Focused on generating powerful connections for the future, NETA’s PowerTest Conference returned on February 28–March 4, 2022, with more all-new content, attendee options, and networking opportunities than ever.
The PowerTest Conference is the premier electrical maintenance and safety conference. It is the largest annual gathering of NETA Accredited Company representatives and industry professionals and is supported by companies committed to safety, reliability, and quality across the electrical power systems industry.
The PowerTest 2022 agenda featured five days of educational and interactive sessions with an emphasis on shaping the future of the electrical power systems industry and recreating connections lost due to COVID. Electrical testing technicians, engineers, and managers from a cross-section of industries were represented and actively engaged in making PowerTest 2022 a success.
“As organizations gradually open up their employee travel permissions in a post-pandemic world, we were proud to welcome our loyal and committed community to PowerTest 2022,” says NETA Executive Director Missy Richard. “Attendees told us that the PowerTest participants this year were the right people in the right place at the right time. Connections were made that will advance careers and lead to new business.”
HIGHLIGHTS
2022 marked the first fully hybrid PowerTest, featuring expert sessions and seminars available in person at the Hyatt Regency Denver as well as via PowerTest TV, a virtual conference experience. And with on-demand content available through June 30, PowerTest 2022 is still more accessible than ever before:
- 332 full conference attendees
- 29 detailed, 45-minute technical presentations by industry leaders
- 16 in-depth, 4-hour seminars covering current topics and industry issues
- 65 Trade Show exhibitors
- More than 150 social passes for networking events
- 18 companies delivered presentations on the latest products and services at the New Product Forum
Attendees were excited to be back in person after an all-virtual event in 2021, and exhibitors appreciated the meaningful, focused conversations and strong leads.
50 Years of NETA
2022 marks NETA’s 50-year anniversary, and PowerTest attendees joined in the celebration of how far the association and the industry have come and explored the possibilities of the next 50 years. Special events included a commemorative President’s Wall, all-new contests, giveaways, and more for in-person as well as virtual attendees.
Keynote Speaker
Acclaimed author Robert Bryce kicked off PowerTest week with his keynote address. A passionate and engaging speaker, he is also a leading thinker on global energy, power systems, and innovation. Bryce’s sixth and latest book, A Question of Power: Electricity and the Wealth of Nations, was recently published, and he is the producer of a feature-length documentary, Juice: How Electricity Explains the World. Attendees applauded his presentation on energy’s impact around the world.
Keynote Speaker Robert Bryce
Monday Tracks
Monday’s sessions in six tracks were carefully selected and presented by leading experts in the field. Two new tracks, Sales & Management and Renewable Energy, focused on navigating today’s challenges and identifying tomorrow’s industry trends.
Reliability Track Presentation by Ross Ignall of Dranetz
Trade Show
Tuesday afternoon’s PowerTest Trade Show, an industry favorite, featured 65 top-tier vendors dedicated to providing PowerTest attendees with actionable, real-world solutions to everyday challenges. With door prize giveaways, a complimentary lunch buffet, and over five hours to explore the latest and greatest products and services, the always-popular Trade Show had something for everyone.
PowerTest TV featured access to exclusive on-demand online content tailored to the needs of electrical testing professionals as well as opportunities to earn CEUs and NETA CTD credits.
Attendees used PowerTest TV as a supplement to in-person attendance or chose to participate completely virtually with 2022’s robust, easy-to-use platform. PowerTest TV’s virtual registration provided access to approximately 30 hours (30 CTDs/3. 0 CEUs) worth of on-demand content, and an addition bundle was available for access to an extra 18 hours (18 CTDs/1.8 CEUs) of material.
NETA Exam Prep
The NETA Exam Prep Seminar at PowerTest was back by popular demand. Open to NETA Certified Technicians, this two-part seminar offered a review of exam materials and the ability to participate in the new NETA Practice Exam. Attendees developed their knowledge and boosted their exam confidence levels.
NETA MEETINGS FEATURE PEER DISCUSSION AND LATEST NETA UPDATES
More than 120 NETA Accredited Company representatives, Alliance Partners, and Corporate Alliance participants gathered on Sunday, February 28, 2022, at the Hyatt Regency Denver for NETA’s 2022 Annual Member and Alliance Meetings. The annual meetings are held on the Sunday before PowerTest and are the traditional kickoff to the conference each year.
NETA Member Meeting
A gathering especially for representatives and technicians from NETA Accredited Companies, the NETA Member Meeting brought reports from all sides of the association. From updates on membership and strategic initiatives to a review of program plans for the coming year and recognition of volunteers and committee chairs, the meeting also included the nomination and election of officers. Newly elected officers include 1st Vice President Bob Shepard, Premier Power Maintenance; 2nd Vice President Dan Hook, CBS Field Services; and Secretary Chasen Tedder, Hampton Tedder Technical Services; Eric Beckman, National Field Services, continues as President for another year. Leif Hoegberg, Electrical Reliability Services, was elected to a three-year Board of Directors term, while Dan Hook, Eric Beckman, Chasen Tedder, and Dave Huffman, Power Systems Testing, were re-elected.
NETA Member and Alliance Meeting
NETA Corporate Alliance and Alliance Partners were invited to join NETA Accredited Companies for the second half of the Member Meeting. Among other updates, participants heard reports on industry activity from NETA technical representatives.
Throughout PowerTest week, a series of special events delivered opportunities for attendees to network and lay the groundwork for future collaborations. For upcoming Alliance Partner events, watch your inbox for emails from NETA and look for notices in NETA World Journal. For additional information about the NETA Alliance Program or to enroll, visit www.netaworld.org/allianceprogram.
2023 POWERTEST CONFERENCE
SAVE THE DATE:
PowerTest 2023 in Orlando
Join NETA and leading electrical power systems professionals at the next premier industry conference March 8–12, 2023, at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Florida. This year’s conference will look and feel a little different with an all-new date pattern (Wednesday–Sunday), but attendees will still find the tailored content and valuable networking opportunities they’ve come to expect. Both in-person and virtual attendance options will be offered, and early bird registration is set to open September 1, 2022. Sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities are available for companies seeking leadership visibility at the event. NETA’s industry partners are encouraged to reserve exhibit space and confirm sponsorships as soon as possible. Inquiries should be directed to Laura McDonald at 269-488-6382 or lmcdonald@netaworld.org.