DTECH® 2026 to Showcase Insights from Industry Leaders Like Zipline and Pixar

DTECH® 2026: A Turning Point in Energy and Technology

The much-anticipated DTECH® (previously known as DISTRIBUTECH) will commence its 2026 edition on February 2 in San Diego. This leading transmission and distribution event happens at a critical juncture for the energy sector, witnessing historic growth driven by AI, data centers, and electrified transportation.

With groundbreaking investments enhancing the grid, the event is set to gather over 20,000 professionals within the energy industry. Their collective goal will be to forge forward with the technology, policy, and partnerships essential for nurturing a cleaner and more dependable grid. This year, the opening keynote will be delivered at The Rady Shell, followed by a captivating performance by Recycled Percussion, which aims to infuse energy and creativity into the event's theme of innovation.

Keynote Speakers Redefining Insights and Connections

Among the esteemed keynote speakers is Keller Rinaudo Cliffton, the Founder and CEO of Zipline. Cliffton has redefined the perception of drones from militaristic tools to vital instruments for connection and innovation. As a trailblazer of what can be termed the 'Fourth Industrial Revolution', he will share insights on how automation and logistics can significantly improve various industries and consumers' engagement with technology.

Adding to this lineup is Dex Hunter-Torricke, the former Head of Communications at SpaceX, who has spent the past decade at industry giants like Google and Facebook. His address will cover significant global trends, including the explosive rise of AI and shifts in digital storytelling. With these technologies steadily altering our lives, Hunter-Torricke will provide invaluable perspectives on the future.

Matthew Luhn, a storytelling expert and former Pixar Animation Studios consultant, emphasizes the profound role storytelling plays in connection and leadership. Drawing experiences from his two-decade tenure at Pixar, Luhn will explore how narrative techniques behind blockbuster movies can empower teams, transforming their visions into impactful societal narratives.

Panel Discussions on Energy Innovations

Jay Shah, the Head of Product Marketing for Energy Utilities at AWS, will steer discussions featuring AWS leaders and key industry executives. The panel talks will delve into the cascading effects of rising computation and AI demands on the energy sector. With Amazon committing over $118 billion to technology infrastructure this year, the group will discuss how such investments shape regional energy systems and foster collaborative efforts in integrating renewable energy.

Moreover, Sara Riis-Carstensen, a former leader at LEGO, Carlsberg, and currently with the Lufthansa Group, will reveal how compelling storytelling, innovative strategies, and a clear purpose can distinctly redefine brands. In her address about LEGO’s transformation, Riis-Carstensen will demonstrate how narrative creativity can inspire breakthrough innovations.

Jon Youshaei, who has led creative strategies at YouTube and Instagram, will enlighten audiences about fostering a culture of innovation. He will discuss how teams can create groundbreaking ideas by emphasizing the importance of experimentation, quality, and creativity in driving success.

Industry-Wide Collaboration to Shape the Future

Addressing the participants, Stephanie Kolodziej, Group VP at Clarion Events, remarked on the ongoing transformation in the utility industry, referencing rising demand, accelerating technologies, and higher public expectations. She emphasized that the industry must step beyond traditional boundaries to protect communities and promote growth, calling for unprecedented collaboration among utilities, innovators, and policymakers.

As the future of the energy grid moves away from isolated operation to collaborative frameworks, DTECH® stands as a pivotal junction uniting diverse stakeholders to navigate the challenges ahead together.