2026 NACo Energy Symposium

Welcome Reception

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Kick off the symposium with an evening reception bringing together county leaders, industry experts and partners from across the country. This opening gathering will offer attendees a chance to connect, enjoy local hospitality and set the stage for two days of peer-to-peer conversation and in-depth learning on the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of energy development.

Breakfast and Opening Session

8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Start the day with breakfast and opening remarks from symposium hosts and partners. This session will orient attendees to the key energy, infrastructure and land use issues facing counties, and highlight what attendees can expect from the day’s mobile tours and discussions.

Educational Programming

9:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Attendees will explore perspectives on key energy issues through workshops, peer-to-peer exchanges and other learning opportunities. Programming will examine topics such as grid infrastructure, transmission, innovation in the energy sector and the land use decisions counties face as projects expand.

Conference Luncheon and General Session

12:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.

Reconvene over lunch for a general session featuring speakers and discussion on the policy, economic trends and community implications of energy development, with a special focus on data centers. This session will connect lessons from the field to the broader state and federal landscape and offer practical insights for county leaders.

Educational Programming

2:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.

Attendees will continue their exploration of energy issues through workshops, peer-to-peer exchanges and other learning opportunities. Programming will examine topics such as grid infrastructure, transmission, innovation in the energy sector and the land use decisions counties face as projects expand.

All-Conference Reception

7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Join fellow attendees for an evening reception in scenic Palo Duro Canyon State Park and continue conversations from the day’s sessions and tours. This gathering will provide time for networking and relationship-building among county officials, partners and presenters in a relaxed setting.

Breakfast Session and Pre-Mobile Tour Briefing

8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.

Begin the final day with breakfast and an orientation from local leaders on the Panhandle's energy and data center development boom. Following this brief session, attendees will load buses to depart for the morning's mobile tour.

Mobile Tour

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Attendees will participate in a mobile tour to gain hands-on experience with the challenges and opportunities related to the data center buildout. These tours will reinforce the symposium’s focus on practical, on-the-ground learning for local leaders.

 Final Remarks and Adjournment

12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.

The symposium will conclude with final reflections from hosts and partners, a recap of major themes from the event and a look ahead at the role counties play in shaping America's energy future.