MEA

10/08/2026

Sometimes the best next step isn't doing more—it's taking a moment to consider what matters most.

Join Energetic Women on November 4 for a conversation about making intentional choices, navigating change, and recognizing when it's time to rethink what comes next.

EnergeticWomen.org/webinars

Just because you can do more, does that mean you should?

When you're the person everyone counts on, it's easy to keep saying yes without asking whether it's what you really want.

Join Energetic Women and speaker Nancy Chapin for When Doing More Isn't the Answer, an interactive webinar about stepping back, recognizing what matters to you now, and making choices with greater intention.

📅 November 4, 2026 | 12:00–1:00 PM CT
💻 Interactive Webinar

Come ready to reflect, connect, and join the conversation.

Register: https://online.meaenergy.org/events/event-registration/?id=6b740dec-e0a6-f111-85cd-7c1e52449785

10/08/2026

The 2027 Executive Edition of the MEA Utility Leadership Accelerator Program gives senior utility leaders space to think strategically, strengthen emotional intelligence, and lead with greater clarity and influence.

Through expert-led learning, small-group peer exchange, and private executive coaching, you’ll strengthen your leadership while tackling real-world challenges.

February–June 2027 | Limited to 12 participants

Explore the program: MEAenergy.org/leadership-development

10/07/2026

The best leadership development experience doesn't stay in the classroom.
It shows up:
· Morning tailboards
· Customer conversations
· Emergency response
· Coaching crews
· Daily decisions

Field Leader Training doesn't end in the classroom. Add it to your leadership development plan and give supervisors practical tools they can apply from day one. MEAenergy.org/field-leader-training

10/07/2026

It’s Public Natural Gas Week!

MEA is proud to celebrate our publicly owned natural gas utility members—and the people who keep their communities safely connected every day.

Public gas systems are rooted in the communities they serve. Local decision-making, a focus on customer value, investment in the community, and responsive service are all part of what makes public natural gas utilities unique.

Behind it all are skilled energy professionals committed to providing safe, reliable service to their neighbors.

This week, we’re proud to recognize our public utility members and the important work they do across the communities they call home.

🎥 Learn more about the benefits of publicly owned natural gas utilities from the American Public Gas Association: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IwzmcAHdro

10/06/2026

What if a neighborhood could become a real-world laboratory for the future of home energy?

The Nicor Gas Smart Neighborhood™ in Aurora, Illinois, is doing just that. Developed with Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley, the 17-home community brings together natural gas, electricity, renewable energy, smart home technology and energy-efficient design to explore how affordability, reliability, resiliency and sustainability can work together.

Read “The Nicor Gas Smart Neighborhood: Redefining the Future of Affordable, Sustainable Living” in the latest issue of Energy | Empowered.

https://www.energyempowered-digital.com/wwmq/library/item/0326_fall_2026/4358051

10/06/2026

Every successful pipeline project depends on strong inspection.

Knowing what to look for—and understanding why it matters—helps inspectors identify issues, reinforce quality, and support safe construction from the ground up.

MEA Construction Inspector Training walks participants through the pipeline construction inspection process, critical field responsibilities, and the knowledge needed to make informed decisions on the job. The course also supports inspectors preparing for the API 1169 exam.

Whether you’re new to construction inspection or looking to strengthen your existing skills, build the knowledge and judgment you can put to work in the field.

📅 November 17–19, 2026
💻 Virtual

Learn more: MEAenergy.org/construction-inspector

10/01/2026

📸 Capture your industry. Your way. Through your lens.

Every photo tells a story—and the energy industry has plenty of stories worth sharing.

The 2026 MEA Photo Contest is now open! We’re looking for the images that show the industry as you see it: crews at work, infrastructure that keeps energy moving, new technology in action, or the everyday moments that capture what it’s really like to work in energy.

Enter in one of four categories:

• Electric
• Natural Gas
• Renewable Energy
• Day in the Life

The contest is open to employees and hired photographers of MEA member companies. Winning photographs may be featured in Energy | Empowered, MEA communications and social media, and at MEA events.

Show us the people, the work, and the moments that deserve to be seen.

📸 Submit your photos: MEAenergy.org/photo-contest

10/01/2026

Interactive Webinar: Best Experienced Live
How to Optimize Your Neurodivergent Employees with Matthew “Dr. Matt” Zakreski, PsyD

October 7 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM CT
MEAenergy.org/events

🎙️ Interactive Webinar: Best Experienced Live

Learning is better when you’re part of the conversation.

Our new interactive webinar format brings timely topics and expert perspectives together with opportunities to reflect, ask questions, and explore how new ideas connect to your career, workplace, and leadership journey.

Join us for our next complimentary session:
A Spectrum of Strengths: How to Optimize Your Neurodivergent Employees
with Matthew “Dr. Matt” Zakreski, PsyD

Explore neurodiversity in the workplace and how leaders can recognize and amplify the strengths of employees who think, learn, and work differently.

📅 October 7
⏰ 12:00–1:00 PM CT
💻 Virtual + Complimentary

👉 Register now: https://online.meaenergy.org/events/event-registration/?id=00f6aa87-dda6-f111-85cd-7c1e52449785

09/30/2026

📷A Look at the Energy Industry📷

Service technicians preparing the field truck with meters for the day's orders.

This photo was submitted by Nikki Holbrook, Summit Utilities, for the 2025 MEA Photo Contest.

Are you getting your photos ready for the 2026 contest?
Check out the winning photos at: MEAenergy.org/photo-contest. The contest opens October 1.

09/29/2026

Start Your Day with MEA
Do you know everything MEA can do for you and your organization?

☕ Grab a cup of coffee and spend 30 minutes getting to know MEA.

We'll take you “under the hood” for a quick look at the resources available to help you develop your workforce, build industry connections, and grow your business—including:

• Education and training
• Industry events and leadership development
• MEA’s online member community
• Opportunities to connect with energy professionals and organizations

Whether you’re new to MEA, considering membership, or simply want to make sure you’re taking advantage of what’s available, this is a great place to start.

📅 December 9 | Webinar
⏰ 9:30–10:00 AM CT

Bring your coffee. Bring your questions. See what MEA can do for you. Register at MEAenergy.org/events