Build an Agile, Resilient and Connected Workforce
March 23 - 25, 2026
| The Westin Galleria Houston, Texas
Main Conference Day Two | Wednesday, March 25 2026
7:30 am - 8:00 am
Check in and Networking Breakfast
8:00 am - 8:05 am
Opening Remarks from the Chair
8:05 am - 8:35 am
Opening Keynote Panel: Architecting the Future of Connected Worker Technologies in Energy
Mark Sternberger -
Chief Enterprise Architect, Cybersecurity and Operational Technologies,
Pacific Gas and Electric
Grant Ecker - Chief Enterprise Architect, Ecolab
Soma Venkat - SVP & Chief Information Technology Officer, Cooper Standard
As energy organizations strive to scale connected worker technologies across complex operational environments, the challenge lies not only in deploying advanced tools like AI, AR, and predictive analytics, but in aligning them with enterprise architecture, cultural readiness, and measurable ROI. This panel brings together experts to explore how you can move beyond pilot purgatory and architect scalable, secure, and future-proof solutions that empower frontline workers, enhance decision-making, and drive transformation across the value chain.
- Designing for Scale: How to move from isolated pilots to strategic, organization-wide deployment of connected worker technologies
- Cultural Architecture: Why transformation starts with people, and how to embed change management and user adoption into digital initiatives
- Small Language Models and AI Governance: Ensuring traceability, domain specificity, and regulatory compliance in AI-driven environments
- Cybersecurity and IT/OT Convergence: Managing increased threats while building trusted data environments for operational resilience
- ROI-Driven Decision Making: Using KPIs and architectural frameworks to prioritize investments and enable self-funding transformation projects
Mark Sternberger
Chief Enterprise Architect, Cybersecurity and Operational TechnologiesPacific Gas and Electric
8:35 am - 9:05 am
Data Foundations for AI Success: Governance, Stewardship & Security
Before AI can deliver value, organizations must tackle the foundational challenges of data governance, quality, and security. This session offers practical strategies for building a trusted data environment that enables scalable deployment.
- Creating a culture of data stewardship across the enterprise
- Data classification, access control, and monitoring
- Solving the attribution gap: what data are you missing?
- Aligning governance with AI use cases and risk profiles
- Tools and frameworks for scalable data governance in energy
9:05 am - 9:35 am
Panel: From Hype to Impact: Evaluating Emerging Tech for Real ROI in Frontline Operations
Ram Seetepalli -
Ai, Digital Enablement Director, Data Analytics,
Motiva Enterprises
Katelyn DuBois - Innovation Architect, Dow Inc
Srinivasan Vanchinathan - Director, Refining Digital Operations, Phillips 66
As connected worker technologies evolve, the challenge shifts from innovation to adoption and value realization. This session explores how to critically evaluate new tools, overcome cultural and operational barriers, and identify technologies that deliver ROI. Drawing from real-world experience, our panelists will highlight the nuances of adoption, the importance of security and data governance, and the need for pragmatic tech strategies.
- Understanding the dual challenge of operational resistance and workforce demographics in scaling connected worker tools
- How to assess emerging technologies and get beyond the hype for real business impact and measurable outcomes
- Addressing mobile device management and security gaps in wearable and connected worker deployments
- Exploring the potential of lightweight, voice-activated AI assistants for field operations and maintenance support
9:35 am - 10:20 am
Agentic AI Lightning Talks. Fast-Paced. Future-Focused. Field-Tested.
Get ready for a rapid-fire series of 10-minute tech spotlights showcasing the latest Agentic AI innovations transforming the connected workforce. Each session delivers a concise, high impact look at a specific use case designed to boost productivity, safety, and efficiency in the field. Whether you're at the start of your Agentic AI journey or looking to scale across your operations, these lightning talks offer real-world solutions and actionable insight, in record time.
