PowerTest26 concluded as one of the most successful and impactful conferences in the event’s history, welcoming more than 1,500 attendees and 103 exhibitors to Nashville, Tennessee. Hosted at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, the five-day event once again affirmed PowerTest’s position as the premier electrical power safety and reliability conference for technicians, engineers, project managers, sales professionals, and industry leaders.
From the opening keynote to the final technical sessions, PowerTest26 delivered on its mission to strengthen the electrical power service industry through advanced technical training, practical troubleshooting insight, and forward-looking strategies that improve safety, reliability, and organizational performance.
With more than 80 training sessions, expanded in-depth seminars, hands-on learning opportunities, and a dynamic trade show environment, the conference proved to be both a technical powerhouse and a catalyst for professional growth.
BUILT ON SAFETY, RELIABILITY, AND WORKFORCE ADVANCEMENT
At its core, PowerTest26 tackled the most critical challenges confronting today’s electrical power service organizations, from technician education and professional advancement to workforce development, worker safety, system reliability, and operational productivity.
The conference agenda was carefully designed to deliver practical solutions, blending technical instruction with real-world case studies and leadership development.
Electrical safety remained the foundation of the entire event. Dedicated safety tracks, immersive experiences, and expert-led discussions reinforced the idea that safety is not a single procedure but a culture—one that must be continuously trained, evaluated, and strengthened. From arc flash hazards and NFPA compliance to stop-work authority and job-briefing best practices, attendees walked away with actionable insights they could apply immediately in the field.
Equally important was the conference’s emphasis on technician advancement and recognition. Through continuing education opportunities, exam preparation, and formal recognition events, PowerTest26 demonstrated a strong commitment to elevating the profession while helping companies invest meaningfully in their people.
DEEP TECHNICAL TRAINING FOR ELECTRICAL TESTING PROFESSIONALS
One of the defining strengths of PowerTest26 was the depth and breadth of its technical training, which spanned every major discipline in electrical testing and system maintenance. Attendees customized their learning experience by selecting from targeted 45minute sessions, panel discussions, and expanded four-hour seminars offered across multiple days.
Training tracks covered essential topics, including transformers, relays, circuit breakers, cables, protective systems, renewable energy, and evolving industry standards. Sessions were designed to support both foundational learning and advanced diagnostics, ensuring value for professionals at every stage of their careers.
ELECTRICAL TESTING, SYSTEM MAINTENANCE, AND TROUBLESHOOTING EXCELLENCE
PowerTest26 placed strong emphasis on electrical testing and system maintenance theory, effective troubleshooting techniques, and best practices essential to accurate testing and longterm reliability.
Presenters included seasoned field experts, engineers, and manufacturer specialists who delivered instruction grounded in real-world experience.
- Transformer sessions explored subjects such as sweep frequency response analysis (SFRA), power factor testing, dielectric frequency response, and online and offline monitoring.
- Relay and protection training moved beyond theory into field-proven application, equipping attendees with practical methods for commissioning, troubleshooting, and validating protection schemes.
- Cable testing sessions examined evolving diagnostic methods, fault-locating technologies, and the challenges technicians face in modern systems, including renewable and battery energy storage installations.
Across all equipment types, the focus remained on disciplined testing practices, informed analysis, and condition-based decision-making.
Real-World Case Studies and Practical Insights
PowerTest26 distinguished itself by going beyond textbook instruction. Many sessions centered on real-world troubleshooting scenarios and in-depth case studies, allowing attendees to learn directly from field challenges.
Presenters shared lessons from equipment failures, nearmiss incidents, and complex commissioning projects—breaking down how issues were identified, tested, and resolved. These discussions reinforced an essential truth for technicians and engineers alike: effective troubleshooting depends not only on quality test equipment, but also on experience, situational awareness, and a deep understanding of system behavior.
Professional Development, Leadership, and Business Growth
In addition to technical education, PowerTest26 dedicated significant focus to professional development, recognizing that the industry’s future depends on strong leadership and organizational alignment. Dedicated tracks in sales, business management, and workforce development addressed challenges such as motivating skilled technicians to level up, retaining experienced professionals, improving job satisfaction, and building sustainable career pathways.
Sessions explored strategies for creating winning company cultures, aligning field execution with business objectives, and developing the next generation of industry leaders. For sales professionals and managers, courses provided insight into relationship-based selling, understanding customer reliability priorities, and differentiating technical expertise in a competitive marketplace.
