Energy & Industrial Future Summit

Wednesday, October 14, 2026
8 AM to 3:30 PM
Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh

America is entering a dynamic era of industrial growth driven by surging electricity demand, rapid AI expansion, advanced manufacturing, and supply chain reshoring. This summit explores why Pennsylvania – and Southwestern Pennsylvania in particular – is uniquely suited to anchor this transformation. Attendees will gain insights into how advanced nuclear energy can serve as a foundation for baseload power and industrial expansion, as well as how regional assets can drive new opportunities across the broader supply chain.

Through targeted keynotes and panel sessions, the summit addresses how local manufacturers, automated production capabilities, and strategic investments can support the nation’s rising energy and infrastructure needs. You will hear practical perspectives on what it takes for Pennsylvania and Southwestern Pennsylvania to win in this era—from leveraging energy assets to building workforce, innovation, and commercialization ecosystems. Join us to connect with peers and participate in a forward-looking conversation on securing our region’s industrial future.

The event will feature speakers from the U.S. Department of Energy, Westinghouse, Pittsburgh Technical Consultants, North American Forgemasters, Carnegie Foundry, System One, FirstEnergy Pennsylvania, Wabtec, Kennametal, and more.

DRAFT Program Schedule Highlights

  • 8:00 AM: Doors Open – Breakfast & Networking

  • 9:00 AM: Welcome Remarks

    Stefani Pashman, CEO – Allegheny Conference on Community Development

    Leroy Ball, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors – Koppers, Inc. and Incoming Board Chair

  • 9:15 AM: Opening Keynote: America’s Next Industrial Economy

    Rick Christensen, Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Reactors
    U.S. Department of Energy

  • 10:00 AM: Panel Discussion
    Nuclear as the Foundation for Growth

    Brian Anderson – System One (Moderator)
    Alex Charlton – Constellation
    David Kruegel – Vistra
    Sola Talabi – Pittsburgh Technical
    Michael Valore – Westinghouse APX

  • 11:00 AM: Panel Discussion
    Building the Industrial Supply Chain

    Joshua Brittingham – Curtiss-Wright Corporation
    Brian Hoover – North American Forgemasters
    Christine King – Idaho National Laboratory (Moderator)
    Cynthia Oakes – Ebara Elliott Energy
    Michael Valore – Westinghouse APX

  • 12:00 PM: Leadership Luncheon & Fireside Conversation
    Grid, AI and Growth: What the RETI Consortium Means for Regional Industry

  • 1:30 PM: Panel Discussion
    Positioned to Win: The Playbook for Competitive Advantage

    Claire Avett – CORE POWER
    Keith Creasy – Wabtec
    Rich Fruehauf – Carnegie Foundry (Moderator)
    John Hawkins – FirstEnergy Pennsylvania
    Tom Hudak – Kennametal

  • 2:30 PM: Closing Remarks
    America’s Competitive Moment

  • 2:45 PM: Coffee & Networking

We hope you will join us for this important discussion on the future of energy and manufacturing in Pennsylvania.