2026 Midwest Cogeneration Conference
Midwest Cogeneration Association
August 17-19, 2026.
Holiday Inn, Wolf Point, Downtown Chicago, IL 60654.
About the Event
Advancing the Future of Reliable Energy
The Midwest Cogeneration Conference celebrated MCA’s 40th anniversary! Attendees learned from industry experts about combined heat and power, cogeneration, distributed generation, and microgrid technologies that enhanced energy resiliency and delivered economic benefits through local and federal incentives. Key topics included industry updates, policy developments, regional transmission impacts, resiliency and sustainability solutions, technology advancements, project development, best practices, and lessons learned. Participants networked with exhibitors and professionals to drive innovation in energy and environmental projects.
In addition to the educational experience, attendees had the opportunity to network with exhibitors and sponsors and collaborated with like-minded professionals to foster innovative energy and environmental strategies and projects.
Speakers
Ann McCabe
Keynote Presenter
The 2026 Midwest Cogeneration Conference is honored to welcome Ann McCabe, Commissioner of the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), as our keynote speaker. As states across the Midwest and the nation confront unprecedented changes to their energy systems, Commissioner McCabe will provide a regulator’s perspective on the policies, infrastructure investments, and strategic decisions shaping the future of electricity and natural gas. Her keynote, “The Illinois Energy Outlook: Reliability, Growth, and the Future of Energy Infrastructure,” will offer timely insights into one of the most dynamic periods in the history of the energy sector.
Drawing from Illinois’ experience while highlighting trends impacting utilities and regulators across the Midwest and the United States, Commissioner McCabe will explore the challenges of rapidly growing electricity demand, regional transmission planning, resource adequacy, infrastructure development, and the expanding opportunities for natural gas and distributed energy resources. Attendees will gain valuable insight into how public utility commissions are balancing reliability, affordability, sustainability, and economic development as the energy landscape continues to evolve.
Graeme Miller
U.S. DOE Midwest Onsite Energy TAP
Cliff Haefke
President, Midwest Cogeneration Association (MCA)
Thomas Smith
President, CHP Alliance and President, COGEN World Coalition
Vishnu Barran
Associate Sales Director, Clarke Energy
Jim Leidel
Principal Markets, Technical Consultant, Gas major Accounts, DTE Energy
Gregory Martin
Director, Business Development, DTE Vantage
Paul Glanville
Senior R&D Director, GTI Energy
Mike King
Director of Energy Efficiency, Nicor Gas
Thomas Manjarres
Technical Lead and Principal Analyst, WEC Energy Group
Brian File
Director of Products & Services, Evergy
Malek Mezni
Business Development Manager, Gruppo AB
Thomas Manjarres
Technical Lead and Principal Analyst, WEC Energy Group
Matthew Swindle
CEO and Founder at NLine Energy, Inc.
Travis Cummings
Sr. Business Development Manager, Martin Energy Group
Jessie Gillis
Vice President of Engineering & Projects, Veristar Energy
Chris DePodesta
Principal Advisor, Stanley Consultants
Event Schedule
This isn’t just another day-long session repeating the things we know. We designed and framed it well, so every minute introduces a new concept and a different point of view to adopt.
Day 1 (8/17)
No-Cost Workshop at UIC hosted by the U.S. DOE Midwest Onsite Energy Technical Assistance Partnership. On-Site Technical Tour of Illinois Institute of Technology. Conference Welcome Reception at Wolf Point Hotel.
Day 2 (8/18)
MCA Conference at Wolf Point Hotel. Networking Reception with Exhibitors & Sponsors. Evening Social Event on Chicago Riverwalk (Brews & Bites).
Day 3 (8/19)
On-Site Presentation & Technical Tour of Half Acre Beer Co.
2026 Midwest Inspiring Project Awards
These are combined heat and power (CHP) and/or Distributed Energy Resource (DER) projects that are recognized by the Midwest Cogeneration Association (MCA) that demonstrate outstanding design and implementation of a clean energy system saving energy, reducing emissions, and/or increasing resiliency while contributing to the advancement of sustainable energy systems and addressing key industry challenges.
Explore Opportunities
Don’t miss the opportunity to be at the forefront of partnering with the Midwest Cogeneration Association (MCA) this year as the MCA celebrates 40 years of promoting a greater public understanding of cogeneration, independent power production, and distributed generation. Be among the first to Sponsor/Exhibit at the 2026 Midwest Cogeneration Conference.
Seize this chance to showcase your innovations, network with like-minded professionals, and contribute to the future of sustainable energy. Act now and secure your spot to make a lasting impact!
Our Sponsors
It is not possible to host a conference without our helping hands. We have several sponsors to attribute who help us make things happen.
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Promotional Sponsors
