For assistance please email us at support@utc.org or call 202.872.0030. For membership inquiries please email membership@utc.org
Please join us for the UTC Region 6 annual meeting and expo. We have an engaging event that is tailored to our members’ and stakeholders’ critical needs. The UTC Region 6 meeting is where utility professionals and valued technology partners will collaborate on important issues such as technology, market trends, business strategies, and industry solutions.
All vendor/technology partners wishing to attend the Region 6 meeting must participate as an exhibitor or sponsor. Please click here for additional information.
Registration Information & Rates
Registration Rates:
Utility Registration
Utility Registration
- $300 for the first registrant and $90 for each additional registrant.
- Once the first registration for $300 has been processed please contact support@utc.org for instructions on how to register additional attendees at the discounted rate.
- **If your company is a member of UTC and you are not seeing the member rates on the registration site please contact support@utc.org for assistance.
Vendors/Technology Partners:
All vendor/technology partners wishing to attend the Region 6 meeting must participate as an exhibitor or sponsor. Click here to view the exhibitor/sponsor opportunities. For assistance in securing your participation please contact Kristi Middlebrooks via email by clicking here.
Speakers:
- All speakers will be registered complimentary by UTC staff.
Sponsors & Exhibitors:
- Sponsors & Exhibitors may receive complimentary or discounted rates depending on their level of participation.
- Before registering through the website please click here to email and confirm any applicable comps or discounts.
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations received by Monday, March 10, 2025 will receive a refund less a 25% cancellation fee. Cancellations must be received in writing to support@utc.org.
Questions:
If you have questions or need assistance please click here to email us.
Sponsorship & Exhibit Opportunities
Sponsorship gives your company exposure and provides a clear platform to leave a lasting impression. UTC is committed to providing you with the support you need for success. Contact kristi.middlebrooks@utc.org to discuss your sponsorship options.
Exhibit and Sponsor Contract – Click here
Sponsor Information:
Kristi Middlebrooks | Director, Conference Exhibit and Sponsorship
Direct: +1.202.833.6838 |
Email: kristi.middlebrooks@utc.org
Conference / Registration Information:
E: support@utc.org
Already an Exhibitor
Click here to download the quick facts
Click here to download the hotel order form and shipping details
Click here to download the form to register your staff attending under your booth and/or sponsorship
Click here to download the Lead Retrieval
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DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Kansas City – Overland Park
10100 College BoulevardOverland Park, Kansas 66210-1462
(913) 451-6100
About Region 6
Mid-Central Region serves the states of:
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Oklahoma
Have any questions or are interested in hearing more about how UTC can play a role in your company? Contact our Region 6 officers!
- Chair: Alex Porter, Ameren
- Vice-Chair: Neal McGrath, Lincoln Electric System
- Secretary/Treasurer: Kyle McCormick, Lincoln Electric System
SPEAKERS
Rusty Williams
President and CEO, Utilities Technology Council
Jimmy R. (Rusty) Williams is President and CEO of the Utilities Technology Council (UTC.) UTC is a DC-based global trade association that represents electric, gas, and water utilities on their mission-critical information and communications technologies.
Williams, a Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Alabama, has more than three decades of extensive utilities industry experience. He worked at LightRiver Technologies for seven years, where he served as Vice President, Sales. Before LightRiver, Williams worked for nearly four years as Director of Business Development at AFL Telecommunications. He also worked for more than 25 years at Southern Company, where he held various telecommunications and IT management positions.
Williams, a Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Alabama, has more than three decades of extensive utilities industry experience. He worked at LightRiver Technologies for seven years, where he served as Vice President, Sales. Before LightRiver, Williams worked for nearly four years as Director of Business Development at AFL Telecommunications. He also worked for more than 25 years at Southern Company, where he held various telecommunications and IT management positions.
As President and CEO, Williams will lead UTC’s staff as the association continues to be a trusted advocate and thought leader on regulatory issues and emerging technology, as well as a valued training source in the utility telecommunications and networking space.
Williams earned his BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
When not working for UTC, Rusty enjoys his family which includes his wife Ivette, 2 daughters and 5 grandchildren. He also enjoys playing golf and hunting. Rusty also serves his church as a leader and teacher.
Hansen Chan
Product Marketing Manager, Nokia
Hansen Chan is a seasoned network professional in IP Enterprise Solution Marketing. With a focus on developing and marketing mission-critical network solutions, he creates blueprints for digital industries and governments embracing automation, virtualization, cloudification, and Industrial Revolution 4.0. He holds both a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering, providing a strong technical foundation for his work.
