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Community of the Future:

Bronzeville Technology and Energy Expo

Join us for this exciting event!


Thursday,
October 21, 2021
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.


Virtual Event


Click register above and you will receive a follow up email with more attendee details on participation.

Interested in hosting a booth at the Networking Session or Job Fair? Sign up using the link below. You will receive a follow up email with additional details for vendor participation.

https://bit.ly/3D8MhOo

Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood is where community stakeholders have been partnering with ComEd to demonstrate how advanced energy technologies can make us all more resilient, sustainable, and connected.

Join us for ComEd’s Community of the Future: Bronzeville Technology and Energy Expo on Thursday, October 21st to learn about new energy technologies, innovative energy programs and how you can participate in the advanced energy economy. At the event, executives, engineers, and visionaries across these industries will share key insights and information.

This event will also provide a platform for networking opportunities with representatives of ComEd and vendors; technology demonstrations; and virtual in-booth interactions to introduce ComEd’s energy efficiency programs. And participants can meet future partners and employers at the Networking Session and Job Fair!

Deadline for vendor registration:
Friday October 15th, 2021

Below is the agenda for this day packed with valuable information for those interested in energy technology trends and businesses. We will kick off the morning with a general session on the state of Community of the Future in Bronzeville. You will also have the opportunity to attend the breakout sessions that match your interests.

Agenda

Community of the Future: Bronzeville Technology and Energy Expo 2021 Date: October 21st, 2021 (10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.)



10:00 a.m. - 10:20 a.m. CT


What is the state of Bronzeville Community of the Future?

Welcome:

Introduction to ComEd’s Community of the Future and updates on Bronzeville efforts. Overview on logistics and operations for the day.


Speakers:

  • Michelle Blaise, SVP Technical Services, ComEd
  • Bruce Montgomery, Founder & CEO of The Entrepreneur Success Program and Community of the Future Advisory Council Member
10:20 a.m. - 10:50 a.m. CT

Creating a Resilient Community

What does it mean to be an economically resilient neighborhood? This panel discussion focuses on how the Bronzeville Community Microgrid contributes to community resiliency and its impact on economic development, public health, technology, and innovation.


Moderator:

  • Dwayne Pickett, Director of Regulatory Solutions, ComEd

Panelists:

  • Dr. Aleksi Paaso, Director of Distribution Planning, Smart Grid & Innovation at Commonwealth Edison (ComEd)
  • Jeff Schlegelmilch, Director, National Center for Disaster Preparedness, Earth Institute, Columbia
  • Phil Beckham, Principal, P3 Markets, LLC, Founder of MSBARC, Community of the Future Advisory Council Member
11:05 a.m. - 11:35 a.m. CT

Breakout Sessions A

Breakthrough Energy Technologies (A.1)

An introduction to grid technologies with ComEd focused on voltage optimization, distributed energy resource management system (DERMS), Extreme Fast Charger (XFC), and more.


Moderator/Interviewer:

  • Cory Foster, External Affairs Manager, ComEd

Speaker:

  • Aleks Vukojevic, Senior Manager of Smart Grid and Innovation, ComEd

Intro to ComEd Jobs and Workforce Programs (A.2)

Come learn about ComEd careers and job training programs.


Speakers:

  • Kristie Conklin, Senior Workforce Development Specialist, ComEd
  • Chuck Davis Jr., Manager Human Resources, ComEd

Energy Efficiency Strategies for Small Businesses (A.3)

Are you a business owner? Learn energy-saving tips for small businesses.


Speakers:

  • Rob Hanson, Service Provider Manager and Outreach Representative, ComEd
  • Bruce Montgomery, Founder & CEO of The Entrepreneur Success Program and Community of the Future Advisory Council Member
11:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. CT

Breakout Sessions B

The Landscape of Energy Start-ups (B.1)

Tune in to our panel discussion on funding opportunities and the landscape of Energy start-ups, innovation and technology moving the energy industry forward.


Moderator:

  • Ed Sitar, Manager, Economic and Business Development, ComEd

Panelists:

  • Pranav Gokhale, CEO, Super.tech
  • Dongbo Zhao, Principal Energy Systems Scientist, Argonne National Labs
  • Cedric Tai, Solutions Architect, Opus One
  • Jason Blumberg, CEO/Managing Director, Energy Foundry

How to Nail an Interview! (B.2)

Join our Job Seekers Workshop to get tips on STAR interviewing and to learn about economic empowerment resources.


Speakers:

  • Kristie Conklin, Senior Workforce Development Specialist, ComEd
  • Chuck Davis Jr., Manager Human Resources, ComEd
  • Andrew Wells, Director, Workforce Development, Chicago Urban League

Power Up: The Benefits of Electrification (B.3)

Learn about building electrification technology and electric vehicles for home savings including HVAC, residential heat pumps, overview of smart homes, and smart meters.


Speakers:

  • Kelly Gunn, Sr. Engineer, ComEd
  • Billy Davis, General Manager, JitneyEV
12:15 p.m. - 12:25 p.m. CT

Transition/Break

12:25 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. CT

Let's Connect!

Networking

Meet representatives in the Energy and Technology field to network, view technology demonstrations, and meet future partners. 

Job Fair

Meet employers and learn about job opportunities in the area and ComEd’s Workforce Development Programs. 

Partners