It’s both surreal and exciting that another Itron Inspire is already approaching—and with what we have in store, 2023 is shaping up to be the best customer-focused conference we’ve hosted yet. This year, industry experts are heading to San Antonio, Texas, from Oct. 22-27 to explore cutting-edge technology and services for their communities, paving the way for business transformation, reshaping customer engagement and creating a more resourceful world. 

Your 2023 Keynotes 

The main event, the Knowledge Conference, takes place Oct. 24-26 and includes a variety of keynotes, thought leadership panels, breakout sessions and networking events, as well as a showcase of Itron and partner solutions. This year’s general session will include a keynote fireside chat with executives from our co-host utilities, including Rudy Garza, President and CEO of CPS Energy and Robert Puente, President & CEO of San Antonio Water System (SAWS). These experienced and respected industry leaders will discuss the current challenges and opportunities facing the utility industry as well as the solutions that are accelerating the energy transition. 

The Highly Anticipated Big Picture Sessions 

From transportation electrification and an increase in new distributed energy resources to environmental pressures, water scarcity, gas safety and mandates for carbon reduction, the grid is facing more demands than ever before. The first Big Picture Session of Itron Inspire 2023, sponsored by Capgemini, will touch on these challenges—and how innovative solutions can address them and more. During this session, Enabling Next-Generation Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), a panel of industry experts will discuss how utilities and cities can enable next-generation AMI that’s reliable, resilient and efficient. 

The second Big Picture Session will address a topic that is top of mind across the globe: artificial intelligence (AI). With AI pushing the boundaries in nearly every aspect of business and life, many are wondering—how does this impact the utility industry? AI can be a powerful tool for the utility sector, especially in light of increasing grid complexity. Join us for the final Big Picture Session sponsored by Microsoft, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning and What It Means for Utilities, where industry leaders will address how AI can enable more informed and efficient planning, better decision making and even take actions that may otherwise be impossible.  

Take a Tour through the Knowledge Center

Don’t forget to stop by the Knowledge Center to get up to speed on our latest innovations and technologies that are helping utilities across the globe stay ahead of the energy transition curve. From the device through the network and to the value-added business outcome, Itron provides our customers with the intelligence they need to: better connect devices across their system; detect anomalies, issues and new technology; operate with greater efficiency; and better control their energy and water distribution systems as they navigate the possibilities ahead.  

This year’s Knowledge Center will showcase Itron services and solutions including cellular, revenue assurance, Temetra Analysis, electric vehicles and solar, distributed energy management, distributed intelligence and much more. Stop by the Knowledge Center beginning at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 24. 

A Crowd Favorite: Women Who Inspire

Now in its eighth year, we’re excited to share that the annual Women in Utilities session has been renamed to Women Who Inspire to better reflect and capture the essence of this discussion. This session will celebrate the women at the forefront of the energy industry who are driving transformation with their leadership, creating lasting change in the industry and showcasing the power of community. Get the highlights of last year’s inspiring session by reading the recap blog, Paving the Way for Women in the Energy Sector.

Celebrating Itron Customers 

It wouldn’t be Itron Inspire if we didn’t take a moment to highlight our exceptional customers. Frost & Sullivan, in collaboration with Itron, is now accepting nominations for the 2023 Excellence in Resourcefulness Awards program. The awards program recognizes utilities and cities that are leveraging technologies or services to achieve measurable outcomes in the wise and careful use of energy and water. Utilities and cities offering innovative products and services to minimize the waste of electric, gas and/or water are invited to submit nominations for their sustainable efforts by Aug. 18, and the winners will be announced to the smart city conference attendees at Itron Inspire 2023. Last year’s recipients included Tampa Electric Company (TEC) and Warren County Water District, Simpson County District and Butler County Water System (WSB). 

Also presented at this year’s Itron Inspire will be the recipient of the Itron Innovator Award, which recognizes a customer that has taken advantage of Itron’s partner enablement programs to deliver a breakthrough solution that solves challenges in energy and water efficiencies and smart communities. Past winners include the City of London Corporation in 2022, CPS Energy in 2021 and Western Power in 2020. Nominations are being accepted with a deadline of Sept. 1. Visit the award landing page to submit your nomination.

Register Today for Itron’s Premier Customer-Focused Event 

We can't wait to see you! Take advantage of early bird pricing and register by Friday, Aug. 11 to save $300. Learn more about the inspiring speakers, access a detailed agenda and register today at www.itron.com/inspire.