The Federal Communications Commission is in the news a lot lately on important topics ranging from scams and robocalls to net neutrality. At an NRECA event next month, participants will hear directly from the top man at the commission.

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai will be among the keynote speakers at the 2018 CEO Close-Up. The annual gathering of electric cooperative leaders comes to Palm Desert, California, Jan. 7-10.

Pai will speak at the opening general session, along with NRECA CEO Jim Matheson, who will update fellow chief executives on matters of importance to the association.

Other keynoters include Julie Williamson, who holds the title of "chief growth enabler" at Karrikins Group, a consulting firm that specializes in business transformation. She will discuss "Generative Leadership—Thriving in Turbulent Times."

And Ron Brownstein, a man who wears many hats including as a political analyst for CNN and a columnist for National Journal, will wrap up the final general session talking about "The Tectonic Plates of American Politics."

In between, participants can choose from some 20 breakout sessions, covering a range of topics including bringing broadband to your members, using digital channels to enhance your co-op's reputation, protecting against cyber threats, and turning employees into co-op ambassadors.

While the main conference runs Monday and Tuesday, there are pre-conference workshops and the annual Good Government Golf Tournament on Sunday, and Wednesday features post-conference workshops.