Over three decades of network experience has provided him with ample opportunities to collaborate with critical infrastructure and telecom network operators worldwide. His expertise spans network architecture, protocol conformance and product management. His innovative contributions to the networking field are evidenced by his patents in communications protocols and network security.
Beyond networks, he delves into books on history, religion and philosophy, drawing parallels between these disciplines and the evolving world of technology. His appreciation of music extends from German Baroque and 20th century Russian classical compositions. His high school hero is Richard Feynman, the pre-eminent theoretical physicist known for his ability to explain complex concepts simply. This influence is reflected in his approach to simplifying intricate network solutions for clients around the world.
Brady Dressendorfer
Manager Telecommunications Fiber Infrastructure, Salt River Project
Brady started at SRP in September of 1998 as a temporary employee in substation construction.
He was accepted into the first ever design engineering apprenticeship program in 1999 and graduated in 2003 as a senior distribution design engineer.
Brady Completed his Bachelor of science degree in Business in 2009 and began his tenure as Supervisor in 2012. He later completed a Masters of Science in Leadership from Grand Canyon University and was hired as Manager of Telecom infrastructure in January 2023
He has served on the board for the Western Underground Committee and hosted the Distribution tract for Western Energy Institute and also served as an apprenticeship instructor for the last 15 years.
Brady and his wife have 4 children ranging from 24 – 12, 2 dogs, 6 chickens, and a half dozen classic cars to keep them busy.
Guilhermme Lisboa
Electrical Engineer, BELDEN
Guilhermme Lisboa is an Electrical Engineer, born and raised in Brazil. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from UFPR in 2007, and currently is pursuing his master’s degree at the same University. He has been working with Protection and Control Systems for 15 years as a system integrator, from solution design until commissioning for Transmission and Distribution Utilities, as well as other large industries and subway systems.
James Pierce
Lead of Innovation in UAS, Robotics and Inspections, Ameren
James Pierce is a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in the utility industry, specializing in UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) Reality Capture, Digital Twin, Robotics, and Geospatial programs. Currently serving as the Lead of Innovation in UAS, Robotics and Inspections at Ameren, James leads a team of 20+ professionals, driving strategy, project management, and safety planning to deliver cutting-edge analytical products that enhance decision-making, cost efficiency, and operational excellence.
Chad Segal
Atlanta Telecommunications Department Manager, Burns & McDonnell
Chad Segal is a department manager at Burns & McDonnell, focused on utility telecom and automation. He has served as a design engineer and sealing engineer on several fiber engineering design projects. Chad leads a team of talented engineers and designers across the Southeast, providing design services for fiber-optic installations, wireless systems, network designs and utility SCADA systems.
Mike Unser
OSP Engineer, Salt River Project
Mike Unser, BSEET, MBA – Mr. Unser has a Bachelor’s Degree in Electronic Engineering Technology and a Masters of Business Administration Degree in Management. Mr. Unser has over 25 years’ experience in fiber optics including, engineering, permitting, construction, inspection, testing, acceptance and troubleshooting. Mr. Unser is responsible for the engineering and construction of fiber optic networks for SRP’s electrical and water networks as well as for SRP’s commercial fiber optic network.
In addition to working for SRP Mr. Unser has been involved with the UTC for over 10 years. Most recently as the Telecom Committee Chairman.
Rusty Williams
President and CEO, Utilities Technology Council
Jimmy R. (Rusty) Williams is President and CEO of the Utilities Technology Council (UTC.) UTC is a DC-based global trade association that represents electric, gas, and water utilities on their mission-critical information and communications technologies.
Williams, a Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Alabama, has more than three decades of extensive utilities industry experience. He worked at LightRiver Technologies for seven years, where he served as Vice President, Sales. Before LightRiver, Williams worked for nearly four years as Director of Business Development at AFL Telecommunications. He also worked for more than 25 years at Southern Company, where he held various telecommunications and IT management positions.
Williams, a Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Alabama, has more than three decades of extensive utilities industry experience. He worked at LightRiver Technologies for seven years, where he served as Vice President, Sales. Before LightRiver, Williams worked for nearly four years as Director of Business Development at AFL Telecommunications. He also worked for more than 25 years at Southern Company, where he held various telecommunications and IT management positions.
As President and CEO, Williams will lead UTC’s staff as the association continues to be a trusted advocate and thought leader on regulatory issues and emerging technology, as well as a valued training source in the utility telecommunications and networking space.
