Women's International Network of Utility Professionals 2023 conference to be held in Niagara Falls

The Women’s International Network of Utility Professionals will return to its New York roots in September to mark its 100th anniversary.

WiNUP’s annual conference will be Sept. 24-27 at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino in Niagara Falls.

A press release stated, “The organization was founded when seven women employed in the young and growing electrical industry met at the 1923 annual meeting of the otherwise-all-male Society for Electrical Development on Association Island near Henderson, New York.

“While commemorating WiNUP’s founding, conference sessions will continue the organization’s focus on relevant utility industry issues and leadership development. Presenters, panelists and industry experts represent multiple types of utilities and associated businesses, including Austin Energy, American Electric Power, Columbia Gas, Columbia Threadneedle Investments, the Center for Energy Workforce Development, EPB, EPRI, Green Power EMC, NiSource, Oglethorpe Power Corp., Oncor, Ontario Power Generation and TVA.”

Topics will highlight sustainable investments, renewable energy, hydropower and workforce development, as well as leadership and professional development. Conference tours will focus on hydropower with a visit to the Niagara Power Vista. In addition, a stop at the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center will highlight the area’s role in American slaves’ escape to freedom.

WiNUP also will continue its tradition of raising money to support a local charity during its annual conference. This year’s fundraiser beneficiary is Community Missions of Niagara Frontier’s Girls Circle Program. Funds will be raised through a silent auction, and member and conference attendee donations.

Attendees will include WiNUP members and nonmembers representing a wide range of electric, gas, water and municipal utilities from around the nation. WiNUP will honor its founders with a tree-planting dedication ceremony on Sept. 23 at Niagara Falls State Park. A time capsule highlighting WiNUP’s evolution will be buried at Association Island.

In honor of WiNUP’s anniversary, Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino has declared Sept. 24-30 as Women’s International Network of Utility Professionals Week. Also, at 8 p.m. Sept. 24, Niagara Falls will be illuminated “WiNUP Blue.”

For more information about WiNUP, the conference, or to register, visit www.winup.org. Registration deadline is Aug. 31. The special hotel registration rate deadline is Aug. 23.

WiNUP, a not-for-profit 501(c)(6) organization, “provides a link for developing and recognizing professionals involved in utility industry business trends, issues, products and services. It has more than 500 members in 19 chapters across the U.S. WiNUP’s philanthropic efforts support national and local organizations with focus on women’s issues, STEM education and environmental initiatives.”