November 16, 2026
6:15PM - 8:00PM EST

43rd USAEE North American Conference: Poster Competition and Reception

Presented by the Institute for Humane Studies

Energy Innovation Center | Pittsburgh, PA

Join us for special student poster competition and reception at the Energy Innovation Center (EIC) on Monday evening, November 16 from 6:15 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. presented by the Institute for Humane Studies (IHS).

43rd USAEE North American Conference
Sunday, November 15 through Wednesday, November 18
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Pittsburgh Downtown

Reception guests will enjoy appetizers and drinks in the EIC's Duquesne Light Brightspace. Soaked in light and boasting an expansive view of the Pittsburgh skyline and sunsets, the Brightspace will provide a modern, elegant setting for a memorable evening with colleagues and friends.

The Institute for Humane Studies is the presenting sponsor of the reception. The IHS explores, defends, and applies the principles of a free and open society by developing and connecting leading thinkers who apply the principles of freedom to society’s most consequential questions and complex challenges.

The annual Best Student Poster Award Competition gives selected students an opportunity to showcase their work and receive recognition through dynamic, interactive poster presentations. The competition is sponsored by USAEE Senior Fellows John Holding and Robert Eric Borgstrom.

In addition to providing distinctive event spaces, the EIC, located in Pittsburgh's Lower Hill District, functions as a "living laboratory" for industry-informed education and training programs. It also brings together diverse tenants, including energy sector corporations, national energy research laboratories, community leaders, economic development organizations, and leading academic institutions.

This special reception is included with conference registration. Shuttle service will be provided between the conference hotel and the EIC, which is located less than half a mile away.

The theme for this year's conference is DISRUPTION: The State of Energy Markets in 2026 and Beyond. Sessions will feature vital and timely topics including crude oil supply disruptions, large load growth in electricity markets, energy affordability, natural gas and LNG, nuclear, coal and its place in the energy mix, and more. Join us in Pittsburgh and hear what leading subject matter experts have to say about these and other topics, all against the backdrop of the extraordinary energy market disruptions of 2026. Highlights include:

• Special receptions: Kick off the conference November 15 with the opening reception in the DoubleTree's Pennsylvania Foyer, and then join us the following evening for a special student poster competition and reception at the nearby Energy Innovation Center.
• A dynamic lineup of speakers featuring keynotes from Mark P. Mills and Anna J. Siefken.
• Valuable networking and career-building opportunities — for both students and professionals.
• Concurrent sessions featuring research, case studies, and analysis from industry, academia, and government practitioners.

For session and event details, view the full conference agenda.