Back to Events

Technical & Operations Conference

Tuesday, December 10, 2024
at
12:00 PM (CST)
to Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 12:00 PM (CST)
* Registration open until 11/23/24 at 12:00 AM (CST)
* Registration open until 11/23/24 at 12:00 AM (CST)
Create an Account
Menu


The Technical & Operations Conference (or "T&O") is a not-to-be-missed event for managers, crew leads, lineworkers and others. This is the perfect venue to join fellow public power professionals to hear interesting speakers on timely topics, participate in discussions, share ideas and connect with friends old and new.

Check out the great lineup of speakers, presentations and topics that will be covered during this year's T&O! Plus learn about new products and services and speak with supplier representatives during the trade show.

1:00 pm  Welcome, Mike Willetts, MMUA
1:15 pm  Opening keynote: The eight habits of a highly effective safety culture, Rod Courtney
Rod's personal experience as a safety professional and his message on “the eight habits of a highly effective safety culture” are sure to inspire reflection and, when needed, action.
3:00 pm  Workshop: Discussion about safety culture, facilitated by Rod Courtney
4:45 - 6:00 pm  Welcome reception and apprentice lineworker recognition, Brandon Wylie, Northwest Lineman College, Jeremy Parker and Erin Larsen, MN Dept. of Labor and Industry
8:30 am  CEO minute, Karleen Kos, MMUA
8:45 am  Creating a world-class customer service culture, Kit Welchlin
Kit has been a frequent presenter at our events and is always engaging and entertaining. Whether the work you do in your community takes you out in the field or you work in the office, providing good customer service is an important aspect of your day-to-day activities. Kit will offer ideas on creating a world-class customer service culture wherever your workday takes you.
10:45 am  Roundtable discussions (select two)
  1. MMUA Apprenticeship Program, Cody Raveling, MMUA, and Jeremy Parker, MN Dept. of Labor and Industry
  2. Equipment, supply chain update, Chad Backes, Irby Company
  3. MMUA's new program offerings: Workforce development, Shelly Dau, MMUA
  4. Leading through change, Karleen Kos, MMUA
  5. MMUA's drug and alcohol program and safety management update, Joe Schmidt, MMUA
  6. Technical generation service opportunities, Paul Helling, MMUA
  7. 2024 Susan Harwood Grant: Chemical hazards training opportunity, Blaine Chaulklin, MMUA
  8. APPA grounding rules reviewed, Jay Reading, MMUA
  9. Water topic, Jim Bruender, MMUA
  10. 2025 Gas School, Dennis Danielson, MMUA
12:00 pm  Luncheon
1:00 pm  Learning tracks
Managers: Handling difficult people, Kit Welchlin
Crew leaders/front-line supervisors: Equipotential grounding, Steve Baker, Rouzer Group and Jon Spencer, Utility Solutions
2:00 pm  Learning tracks
Managers: Pregnant workers fairness act, Joe Schmidt and Shelly Dau, MMUA
Crew leaders/front-line supervisors:  MN Statute 216D One Call law: New regulations, Dave Hunstad, Hutchinson Utilities and Keven Maxa, Austin Utilities
3:15 pm Learning tracks
Managers: 2024 Flood response—lessons learned, Tony Oxborough, City of Jackson; Jason Sykora, Windom Municipal Utilities; and Andy Johnson, City of Mankato
Crew leaders/front-line supervisors:  Informal Q & A, Lee Shelby
4:15 pm  Learning tracks
Managers: Legislative update, Kent Sulem, MMUA
Crew leaders/front-line supervisors: Directional boring fundamentals, Mark Rieckhoff, RDO Equipment/Vermeer
5:00 - 7:00 pm  Trade Show and Reception

