1. What does my Forum registration fee include?
Your registration fee is different from most other conferences because it includes
- Conference Registration
- 2 Nights Lodging with standard accommodations (Wednesday and Thursday Nights - see below)
- 2 Breakfast Buffets (Thursday and Friday)
- 2 Lunch Buffets (Wednesday and Thursday)
- 1 Boxed Lunch (Friday)
- 2 Plated Dinners (Wednesday and Thursday)
- 2 Hosted Before-Dinner Receptions and 2 After-Dinner Hospitality Functions (Wednesday and Thursday)
- 4 Refreshment Breaks (Wednesday, Thursday and Friday)
You will be asked when you register online if you want to arrive earlier and you will be charged for the incremental expense then.
2. What is the Forum attire?
The Forum attire is business casual. You may leave your suit, dress shirt and tie at home. Casual slacks, skirts, polo shirts, tops and sweaters are all acceptable. Some attendees opt for wearing jeans. Please, no shorts, t-shirts, or “flip flops”. The meeting room can vary in temperature, and if the weather is nice, meals may be held outside, along with some of the evening networking events, so dress in layers or plan to bring a sweater or jacket.
3. What if I plan to attend the Forum but stay overnight elsewhere?
The off-site Forum registration fee option includes all the conference benefits except sleeping accommodations for a discounted rate.
4. Are my guests welcome to attend the event?
Guests of registered Forum attendees who are sharing your accommodations and are not attending the Forum itself are welcome to participate in all the Forum meal and hospitality functions for a $250 fee that may be paid with your Forum registration or separately. There is no per-meal fee structure. Guests who share your accommodations and attend the sessions as well as the meal and hospitality functions will be expected to purchase a full conference registration at the lower off-site rate.
5. Is there a discount for multiple attendees from the same organization?
Yes, sponsorships offer the opportunity for “bulk rate” discounts for bringing multiple attendees from the same organization bundles with added benefits such as special recognition.
6. What is the cancellation policy?
Full refunds minus a $75 cancellation fee are given for cancellations received before January 31. You may designate a substitution up to 24 hours prior to the event. Another option is to donate your unused registration to our Scholarship Program so we may invite utility and government representative to participate who couldn’t otherwise.
7. Will there be Wi-Fi and electrical outlets in the conference and hotel rooms?
WiFi is provided by the Utility Energy Forum in the meeting room and the hotel has basic WiFi in the guest rooms at no additional fee. A limited number of electrical outlets are available in the meeting room.
8. Will there be any free time during the Forum?
The Forum agenda is full, but many attendees find time before and after the Forum to enjoy the recreation facilities at the Cambria Pines Lodge or the surrounding Central Coast.
9. How does the Forum plan the agenda and choose presenters?
Planning Committee members meet in-person and online to plan the agenda and recruit presenters. Most presenters are utility and government agency representatives or end-use customers. Trade allies are given a presentation opportunity as part of the exhibitor benefit package detailed on the sponsor page. If you have a story to share about a utility or government-sponsored program, research project or field application, consider submitting it for the Stand-up Challenge. The Stand-up Challenge invitation is sent each year to the Forum’s email list. To join the Forum’s email list, sign up on the home page.