10/16/2026

USAEE Conference | Panel Spotlight: Energy Markets in Conflict: Ukraine and the Middle East

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Guido Bortoni Chairman, Board of Directors CESI S.p.A	Joe DeCarolis Professor & Dep. Head, Engineering & Public Policy Carnegie Mellon Univ.	Daniel Knudson Sr. Manager, Economics & Energy Analytics Chevron	Michael Plante Assistant Vice President Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas	Greg Upton Associate Professor - Research LSU Energy Institute

Register for the 2026 USAEE North American Conference now and then join us November 15—18 in Pittsburgh!

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

Already Registered? Book Your Hotel Room at the USAEE Group Rate. Once you've registered for the conference, don't forget to book your room at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Pittsburgh Downtown at USAEE’s discounted group rate of $159 per night, plus applicable taxes and fees. Although the group-rate deadline is Friday, October 23, a limited number of rooms are available at this rate, so be sure to book soon.

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. 

Energy Markets Under Fire: Lessons from Ukraine and the Middle East
Geopolitical conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East continue to reshape global energy markets, disrupting supply chains, driving price volatility, and raising concerns about energy security. This panel will examine how these conflicts are affecting energy markets, how governments and industry are responding, and what lessons they offer for future energy policy and investment.

Panelists
Guido Bortoni is Chairman of the Board of Directors of CESI S.p.A., a leading provider of specialized electrical testing and consulting services. He previously served as President of Italy’s energy regulatory authority (ARERA) from 2011 to 2018, Chief Executive of the Department of Energy at Italy’s Ministry of Economic Development, and Senior Advisor for Regulatory Affairs at the European Commission. He is President of the Italian Association of Energy Economists (AIEE).

Joe DeCarolis is Professor and Head of the Department of Engineering and Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon University. His research is focused on conducting rigorous and impartial energy systems analysis to inform sustainable energy system development. From 2022 to 2025, he served in a Senate-confirmed role as Administrator of the U.S. Energy Information Administration, one of the thirteen principal statistical agencies within the U.S. federal government.

Daniel Knudson Mr. Knudson is Senior Manager of Economics and Energy Analytics at Chevron, where he leads development of enterprise-level perspectives on the global energy system, macroeconomic outlooks, and market fundamentals. His career spans more than fifteen years across refining, petrochemicals, and energy demand analytics. His research and professional interests include oil and gas markets, energy demand forecasting, energy transition pathways, and corporate strategy.

Michael Plante is an assistant vice president at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. He joined the Dallas Fed in 2010. His academic research interests include macroeconomics, oil markets and the connections between energy prices and the macroeconomy. Recent research has focused on topics such as the economic impact of the U.S. shale oil boom, structural changes in oil price differentials and macroeconomic uncertainty.

Moderator
Greg Upton's research interests span energy and environmental economics. He has contributed to over 40 publications and presented research to more than 200 industry, government, and academic audiences, including testifying in committees of both chambers of the Louisiana Legislature and a subcommittee of the U.S. House of Representatives. Dr. Upton is the 2026 president of USAEE, a member of the University Advisory Board to the Center for Legislative Energy & Environmental Research (CLEER) and an appointee to the National Petroleum Council (NPC). 

MORE SPEAKERS

In addition to a dynamic lineup of speakers, conference highlights include:

• Special receptions: Kick off the conference on Sunday, November 15, with the opening reception in the DoubleTree Pittsburgh Downtown's Pennsylvania Foyer, and then join us the following evening for a special student poster competition and reception at the nearby Energy Innovation Center.
• Energy Tours, including an exclusive tour of the Westinghouse Innovation Hub on Wednesday, November 18
• Unparalleled networking and career-building opportunities — for both students and professionals.
• Concurrent sessions featuring research, case studies, and analysis from industry, academia, and government practitioners.

Don’t miss out on this must-attend event!

Now is also the perfect time to join us as a conference or association sponsor! Provide vital support for USAEE's mission and enjoy a range of benefits that enhance visibility and impact both at the conference and year-round!