MEA roundtable to tackle utility supply chain strategy in Minneapolis

Utility, supplier and academic leaders will meet in Minneapolis on Sept. 16-17 for MEA Energy Association’s Planning, Sourcing & Procurement Roundtable. The event will focus on AI, data center-driven demand, workforce pressures and procurement practices as utilities contend with rising complexity across planning and supply chains.

Why it matters: - Utilities are facing faster demand growth, changing technology and tighter supply chains at the same time. - The roundtable is designed to help planning and procurement teams share practical strategies they can use in daily operations. - The event brings together utilities, manufacturers, suppliers and higher education, widening the view beyond a single company or sector.

What happened: - MEA Energy Association will host the Planning, Sourcing & Procurement Roundtable on Sept. 16-17, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. - Xcel Energy is hosting the two-day event. - The meeting is aimed at professionals in electric and natural gas utilities, manufacturing, supply, and higher education. - MEA said the event will focus on the trends reshaping utility planning, sourcing, procurement and materials management.

The details: - Agenda topics include artificial intelligence in procurement and planning. - The program will cover data centers and other large infrastructure projects that are driving demand. - Sessions will address workforce trends and talent development. - Demand planning and forecasting are on the agenda. - Supplier relationships and procurement strategies are also included. - Industry collaboration and operational best practices will round out the discussions. - Attendees will hear from utilities, manufacturers, suppliers and academic leaders. - The event will include presentations, peer discussions and collaborative problem-solving. - MEA said participants will also take part in open discussions about real-world experiences. - Stacey Bonine, vice president of program services at MEA Energy Association, said planning and procurement now require organizations to think differently. - Bonine said the roundtable is meant to help participants learn from one another, exchange ideas and take practical solutions back to their organizations. - The event is open to MEA members and professionals working in utility planning, sourcing, procurement, supply chain management and materials management. - Registration information is available at MEAenergy.org/procurement. - MEA said the roundtable will also create opportunities for candid conversations, audience Q&A and informal networking. - MEA said the event is intended to help participants benchmark practices, share lessons learned and build relationships that continue after the meeting.

Between the lines: - The agenda suggests utility procurement is being shaped by outside pressures as much as internal operations. - AI and data center growth are now part of the same planning conversation as staffing, forecasting and supplier management. - The mix of attendees points to a push for cross-industry coordination, not just utility-only discussion.

What's next: - Registration is open ahead of the September event. - Participants will use the roundtable to compare approaches and identify operational changes they can bring back to their organizations. - MEA will continue positioning the event as a forum for education, leadership development and professional networking.