Talk 1: From Reactive to Autonomous: How Agentic AI Is Redefining Maintenance Strategy
Talk 2: AI with Agency: Empowering Machines to Think, Plan, and Act in Real Time
Talk 3: The Human-AI Partnership: Scaling Tribal Knowledge Through Intelligent Agents
Talk 4: Smarter Assets, Leaner Operations: Unlocking Efficiency with Agentic AI
10:20 am - 10:50 am
Networking Break
Take control of your experience with three dynamic, concurrent tracks tailored to the most critical aspects of connected worker tech. Build a personalized agenda that aligns with your goals and maximize ROI by attending only the sessions that matter most, ensuring every minute spent drives actionable value
Breakout Tracks
The AI Enabled Worker
10:50 am - 11:20 am Case Study: Agentic AI, Location Intelligence, and the Future of Field Operations Philippe Daroux - Operations Technology Product Line Manager, ChevronAs AI capabilities evolve, the vision of an “assisted worker” supported by real-time data, contextual insights, and intelligent tools is becoming a reality. This session will explore how Chevron is laying the digital foundation to enable agentic AI in field operations; AI that not only provides insights but can act autonomously within defined parameters to support frontline decision-making. The discussion will focus on the critical role of location intelligence, user experience, and cybersecurity in enabling this next-generation workforce.
- Why real-time location services are foundational to enabling agentic AI in the field
- Building toward an MVP for agentic AI to support autonomous decision-making and task execution
- Integrating digital twins, IoT, and contextual data to deliver relevant insights at the point of work
- Exploring future interfaces: from lightweight AR glasses to audio-based virtual assistants
- Balancing innovation with cybersecurity to ensure safe deployment of AI and connected tools
The AI Enabled Worker
11:20 am - 11:50 am Smarter Decisions in Energy: Applying Causal AI for Real-Time Operational ImpactAs energy companies strive to unlock the full potential of their data, causal AI is emerging as a game-changer. This session explores how organizations are moving beyond dashboards to deploy AI that understands cause and effect, enabling smarter, faster decisions on the plant floor.
- Integrating AI with data historians to drive real-time operational insights
- Use cases for causal AI in energy manufacturing and utilities
- Overcoming data quality and attribution challenges
- Building trust in AI-driven recommendations at the edge
The AI Enabled Worker
11:50 am - 12:20 pm Panel Discussion: Scaling Agentic AI in Energy: From Hype to High-Impact Operations Stephan Blasilli - Head of Business Process Excellence, EDP Renewables North AmericaMathias Klinkby - Senior Performance Specialist, Noble
As AI continues to evolve, energy companies are exploring how agentic AI can move beyond buzzwords to deliver real operational value. This session explores how intelligent agents are being used to automate routine tasks, support field technicians, and enhance asset reliability, while navigating the challenges of trust, scalability, and workforce adoption.
- Using AI agents for work order creation, fault notifications, and spare parts management
- Lessons learned from piloting and scaling intelligent technician tools
- Building trust and guardrails for autonomous task execution Workforce adoption: overcoming skepticism and driving engagement
Data Governance
10:50 am - 11:20 am Case Study: From Data Chaos to Clarity: Building Scalable Governance for Connected Worker Success Sreedevi Gundamaraju - Manager IT Data Strategy & Governance, Oxy- Aligning enterprise data strategy with connected worker initiatives
- Overcoming integration challenges across legacy and modern platforms
- Enabling real-time decision-making through structured data governance
- Lessons from global SAP transformation projects and cross-functional collaboration
- Building scalable frameworks that support safety, compliance, and operational agility
Data Governance
11:20 am - 11:50 am Data Foundations for Connected Worker Success: Governance, Stewardship & SecurityBefore connected worker solutions can deliver value, organizations must tackle the foundational challenges of data governance, quality, and security. This session offers practical strategies for building a trusted data environment that enables scalable connected worker deployment
- Creating a culture of data stewardship across the enterprise
- Data classification, access control, and monitoring
- Solving the attribution gap: what data are you missing?
- Aligning governance with connected worker use cases and risk profiles
- Tools and frameworks for scalable data governance in energy
Data Governance
11:50 am - 12:20 pm Panel Discussion: Trust Your Data: Why Governance Is the Backbone of Digital Transformation Rhiannon Sanchez - Director, Document Solutions and Data Governance, LCRALourdes Reyes - Director, Digital Transformation, Wood plc
As energy organizations accelerate digital transformation, the ability to manage, protect, and leverage data effectively has become mission critical. Yet many still struggle with fragmented legacy systems, inconsistent data standards, and unclear ownership. This panel explores how robust data governance frameworks can unlock the full potential of connected worker technologies, reduce operational risk, and drive smarter decision-making. Experts will share strategies for overcoming common pitfalls and building scalable, resilient data ecosystems that support enterprise-wide innovation.
