Executive Partner Summit Returns April 22-24, 2026!
The Executive Partner Summit is taking place April 22–24, 2026 in Austin, Texas and brings together senior and executive leaders from across the energy and data center ecosystems. From regulators and grid operators to developers, technology providers, and large-load customers, the Summit gathers decision-makers for solution-focused dialogue on the most pressing challenges shaping the U.S. power sector.
Our 2026 program is guided by the theme Powering Innovation Through Connection. Discussions will focus on data center growth while building community trust, large-load integration, and federal policy. The program will also highlight innovative approaches that accelerate speed to power while strengthening reliability and affordability.
Powering innovation through connection
The Executive Partner Summit is where our industry’s best reconnect with familiar faces, meet new voices shaping the future, and experience the kind of conversations that inspire what’s next. And after two incredible years of collaboration and momentum, we’re raising the bar for 2026. You won’t want to miss what’s ahead.
A backdrop built for big moments
This year’s setting in Texas is ideal for focused discussion and meaningful inspiration. In between sessions, you’ll have time to enjoy the resort’s amenities, play a round on its four premier golf courses, and take part in curated activities designed for networking and connection.
Experience Hill Country
This year’s backdrop provides an ideal environment for focused discussion and meaningful connections. In between sessions, you’ll have time to enjoy the resort’s amenities, play a round on its four premier golf courses, and take part in curated activities designed for networking and connection.
Host Venue
Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa, Austin TX (8212 Barton Club Dr, Austin, TX 78735)
Set in the scenic Texas Hill Country just 20 minutes from downtown Austin, Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa offers a luxurious and relaxing retreat for conference attendees. The resort features elegant accommodations, multiple dining options, four championship golf courses, and a full-service spa. Guests can enjoy hiking trails, pools, and other recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for both work and leisure during your stay. Discounted rooms will be available for guests attending the 2026 Executive Partner Summit. Additional information will be provided once registration opens.
Event Schedule
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
7:00pm – 10:00pm
Welcome Reception and Badge Pickup
Thursday, April 23, 2026
7:30am – 8:30am
Breakfast and Morning Networking
8:30am – 9:30am
Serving the Future: Geronimo’s Strategic Growth in the Hyperscale Era
Blake Nixon and David Reamer will open the 2026 Executive Partner Summit by outlining Geronimo Power’s strategic evolution since its acquisition by Brookfield and examining how changing market dynamics have shaped its approach to development and partnership. While remaining farmer‑founded and community‑focused, Geronimo Power has solidified its position as an industry leader, delivering powered land solutions for hyperscalers and data center customers while partnering closely with utilities and the communities they serve. This session will introduce the agenda for the remainder of the Summit and highlight the speakers who will help guide conversations over the coming days. Drawing on real‑world examples from three active data center projects, the discussion will highlight how distinct utility relationships demand different development strategies, underscoring the value of a flexible, non‑monolithic business model. With more than 20 years of development experience, Geronimo Power continues to lead local development, enable scalable hyperscale growth, and deliver solutions both in front of and behind the meter.
Opening Remarks: Blake Nixon, President and CEO, Geronimo Power
Keynote: David Reamer, Chief Development Officer, Geronimo Power
9:30am – 10:30am
Power at Pace: Partnership Models for AI-Driven Load Growth
As data center growth accelerates alongside AI and high performance computing, the electric power system is reaching a critical inflection point. Utilities and developers face growing pressure to deliver power faster, more reliably, and at scale, often within planning frameworks not designed for today’s pace of demand. In response, data center developers, generation developers, and utilities are exploring new partnership models to better align load growth with available supply. This panel will examine how these partnerships support faster power delivery by combining onsite generation with traditional utility supply and reducing interconnection delays through closer coordination of generation and load development. The discussion will also explore how localized, flexible resources can improve grid reliability and limit infrastructure upgrades, while supporting community engagement, economic growth, and scalable power solutions for the future of energy infrastructure.
