Join Us for High Energy Networking!
PLMA prides itself on connecting load management practitioners in supportive, collegial environments. And, together with the many learning opportunities of these conferences, we're also in favor of adding a little bit of fun to the mix! Here is an overview of the networking opportunities planned for the 48th Conference — we hope you'll join us!
Conference Networking At-A-Glance
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Sunday
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Monday
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Tuesday
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Wednesday
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Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023
Mount Holly Tour: Duke Energy's R&D Center
3:00 to 4:00 pm
Mount Holly, Duke Energy’s Research and Development Center in Charlotte, NC, is home to the utility’s emerging technologies initiatives. During this field trip, we’ll explore the technologies Duke is developing in support of its energy transition efforts including advanced solar panels, battery storage, microgrids, electric vehicle chargers, smart home appliances, and more.
This field trip, which includes complimentary bus transportation, is limited to the first 50 people who sign up, due to facility space constraints. The bus to Mount Holly will leave the Westin at 2:30 pm ET, and will return at ~5 pm ET, following the 90 minute tour.
Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023
Play, Nosh, Sip, and Swing a Club!
6:00 to 9:00 pm | Cost: $30.00 pp
Join PLMA leaders, colleagues, and friends for a fun-filled conference welcome, an opportunity to reconnect over a buffet of delicious food and drinks, plus some friendly competition with a golf club! If you're not a golfer, join us anyway and enjoy this immersive, mini-golf experience. This inclusive event is designed to be fun for all!
Included in the cost is transportation to and from the Westin Charlotte, a buffet dinner, two drink tickets, and the use of Puttery's clubs, which are provided on-site.
Schedule:
5:45 pm – Departure by bus from The Westin Charlotte
6:00 pm – Arrival at The Puttery Charlotte for dinner, fun, and golfing!
9:00 pm – Evening wrap-up and departure for The Westin Charlotte
9:15 pm – Arrival back at the hotel
Monday, Nov. 6, 2023
Monday Meetup
4:00 to 5:00 pm
If you're in need of a well-deserved chance to unwind after a full day of DR Training and/or Interest Group sessions, please join us for a casual Monday Meetup! Everyone is welcome, no sign-up needed.
Monday, Nov. 6, 2023
Monday First Timers' Special Welcome
5:00 to 5:45 pm
If this is your first PLMA Conference, join us for a fun opportunity to meet and get to know some fellow first-time attendees! In addition, PLMA Board Chair Rich Barone and our Charlotte hosts will be with us to welcome you to the PLMA community. P.S. You can recognize fellow first-timers by the green stripe across the top of their badges.
  "The Shifters" Monday, Nov. 6, 2023
Monday Welcome Reception & Solutions Expo at the Mint Museum
8:00 to 10:00 pm
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Join us for an evening celebration with great networking and delicious food, plus a return engagement by PLMA's musical band, "The Shifters." The Mint Museum is an easy 5-minute walk from the Westin Charlotte, so meet us in the lobby at 7:50 pm and we'll all walk over together!
Everyone is welcome, no sign-up needed.
Women in DM: Breakfast Connect!
7:30 to 8:30 am
Grab some breakfast and amble over to the high-top tables in the foyer where you'll meet the Women in DM Co-Chairs and lots of colleagues!
Over casual conversations, we'll informally recap some of the reflections and learnings from Women in DM's November 1 "Virtual Meetup" titled "Embrace your Potential," plus we'll use "thought starter" cards to gather feedback in preparation for creating a career roadmap during Wednesday's Workshop: Build Your Career Road Map and Success Team (12:15 to 1:15 pm in the Tryon Room)
Join us to make some new friends. Everyone is welcome, no sign-up needed.
Networking Reception in the Sponsor Lounge
5:00 to 6:30 pm
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Immediately following the conclusion of Tuesday’s General Session and the dynamic Sponsor Showcase Lightning Round, join us in the Sponsor Lounge and enjoy a beverage, some hors d’oeurvres, a chance to ask questions of our sponsors, and take your chances at winning one of PLMA's awesome door prizes! Everyone is welcome, no sign-up needed.
Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023
Ice Cream Social
2:45 to 3:15 pm
A longstanding PLMA tradition, the Ice Cream Social serves as the official closing event for each conference and offers a gathering place for final conversations and check-ins, as well as an opportunity for utility attendees to enjoy an afternoon treat before heading into the ULME meeting. Haagen-Dazs ice cream bars will be cold and plentiful! No sign-up required.
Daily!
Meet New Colleagues at Daily Breakfast, Lunch, and Breaks
Good food, a supportive and welcoming community, and lots to talk about! Join us daily! No sign-up required.
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