Call for Proposals: Review and Selection Criteria

Thank you for your interest in speaking at 2027 TechAdvantage! This premier event brings together technology professionals, engineers, operations managers, IT experts, supply chain leaders and national co-op executives to explore cutting-edge solutions that drive the future of electric cooperatives. Your expertise can make a real impact—don't miss this opportunity to share your insights, innovations and success stories with an engaged audience.

Who Attends TechAdvantage?

  • Engineers eager to leverage new applications and technologies.
  • Operations professionals looking to implement the latest innovations.
  • IT professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in managing infrastructure, cybersecurity and strategic technology initiatives.
  • Broadband and telecommunications professionals driving rural connectivity, network expansion and fiber deployment.
  • Supply chain and procurement leaders optimizing logistics, vendor partnerships and materials management.
  • National cooperative leaders shaping the future of co-ops with strategic technology adoption.
Audience Level

Sessions should be designed for:
  • Intermediate to advanced technical professionals
  • Cooperative decision makers and strategic leaders
  • Cross-functional teams seeking practical implementation insights

What We're Looking For

  • We seek dynamic, interactive and thought-provoking sessions that:
  • Deliver practical takeaways and real-world applications.
  • Highlight innovative solutions and emerging technologies.
  • Encourage interaction, discussion or audience participation.
  • Incorporate case studies, lessons learned or implantation insights.
  • Create a member learning experience.

Sessions must be educational. Commercial promotion, product demos, or sales-focused content will not be accepted.


What Makes a Strong Submission

Successful proposals typically:

  • Include co-op case studies or real-world implementations.
  • Provide measurable outcomes and lessons learned.
  • Feature collaboration between cooperatives and industry partners.
  • Share challenges and lessons, not just successes.
  • Offer tools, frameworks or replicable practices attendees can apply.
Session Formats

Pre-Conference Workshops: 4-hours. Interactive deep dives designed to build skills and practical knowledge.

Breakout Sessions: 60-minutes. Topic-driven presentations with time for Q+A and audience engagement.

Topic Areas

Technology Infrastructure

  • Advanced metering, distribution automation, DERMS
  • Microgrids, resiliency, EV chargins and electrification
  • GIS, grid visibility, communications and connectivity
  • IT operations and cloud infrastructure
Cybersecurity, Risk and Compliance
  • Cyber threats, mitigation and incident response
  • Risk management and regulatory compliance
Data, AI and Analytics

  • Big Data, AI and predictive analytics
  • Operational efficiency and system optimization
Procurement and Supply Chain Management
  • Procurement, sourcing and vendor management
  • Supply chain resilience and risk mitigation
  • Logistics, inventory and materials management
  • Fleet and facilities management
Broadband and Connectivity
  • Broadband deployment, fiber and wireless technologies
  • Policy, funding and smart grid integration
  • Broadband cybersecurity
Strategic Planning and Response
  • Disaster recovery, storm response and business continuity
  • Forecasting, risk management and system preparedness
Industry Trends and Workforce
  • Emerging technologies (AI, electrification)
  • Load growth drivers (data centers, etc)
  • Workforce development and talent strategies

Selection Criteria

Due to the competitive nature of the selection process, proposals will be evaluated by the TechAdvantage Advisory Committee based on:

  • Relevance to industry challenges and emerging trends
  • Impact on cooperative operations and strategic priorities
  • Technical depth and practical applicability
  • Clarity, organization, and learning value
  • Collaboration between cooperatives and industry partners
Some topic areas may receive a higher volume of submissions, limiting available speaking opportunities.


How to Submit a Proposal

  • Create a login to submit your proposal and check its status.
  • Submissions must be complete – submissions with “TBD” speakers or titles will not be considered.
  • You may submit up to two (2) proposals (each requires a separate form).
  • Submission Deadline: 11:59 PM ET on Friday, May 22, 2026.
  • You will receive an automatic confirmation email with a link to the speaker portal. Confirmation of receipt does not constitute acceptance.
  • The final slate of speakers will be confirmed by mid-September 2026.

Speaker Registration Policy
Selected speakers must register for the conference. However, if your company is exhibiting at the Expo and you're registered as an exhibitor, there's no need for separate conference registration.



Questions?
Contact Alison Kent at alison.kent@nreca.coop or 703-907-5857 for any inquiries.

We look forward to your submissions and to making the 2027 TechAdvantage Conference an incredible learning experience for all!