Moderator: Ryan Butterfield, Senior Director of Strategy, Geronimo Power
Panelists:
- Adam Tromblay, CEO and General Manager, Nobles Cooperative Electric
- Steve Schoeneck, VP Retail Operations, Otter Tail Power Company
- Javier Fernandez, President and CEO, Omaha Public Power District
10:30am – 10:45am
Networking Break
10:45am – 11:15am
Grid Perspectives from FERC
Keynote: David Rosner, Commissioner, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Moderator: Matt Morais, Senior Director of Policy, Geronimo Power
11:15am – 12:15pm
Reliability at Scale: How ISOs and RTOs Are Preparing for the Next Wave of Demand
As hyperscale technologies drive unprecedented nearterm and forecasted increases in electricity demand, the nation’s electric grids are entering a period of heightened strain and structural change. While all regions of the country are seeing interest from hyperscale loads, certain competitive regions of the country are forecasting significant growth. PJM, MISO, SPP, and ERCOT are expecting substantial growth. In response to these circumstances the ISOs and RTOs are actively exploring effective means of meeting these challenges with their stakeholders and regulators. This panel will examine these load growth challenges through both a national lens and the perspectives of individual regions. Panelists will discuss key policy considerations, market reforms, and specific initiatives under evaluation across PJM, MISO, SPP, and ERCOT, highlighting how each region is adapting to accelerating demand and what these responses signal for the future of grid planning and operations.
Moderator: Matt Morais, Senior Director of Policy, Geronimo Power
Panelists:
- Aubrey Johnson, Vice President, System Planning and Competitive Transmission, MISO
- Craig Glazer, Vice President – Federal Government Policy, PJM
- Natasha Henderson, Senior Director, Grid Asset Utilization, SPP
- Chad V. Seely, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, ERCOT
12:15pm – 1:00pm
Lunch and Networking
2:00pm – 5:00pm
Hosted Networking Events
7:30pm – 10:00pm
Dinner Reception in Austin
Friday, April 24, 2026
7:30am – 8:30am
Breakfast and Morning Networking
8:15am – 8:30am
Morning Welcome
Keynote: David Reamer, Chief Development Officer, Geronimo Power
8:30am – 9:00am
Energy, Infrastructure, and Economic Growth: A Conversation with Congressman Dusty Johnson
As federal policy increasingly influences the pace and direction of energy and data center infrastructure development, understanding Washington’s role has become critical for industry stakeholders. Join Congressman Dusty Johnson of South Dakota for a discussion examining the intersection of federal policy, energy development, and economic growth. Drawing on a pragmatic perspective, Congressman Johnson will explore how current policy approaches to infrastructure, transmission, and emerging sectors such as data center development are shaping investment decisions and project viability. The conversation will offer insight into the evolving policy landscape and its implications for the future of American energy development and capital deployment.
Keynote: Congressman Dusty Johnson, U.S. House of Representatives
Moderator: Justin Pickar, Senior Director of Origination
9:00am – 10:00am
Power Under Pressure: Are We Ready to Meet the Moment?
Abstract: With U.S. utilities planning to integrate roughly 180 GW of new large loads and an additional 90 GW of peak demand growth through 2030, data center expansion is rewriting the rules of the nation’s power and gas markets. AI-driven electricity demand, shifting supply chains, and evolving policy incentives are redefining power and renewables investment dynamics in 2026 and beyond. The data center boom has become a forcing function, not only for how rapidly innovation occurs, but for how effectively deployment keeps pace. In doing so, it is reshaping the industry’s understanding of reliability, resilience, and readiness in a clean energy future.
Moderator: John Larkey, Senior Director of Strategic Business Development, Geronimo Power
Keynote: Chris Seiple, Vice Chairman, Wood Mackenzie
10:00am – 10:15am
Networking Break
10:15am – 11:15am
Electric Rate Impacts: Evidence, Perceptions, and Predictions for the Future
Abstract: As data center growth accelerates and power demand intensifies, public perception and reality rarely match, especially when it comes to electricity rates. What does the data show? What do surveys on public perception show? Are rising rates being accurately attributed or are misconceptions shaping opposition and policy? This panel will unpack the evidence behind rate impacts, examining proposed and implemented large-load tariffs, utility cost recovery strategies, and regulatory approaches across the country. Panelists will explore how these realities contrast with public sentiment, how misinformation affects permitting and investment decisions, and what can be done to close the perception gap. The conversation will look ahead to how rates and perceptions are likely to evolve and how the industry can better inform communities, regulators, and policymakers to ensure affordability, reliability, and understanding move hand-in-hand.
