Sessions

Showing 16 to 27 out of 27 Records

MASTERCLASS IN MODERN VEGETATION MANAGEMENT #1 04:45 PM - 05:30 PM - Thursday 17th October - Proteus
Module 1: Modern Technologies in Vegetation Management: AI and Remote Sensing (1 credit)

In this module, you’ll discover how AI algorithms and remote sensing techniques are revolutionizing vegetation management practices. Learn how these technologies enable utilities to adopt precise vegetation mapping, tactical risk assessment, and optimized decision-making.

You’ll gain an understanding of how AI works and what remote sensing is, the tools used, what kind of data is collected, and how it’s processed. Plus, you’ll learn what the first academic pilot study revealed about the use of AI-enhanced remote-sensing data in utility vegetation management.

Speakers

Lawrence J. Kahn is the Director of the Tulane Law School Utility Vegetation Management Initiative and is a Distinguished Research Fellow at Tulane University Law School. In civilian work for the U.S. Army, he was certified as a Contracting Officer’s Representative to negotiate and enforce government contracts, and protect Army air, water, and land resources. He received his B.A. in Ancient Studies from Columbia University in 1992 and his J.D. from Tulane University Law School in 1995. He practiced law in New York City for more than 20 years, and, as an entrepreneur and an educator, helped to found companies in California’s green industry. He is an active member of the Utility Arborist Association and the International Society of Arboriculture.
Lawrence J. Kahn
Tulane University Law School, Center for Environmental Law
Director, Utility Vegetation Management Institute & Adjunct Professor
NEW ORLEANS SECOND LINE PARADE 05:45 PM - 06:30 PM - Thursday 17th October - Lagniappe
Stop by our pre-second line parade reception to grab a drink for the road and gather with fellow attendees before we hit the streets! This is the perfect spot to fuel up, make last-minute connections, and get in the spirit for the unforgettable parade ahead.

You won't want to miss this kickoff – we have a few surprises up our sleeves that will make this New Orleans experience even more special. So, grab your drink, meet up with the crowd, and get ready for an epic second line parade adventure!

Don't be late! We are leaving promptly at 6:30!
GALA DINNER AT SAZERAC HOUSE 07:00 PM - 10:00 PM - Thursday 17th October - Sazerac House

Proudly Sponsored by Maxar.

Cap off a day of insights and learning at the iconic Sazerac House. Feel the spirit of New Orleans at this historic three-story landmark dedicated to one of the city’s most iconic beverages. Enjoy an authentic New Orleans meal and crafted cocktails, while listening to the premier New Orleans R&B, soul, jazz, and funk hidden gem,  Vegas Cola Band. Relax, connect with fellow attendees, and reflect on the day.

NETWORKING BREAKFAST 07:45 AM - 08:45 AM - Friday 18th October - Rhythms Ballroom
MANAGING EMERGING CRITICAL RISKS: A CASE STUDY OF DHS AND CLIMATE RISK 08:45 AM - 09:30 AM - Friday 18th October - Armstrong Ballroom

Speakers

Ashley Harrigan is the Deputy Director of Resilience Policy in the Office of Cyber, Infrastructure, Risk, and Resilience within DHS Policy. She is responsible for implementing policy and guidance for the Department on matters of national resilience such as supply chain vulnerability, natural disasters and climate change. In 2021 she led the coordination of the DHS Strategic Framework to address Climate Change, which was included in the White House Announcement for Prioritizing Climate in Foreign Policy and National Security. Her decade of federal service includes experience in emergency management, national continuity, critical infrastructure and operations which has helped bring a unique approach to policy implementation. She holds a B.A. in International Studies from Spelman College, an all-women’s institution and the nation’s top historically black college, as well as an M.A. in Communications. Additionally, she is certified in Risk Management for Business Continuity from the Disaster Recovery Institute International and holds an Executive Certificate in Public Policy from Harvard University.
Ashley Harrigan
Department of Homeland Security
Deputy Director of Resilience Policy
Alfred Bender is the Deputy Director for Risk Policy within the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Strategy, Policy, and Plans (PLCY). In that role, he is responsible for leading PLCY’s emerging risk and domestic incident management work. In his time at PLCY, he has focused on updating DHS’s domestic incident management policy to account for diverse, overlapping, and serious future risks, including those with potential for cyber and physical consequences and coordinated whole of nation response. He also recently led an effort with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to develop an international Framework for Managing Emerging Critical Risks that was adopted in June of this year. Prior to joining DHS in 2021, Alfred led FEMA’s risk and capability assessment work and the annual National Preparedness Report. Alfred joined FEMA in 2013 as a Presidential Management Fellow and holds a J.D. from George Mason University’s School of Law.
Alfred Bender
Department of Homeland Security
Deputy Director for Risk Policy
SECURING TOMORROW TOGETHER: TRANSFORMING SYSTEMS FOR CLIMATE RESILIENCE 09:30 AM - 10:30 AM - Friday 18th October - Armstrong Ballroom

