricity demand while supporting local economies and delivering lasting benefits to host communities. Other agenda topics include workplace substance misuse, mental health, and worker safety under the Health Beyond Healthcare initiative; and tourism policies and educational campaigns that help communities honor their homelands and heritage while supporting sustainable economic development.

The conference combines superintendent and engineer meetings for presentations on new technology, standards, and industry regulations, alongside a joint product show featuring solutions from digital tools to bucket trucks. Agenda topics include automation, leadership, field testing for metering accuracy and hidden losses, AI tools for engineering and operations, advanced distribution operations and faster restoration, and relay testing. A group-led roundtable covers artificial intelligence in electric cooperatives, contractor requirements, dispatching, employee retention, right-of-way and line-extension policies, pole loading and guying, BESS, data center loads, electronic breakers, safety, equipment, and automation. Additional listed issues include ODOT projects, ground-grid and relay advancements, vegetation and asset management using LiDAR and drone mapping, protection engineering, utility construction coordination and constructability, and independent construction oversight and QA/QC. The business meeting includes the election of 2027 officers and new business.

The conference objective is to enhance the value of participation in AIST activities and provide resources to help attendees grow as leaders in the association and the steel industry. Program topics include a North American steel update, economic perspectives, AIST strategic plan and program updates, and a rapid-fire discussion for questions, comments, and concerns. Leadership sessions address leading through uncertainty using neuroscience, psychology, and practical leadership strategies. A session on applying AI across a steel business addresses finance, supply chain, HR, and sales; data privacy and protecting proprietary know-how; AI adoption examples; identifying which data is safe to use with which tools; and preparing an implementation plan for IT. The event is invitation-only and open to Member Chapter officers, Technology Committee officers, Board of Director members, Board standing committee officers, and AIST Foundation Board of Trustees.

Hosted by the Wyoming Business Alliance and Wyoming Heritage Foundation with Governor Mark Gordon, the forum centers on “FORGING the Wyoming Way.” High-level panels cover Wyoming's energy, tourism, technology, agriculture, education, and other industries. The signature economic forecast, presented by the University of Wyoming College of Business, provides data-driven analysis of Wyoming's economic outlook. The program also includes industry roundtables and networking events.

The meeting brings together leaders from the Department of War, industry, manufacturing institutes, and academia to address the future of American defense manufacturing. Program themes include industrial surge and production capacity, supply-chain resilience, advanced manufacturing, manufacturing modernization, and priorities for strengthening the Defense Industrial Base. The format includes high-level briefings, panel discussions, and fireside chats with senior leaders.