Identify and address the root causes of poor data quality, including siloed systems, manual processes, and lack of standardized governance protocols.
- Explore strategies for validating and contextualizing operational data to ensure accuracy in decision-making across field and plant environments
- Understand the role of data ownership, stewardship, and accountability in building trust and transparency across departments and teams
- Learn how to align data governance with cybersecurity and compliance frameworks, including NERC CIP, ISO 27001, and evolving regulatory mandates
- Discover how to scale governance practices across legacy and modern platforms, enabling seamless integration of IoT, AI, and analytics tools
Connectivity
10:50 am - 11:20 am Case Study: Connected, Secure, Productive: How Private Wireless Networks Transform Industrial WorkforcesAs industrial enterprises embrace digital transformation, private wireless networks are becoming essential for secure, high-performance connectivity. This session explores how scalable wireless infrastructure, especially 5G LAN, is enabling real-time data access, seamless mobility, and mission-critical applications that drive measurable gains in safety, efficiency, and uptime.
- Enabling mobile access to digital work instructions, remote support, and predictive maintenance
- Deploying and managing private wireless tailored to industrial environments
- Ensuring secure connectivity with robust data transmission, device authentication, and network segmentation
- Boosting productivity and reducing downtime through faster decision-making and improved collaboration
Connectivity
11:20 am - 11:50 am Connected, Protected, Productive: Building the Right Device Strategy for Industrial TeamsAs frontline workers face increasing digital demands, energy companies need to rethink their device strategies to reduce complexity and improve usability. This session will explore how wearables, intrinsically safe devices, and push-to-talk solutions are being evaluated and integrated to support safety, communication, and operational efficiency.
- Evaluating and integrating intrinsically safe devices and wearables
- Reducing device overload through multifunctional platforms
- Enhancing lone worker safety with smartwatches and man-down features
- Aligning device strategy with user experience and adoption goals
Connectivity
11:50 am - 12:20 pm Panel Discussion: Smarter, Safer, Faster: How Private Wireless and IoT Are Transforming Field OperationsAs energy operations modernize, secure, high-performance connectivity is critical across both fixed infrastructure and mobile field teams. This panel explores how private wireless networks, IoT sensors, and real-time data platforms drive efficiency, safety, and resilience, from predictive maintenance and smart grid automation to augmented reality support in the field.
- Detecting faults faster with wireless sensors and edge connectivity for targeted maintenance
- Anticipating equipment failures and optimizing repair schedules using sensor-driven insights
- Supporting automation and robotics with low-latency, high-bandwidth networks
- Enhancing remote support and accuracy through connected devices and augmented reality
- Automating workflows and monitor asset health with AI-powered, real-time data platforms
12:20 pm - 1:10 pm
Lunch and Networking Break
Take control of your experience with three dynamic, concurrent tracks tailored to the most critical aspects of connected worker tech. Build a personalized agenda that aligns with your goals and maximize ROI by attending only the sessions that matter most, ensuring every minute spent drives actionable value.
Breakout Tracks
User Adoption
1:10 pm - 1:40 pm Case Study: Workforce 4.0: Building Talent for the Intelligent Energy Enterprise Lisa Williams - Senior Director Operations Talent Strategy and Employee Experience, DowAs companies accelerate digital transformation, workforce challenges are emerging as a critical barrier to progress. Aging field teams, rising attrition, and a shrinking talent pool are converging with the need for new digital skills and agile mindsets. This session explores how to align workforce strategies with connected worker initiatives, bridging generational divides, capturing institutional knowledge, and designing environments that attract and retain the next wave of tech-driven talent.
- Addressing the realities of an aging workforce, increasing turnover, and the urgent need to build a resilient talent pipeline across energy operations
- Strategies for transferring tribal knowledge from seasoned field workers to digital-native employees through mentorship, mobile tools, and collaborative platforms
- How to future-proof energy operations by integrating workforce planning with connected worker goals, from upskilling to digital adoption
- Equipping teams with the skills, mindset, and trust needed to work alongside AI, focusing on change management, digital literacy, and human-machine collaboration
User Adoption
1:40 pm - 2:10 pm Panel Discussion: Designing for Adoption: Change Management and Human-Centered Platforms for the Connected Workforce Holly Frankenfield - Director - Land Administration, Vital EnergyJean-Patrick Ceant - HR Manager, Marathon Oil
As digital transformation accelerates across industrial environments, success hinges not just on technology, but on people. This panel explores how organizations are deploying connected worker platforms and AI-enabled tools in ways that prioritize usability, trust, and cultural alignment. From intuitive design to strategic change management, the discussion will highlight practical approaches to driving adoption, reducing resistance, and delivering measurable value across frontline operations.