Certification, Exam Preparation, and Continuing Education
PowerTest26 provided exceptional opportunities for certification preparation andcontinuing education, allowing attendees to earn up to 48 NETA Continuing Technical Development (CTD) credits or 4.8 CEUs.
NETA Technician Certification exam preparation and NFPA 70B Qualified Electrical Equipment Maintenance Worker (QEMW) training were among the most popular offerings. These sessions supported early-career technicians building competency and experienced professionals seeking to validate and advance their expertise through recognized credentials.
TRADE SHOW INNOVATION AND INDUSTRY COLLABORATION
The PowerTest26 Trade Show served as a center of innovation and collaboration, featuring 103 exhibitors representing leading manufacturers, service providers, and technology developers. Attendees explored the latest test equipment, monitoring solutions, safety products, software platforms, and maintenance tools through hands-on demonstrations and technical discussions.
The New Product Forum and PowerTalk Stage added further value, showcasing emerging technologies, digital transformation trends, artificial intelligence, IoT applications, and renewable energy integration—highlighting the future direction of electrical testing and maintenance.
COMMUNITY, NETWORKING, AND SIGNATURE EVENTS
Beyond training and technology, PowerTest26 celebrated the people who power the industry. The Technician Level Up Recognition Reception honored the skill, dedication, and professionalism of electrical testing technicians, reinforcing the importance of recognizing excellence in a demanding field.
Evening networking events and social experiences created memorable opportunities for connection, highlighted by the conference’s most popular Hospitality Suite Night, featuring 10 uniquely themed suites and a central gathering PowerBar that brought peers, customers, mentors, and partners together in a lively, engaging atmosphere.
The sense of community continued at PowerBash hosted by A-Rent, where PowerTest attendees gathered for a country music concert to remember, headlined by Graham Barham, a rising country music favorite. Together, these moments fostered collaboration, strengthened industry relationships, and reinforced that PowerTest is as much about community and connection as it is about education.
THANK YOU TO OUR POWERTEST26 CONTRIBUTORS
PowerTest26 would not have been possible without the dedication and support of our speakers, sponsors, and exhibitors. Their expertise, innovation, and commitment to advancing electrical power safety and reliability made this exceptional gathering a success. We extend our sincere appreciation to each presenter who shared their knowledge, every sponsor that invested and elevated the experience, and all exhibitors who helped create an unmatched environment for learning, professional development, and business growth.
LOOKING AHEAD
As PowerTest26 wrapped up, attendees headed home energized, better prepared, more confident, and more connected—and the excitement is just getting started.
Looking ahead, PowerTest27—scheduled for March 8–12, 2027—brings the industry back to the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in sunny Orlando, Florida, for an even more immersive and memorable experience.With all-new technical session content, expanded networking and engagement opportunities, and a few exciting surprises in store, PowerTest27 is set to raise the bar once again.
Mark your calendars and plan to be there. PowerTest27 is one you won’t want to miss.
ANNUAL MEMBER AND ALLIANCE MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
NETA held its Annual Member and Alliance Meeting on March 1, 2026, marking the official kickoff to PowerTest26, the Association’s premier technical conference. The annual meeting brings together NETA Members and Alliance Partners to review progress, conduct association business, and recognize the individuals and companies that help advance NETA’s mission of safety, quality, and independent electrical power system testing.
NEW NETA ACCREDITED COMPANIES
A highlight of this year’s meeting was the formal welcome of two newly accredited companies into the NETA Accredited Company (NAC) program: EnerPhase Solutions Ltd. of Calgary, Alberta, accredited in January 2026, and Skagit Electric of Burlington, Washington, accredited in February 2026. Their accreditation reflects the continued growth of the NAC community and NETA’s expanding reach across North America.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS NOMINATIONS
During the meeting, members nominated new Board of Directors candidates with terms ending May 31, 2029: Lorne Gara of Shermco Industries, Stephanie Patterson of Qualus Services, LLC, and Ken Peterson of Power Engineering Services, LLC. To maintain balanced board tenures, current board members Chasen Tedder of Hampton Tedder and Jim Cialdea of Sigma C Power Services were nominated for one-year renewal terms ending May 31, 2027.
