If you’re a utility communications professional, you don’t want to miss it!
We prioritize small gatherings to ensure an interactive, connection-based opportunity built by communicators for communicators.
Join us in Naperville, IL June 16-18, 2026
2026 UCI Conference
June 16-18, 2026
Naperville, IL (Chicago Area)
Hosted by Nicor Gas
- Connect with other utility communicators.
- Discuss hot utility communication topics.
- Gain insight on successful initiatives.
- Be inspired by conference speakers.
- Draw inspiration from the utility communications community.
Nicor Gas has been serving customers in Illinois with clean, safe, reliable and affordable natural gas for more than 160 years. Learn more about our 2026 conference host utility Nicor Gas.
Accommodations
Hotel Indigo Naperville Riverwalk
120 Water Street
Naperville, IL 60540
(630) 778-9676
Enter the contracted stay dates and a room block code (UCI) will load automatically, then select your preferred room type.
Prefer to call?
Contact the front desk at 630-778-9676 and mention code UCI to receive the block rate.
Booking outside contracted dates?
First, reserve within the block, then email Sydni.Swiderski@ihg.com to extend your stay.
Better Communications Competition:
Raise a glass to the brightest utility communications minds at the Better Communications Competition. On our final evening, we’ll celebrate the year’s best creative ideas during an exciting evening of inspiration and recognition.
2026 Conference Agenda
(Times and speakers subject to change)
Tuesday, June 16
5:30-7:00 p.m. - Welcome Reception
- Mix & mingle with your utility communications friends while enjoying delicious appetizers and beverages
Wednesday, June 17
- 7:30 a.m. - Registration & Breakfast at Nicor Gas HQ
- 8:30 a.m. - Welcome to Naperville/Nicor Gas
PRESENTED BY Nicor Gas, A Southern Company - 9:00 a.m. - Nicor Gas Presentation
PRESENTED BY Nicor Gas, A Southern Company - 10:00 a.m. - Networking Break
- 10:15 a.m. - TVA and EnergyRight
- 11:00 a.m. – AI for Creatives
PRESENTED BY Georgia Power and AdPipe
- Noon - Lunch
- Better Communications Competition Presentation & Voting
- The Capitol in Flux: Who's Winning, Who's Losing, and Why It Matters
PRESENTED BY Andrew Hallmark – President, Clear Strategy Partners
- 1:30 p.m. - Nicor Gas' First Smart Neighborhood
- 2:30 p.m. - Group Tour
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2:30 p.m. Nicor Gas Mobile Unit, Nicor Gas HQ
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3:00 p.m. Nicor Gas Smart Neighborhood, Depart Nicor Gas on bus
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4:30 p.m. Arrive back at Nicor Gas
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Bus may drop some at Hotel Indigo Riverwalk after
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Dinner on your own – Make plans to join old or new colleagues for a delicious dinner in Naperville/Chicago.
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Thursday, June 18
- 7:30 a.m. - Breakfast at Nicor Gas HQ
- 8:30 a.m. - Utility Roles in Data Centers Panel Discussion
MODERATED BY Brian Phillips, Louisville Gas & Electric and Kentucky Utilities; Julie Pierce, Minnesota Power; Jacob Hawkins, Georgia Power - 9:30 a.m. - Navigating ALLETE's Acquisition
PRESENTED BY Amy Rutledge – Director, Corporate Communications, ALLETE, Inc. - 10:30 a.m. - Networking Break
- 10:45 a.m. - Roundtable Discussion - Bring your questions
MODERATED BY Joe Gehrdes – Director, External Affairs, Hunstville Utilities and President, UCI Board - 11:45 a.m. - Lunch
- Board Elections
- Better Communications Competition Presentation & Voting
- Safety Presentation
PRESENTED BY Moore Syndication and Alabama Power
- 1:30 p.m. - Keeping Customer Rates Affordable
PRESENTED BY Colorado Springs Utilities - 2:30 p.m. - TBD
- 3:30 p.m. - Conference Concludes - Prepare for the BCC Gala (Semi-formal attire)
- 6:00 p.m. - Better Communications Competition Awards Ceremony
- Enjoy delicious appetizers, dinner and cocktails
- Live voting and results for your favorite utility creative across several categories
- Awards ceremony ends with UCI's Communicator of the Year award
Thank you to our 2026 conference sponsors:
GOLD SPONSOR
SILVER SPONSOR
BRONZE SPONSOR
Sponsorship Opportunities
Are you looking for ways to grow your customer base, network with top communications peers or share impactful information with energy industry professionals? Sponsorship opportunities are available at the UCI Conference!
Contact UCI’s executive director, Kelley Eldien, to reserve your sponsorship now:
kkeldien@gmail.com or 218-391-2193.
Gold Sponsor
$5,000
Display company banner (2 total) at conference & speaking opportunity (30 minutes)
One complementary conference registration ($1,699 value) and a reduced rate of $200 off registration for up to 2 additional designates.
Largest featuring of company logo in event and promotional materials
Opportunity to distribute materials to attendees
Prominent display of company logo on event website and in event promotional email blasts
Mentions of company in event-related social media postings
Prominent display of company logo on conference print materials (agenda, speaker bio, etc.)
Opportunity to display materials on/near registration table
Silver Sponsor
$3,000
Display company banner (1) & speaking opportunity (20 minutes).
Reduced conference registration rate of $200 off for up to three designated attendees.
Opportunity to distribute materials to attendees.
Display of company logo as a Silver Sponsor on event website and in event promotional email blasts.
Display of company logo as a Silver Sponsor on conference print materials (agenda, speaker bio, etc.)
Opportunity to display materials on/near registration table
Cocktail Reception Sponsor
$3,000 (1 available)
Company logo listed as a Cocktail Reception Sponsor on event and promotional materials.
Entrance for up to four attendees to the Cocktail Reception only.
$200 off conference registration for up to three attendees.
Opportunity to introduce your business to reception attendees (10 minutes) and networking with attendees.
Multiple mentions of company’s support during event.
Your provided banner/signage mentioning the company during the 90-120 minute Cocktail Reception.
Bronze Sponsor
$1,500
Opportunity to address attendees before a break on day 1 or 2 (5 minutes)
$200 off registration fee for one designee.
Opportunity to distribute materials to attendees
Display of company logo as a Bronze Sponsor on event website and in event promotional email blasts
Display of company logo as a Bronze Sponsor on conference print materials (agenda, speaker bio, etc.)
Multiple mentions of company’s support during event
Lunch Sponsor
$1,500 (2 available)
Opportunity to address attendees (approximately 5 minutes) during lunch on day 1 or 2.
Display of company logo on lunch buffet tables
Display of company logo on event website and in event promotional email blasts
Display of company logo on conference print materials (agenda, speaker bio, etc.)
Breakfasts & Breaks Sponsor
$1,500 (2 available)
Company mentioned in announcement of breaks and approximately 5 minutes to address attendees during a breakfast or a break on day 1 or 2.
Display of company logo on breakfast, coffee and snack tables
Display of company logo on event website and in event promotional email blasts
Display of company logo on conference print materials (agenda, speaker bio, etc.)
Supporting Sponsor
$1,000
Company logo listed as a Supporter on event materials
Company logo listed as a Supporter in event promotional efforts & multiple mentions of company’s support during event