Itron Inspire

Explore the possibilities and be inspired.

We hope to see you at Itron Inspire 2023 in San Antonio, Texas, Oct. 22-27 at the
JW Marriott Hill Country Resort & Spa.

1200+ attendees with over
280 utilities
represented
95+ breakouts with over 65% customer-led sessions
30+ solution booths in our Knowledge Center
4 networking events with 1 unforgettable party

2023 Featured Speakers

Robert Bryce
Robert Bryce Author, Podcaster and Film Producer
Keynote Presenter
Robert Bryce is an author, podcaster, and film producer. He has been writing about energy, power, politics, and innovation for more than three decades. He’s also the acclaimed author of six books on energy and innovation, including most recently, A Question of Power: Electricity and the Wealth of Nations. Bryce has given more than 400 invited or keynote lectures to groups ranging from the Marines Corps War College to the Sydney Institute as well as to a wide variety of associations, universities, and corporations. His articles have been published in dozens of publications including The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Washington Post, Forbes, Real Clear Energy, The Hill, and Guardian. Bryce has also appeared on a panoply of media outlets ranging from Fox News to Al Jazeera.

Bryce has testified before the U.S. Congress six times. He’s the host of the Power Hungry Podcast and executive producer of the feature-length documentary: Juice: How Electricity Explains the World, which is available on iTunes, Amazon Prime, and many other streaming services. Follow him on Substack: robertbryce.substack.com

He lives in Austin with his wife, Lorin, who is an art teacher, photographer, and master potter.
Rob Chapman
Rob Chapman Senior Vice President of Energy Delivery and Customer Solutions, Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)
Big Picture Session Moderator
Rob Chapman is Senior Vice President of Energy Delivery and Customer Solutions & Chief Sustainability Officer, at the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). He provides executive oversight for EPRI’s broad portfolio of grid and end-use customer research. This research spans across a large segment of the energy industry value chain encompassing Integrated Grid and Energy Systems, Transmission and Distribution Infrastructure, and Electrification and Sustainable Energy Strategy. In this role, Chapman also serves as EPRI’s executive sponsor for the institute’s Efficient Electrification Initiative focusing on broadening industry collaboration, including international and government engagement.

Prior to joining EPRI, Chapman worked for Pacific Gas & Electric Energy Services Company (PG&E) from 1995 to 1999. He was the director of the western region responsible for leading a team of engineers in establishing integrated energy services for commercial and industrial customers. Chapman earned a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California.
Robin Dail Massanopoli
Robin Dail Massanopoli Manager of Metering Solutions, Dominion Energy
Women Who Inspire Session Panelist
Robin Dail Massanopoli serves as the Manager of Metering Solutions at Dominion Energy. In her role, she manages a team responsible for implementing and maintaining all technology associated with electric metering and is overseeing a $400 million multi-year project to deploy over two million smart meters.

Leading up to Robin’s managerial role, she successfully led the implementation of the first LMS system in Power Delivery, the development of the first computer-based training programs and over 70 construction projects. Prior to joining Dominion Energy, Robin ran her own small business for over six years, providing computer training to area businesses and residents.

Robin has participated in several Dominion Energy-sponsored leadership programs, including the DEV Leadership Development Program for Experienced Managers. She holds a bachelor’s degree in math and physics, as well as a master’s degree in physics from Virginia Commonwealth University.
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Tom Deitrich President and CEO, Itron
Keynote Presenter
Tom Deitrich was appointed president and chief executive officer and named to Itron's board of directors on Aug. 6, 2019. He joined Itron in 2015 as executive vice president and COO and has played a major role in shaping the company’s strategy to partner with cities and utilities to deliver industrial IoT solutions.

Tom has more than 25 years of experience in global operations at leading technology firms and has held numerous executive management positions where he led business-level strategies that transformed and significantly improved business results. He has extensive experience in product management, research and development, supply chain management and business development in several industries, including industrial equipment, telecommunications and semiconductors.