This session explores innovative approaches to building climate resilience through systemic transformation in partnership with AiDash. Three industry leaders — KPMG, Schneider Electric, and Accenture — will share their insights and strategies for creating a more sustainable and adaptable future

Speakers

Arun, a Principal with KPMG, is an Energy and Water sector strategist who operates at the intersection of regulation, operations, and technology to advise clients worldwide on a variety of energy and water-related topics, including decarbonized supply, sustainable demand, intelligent infrastructure, and foundational technologies. With ~30 years of consulting work advising utility and energy companies’ management and boards on various infrastructure decisions, Arun has a broad understanding of the electric, gas, and water sectors and relevant issues. Working with company leaders, Arun has helped clients shape strategy, drive growth, and lead operational transformations.
Arun Mani
KPMG
Infrastructure and Capital Advisory Principal
Angus is the Global Solution Architect for the Power & Grid segment at Schneider Electric. His role entails working with all stakeholders in the energy value chain and coordinating Schneider Electric’s development and investment in the new technologies and companies required to accelerate the energy transition.
Angus McPherson
Schneider Electric
Global Solution Architect – Power & Grid
John is a Senior Manager in the Transmission & Distribution (T&D) practice at Accenture. John is a seasoned management consultant and project manager with extensive expertise in grid operations, reliability, and resilience. With a strong background in asset, risk, and investment management and vegetation management, John is skilled at working with electric and gas utilities to solve their most complex challenges. At Accenture, John has taken on pivotal leadership roles in major projects, including serving as the Program Director for an Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) program at a Midwest utility. In this capacity, he provided oversight for a complex program, managed program-level governance, and identified to streamline technical risks, all while maintaining clear communication with executive management. He also led the development of governance frameworks and collaborated with project managers on related projects processes and enhance operational efficiency. John has also played a significant role in designing and implementing an asset investment planning process for distribution investments across multiple business units. His leadership also extends to working with Accenture’s Vegetation Management campaign across North America. He currently serves as the T&D Lead for the South region. Before joining Accenture, John served as a Senior Analyst at the Homeland Security Studies & Analysis Institute (HSSAI), a federally funded research and development center for the Department of Homeland Security. In this role, he led the development of a strategic plan for the Federal Interagency Committee on EMS (FICEMS), managed a cross-functional team of analysts, and facilitated sessions with multiple government agencies, including DHS, HHS, DoD, DOT, and FCC. He also contributed to reorganizing FEMA’s workforce for disaster response and played a key role in validating and verifying the TSA Pre Check Program. John holds a Master of Public Service and Administration (M.P.S.A.) from Texas A&M University, where he was a Board of Regents Fellow. He also earned a Master of Arts in History from the University of North Texas and a Bachelor of Arts in History and Spanish, summa cum laude, from East Texas Baptist University. Residing in Leesburg, Virginia, John continues to leverage his diverse skill set and experience to drive strategic initiatives and operational excellence in the utility industry.
John Alford
Accenture
Management Consulting Senior Manager
As the VP of Sales for Digital Grid Solutions, TRC, Sachin is responsible for helping build the TRC portfolio that comprises IT/OT Integration, DERMS, Operational Technology, AMI/MDM, Geospatial Services, and delivering best-of-breed 3rd-party software solutions. Sachin’s career has been dedicated to various facets of demand-side management and sales. Prior to joining TRC, Sachin worked for OMNETRIC Group, where he was responsible for North American sales, and, more importantly, for Siemens, where he was tasked with the creation of the Siemens commercial demand response management software. Sachin also worked at EnerNOC, Grantek, and Johnson Controls — all within the energy and efficiency marketplace.
Sachin Gupta
TRC Companies
VP of Sales for Digital Grid Solutions
SECURING TOMORROW TOGETHER: SATELLITE AND CLOUD FOUNDATIONS 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM - Friday 18th October - Armstrong Ballroom
This session will focus on the pivotal role that satellite data and cloud technologies play in building resilient, future-ready systems. Experts from UP42, Maxar, and AWS will each present their perspectives, offering insights into how their platforms leverage satellite imagery and cloud infrastructure to enhance decision-making, optimize operations, and address climate-related challenges. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the transformative potential of these technologies in driving sustainability and innovation across industries.

