UCI 2026 - Naperville (Chicago Area)

Utility Communicators International (UCI) is a group of dedicated communication professionals serving utilities across North America.

Our annual conference is an opportunity to connect, learn and gain fresh perspectives from the best of the best with decades of experience in utility communications. Founded in 1937, we have a deep history of creating valuable, lasting connections in the utility industry. 

2026 Conference Agenda

Tuesday, June 16

5:30-7:00 p.m. | Welcome & Networking Reception, Sponsored by Bodewell Group

Wednesday, June 17 

7:30-8:30 a.m. | Conference Registrations & Breakfast, Nicor Gas HQ 

8:30-9:00 a.m. | Welcome to Naperville, Nicor Gas

9:00-10:00 a.m. | The Operation and Benefits of Natural Gas, Nicor Gas

10:00-10:15 a.m. | NETWORKING BREAK

10:15-11:00 a.m. | TVA EnergyRight®, TVA

11:00-Noon | AI for Creatives, Georgia Power and AdPipe

Noon-1:30 p.m. | LUNCH

• Better Communications Competition (BCC) Pitches & Voting

  • Categories: Internal Communications and Creative Assets or Collateral

• The Capitol in Flux: Who’s Winning, Who’s Losing, and Why It Matters
  Andrew Hallmark, President, Clear Strategy Partners

1:30-2:00 p.m. | The Nicor Gas First Smart Neighborhood, Nicor Gas

2:00-4:15 p.m. | GROUP TOUR

• 2:00 p.m. Nicor Gas Mobile Unit, Nicor Gas HQ

• 2:30 p.m. Nicor Gas Smart Neighborhood, Depart Nicor Gas on bus

• 4:15 p.m. Arrive back at Nicor Gas

  • Bus will drop most attendees at Hotel Indigo Riverwalk before returning to Nicor Gas

  • Dinner on your own – Make plans to join old or new colleagues for a delicious dinner in Naperville/Chicago.

Thursday, June 18

7:30-8:30 a.m. | Breakfast & Networking, Nicor Gas HQ

8:30-9:30 a.m. | Utility Roles in Data Centers–Moderated Panel Discussion, Louisville Gas & Electric and Kentucky Utilities, Minnesota Power and Georgia Power

9:30-10:30 a.m. | Navigating ALLETE's Acquisition, ALLETE, Inc.

10:30-10:45 a.m. | NETWORKING BREAK

10:45-Noon | Moderated Roundtable Discussion Q&A–Bring Your Questions

Noon-1:30 p.m. | LUNCH

• UCI Board Voting

• BCC Pitches & Voting

  • Categories: Paid Campaign and Owned, Earned or Shared Campaign

1:30-2:30 p.m. | Safety Communications, Moore Syndication

2:30-2:45 p.m. | Closing Remarks, Nicor Gas

2:45-3:30 p.m. | Follow-up Q&A and Group Discussion

3:30 p.m. | Conference Concludes, Prepare for the BCC Awards Ceremony (semi-formal attire)

6:00-9:00 p.m. | Better Communications Competition Awards Ceremony, Sullivan's Steakhouse

• 6:00-7:00 p.m. Social Hour & Cocktails

• 7:00-7:30 p.m. Dinner

• 7:30-9:00 p.m. Awards Ceremony including UCI's Communicator of the Year
  
  

Special Thank You to Our Sponsors:

• GOLD

  • Nicor Gas – Host Utility

• SILVER

  • Adpipe

  • Bodewell Group

  • Moore Syndication

• BRONZE

  • Huntsville Utilities