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 rural energy development.

Breakfast and Opening Session

8:00 a.m. – 8:45 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 rural counties, and highlight what attendees can expect from the day’s mobile tours and discussions.

Mobile Tour Block 1

9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Attendees will travel to sites across Potter County and the surrounding region for firsthand learning opportunities focused on rural energy development, emerging technologies, infrastructure planning and local land use considerations. Tours will highlight how counties are navigating trends in energy production while balancing community priorities, economic development and long-term stewardship of land and natural resources.

Conference Luncheon and General Session

12:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.

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

Educational Programming

2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Attendees will continue their exploration of rural 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 designed to continue conversations from the day’s sessions and tours. This gathering will provide time for networking, peer exchange and relationship-building among county officials, partners and presenters in a relaxed setting.

Closing Session and Breakout Discussions

8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.

Begin the final day with a closing plenary and small-group discussions focused on key takeaways from the symposium. Attendees will have the opportunity to reflect on what they have learned, compare experiences with peers and discuss how counties can apply these lessons in their own communities.

Mobile Tour Block 2

9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Attendees will participate in a final round of mobile tours highlighting additional examples of rural energy development, technology deployment and county land use challenges and opportunities. 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. – 1:00 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 how county leaders can continue engaging on rural energy issues. Attendees will leave with new connections, fresh ideas and a stronger understanding of the role counties play in shaping rural energy futures.