Every facet of our modern society is vulnerable to cyberattacks. It is an international problem that continues to be a challenge for all of us as we learn of increasing threats from both inside and beyond the borders of the United States. Panelists connected to the private sector, military and WV's post-secondary institutions will discuss this changing landscape and what you can do to protect your business. They will also discuss ongoing efforts to prepare the next generation of defense to these attacks from both a workforce and research perspective.

• John Sammons, Marshall University
• Bill Walker, WVU & Cyber Command
• Hampton Cokeley, Netranom
• Toney Stroud, Marshall University, Moderator

The panel will discuss the current landscape for energy supply in West Virginia and the region, with a focus on transmission infrastructure and generation capacity needs over the next decade.  As the demand for electricity grows, these experts will examine potential costs to consumers, opportunities for new electric generation, data center and micro-grid investment, and the future nature of electric regulation and/or free market competition in West Virginia.

• Charlotte Lane, Public Service Commission of West Virginia
• John Scalzo, Appalachian Power Company and Wheeling Power Company
• Gary Jack, Mon Power/Potomac Edison
• Derrick Williamson, WVEUG & Spilman Law, Moderator

With our country's increasing appetite for electricity, we must explore new sources of generation alongside expansion of existing generation and restarting recently decommissioned power plants, as multiple gigawatts will be needed for the development of data centers and other energy-intensive industries. While maintaining our coal fleet and developing natural gas power plants will use our natural resources here at home, we also need to consider development of nuclear power generation as another alternative to maintain WV's position as an energy leader. Hear from The Nuclear Company's Juliann Edwards, who also serves as chair of the 5,000-member group U.S. Women in Nuclear, as she explains the opportunities and challenges for this development and what we can do now to secure these investments in the Mountain State.

• Juliann Edwards, The Nuclear Company
• Chad Eaton, Nucor Corporation

As the 2025 Regular Session recently wrapped, hear from the leadership of both the WV Senate & House of Delegates as they discuss what was accomplished this last session and what still needs to be addressed. With a new Senate President, a new process for legislation in the House, and many new legislators, hearing first-hand from these legislators will give your business inside information about the bills that may benefit or affect your business.   

• Randy Smith, Senate President
• Roger Hanshaw, Speaker of the House
• Senator Glenn Jeffries
• Delegate Bob Fehrenbacher
• Erin Osting, Marathon, Moderator

Located in nearby Weirton, West Virginia, a newly built state-of-the-art factory located on the historic Weirton Steel site Form Energy has begun production on large scale iron ore batteries. Their significant investment in battery production creates a product that is in high demand with customers that include electric utilities across the county. Form Energy's President Ted Wiley will share his company's current status and their plan for growth moving forward.

• Ted Wiley, President, Form Energy

From split legislative control to super majorities, policy priorities of state trade organizations are often caught in political ping pong. When power shifts at the federal level, what are the impacts on state legislation and regulatory action? Learn from manufacturing association leaders from Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and West Virginia about opportunities and challenges that come with unique and evolving state dynamics, attempts to disrupt manufacturing retention and growth, and the increasing need for affordable energy.

• Frank Jemley, KY Association of Manufacturers
• David Taylor, PA Association of Manufacturers
• Bill Bissett, WV Manufacturers Association
• Rebecca McPhail, ACC, Moderator

This year's keynote speaker is Peter R. Huntsman who serves as the Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer for Huntsman, a global chemical company. Makers of polyurethanes, advanced materials, and performance products, his company is best described through its motto - "Enriching lives through innovation."

Peter Huntsman brings a keen insight into both manufacturing and energy as he charts the course for his company. Headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas, about 35 miles north of Houston. You will not want to miss this keynote presentation that will pull no punches in regard to the opportunities and challenges facing business in our country and around the world.

• Peter R. Huntsman Bio | More about the Huntsman company

As the new Governor of West Virginia Patrick Morrisey has been inaugurated and serves as our Chief Executive, his administration works to achieve his vision and policy goals. With senior leadership that includes some new and familiar faces, this panel will include Governor Morrisey's cabinet leaders that connect well to the topics of manufacturing and energy, as well as economic and workforce development.

• Nicholas Preservati, WV Office of Energy
• Harold Ward, WV Department of Environmental Protection
• Matt Herridge, WV Department of Commerce
• Maribeth Anderson, Antero Resources, Moderator