Before joining Itron, Tom was senior vice president and general manager for Digital Networking at Freescale Semiconductor. Prior to Freescale, Tom worked for Flextronics International, Ericsson Mobile Communications and General Electric Corporation.
Dennis DeMera
Dennis DeMera Customer Care & Field Services Manager, Las Vegas Valley Water District
Big Picture Session Panelist
Dennis DeMera has 16 years of water utility experience and is currently the Customer Care and Field Services Manager for the Las Vegas Valley Water District (LVVWD). The LVVWD provides water to more than one million people via approximately 430,000 water meters. Currently, LVVWD utilizes its C2M, customer information system, with its AMI network and AMR system to further enhance our operations into a more customer centric omni-channel utility. Dennis currently oversees the technology for the Customer Care & Field Services department which encompasses data collection, meter-to cash systems, customer engagement and water conservation. He has overseen multiple Itron deployments that include Itron Choice Connect (AMI), Mobile Interface (AMR), Field Collection System, Field Deployment Manager, Field Tools, Leak Sensors and Water Analytics. Dennis has Bachelor of Science Business Administration, Information Technology Management, an Associate of Applied Science, Ornamental Horticulture and holds an AWWA WSO Water Distribution and SCRUM Master certification. In his free-time, Dennis enjoys outdoor activities, golf, travel, and spending time with his family.
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Marina Donovan Vice President, Global Marketing, ESG and Public Affairs, Itron
General Session
Marina Donovan has more than 20 years of global technology marketing and public relations experience with a background in data security, networking and mobile. She joined Itron as vice president of global marketing & public affairs in January 2018. Prior to joining Itron, she was vice president of marketing for Silver Spring Networks, where Marina led all aspects of outbound marketing including branding and corporate positioning, demand creation, events, product marketing, public relations and web properties. Prior to joining Silver Spring, she held executive marketing positions at IronKey by Imation, Syniverse, VeriSign and RSA Security. Marina holds a Bachelor of Arts in public relations from San Jose State University.
Rudy Garza
Rudy Garza President & CEO, CPS Energy
Keynote Presenter
Rudy D. Garza is the President & CEO for CPS Energy, the nation’s largest community-owned electric and natural gas utility. Rudy has more than 25 years of experience as a leader in the utility industry and has served in both the public and private sectors over the course of his career. He is the first Hispanic leader to hold the position.

While Rudy served as Interim President & CEO for 10 months, he successfully led the company to the approval of the first rate case in 8 years, approval for the next phase of energy efficiency and conservation programs, and discussions with the Board of Trustees and the Rate Advisory Committee on future generation planning.

Rudy joined CPS Energy in 2012 and previously served as Chief Customer & Stakeholder Engagement Officer and as Senior Vice President of Distribution Service & Operations where he oversaw the maintenance and construction activity of the electric distribution system. He has also served the company in the role of Vice President of External Relations.

Rudy has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas in Austin and a Master of Business Administration from the University of North Texas.

He continues to serve his community through multiple board roles including the Archdiocese Hope for the Future, the Antonian School Council, Brooks Development Authority, the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, EPIcenter, Greater:SATX, and serves his UT Austin alma mater as an advisory board member for the School of Electrical Engineering.
Spencer Gill
Spencer Gill Vice President of Planning, Hydro One
Big Picture Session Panelist
Spencer Gill is the Vice President of Planning at Hydro One. He and his team are responsible for integrating planning and investments to maintain the safe and reliable operation of Hydro One’s transmission and distribution system assets. With over $2.7B per year in transmission and distribution projects and programs, the planning team creates value for Hydro One and its customers by focusing on safety, reliability, the environment while considering future needs to enable the energy transition.

With more than 14 years’ experience at Hydro One, Spencer has built a reputation as a transformational leader with extensive knowledge of the utilities sector. Spencer has held multiple roles within the organization, including VP Customer Service, Strategic Advisor to the President & CEO, Director of Customer Solutions & Key Account Management, and Director of External Relations. Throughout his career, Spencer has advocated to the needs of Hydro One customers by shaping programs, policies, and innovative technologies. As a thought leader, Spencer continues to participate in several working groups related to the integration of Distributed Energy Resources, and has served as a member of the Ontario Energy Board's Framework for Energy Innovation Working Group, and Chair of the Electricity Distributor Association’s Electrification Council.