- How early engagement and clear communication foster buy-in and reduce resistance to new technologies.
- Why intuitive interfaces and streamlined workflows are critical to frontline adoption and long-term success.
- How quick, visible improvements in data access and operational efficiency help build support for broader transformation.
- Leveraging workshops, cross-functional teams, and internal champions to align digital tools with organizational values
User Adoption
2:10 pm - 2:40 pm Case Study: Maximizing Adoption of Digital Technologies by Building Trust, Transparency and Early WinsStrategy & Security
1:10 pm - 1:40 pm Case Study: Balancing Innovation, Cost, and Cybersecurity in Global Digital Deployments Anne Emberson - Area Vice President Digital, EcolabAs organizations accelerate the rollout of connected worker platforms, the integration of AI and remote service tools is transforming field operations. However, scaling globally introduces challenges around cost, change management, and cybersecurity. This session explores how to drive value from AI-enabled platforms while managing deployment risks, user adoption, and IT/OT collaboration.
- Evaluating ROI and rationalizing vendor services amid rising upgrade costs
- Scaling connected worker platforms globally: overcoming change management and support hurdles
- Embedding AI for remote diagnostics, customer self-service, and centralized data insights
- Governance and IP concerns around Agentic AI and internal knowledge capture
- Bridging the IT/OT divide to strengthen cybersecurity in operational environments
Strategy & Security
1:40 pm - 2:10 pm Panel Discussion: Cybersecurity for the AI-Powered Industrial Enterprise: Aligning OT, IT & Innovation Blake Gilson - Industrial information Technology cyber security operations manager, ExxonMobilReynaldo Gonzalez - Principal Cybersecurity Architect, Cummins Inc.
Durgesh Kalya - Baytown Cybersecurity Officer (CySO), OT Security Network Expert., Covestro
Bemi Anjous - CISO, Noble Corporation
As AI becomes embedded in industrial operations, the cybersecurity threat landscape is evolving fast. Attackers are using AI for more sophisticated phishing, deepfakes, and automated breaches, while many organizations struggle to embed security early in the innovation lifecycle. This session explores how to build a resilient cybersecurity posture that supports AI adoption, protects OT environments, and enables cross-functional collaboration.
- Challenges in integrating security into early-stage AI innovation and project approval processes
- Bridging the IT/OT divide: fostering collaboration and cultural change for better security outcomes
- Assessing the risks and opportunities of generative AI and agent-based tools in industrial environments
Strategy & Security
2:10 pm - 2:40 pm Case Study: Protecting Industrial Operations in a Converged IT/OT EnvironmentScaling Connected Worker
1:10 pm - 1:40 pm Case Study: Scaling What Works: Lessons in Enterprise-Wide Digital Adoption Garith Duncan - Digital Transformation Manager, SNF Holding CompanyIn this session, Garith will share insights from his team’s journey implementing and scaling digital tools across operations. From initial pilots to enterprise-wide integration, this case study explores the practical realities of digital adoption, cross-platform connectivity, and building a unified interface for frontline workers.
Attendees will gain a grounded perspective on what it takes to move from experimentation to sustainable transformation.
- Lessons learned from scaling a digital operations platform from 100 to 900+ users
- Integrating digital tools with enterprise systems, historians, and analytics platforms
- Creating a single pane of glass for frontline access to operational and historical data
- Strategies for sustaining adoption, managing vendor relationships, and ensuring long-term value
Scaling Connected Worker
1:40 pm - 2:10 pm Panel Discussion: From Data to Impact: Scaling Advanced Analytics Across the Energy Value Chain Anil Godumagadda - Vice President of Digital Solutions, Patterson-UTI Energy IncNoorddin Taj - Digital Strategy, Innovation and Architecture, BP
Bikram Sharda - Business Intelligence & Productivity Director, Dow Chemical Company
Energy companies generate vast amounts of data, but over 90% of it fails to inform decisions. This session explores how AI, machine learning, and real-time analytics are driving measurable gains across the value chain. Panelists will share proven use cases, scaling strategies, and insights into overcoming common barriers.
