2026 Midwest Cogeneration Conference

Midwest Cogeneration Association

August 17-19, 2026.

Holiday Inn, Wolf Point, Downtown Chicago, IL 60654.

About the Event

Unlocking the Potential of Distributed Energy Resources

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.

Explore Opportunities

6Don’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!

Nominate Project Awardees

The MCA is seeking nominations for the “Midwest Inspiring CHP & DER Project Awards” to be awarded at the 2026 Midwest Cogeneration Conference.

Eligible nominated combined heat and power (CHP) and distributed energy resource (DER) projects must reside in the Midwest region of the U.S. in one of the following states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin. View last year’s Awarded Projects.

Submit Presentation Abstracts

We are looking for inspiring and thought-provoking industry experts to join the 2026 Midwest Cogeneration Conference speaker lineup.

Presentations that incorporate case studies of existing CHP and/or DER projects and/or owners and/or operators of CHP and/or DER systems as presenters and/or co-presenters may be given greater consideration. Meet last year’s Conference Speakers.

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 (8/18)

No-Cost Workshop at UIC, followed by Evening Conference Welcome Reception at Hotel

Day 2 (8/19)

Full Day Conference, Networking Reception, Additional Fun Evening Event

Day 3 (8/20)

Morning Onsite Technical Tour – Site TBD

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.