Spencer holds a Bachelor of Engineering Degree in Nuclear Engineering from Ontario Tech University, and a Diploma in Electro-Mechanical (Robotics and Automation) Technology from Durham College.
Ben Huggins
Ben Huggins Senior Vice President, Customer and Market Experience, Itron
Innovator Award Presenter
Ben Huggins has a wealth of global experience in sales and general management. He brings more than 20 years of diverse experience in the military, aerospace and industrial markets. He has served in leadership roles within the maintenance, manufacturing, supply chain, general management and sales functions.

As senior vice president of Customer and Market Experience (CME) at Itron, Ben is responsible for leading Itron’s sales, marketing, channel management, business development, customer support and customer success activities across the full company portfolio.

Prior to joining Itron, Ben worked with Honeywell for 15 years, serving in a variety of leadership and sales roles, most recently as the global vice president of sales for the Process Solutions business unit. Prior to Honeywell, Ben was an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Ben holds a Master of Business Administration from Arizona State University and a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD.
Brianne Jordan
Brianne Jordan Senior Manager of Customer Projects and System Support, Pepco Holdings
Women Who Inspire Session Panelist
Brianne Jordan is the Senior Manager of Customer Projects and System Support at Pepco Holdings. Throughout her tenure, Brianne has both supported and managed applications for electric and gas distribution systems, Advanced Metering Infrastructure and emerging smart grid technologies. Before her current role, Brianne oversaw the governance and strategy for Innovation, Research and Development, and Unmanned Aerial Systems.

Brianne serves as a professional mentor and has participated in Delaware’s Millennial Summit in the Coaches Corner since 2018. She fuels her passion to support her community by serving as a Board Member for the Teen Warehouse in Wilmington, Delaware and is on the Board of Directors for Safe Haven Healing.

Brianne holds a bachelor’s degree in human ecology from the College of the Atlantic and a master’s degree in geography from West Chester University. In 2019, she graduated as a Fellow from the 11th cohort of Leadership Delaware.
Bilal Khursheed
Bilal Khursheed Worldwide Power & Utilities Leader, Microsoft
Big Picture Session Moderator
With almost two decades at the forefront of the Power and Utility (P&U) industry, Bilal Khursheed holds the role of Worldwide Power & Utilities Leader at Microsoft. His diverse leadership roles have spanned Transmission & Distribution, Nuclear Operations, and the pivotal realm of Digital Transformation. Renowned for merging innovation with tangible results, Bilal drives Microsoft's Global P&U vision and dedicates his expertise championing sustainability and mentoring the next generation of industry leaders.
Martha Mitchell
Martha Mitchell Retired CPS Energy Executive
Women Who Inspire Session Panelist
Martha Mitchell is a retired utility executive. She started her engagement with CPS Energy as a contract program administrator for their SAP implementation. After a brief assignment with another utility, she returned to CPS as a program administrator for the OMS/GIS program implementation. In 2014, she started her career as a full-time CPS employee with responsibility for IT customer support including service desk, desktop and multimedia support, and network operations. Her next project opportunity was leading the AMI implementation with Itron. As that project neared completion, Martha was promoted to Vice President of Customer Success with responsibility for the call center, billing, and metering services. After a move to Supply Chain, Martha retired in 2020.

Martha currently serves on multiple non-profit boards with an emphasis on community leadership, grant funding and diversity, equity and inclusion. She serves as vice chair of the board for the Animal Defense League of Texas which is the oldest no-kill shelter in the state for companion animals.
Andrea Nuesser
Andrea Nuesser Director of Customer Strategy & Experience, Hydro One
Women Who Inspire Session Moderator
Andrea Nuesser is the Director of Customer Strategy & Experience at Hydro One. In her role, she is responsible for developing and implementing strategic initiatives to build the grid of the future and serve the needs and expectations of Hydro One’s broad customer base.