Speakers

Sean is the CEO of UP42 and brings more than 20 years of experience in geospatial technology and digital mapping businesses. Prior to UP42, he was SVP of Platform and Content at Navico, and worked on strategy, business planning and product management at HERE Technologies and Nokia.
Sean Wiid
Up42
Chief Executive Officer
Bryan is the Director of Platform and 2D products at Maxar Technologies. During more than 10 years at Maxar, Bryan has been responsible for building products that support a variety of customers, ranging from maritime defense and intelligence organizations to oil and gas companies to leading enterprise mapmakers. Bryan earned an MBA from the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado.
Bryan Smith
Maxar
Director of Product Management - 2D Product Portfolio
Marco is a Partner Solutions Architect and technical lead for the Global Sustainability Segment at Amazon Web Services. He is an industry specialist helping partners build future sustainability and energy solutions on AWS. Prior to joining AWS, Marco was an advisory engineer and solutions architect at Siemens Gamesa developing applications for designing offshore wind turbines. He holds several patents applied today to improve power production and performance of wind turbines. Prior to Siemens, Marco worked at the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory as a postdoctoral researcher helping to develop design standards for the offshore wind energy industry.
Marco Masciola
AWS
Senior Partner Solutions Architect
COFFEE BREAK 11:00 AM - 11:15 AM - Friday 18th October - Iris/Bacchus

Join us in the Demo Lounge to learn more about AiDASH and our sponsors.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS 11:15 AM - 11:45 AM - Friday 18th October - Armstrong Ballroom

Join us as we celebrate excellence in vegetation management, grid resilience, and biodiversity by handing out the inaugural AiDash Evolve Awards.

Speakers

David is drawn to solving problems that impact society in a big way. This passion began with his first job as an engineer at NASA, and has continued throughout his 15-year career in climate tech. As CRO, David leads our global expansion initiatives, leveraging his extensive experience in utilities and other critical infrastructure companies, including PG&E, Uplight, and Gecko Robotics.
David Wolpa
AiDash
Chief Revenue Officer
POWERING THE FUTURE: ENTERGY’S PIONEERING JOURNEY IN GRID INNOVATION AND RESILIENCE 11:45 AM - 12:15 PM - Friday 18th October - Armstrong Ballroom

Join Jason Chapman, SVP and Chief Technology and Business Services Officer at Entergy, as he shares insights from Entergy’s groundbreaking journey in adopting cutting-edge technologies. Learn how innovations in satellite imagery, AI, and data analytics have transformed their operations, improved grid reliability, and set new standards for the utility industry. Discover the real-world impact of these technologies and the potential they hold for securing our energy future.

