The Energy Conversation: Bend's Night Before the Great Transformation

Hosted by What the Tech, Bend? in partnership with Technology Association of Oregon (TAO)

## Details

The people building the future of energy are already in Bend.

On June 23rd, we're bringing together 50 senior energy operators, utility leaders, founders, investors, and experienced builders for an evening of lightning talks and curated introductions just before the Great Transformation conference kicks off July 8-10. This is the conversation happening before the rest of the industry arrives. The goal: turn disconnected expertise into projects and collaborations before the opportunity passes Bend by.”

No panels. No passive networking. No buzzword theater. Just real conversations from people doing the work.

## What to Expect

• Lightning talks from three operators who've built, scaled, and sold energy companies and are still in the trenches
• Curated introductions before and after the talks, so you walk in knowing exactly who you should meet and why
• Food and drinks while the conversations keep going
• A room where serious work happens in an unserious setting

### The Curation Is the Differentiator

We use a matching algorithm that ingests public and private attendee inputs to surface the three most valuable connections for each person in the room. Everyone walks in knowing who they should talk to and why. No awkward cold networking. Just tighter, more productive conversations with the right people.'

## The Speakers

Robert W. Cross
Principal, Cross Consulting | Principal, Outfit
Robert has spent 15+ years helping cleantech CEOs align product, marketing, and sales to accelerate growth. Today, he works with distributed energy companies across the United States and co-organizes the Great Transformation energy transition event in Bend.

Casey Miller
CEO, Elexity | Managing Partner, Blu Ox Ventures
Casey built a $50M solar inverter business, launched more than 30 products across renewable energy and high tech, and now leads Elexity — software that optimizes building energy loads in real time.

Jacob Betcher
CEO, Mayfield Renewables
Jacob helped scale Apricity through its acquisition by Generac Power Systems and now leads Mayfield Renewables, helping accelerate solar and energy storage expertise through education, engineering, and consulting.

## Why Attend

• Connect with senior energy professionals who are actively building, investing, and making decisions in the region
• Walk away with three targeted introductions to the people most relevant to what you're working on
• Get a preview of where the Great Transformation conversation is headed before the conference begins
• Be part of the conversation that keeps putting Bend on the energy map

## Who Should Apply

This event is designed for people doing meaningful work across the energy ecosystem: power generation, transmission, and distribution; solar, wind, storage, fuel cells; microgrids, grid software, and energy data platforms; utilities, independent power producers, and energy policy; cleantech investors and advisors; AI and data center operators navigating energy demand.

Titles matter less than depth of experience, quality of perspective, and willingness to engage honestly. This room is designed for people doing real work and willing to share what’s actually happening, not just what sounds good.

This is an invite-only event with a simple application process. We're curating for seniority, diversity of perspective, and genuine expertise.

Format: A two-hour evening starting at 5:30 PM with curated introductions, lightning talks, and networking over food and drinks.

Tickets: $35 (includes food and drinks). Your ticket is reserved once your application is accepted.

## Partners & Sponsors

Community Partner: Technology Association of Oregon (TAO)
Event Sponsors:

• Cross Consulting / Outfit — Robert W. Cross
• Your company — Your name

Sponsoring this event puts your company in the room with senior energy professionals actively shaping Central Oregon’s energy future. Reach out to John McMahon at [jpmcmahon@gmail.com](mailto:jpmcmahon@gmail.com).

## Apply Now

Space is intentionally limited. Apply here: https://forms.gle/8zwhFgReD8YYnXkRA

Be part of the conversation helping connect Bend to the Great Transformation.

.