Moderator: Drew Terwilliger, Executive Consultant, Geronimo Power
Panelists:
- Joe Sullivan, Commissioner, Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
- Cameron Poursoltan, Senior Manager, Energy Policy – Texas, Data Center Coalition
11:15am – 12:15pm
Community-First Engagement: Turning Dialogue into Development
As power and data center infrastructure development accelerates, effective community engagement has become a critical determinant of project success and public trust. In an environment marked by heightened skepticism and organized opposition, developers, utilities, cooperatives, and data centers face growing pressure to address misinformation, manage local dynamics, and communicate transparently with communities. This panel will examine where community engagement efforts have succeeded and where they have fallen short, highlighting how local sentiment and stakeholder (mis)alignment influence whether a project prevails or derails. Panelists will explore how organizations are evolving engagement strategies amid increasing demands for efficiency and accountability, including how tailored, community specific approaches influence outcomes through the lens of return on investment. The discussion will also focus on how tools such as in person engagement, digital platforms, and media outreach can be leveraged to foster sustained dialogue and translate engagement into project development.
Moderator: Lindsay Smith, Vice President of External Affairs and Communications, Geronimo Power
Panelists:
- Mike Casey,President and Founder, Tigercomm
- Joab Ortiz, Senior Project Manager, Stakeholder Management Solutions, Burns & McDonnell
- Brent Bergland, Vice President Project Development, Mortenson
12:15pm – 1:00pm
Q&A with Geronimo: David Reamer, Lindsay Smith, Ryan Butterfield, John Larkey, Drew Terwilliger, Matt Morais, and more
1:00pm – 2:00pm
Lunch and Networking
Agenda schedule subject to change. More information coming soon.
Moderators
Speakers
Chad V. Seely
Panelist
ERCOT, Senior Vice President, Regulatory Policy, General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, and Corporate Secretary
We are excited to give you a first look into our hosted social events for the 2026 Executive Partner Summit. On Thursday afternoon, attendees will have the opportunity to choose from one of four thoughtfully curated networking experiences designed to spark meaningful connections, inspire industry conversations, and showcase the best of Austin’s culture. Whether you’re looking to unwind, explore, or dive into something new, there’s an experience tailored just for you.
Golf at Barton Creek Resort
Tee off on one of two renowned championship courses set against the stunning backdrop of the Texas Hill Country. With rolling terrain, limestone cliffs, and sweeping panoramic views, each course offers a rewarding blend of challenge and playability for golfers of all skill levels. Enjoy pristine fairways and beautifully maintained greens, along with a seamless outing that includes foursomes, cart and club rentals as needed, and boxed lunches with drinks. This experience has everything you need for an exceptional day on the course.
Austin Golf Resort & Courses | Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa
Backyard Pitmasters BBQ Class
Dive into a 90-minute, high energy BBQ experience that is as fun as it is flavorful. Led by expert pitmasters, this hands-on class features live demonstrations, interactive Q and A, and easy to follow guidance on authentic Texas style techniques, from trimming and seasoning to mastering temperature control and smoke profiles. Hosted in a laid-back brewery or bar with complimentary drinks, each guest also takes home a 56-page guidebook and wraps up the experience by enjoying a full Texas BBQ spread with classic sides. It’s an unforgettable way to learn, sip, and savor like a true pitmaster.
Wild West Adventure
Step into an authentic Texas ranch experience that blends adventure, relaxation, and true Hill Country charm. Guests will saddle up for scenic horseback trail rides through forests and open meadows, then test their aim during a professionally guided shotgun trap shoot, all led by experts with a strong focus on safety and fun. After enjoying both signature activities, guests will unwind in true Texas style with Tex Mex appetizers and cocktails at the onsite Saloon. Adventure seekers will love getting a firsthand taste of authentic Austin cowboy culture.
Lone Star Ranch I Austin, TX I Horseback Riding | Ranch | Events |
Tesla Gigafactory Tour
Geronimo Power is pleased to partner with Tesla to offer an exclusive 30-minute tour of the state-of-the-art Tesla Gigafactory for Executive Partner Summit attendees. Join the tour for an inside look at Tesla’s global headquarters and one of the most advanced manufacturing facilities in the world, where innovation, scale, and cutting-edge AI technology come together to shape the future of electric vehicles.
Testimonials from Previous Summits
“I enjoyed the variety of speakers, depth of the knowledge, and experience [Geronimo] brought to the program.”
“I appreciated the content and opportunity to expand my customer relationships across multiple touchpoints and executives.”
“The event had the right mix of people present that allowed for in-depth discussions while also providing time to have fun and connect.”
Interested in seeing more information on our 2025 Summit? Click here to learn more.
Attendees from Previous Summits
Registration
Registration for the 2026 Executive Partner Summit is now open. Invitations and registration links have been emailed directly to approved guests.
Customers and partners of Geronimo Power who wish to be considered for the guest list may contact [email protected].
Questions? Contact [email protected]