Speakers

Jason is Chief Technology and Business Services Officer for Entergy, where he oversees the information technology, cybersecurity, procurement and supply chain, and shared services organizations. Before assuming his role in 2023, Chapman served as Vice President of Entergy Shared Services. In this role, he led the company’s finance and HR operations, real estate, facilities, aviation, and security services. About Entergy: Entergy is a Fortune 500 company that powers life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.He previously served as president of global business services at WestRock Company, a global packaging company. He also spent 10 years with IBM in successive leadership roles in Europe and the United States. Chapman received an MBA from the Krannert Graduate School of Management at Purdue University and has a bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University. About Entergy: Entergy is a Fortune 500 company that powers life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. We’re investing in the reliability and resilience of the energy system while helping our region transition to cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. With roots in our communities for more than 100 years, Entergy is a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship. Since 2018, we have delivered more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to local communities through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees.
Jason Chapman
Entergy
SVP, Chief Technology and Business Services Officer
MASTERCLASS IN MODERN VEGETATION MANAGEMENT #2 12:30 PM - 01:30 PM - Friday 18th October - Proteus

Module 2: Financial Strategies for Vegetation Management: Capitalization vs. OpEx and PBR (1 credit)

In this module, you’ll explore the financial aspects of implementing modern technologies in vegetation management. Learn how to build a compelling business case for technology adoption and understand the long-term benefits of capitalization compared to relying on operational expenditures for utility vegetation management — and consider how this would be viewed through a performance-based review (PBR) system.

You’ll also assess the differences between capital expenditures (CapEx) and operating expenditures (OpEx), the current state of OpEx financing of utility vegetation management programs, issues surrounding this form of financing, the possibility of switching to CapEx financing, and more — including next steps on how utilities can implement these changes.

Speakers

Lawrence J. Kahn is the Director of the Tulane Law School Utility Vegetation Management Initiative and is a Distinguished Research Fellow at Tulane University Law School. In civilian work for the U.S. Army, he was certified as a Contracting Officer’s Representative to negotiate and enforce government contracts, and protect Army air, water, and land resources. He received his B.A. in Ancient Studies from Columbia University in 1992 and his J.D. from Tulane University Law School in 1995. He practiced law in New York City for more than 20 years, and, as an entrepreneur and an educator, helped to found companies in California’s green industry. He is an active member of the Utility Arborist Association and the International Society of Arboriculture.
Lawrence J. Kahn
Tulane University Law School, Center for Environmental Law
Director, Utility Vegetation Management Institute & Adjunct Professor
MASTERCLASS IN MODERN VEGETATION MANAGEMENT #3 01:31 PM - 02:20 PM - Friday 18th October - Proteus

Module 3: Wildfire Mitigation and Storm Resilience in a Changing Climate (1 credit)

In this third and final module, you’ll gain insights into how technology can help utilities proactively mitigate wildfire risks and improve storm resilience in the face of a changing climate. Discover strategies for leveraging these technologies to minimize outages and improve response times — and ensure a more reliable grid, thereby reducing litigation risk,

You’ll learn about the extent of annual wildfire and outage damages as well as an overview of tree and powerline conflicts — including historical approaches to resolving challenges.

And you’ll learn about challenges with current UVM strategies; considerations for Right Tree/Right Place, Trees for Energy Conservation, strategies to support nurseries and tree planting and maintenance in service of mitigating risk and building resilience; using traditional ecological knowledge (TEK); recommendations made by the Utility Vegetation Management Institute (UVMI); and more.

Speakers

Lawrence J. Kahn is the Director of the Tulane Law School Utility Vegetation Management Initiative and is a Distinguished Research Fellow at Tulane University Law School. In civilian work for the U.S. Army, he was certified as a Contracting Officer’s Representative to negotiate and enforce government contracts, and protect Army air, water, and land resources. He received his B.A. in Ancient Studies from Columbia University in 1992 and his J.D. from Tulane University Law School in 1995. He practiced law in New York City for more than 20 years, and, as an entrepreneur and an educator, helped to found companies in California’s green industry. He is an active member of the Utility Arborist Association and the International Society of Arboriculture.
Lawrence J. Kahn
Tulane University Law School, Center for Environmental Law
Director, Utility Vegetation Management Institute & Adjunct Professor