Intersolar & Energy Storage North America Midwest Keynotes to Address Grid Transformation, AI Demand, and Clean Energy Finance

Utility executives from Ameren Illinois, ComEd, and Xcel Energy join capital leaders HASI and Madison Energy Infrastructure, alongside leading Midwest developers, in Rosemont, IL this June

ROSEMONT, Ill. & PORTLAND, Maine--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Intersolar & Energy Storage North America (IESNA), the U.S. solar and storage trade event series, today announced the keynote lineup for its Midwest conference and tradeshow this June 15-17 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL.

IESNA Midwest 2026 keynotes focus on the forces reshaping the regional market: grid transformation, project execution at scale, AI-driven demand, and the road ahead for clean energy finance.

• Rewiring the Midwest: How Utilities Are Adapting to a New Energy Reality: Utility executives Andy Plenge (ComEd), Bria Shea (Xcel Energy), and Brice Sheriff (Ameren Illinois) address how they are navigating unprecedented levels of solar, storage, and DERs while controlling costs and maintaining reliability. The session covers two-way power flow, Illinois’ hosting capacity, and interconnection at scale across MISO. Moderated by Nico Johnson, SunCast Media.
• From Backlog to Energization: How Top Developers and EPCs Are Delivering at Scale: With execution now defining utility-scale solar success, Helena Kimball (SOLV Energy) and Nick Maynard (Arevon) examine what separates projects that reach energization quickly from those that stall, covering design, procurement, and construction strategies. Moderated by Yann Brandt, SolarWakeup.
• How the Midwest Is Tackling AI Growth with Solar + Storage: Jason Houck (Form Energy), Carrie Zalewski (Constellation), and Dr. Laura Sherman (Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council) examine the state policies and creative business strategies positioning the Midwest as a proving ground where large-scale clean energy projects meet growing data center demand. Moderated by Julian Spector, Canary Media.
• Risk, Return, and the Road Ahead: An Unfiltered Conversation on Clean Energy Finance: Daniela Shapiro (HASI) and Cameron Bard (Madison Energy Infrastructure) offer an inside look at how leading institutions are rethinking acquisition strategy and deal structure, and what developers and asset owners should expect from capital markets in the years ahead. Moderated by Julian Spector, Canary Media.

Register for IESNA Midwest

To attend these expert-led keynotes—as well as six practitioner-focused workshops (four offering NABCEP CEUs) and 13 actionable conference sessions—click here to register. For conference program details, the exhibitor list, and more, visit iesna.com/Midwest.

About Intersolar & Energy Storage North America (IESNA)

Intersolar & Energy Storage North America (IESNA) is a tradeshow and conference series serving the solar, energy storage, EV infrastructure, and manufacturing sectors. IESNA convenes developers, EPCs, installers, distributors, investors, and utilities to advance solar and storage deployment across the U.S. market. IESNA’s portfolio includes IESNA Midwest (June 15-17, 2026 in Rosemont, IL), IESNA Texas (September 1-2, 2026 in Dallas, TX), and its national Flagship event (February 9-11, 2027 in San Diego, CA). Learn more at www.iesna.com.

About Diversified

Diversified is a global B2B events and media company that strengthens business communities by fostering a space, in person and online, for professionals and businesses to connect and grow. The company serves as a trusted partner across several industries including active lifestyle, business management, clean energy, commercial marine, healthcare, seafood, technology and more. Established in 1949 and headquartered in Portland, Maine, the global company has divisions and offices around the world in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong and the United Kingdom. Diversified is a third-generation, family-owned business. For more information, visit: www.divcom.com.