-    Discussing early pilot experiences to share practical lessons and overcome deployment challenges
-    Explaining customer engagement strategies to improve participation and streamline enrollment
-    Highlighting success stories to inspire scalable implementations across utilities.
-    Exploring integration techniques for new technologies to accelerate VPP evolution while managing risks
 

- Demonstrating Puget’s pilot architecture and enrollment workflows 
- Explaining customer-engagement tactics that drove strong participation 
- Exploring integration techniques for new DER technologies 
- Sharing early performance metrics and lessons learned

-    Identifying key barriers to scalability and exploring methods to overcome them
-    Evaluating stakeholder engagement models to facilitate widespread adoption
-    Highlighting success metrics that ensure the transition delivers national grid benefits

-    Examining current regulatory frameworks and policy trends to support long-term VPP planning
-    Evaluating cost–benefit analyses to justify integrating DERs into resource and distribution strategies
-    Discussing performance-based incentives to drive innovation and risk management
-    Aligning planning processes with evolving market demands to future-proof grid operations
 

-    Collaborating on solutions to integrate VPPs seamlessly into daily grid operations
-    Identifying operational challenges and exploring risk mitigation strategies for enhanced reliability
-    Discussing scheduling and dispatch best practices to optimize peak load management
-    Sharing performance data insights to validate operational improvements and cost savings
 

-    Sharing best practices for forming cross-functional teams that manage VPP operations
-    Exploring collaborative business models that leverage third-party partnerships effectively
-    Highlighting automation and digital transformation efforts to reduce operational burdens
-    Discussing strategies for sustaining long-term VPP value while ensuring regulatory compliance
 

-    Sharing detailed case studies that illustrate successful VPP implementations in diverse markets
-    Highlighting lessons learned to inspire future projects and continuous improvement
-    Discussing the impact of performance-based incentives on customer participation and grid stability
-    Exploring the evolution of VPP models to align with dynamic grid needs and technological advances
 

All Day 1 speakers join for a moderated audience Q&A

-    Introducing the role of VPPs in integrating renewable energy and driving decarbonization
-    Highlighting renewable trends and grid resilience improvements to set an innovative tone
-    Outlining the connection between DERs and broader sustainability goals to motivate action
-    Establishing a forward-looking agenda that explores transformative grid management technologies
 

Each round table covers a different topic, allowing attendees to select which one to join. Round table leaders will begin with a 5-minute introduction of themselves and a brief overview of the topic, which can include a case study, lessons learned log, or industry update. They will then facilitate a 40-minute discussion with the group, encouraging feedback and questions. The last 10 minutes will focus on agreeing on five industry recommendations. These recommendations will be shared with the entire audience and summarized in the post-event report.

1. Innovations in DER Technologies & Value-Stacking: The Next Wave of VPP Enhancements
   Michael Blonsky, National Renewable Energy Laboratory
    
2. Scaling Across Regions: Integrating VPPs in Diverse Markets
   Shannon Anderson, Solar United Neighbors
    
3. Deep Dive into Technology Interoperability and Standards
   Dr. Sarah Russell-Smith, Octopus Energy
    
4. Clarity for Policymakers: Aligning on common terminology, models and best practices to present clear, unified VPP policies
   Ted Ko, Energy Policy Design Institute

-    Discussing current regulatory trends and policy frameworks impacting VPP deployment
-    Evaluating funding opportunities and incentives, including IRA tax credits, to support VPP projects
-    Exploring strategies for working with policymakers to create favorable regulatory environments
-    Highlighting successful policy implementations to inspire actionable strategies for utilities
 

- Navigating fragmented utility requirements, communication protocols, and DERMS interfaces that hinder seamless integration.
- Addressing the integration burdens that reshape OEM product roadmaps and impact end-user experiences.
- Highlighting real-world pain points and common pitfalls that slow VPP adoption at scale.
- Proposing simplification strategies to ease OEM participation and accelerate broader VPP uptake

-    Sharing visionary perspectives on the future evolution of VPP technologies and business models
-    Discussing emerging challenges and proactive strategies to address scalability and integration issues
-    Highlighting innovation opportunities that drive further enhancements in grid services
-    Collaborating on forward-thinking approaches to shape the future of clean energy and grid reliability