Midwest Energy Association - MEA Electric Operations Technical & Leadership Summit 2027
Event Date
May 4–6, 2027
Location
Iowa City, IA
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe MEA Electric Operations Technical & Leadership Summit (EOTLS) is an annual conference for the electric utility industry hosted by MEA Energy Association. Held in the Iowa City area, it blends technical training with leadership development and vendor engagement. The program features classroom sessions on leadership, safety and training, substations, dispatching, metering, codes and standards, and overhead, underground, and reliability topics, plus a keynote and dedicated networking time.
The summit is built for electric utility professionals at all levels. It is designed for new and seasoned field supervisors and managers, crew leaders and personnel, operations supervisors and managers, operations technicians, safety personnel, and both emerging and established leaders in utility operations. Classroom presenters are industry experts selected for their experience and knowledge, and MEA's Electric Committees develop the agenda.
Attendees come to sharpen technical skills, exchange best practices with peers, and connect with solution providers. With roundtables, breakout options, and vendor time built into the schedule, the event serves as both a training venue and an industry gathering. PDH (Professional Development Hour) certificates are available upon request, making it a practical stop for professionals tracking continuing education.
Show Highlights
Signature features of the summit include:
- Classroom sessions led by industry professionals
- Keynote presentation and multiple breakout session options
- Leadership and technical roundtable discussions
- Insight from industry thought leaders and innovators
- Dedicated vendor time to meet solution providers
- Peer networking opportunities
Educational tracks span Leadership; Safety & Training; Substations; Dispatching; Metering; Codes & Standards; and Overhead, Underground, and Reliability. PDH certificates are available upon request.
Registration
Registration for the 2027 summit had not yet opened at the time of research. Member and non-member registration rates are to be announced. According to the organizer, attendee registration fees for this event typically range from $550 to $1,100 per person. Registration is handled through MEA Energy Association; for details or questions, MEA directs prospective attendees to contact the event coordinator listed on the summit page.
History
MEA has offered annual electric operations training since 2000, making the summit a long-running fixture in the electric utility calendar. In recent years the event has been held each spring at the Hyatt Regency Coralville in the Iowa City area, with editions carrying themes such as "Adapt + Transform" (May 3-5, 2023), "Power Up" (June 5-7, 2024), "Fielding the Future" (May 6-8, 2025), and "Power Moves" (May 12-14, 2026). The 2027 summit is scheduled for May 4-6, 2027, with future dates already announced for 2028 (May 9-11), 2029 (May 8-10), and 2030 (May 14-16).
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 2027 MEA Electric Operations Technical & Leadership Summit?
The summit takes place May 4-6, 2027, in the Iowa City, IA area. It is held at the Hyatt Regency Coralville Hotel & Conference Center at 300 East 9th Street, Coralville, IA 52241.
Who should attend the summit?
It is designed for electric utility professionals including new and seasoned field supervisors and managers, crew leaders and personnel, operations supervisors and managers, operations technicians of all levels, safety personnel, and emerging and established leaders in utility operations.
What topics does the program cover?
Educational tracks include leadership, safety and training, substations, dispatching, metering, codes and standards, and overhead, underground, and reliability. The event also features a keynote, breakout sessions, roundtables, and dedicated vendor time.
How much does registration cost and how do I register?
Member and non-member rates for 2027 were still to be announced at the time of research, but attendee fees for this event typically range from $550 to $1,100 per person. Registration is handled through MEA Energy Association.
What are the parking and airport options?
Covered self-parking is available in the adjacent Iowa River Landing North Parking Ramp, with fees added to a hotel guest's bill. The nearest airport is The Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) in Cedar Rapids, about a 25-minute drive away.
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