2026 Summer Conference

May 18-21, 2026

Embassy Suites NWA Spa & Convention Center

Rogers, Arkansas

Monday, May 18

9:00 a.m. – Golf Outing at Bella Vista

4:00 – 6:00 p.m. – Registration

6:00 – 7:00 p.m. – “Welcome to Arkansas” Reception

Tuesday, May 19

7:00 – 8:30 a.m. – Complimentary Breakfast

  • Registration continued

8:30 – 8:45 a.m. – Presentation of Colors

  • National Anthem
  • Pledge of Allegiance
  • Invocation

8:45 – 9:15 a.m. – Welcome

9:15 – 9:30 a.m. – Business Meeting, BJ Shake, President, SAIA

9:30 – 10:00 a.m. – Pass The Hat

10:00 – 10:30 a.m. – Break with Vendors

10:30 – 11:30 a.m. – “Surviving Safety,” Chad Johnson, Ozarks Electric Cooperative

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Lunch Buffet

12:30 – 1:15 p.m. – “Designed for Capacity; Why Even Good People Drop What Matters”, Jamie Conn, Blue Grass Energy Cooperative

1:15 – 1:45 p.m. – Break with Vendors

1:45 – 2:30 p.m. – “Accident Investigation And The Lawyer Perspective,” Kristy Pittman

2:30 – 3:30 p.m. – “The Power Of A Moment,” Ken Macken, NRECA

3:30 – 4:00 p.m. – Door Prizes and Vendor Introductions

Wednesday, May 20

7:00 – 8:00 a.m. – Complimentary Breakfast

8:00 – 9:00 a.m. – “Line Tension,” Micah Thompson, Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina

9:00 – 10:00 a.m. – “Human Performance,” Mike Parker

10:00 – 10:30 a.m. – Break with Vendors

10:30 – 11:30 a.m. – “Drift,” Lito Wilkins, Leading Safe Lineworkers, LLC

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Lunch Buffet

12:30-1:15 p.m. – “Hydraulic Injuries,” Danny Werries

1:15 – 1:45p.m. – Break with Vendors

1:45-2:30 p.m. – “Fit For Duty; A Critical Conversation About Workplace Readiness,” Johnie Hendrix, Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives

2:30-3:15 p.m. – “The PELZ Effect,” Sean Vanslyke, SEMO Electric Cooperative

3:15-3:30 p.m. – Sponsor Recognition and Door Prizes

Thursday, May 21

7:00 – 8:00 a.m. – Complimentary Breakfast

8:00 – 9:00 a.m. – “Sync And Lead; How To Develop High Performing Teams,” Mike Starner, NECA

9:00 – 9:30 a.m. – Program Sharing and Roundtable

9:30 – 10:00 a.m. –  Break with Vendors/Check Out

10:00 – 11:00 a.m. – “Finding Purpose,” Kenneth Lulow

11:00 – 11:30 a.m. – Business Meeting

11:30 a.m. – Adjourn

Embassy Suites Northwest Arkansas – Hotel, Spa & Convention

3303 Pinnacle Hills Pkwy, Rogers, AK 72758

877-504-1191

Relax at the full-service spa, where you can enjoy massages, body treatments, and facials. You’re sure to appreciate the recreational amenities, including an indoor pool, a spa tub, and a sauna. Additional features at this hotel include wireless internet access (surcharge), concierge services, and gift shops/newsstands.