8:30 am  The true cost of overlooking safety, Lee Shelby
Motivational safety speaker and occupational injury survivor Lee Shelby shares his life-altering experience. If you have ever attended a safety meeting at work, you've likely seen demonstrations and videos on safety procedures. Lee will make you understand why you should listen and be responsible for yourself and your co-workers. Both he and his story are unforgettable!
12:00 pm  Conference concludes
If your spouse or guest would like to attend the social events held during the T & O Conference, advanced ticket purchase is required. Select from the welcome reception on Tuesday or the trade show on Wednesday.
The trade show will be held on Wednesday, December 11, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Separate registration is required for vendors to exhibit. Details can be found at this link.
By registering for this event, I/we authorize Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association (MMUA) to photograph me at this event and use such photographs in MMUA marketing materials (both electronic and print). I/we understand that I/we will not be paid for giving this consent.
Cancellations are subject to a $50 cancellation fee per person if received by 5:00 pm on November 23, 2024. Refunds issued to a credit card will be subject to a 3% fee. No refunds issued after November 23.
Credits Price
Full conference
This ticket includes attendance to conference program, welcome reception, luncheon, trade show, and refreshment breaks. Registration Ended 11/23/24 at 12:00 AM CST
8.00 (Professional Development Hours) $640.00
Full conference (at the door)
This ticket includes attendance to conference program, welcome reception, luncheon, trade show, and refreshment breaks. Registration Ended 12/12/24 at 12:00 PM CST
8.00 (Professional Development Hours) $690.00
Trade show only (early bird)
Unable to attend the conference, but would like to check out the trade show? This ticket will allow you to do that. Includes a name badge, two drink tickets, and hors d'oeuvres during the show. Register by Nov. 8 for best rates.

NOTE: Associate (vendor) members are to use this link for trade show registration https://www.mmua.org/events/tech-oper-conf-show-2024. Registration Ended 11/9/24 at 12:00 AM CST
$50.00
Trade show only (for municipal members only)
Unable to attend the conference, but would like to check out the trade show? This ticket will allow you to do that. Includes a name badge, two drink tickets, and hors d'oeuvres during the show.

NOTE: Associate (vendor) members are to use this link for trade show registration https://www.mmua.org/events/tech-oper-conf-show-2024. Registration Ended 11/23/24 at 12:00 AM CST
$55.00
Trade show only (at the door)
Unable to attend the conference, but would like to check out the trade show? This ticket will allow you to do that. Includes a name badge, two drink tickets, and hors d'oeuvres during the show.

NOTE: Associate (vendor) members are to use this link for trade show registration https://www.mmua.org/events/tech-oper-conf-show-2024. Registration Ended 12/12/24 at 12:00 PM CST
$60.00
Credits Price
Full conference (non-member early bird)
This ticket includes attendance to conference program, welcome reception, luncheon, trade show, and refreshment breaks. Register by November 8 for discounted rate. Registration Ended 11/9/24 at 12:00 AM CST
8.00 (Professional Development Hours) $885.00
Full conference (non-member)
This ticket includes attendance to conference program, welcome reception, luncheon, trade show, and refreshment breaks. Registration Ended 11/23/24 at 12:00 AM CST
8.00 (Professional Development Hours) $960.00

Agenda

December 10
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Conference registration opens
1:00 PM - 4:30 PM Conference programming
4:45 PM - 6:00 PM Welcome reception
December 11
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Conference programming
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Trade Show and Reception
December 12
8:30 AM - 12:00 PM Conference programming
* Registration open until 11/23/24 at 12:00 AM (CST)
* Registration open until 11/23/24 at 12:00 AM (CST)
Create an Account

Lodging

Holiday Inn & Suites
75 S 37th Ave
Saint Cloud, MN 56301
Phone: 320-253-9000

Reservations can be made online using our special link or call the hotel directly at 320-253-9000, option 2, and ask for MMUA's room block. We have secured a reduced room rate of $112 per night plus tax. We suggest you make your reservation as soon as possible as availability cannot be guaranteed.

Cut-off date: November 9, 2024
Check-in: 3:00 pm
Check-out: 11:00 am

For More Information:

Rita Kelly

Rita Kelly

Director of Administration, Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association

View Profile

(763)746-0707