- Close the performance gap by turning underused data into actionable insights.
- Deliver 30–50% ROI through predictive maintenance, production optimization, and smarter decision support.
- Scale analytics across operations with internal data science teams, digital academies, and centers of excellence.
- Tackle challenges like data quality, legacy systems, and workforce readiness with agile approaches.
- Prepare for the next wave of intelligent automation and advanced decision support.
Scaling Connected Worker
2:10 pm - 2:40 pm Case Study: From Pilot Purgatory to Scalable Technology: Building the Infrastructure for Enterprise-Wide Transformation Jonathan Alexander - Global Manufacturing AI & Advanced Analytics Manager, AlbemarleMany organizations are stuck in “pilot purgatory,” unable to scale promising initiatives. This session explores how to break through that barrier by building the right infrastructure, aligning stakeholders, and crafting a compelling narrative around enterprise-wide adoption. Drawing on real-world examples from process optimization, generative AI, and digital twin technologies, this talk will offer a roadmap for scaling innovation across global operations.
- Lessons from pilot purgatory: why promising projects stall and how to overcome it
- Scaling generative AI: training models with quality data, managing document versions, and capturing tribal knowledge.
- Building user trust and adoption: addressing fears, app fatigue, and poor UI/UX
- Creating a digital infrastructure for scale: contextualized data, action boards, and internal chatbots
2:40 pm - 3:00 pm
Networking Break
3:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Case Study: IT Strategy and Governance: Enabling the Connected Workforce
Lisa Cruz -
Director, IT Applications,
Apache Corporation
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, IT leaders must do more than manage infrastructure, they must architect the future of work. In this session, Lisa, an enterprise IT leader with a proven track record of managing multimillion-dollar initiatives, will share insights from Apache's transformation journey. From deploying connected worker technologies to embracing AI-enabled capabilities, Lisa has guided the organization through strategic, operational, and cultural shifts to drive lasting impact. Drawing from her experience, Lisa will explore how clear IT roadmaps, a strong governance model, and clean data are essential for sustainable digital transformation. Attendees will gain a pragmatic, inside look at how Apache has empowered frontline workers with real-time productivity and communication tools, while maintaining structure, security, and operational excellence every step of the way.
Learn how to build and execute multi-year IT roadmaps that drive measurable gains
Gain practical insights on establishing governance, KPIs, and strategies that support scale and continuous improvement
Explore the foundational role of data cleanliness in enabling successful AI initiatives and enterprise transformation
Understand how to evolve the workforce, from connected to digital to AI-enabled while supporting frontline productivity and adoption
8:00 am - 8:30 am
Fireside Chat: Balancing Innovation and Usability: The Toyota Approach to Connected Worker Transformation
Andrea Hine -
Energy Professional,
Energy Company
Jordan H Wells - Senior Analyst, Toyota North America
As digital transformation accelerates across industry, Toyota is setting the pace with connected worker technologies that drive real-time decision-making, enhance safety, and streamline operations. In conversation with Andrea Hine, Jordan H. Wells will unpack Toyota’s strategy for delivering scalable, user-friendly solutions that empower frontline teams, while navigating the complexities of enterprise integration and adoption.
Jordan H Wells
Senior AnalystToyota North America
4:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Closing Keynote Panel: Turning Skepticism into Success: Scaling Digital Tools Where Work Happens
Kang Chen -
Chief Information Officer,
Aethon
Despite the clear benefits of connected worker technologies, improved safety, efficiency, and real-time decision-making, many frontline teams remain hesitant to embrace digital tools. Resistance often stems from fear of change, lack of perceived value, or discomfort with unfamiliar systems. This session brings together energy leaders to explore proven strategies for overcoming cultural and operational barriers, building trust in analytics, and empowering frontline workers to become champions of digital transformation. Through practical examples and peer-led insights, attendees will learn how to turn skepticism into sustained adoption
- Explore how hands-on, role-based training and peer mentoring can demystify analytics tools and foster a culture of learning and trust
- Learn how to design outputs that are intuitive, relevant, and immediately useful, helping workers see the impact of analytics on their daily tasks
- Discover how involving workers in the design process improves usability, reduces resistance and ensures tools align with real-world workflows
- Understand how transparent messaging about the benefits of connected tools, linked to safety, efficiency and job satisfaction, can shift mindsets and drive engagement