Andrea is an experienced leader, outside-of-the box thinker, and engaging strategist who is passionate about shaping the future of energy. In an evolving utility landscape, she provides thought leadership and drives collaboration through various industry working groups to enable innovative energy solutions and help customers with their energy transition.

Andrea has a broad background in social sciences, marketing and customer behaviour. Before joining Hydro One, she was a Vice President at Innovative Research Group, a public opinion research and consulting firm. Andrea holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of British Columbia.
Even OMahoney
Evan O’Mahoney Chief Information Officer (CIO), CPS Energy
Big Picture Session Panelist
Evan O’Mahoney is responsible for leading all aspects of the Enterprise Information Technology (EIT) organization, to include Infrastructure & Operations, Enterprise Architecture, Business Solutions, Digital Experience, and Execution Excellence. Evan leads the development of digital and technology strategies in support of our enterprise objectives aimed to prepare for our energy future. Evan also sponsors our Digital Transformation program, Evolve, which is designed to improve how employees work and deliver customer-facing solutions that offer tailored experiences and real-time access to information.

In his previous role, Evan served as Vice President of Technology Services where he was directly responsible for all aspects of our technology operations.

Evan’s career has been focused on driving change and growth in organizations such as Toshiba Corporation, where he served as Director of Solutions & Professional Services leading large-scale technology implementations for national and global organizations.

Before joining CPS Energy in 2019, he was the Chief Technology Officer for Bexar County where he led the development and implementation of technology plans and modernization strategies.

Evan is a San Antonio native and has a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of the Incarnate Word and is also a graduate of the Rice University Advanced Management Program.
Roboert Puente
Robert Puente President & CEO, San Antonio Water System (SAWS)
Keynote Presenter
Robert R. Puente, San Antonio Water System’s President and CEO since May 2008, leads one of the nation’s largest utilities delivering water and wastewater services to over 1.6 million consumers.

Since taking the helm at SAWS, Puente has led the entity through many historic financial and operational successes and is often called on to share these successes throughout the United States and abroad. Puente has also led the entity to achieve the highest bond rating in its history.

Additionally, the utility has earned several recognitions and awards, including the Texas Environmental Excellence Award, Top Workplace Award three years in a row, a Business Opportunity Diversity Award as well as several other operational awards and recognitions.

Prior to SAWS, Puente served in the Texas House of Representatives from 1991-2008 and was Chairman of the Natural Resources Committee. In the legislature Puente authored and led the charge in passing several historic bills related to water which continue to serve as model legislation throughout the U.S.

Robert is married to Carmen Muñiz Puente and they have three children.
Vidya Rangachar
Vidya Rangachar Vice President of Business Solutions and Digital Experience, CPS Energy
Big Picture Session Panelist
Vidya Rangachar is the Vice President of Business Solutions and Digital Experience at CPS Energy. Her team supports the utility by developing digital products, enhancing enterprise applications, and providing analytics solutions that help the organization make data-driven decisions.

Vidya is currently leading an enterprise-wide digital transformation that will position CPS Energy as the Utility of the Future. Her unique background is informed by her experience with leading diverse teams such as technology experts and electric operations field teams. This broad experience with technology, engineering and energy delivery operations helps her collaborate across the organization to drive innovative solutions, delivering the value of increased efficiencies in the process. In her vast spare time, she tries to read (mostly light fiction) and is currently a member of the advisory board for the CAST STEM High School in San Antonio.

Vidya holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Osmania University in India, and a Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Arizona State University (Go Sun Devils!)
Farah Saeed
Farah Saeed Research Director, Digital Electric Grid, Frost & Sullivan
Frost & Sullivan Awards
Farah Saeed is an industry expert with nearly 20 years of consulting, project management and fulfillment expertise focused on power and energy equipment and services. Saeed currently serves as Research Director Digital Grid.

