The Utility Expo 2025, North America’s largest trade show for utility professionals and construction contractors, is set to host a transformative initiative aimed at empowering women in the industry.
The ADVANCE Program for Women in Utilities, a two-day workshop held October 7–8 in Louisville, Kentucky, is designed to provide actionable strategies for career growth, leadership development, and workplace inclusion.
With the utility sector rapidly evolving, the ADVANCE Program responds to a growing need for diverse leadership and equitable opportunity. “The ADVANCE Program is more than an event—it’s an investment in the rising leaders who will drive innovation, foster inclusion, and elevate our industry for years to come,” said Brianne Somers, the Utility Expo Show Director.
Each day of the ADVANCE Program features two focused sessions tailored to the unique challenges women face in the utility sector:
- Day One (October 7) opens with “How Do I Get the Promotion I Deserve?”, a session on visibility and strategic networking. It’s followed by “Invest in Yourself to ADVANCE Your Career,” which emphasizes mentorship and personal development.
- Day Two (October 8) begins with “When You Are the Only _____ In the Room,” a powerful discussion on reframing identity as a professional asset. The final session, “Negotiation Tools You Need to ADVANCE Your Career,” equips attendees with techniques for salary and resource negotiation.
Attendance is capped at 250 participants per day, with each session priced at $149.
The ADVANCE Program arrives at a pivotal moment for the utility industry, where workforce diversification is not just a goal but a necessity. Women remain underrepresented in field service roles, fleet management, and technical leadership. By offering targeted education and networking opportunities, The Utility Expo is helping to close that gap.
For service truck professionals—many of whom work in male-dominated environments—the ADVANCE Program signals a shift toward more inclusive and supportive workplaces. It also aligns with broader industry efforts to attract and retain skilled talent amid ongoing labor shortages.
The ADVANCE Program is part of a larger educational track at The Utility Expo, which runs October 7–9 at the Kentucky Exposition Center. With hands-on demos, equipment test drives, and over 30 training sessions, the event remains a cornerstone for utility professionals seeking growth and innovation.
For more information or to register, visit www.theutilityexpo.com.