Non-voting board member updates were provided for Dave Huffman of IPS PowerServe, David Kreger of Premier Power Maintenance, and Eric Beckman of IPS PowerServe. Members also elected the 2026–2027 slate of officers, with terms running from June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2027: President Dan Hook (CBS Field Services), 1st Vice President Chasen Tedder (Hampton Tedder Technical Services), 2nd Vice President Lorne Gara (Shermco Industries), Treasurer Jim Cialdea (Sigma C Power Services), and Secretary Scott Blizard (Asplundh Electrical Testing, LLC).
NETA PROGRAM UPDATE
Member and Alliance Partners received updates from numerous committees and programs, including Alliance Partnerships, Volunteers, Industry Awareness, NETA World, NAMO, the QEMC Program, Training, Standards Review Council, Technical Resources, Technical Exam, and Conference Committees.
NETA extended a special thank-you to Annual Meeting Keynote Speaker Chris Ferrell, CEO and Co-Founder of Endeavor Media, the leading power-industry trade publisher. Ferrell delivered an insightful overview of major themes in the U.S. economy and shared a high-level perspective on trending news topics impacting the electrical power testing industry.
NETA ACCREDITED COMPANY VOLUNTEERS
One of the most important segments of the meeting was the recognition of NETA Accredited Company volunteers, who serve as the vital link between members and the Association in their roles as Accredited and Technical Representatives. Member Recognition Awards were presented to honor exceptional service:
- Julie Dondero of Electrical Reliability Services received the Excellence in Service award.
- Evan Helwig of 1 Test was named Rookie of the Year.
- Kristen Schmidt of USC Power Services earned Rockstar Technician Representative.
- A.J. Borchers of Power Solutions Group was honored as Rockstar Accredited Company Representative.
Together, these recognitions underscored the dedication and leadership that continue to strengthen NETA and its member community.
POWERTEST26 AWARD WINNERS
NETA thanks all of its valued speakers, sponsors, and exhibitors for making PowerTest26 a great success and a rewarding experience for all.
PowerTest is first and foremost a technical training conference. But the event also serves to provide a forum for power professionals to gather each year to reconnect, share information and ideas, and meet up with new and long-standing customers.
Each year, attendees are asked to vote for their favorite presentations and speakers, as well as the best networking and trade show experiences.
POWERTEST26 TECHNICAL PRESENTATION AWARDS
Best Overall Presentation
Brandon Dupuis, OMICRON
It’s Called Power Factor: Top Tips and Tricks for Power Factor Testing
Best Sales and Business Management Presentation
Mose Ramieh, CBS Field Services
Becoming the Technician: Elevating Reliability, Excellence, and Trust in Electrical Field Services
Best Transformer Presentation
Jon Bucciarelli, SDMyers
The Eight Truths of Transformer Reliability: What Every Reliability Program Must Get Right
Best Relay Presentation
Morteza Talebi, PowerX
From Theory to Field: A Deep Dive into Transformer Through-Fault Testing Methodology
Best Emerging Technology Presentation
Kenneth Peterson, Power Engineering Services – A Quanta Services Company
Powering the Future: Building a Skilled Testing and Commissioning Workforce for a Modernized Grid
Best Electrical Safety Presentation
Steve Park, Electrical Reliability Services
The Importance of Stop-Work Authority
Best Equipment & Reliability Presentation
Michael Labeit, RESA Power
Bolted Connections: A Primer
Best Electrical Equipment Maintenance Presentation
Matt Robinson, Sigma C Power Service
Cradle to Grave: Leveraging NFPA 70, 70B, and 70E as a Total Solution Provider
POWERTEST26 TRADE SHOW EXPOSITION AWARDS
Best in Show: OMICRON
Crowd Favorite: PowerX
Most Innovative: intellirent
Rising Star: Moonshot
POWERTEST26 HOSPITALITY SUITE WINNERS
Most Welcoming: IPS — Integrated Power Services
Best Late-Night: Vector Power
Best Interactive Experience: EPS
Best Signature Drink: Saber Power
Best Theme Execution: Megger
Most Innovative Design: RESA Power
Best Brand Representation: Group CBS
Most Popular Hangout Spot: Power Engineering Services – A Quanta Services Company
Most Unique Menu: Shermco
PowerMixer Bar: Protec
NETA SERVICE PARTNER AWARDS
NETA also recognized the service partners who support the Association and its mission throughout the year.
Expo Group
PowerTest Trade Show Architect
Long Beach City College
Electrical Testing Technician Curriculum Champion
NAMO – NETA Accredited Military Organizations
NAMO Technician Training Champion