The Iowa/Nebraska System Protection and Substation Conference

The Iowa/Nebraska System Protection and Substation Conference is an esteemed event that has been pivotal in the utility sector since its inception in 1977. Originally established as a three-day protection school by Westinghouse, the conference has evolved significantly over the years. It transitioned into a one-day seminar until 1991, when a second day was introduced to cover broader substation topics. By 2002, the conference expanded to include a third day dedicated to discussing current events and trends that impact utilities, with the focus for this year on Generation topics. Attendance has grown remarkably from just 39 participants in its first year to over 300 in 2025, reflecting its increasing relevance and importance in the industry.The conference caters to a diverse group of attendees, including engineers, technicians, and other professionals from utilities throughout Iowa and Nebraska, as well as various municipalities, cooperatives, and consultants. The 2026 event will take place at the West Shores Conference Center in Omaha, United States, with attendance costs set at $100 for online participation and $150 for those attending in person. The program is curated by the engineering division of the Omaha Public Power District and features informal presentations from the host vendor and participating utilities. The focus of the presentations is technical, addressing design, application, and operational issues relevant to the field. Many presenters generously share their slides with attendees post-conference, enhancing the learning experience. This unique utility conference primarily consists of utility professionals and one sponsoring manufacturer or vendor, ensuring that discussions and presentations are highly relevant and beneficial to attendees.