Williams earned his BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
When not working for UTC, Rusty enjoys his family which includes his wife Ivette, 2 daughters and 5 grandchildren. He also enjoys playing golf and hunting. Rusty also serves his church as a leader and teacher.
Paul R. Baird
Technical Market Manager, ADSS & Industrial Optical Cables, Prysmian
Josh Baxter
Solutions Engineer, Viavi Solutions
Hansen Chan
Product Marketing Manager, Nokia
Hansen Chan is a seasoned network professional in IP Enterprise Solution Marketing. With a focus on developing and marketing mission-critical network solutions, he creates blueprints for digital industries and governments embracing automation, virtualization, cloudification, and Industrial Revolution 4.0. He holds both a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering, providing a strong technical foundation for his work.
Over three decades of network experience has provided him with ample opportunities to collaborate with critical infrastructure and telecom network operators worldwide. His expertise spans network architecture, protocol conformance and product management. His innovative contributions to the networking field are evidenced by his patents in communications protocols and network security.
Beyond networks, he delves into books on history, religion and philosophy, drawing parallels between these disciplines and the evolving world of technology. His appreciation of music extends from German Baroque and 20th century Russian classical compositions. His high school hero is Richard Feynman, the pre-eminent theoretical physicist known for his ability to explain complex concepts simply. This influence is reflected in his approach to simplifying intricate network solutions for clients around the world.
Matt DeBalski
Outside Sales Utilities, Viavi Solutions
Brady Dressendorfer
Manager Telecommunications Fiber Infrastructure, Salt River Project
Brady started at SRP in September of 1998 as a temporary employee in substation construction.
He was accepted into the first ever design engineering apprenticeship program in 1999 and graduated in 2003 as a senior distribution design engineer.
Brady Completed his Bachelor of science degree in Business in 2009 and began his tenure as Supervisor in 2012. He later completed a Masters of Science in Leadership from Grand Canyon University and was hired as Manager of Telecom infrastructure in January 2023
He has served on the board for the Western Underground Committee and hosted the Distribution tract for Western Energy Institute and also served as an apprenticeship instructor for the last 15 years.
Brady and his wife have 4 children ranging from 24 – 12, 2 dogs, 6 chickens, and a half dozen classic cars to keep them busy.
Bryan Hunley
Sr. Sales Support Specialist, Hubbell Power System
Brett Kilbourne
Senior Vice President of Policy and General Counsel, UTC
Guilhermme Lisboa
Electrical Engineer, BELDEN
Guilhermme Lisboa is an Electrical Engineer, born and raised in Brazil. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from UFPR in 2007, and currently is pursuing his master’s degree at the same University. He has been working with Protection and Control Systems for 15 years as a system integrator, from solution design until commissioning for Transmission and Distribution Utilities, as well as other large industries and subway systems.
Austin Meadows
Director of Sales, Carrier Group, Sumitomo Electric
Kyle D. Ogilbee
Field Services Engineer, Prysmian
James Pierce
Lead of Innovation in UAS, Robotics and Inspections, Ameren
James Pierce is a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in the utility industry, specializing in UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) Reality Capture, Digital Twin, Robotics, and Geospatial programs. Currently serving as the Lead of Innovation in UAS, Robotics and Inspections at Ameren, James leads a team of 20+ professionals, driving strategy, project management, and safety planning to deliver cutting-edge analytical products that enhance decision-making, cost efficiency, and operational excellence.
Chad Segal
Atlanta Telecommunications Department Manager, Burns & McDonnell
Chad Segal is a department manager at Burns & McDonnell, focused on utility telecom and automation. He has served as a design engineer and sealing engineer on several fiber engineering design projects. Chad leads a team of talented engineers and designers across the Southeast, providing design services for fiber-optic installations, wireless systems, network designs and utility SCADA systems.
Tim Spyers
Senior Manager OT Network Engineering & PLTE, Ameren
Mike Unser
OSP Engineer, Salt River Project
Mike Unser, BSEET, MBA – Mr. Unser has a Bachelor’s Degree in Electronic Engineering Technology and a Masters of Business Administration Degree in Management. Mr. Unser has over 25 years’ experience in fiber optics including, engineering, permitting, construction, inspection, testing, acceptance and troubleshooting. Mr. Unser is responsible for the engineering and construction of fiber optic networks for SRP’s electrical and water networks as well as for SRP’s commercial fiber optic network.
In addition to working for SRP Mr. Unser has been involved with the UTC for over 10 years. Most recently as the Telecom Committee Chairman.
Dustin Williams
Associate Technical Consultant \ Networks, Integration & Automation, Burns & McDonnell
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