​Markets on the rise. Throughout 2026, we're exploring three climate tech sectors and technology areas that seem poised to take off. But has their time truly come or has feasibility been oversold?

​Featured Speakers

• ​Moderator: Elta Koliou, Ph.D, Platform Lead, AdHoc Group

• ​Angel Fernandez Amores, Director of Energy Markets, Voltus

• ​Britt Reichborn-Kjennerud, Director of Distribution Planning, ConEdison

• ​Lauren Shwisberg, Principal, Virtual Power Plant Partnership, RMI

• ​Michael Conway, Founder and Executive Director, Stacks and Joules

​What distinguishes this event is its emphasis on action. Following the main discussion, participants will break into moderated working groups led by our panelists and sector leaders. More than learn, listen, leave, these sessions will translate high-level insights into concrete strategies across four key areas:

• ​Workforce and Community (Stacks + Joules and Soulful Synergy): Addressing the education gap that limits both public engagement and workforce development

• ​Policy (RMI and Ad Hoc Group): Mapping regulatory pathways that connect system design with equitable community benefits

• ​Market Dynamics (Voltus and UFL): Navigating complex market signals and customer participation challenges, particularly in constrained environments like New York City

• ​Utility (Con Edison and UFL): Defining how utilities can support and maximize grid flexibility while coordinating with a broader ecosystem

​By centering collaboration, these breakout sessions aim to move the conversation from theory to implementation. Following this event, we’ll publish an Action Plan - similar in spirit to the Community Energy Action Plan - to synthesize insights, recommendations, and actionable pathways emerging from this year’s CItNE discussions and breakout sessions.

​DERs, VPPs, and demand response strategies are rapidly reshaping how electricity is generated, delivered, and managed. But scaling these solutions is no small feat. It requires coordination across utilities, regulators, technology providers, and communities. Join us for a candid and thought-provoking discussion as we explore:

• ​The real promise and limitations of virtual power plants

• ​How grid flexibility is evolving

• ​The role of utilities in a decentralized energy system

• ​Why communities must be stakeholders, not just customers

• ​Workforce challenges and opportunities in the energy transition

​Agenda: 

• ​9:30am - Doors open; coffee and breakfast bites served

• ​10am - Panel conversation begins

• ​10:45am - Roundtable discussions 

• ​11:30am - Networking

• ​12pm - Event ends