East 2026
Vertical AI, Digitalization, and the Future of Utilities
After a powerful chapter in 2025, WE3 East, returns in 2026 to the heart of energy innovation—hosted at the Duke Energy headquarters in Charlotte.
This regional summit isn’t just an event—it’s a catalyst to reimagine the energy and water future of the Eastern U.S., powered by AI, community, and collaboration.
- Be at the epicenter of energy and utilities transformation alongside Duke Energy and regional utilities
- Engage in bold, regionally grounded conversations that shape strategy and innovation
- Experience future-ready technologies through immersive showcases and solution tracks
- Network with leaders and peers driving change across the energy and water value chain
- Learn from the regional success stories and journeys that are shaping partnerships and progress in a connected, AI-powered future
2 Days of Immersive Learning & Networking
30 +
Sessions
50 +
Utilities
150 +
Executives
Register for WE3 East 2026
May 12 - 13, 2026 | Charlotte, North Carolina
AI TransformationKey Themes of Discussion
- Scaling AI Innovation for Impact
- The Rise of Vertical AI
- Connected Experience Platforms
- Grid & Infrastructure Modernization
- Next-Gen AI Customer Experiences
- Connecting eMobility & Utilities
- Digital Trust & Security in a Connected Utility World
- Smart Water Management: AI-Enabled Efficiency
- The Future Workforce: Skills, Roles & AI Integration
- Leading Change: Innovation, Leadership & Culture
- Building Resilience in an Uncertain World
- Future-Proofing Utility Business Models
THOUGHT LEADERSSpotlight on Leadership
-
Brian BentzPresident and CEOAlectra Utilities
-
Paul LauGM & CEOSMUD
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Deepak GargCEO & FounderSEW.AI
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Raied StanleyVP and CIOSouthwest Gas
-
Michael O'DonnellCo-CEOSEW.AI
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Tom ArrudaVP & CIODominion Energy
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Ben GordonSr. VP, CIO and CDOSempra Energy
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Gibbons Saint PaulDirector, Customer ModernizationSalt River Project
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Retha HunsickerFormer President, Customer Experience Design & SolutionsDuke Energy
-
Julia ZhuEVP, Chief Digital & Innovation OfficerAlectra Utilities
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Jody AllisonVice President - TransformationLiberty Utilities
-
Brandy BoldenChief Customer OfficerSMUD
VENUEHotel and Stay
WE3 East
12 - 13 May, 2026
Charlotte,
North Carolina
Iconic Moments From WE3 2025
WE3 East Recap 2025
Event presented by SEW along with the host utility - Dominion Energy, the first-ever WE3 Regional Chapter—East Coast 2025—brought together 100+ visionaries from leading utilities including Duke Energy, Georgia Power, DTE, Alliant Energy, and Liberty, spotlighting how vertical AI is delivering real transformation across grid, field, and customer operations.
WE3 Regional ChapterOther WE3 Regional Chapters
WE3 Canada
19 January 2026 Toronto
WE3 Asia
March, 2026 New Delhi
WE3 EMEA + LATAM
April 2026 France
WE3 Australia
June 2026 Melbourne
The WE3 Regional Chapter was created to bring the spirit and impact of the global WE3 Summit closer to home—enabling more focused, locally relevant conversations on the future of energy, water, and emerging technologies. Designed to foster action-oriented collaboration closer to home, the chapter offers a focused platform for sharing bold ideas, proven strategies, and visionary thinking. With 100+ attendees, 10+ sessions, and 15+ speakers, each chapter delivers the same high-impact experience as the global summit—just with a regional lens and utility-driven leadership at the center.
The Mega Energy and Water Event of the Year
Where People and AI Unite to Transform Energy, Water, and the World
WE3 isn’t just a summit — it’s a global movement turning strategy into action across utilities and beyond. For over five years, WE3 has brought together utility CEOs, policymakers, technologists, and forward-thinkers — all united by a single mantra: Engage. Educate. Empower.
This is where human leadership meets intelligent systems.Where big challenges find real solutions.And where the future of energy and water is built — together.
WE3 is the only global event that brings together energy and utility leaders with AI experts to solve real problems — together. It’s not about buzzwords or big speeches. It’s about sharing ideas, learning from each other, and finding practical ways to use AI and human insight to improve how energy and water reach communities. If you want to be part of a community that’s making change happen — not just talking about it — WE3 is where you need to be.
Download The WE3 App
The WE3 Summit App is your gateway to insights from global industry thought leaders. It brings together perspectives on technology, sustainability, and innovation. Engage with influential voices as they inspire action and share real-life examples, driving us toward a more sustainable and prosperous future.