In her current role, Saeed works closely with OEMs to validate market opportunities and assess risks, providing a deep understanding of business issues facing mature as well as emerging energy markets and technologies. She also specializes in forecasting models and customer survey designs centered on regional and geographic trends, while keeping a pulse on disruptive trends and technologies that are influencing the competitive environment.

Saeed’s industry expertise includes extensive experience in high-growth and emerging power and energy devices, such as transmission and distribution equipment. This includes IT/OT, power distribution equipment, demand side management, home automation, smart meters, related network infrastructure, and distributed generation.

Get Ready for
Itron Inspire 2023





2023 Agenda-at-a-Glance



Sun., Oct. 22

9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Pre-Conference Training

6-8 p.m.
Itron Engage Sales Channel Partner Conference Reception (invite only)

Mon., Oct. 23

8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Itron Engage Sales Channel Partner Conference (invite only)

9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Pre-Conference Training

9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Grid Edge Innovation Exchange Working Groups:
  • Consumer Engagement
  • DERMS
  • Grid Modernization

1:15-5 p.m.
Itron Solutions Forum (invite only)

6-9 p.m.
Itron Engage Sales Channel Partner Conference Awards Dinner (invite only)

Tues., Oct. 24

8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Itron Engage Sales Channel Partner Conference (invite only)

8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Golf

9-10:30 a.m.
5K Fun Run

9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Pre-Conference Training

10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Community Event

12:30-2 p.m.
Alliance Briefing (invite only)

1-5 p.m.
  • IEE MDM Users' Forum (current customers only)
  • Itron Solutions Forum (invite only)

2-5 p.m.
Knowledge Center Open

2:30-4 p.m.
Water End-to-End Forum

2:30-4:30 p.m.
AMI Operations Forum

6-7:30 p.m.
Welcome Reception

Wed., Oct. 25

6:45-7:45 a.m.
Breakfast

8-9:30 a.m.
General Session

9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Knowledge Center Open

10 a.m.-4:15 p.m.
Breakout Sessions

12-1 p.m.
Lunch

3:30-4:15 p.m.
Big Picture Session

4:30-5:30 p.m.
Women Who Inspire

6-10 p.m.
Wednesday Night Event: Let's Fiesta

Thurs., Oct. 26

7:15-8:15 a.m.
Breakfast

8:30-10 a.m.
General Session

10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Knowledge Center Open

10:30 a.m.-4:45 p.m.
Breakout Sessions

11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Big Picture Session

12:30-1:30 p.m.
Lunch

5-6:30 p.m.
Closing Reception



Fri., Oct. 27

8 a.m.-12 p.m.
FCS-to-Temetra Workshop


Agenda subject to change.


Download Agenda

2023 Featured Sessions

Rudy Garza and Robert Puente

General Session

Robert Bryce

General Session

wiu

Women Who Inspire Session

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AI

Big Picture Session: AI, Machine Learning and What It Means for Utilities

Knowledge Center

The Knowledge Center is a showcase of Itron's comprehensive solutions and partner offerings—your gateway to more intelligence and more possiblities. See product demos, talk to knowledgeable product experts, watch Lightning Talks at the Town Square and much more.

While here, stop by the Itron Experience, an interactive demo area where you can "Choose Your Own Grid Adventure" and see how your decisions just might make or break the grid.

Awards Season

Frost and Sullivan 580x200

Excellence in Resourcefulness Awards­

Frost & Sullivan, in collaboration with Itron, will present the Excellence in Resourcefulness Awards Itron Inspire 2023. The awards program recognizes utilities and cities that are achieving measurable outcomes in the wise and careful use of energy and water, leveraging advanced technologies or services. A utility and/or city will be recognized for offering innovative products and services to minimize the waste of electric, gas, and/or water.

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2023 Itron Innovator Award

This award, presented at Itron Inspire 2023, recognizes a utility or city customer that has leveraged Itron’s partner enablement programs to deploy a breakthrough solution that solves challenges in energy and water efficiencies and smart communities. The solution demonstrates an Itron customer’s use of ecosystem tools and services such as development kits and innovation challenges or the customer’s selection of a partner that has done so.

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Itron Inspire 2022 Recap