Conference FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions:

• What does "EMACS" stand for?

  EMACS is an acronym for “Energy Marketing and Customer Service.” Now in its 29th year, the conference has expanded to encompass a lot more. New areas of focus include vulnerable customers, electric vehicles, and business customers, while evergreen topics such as billing and payment, digital experience communications, customer service, and program marketing remain as pertinent as ever.

• Is the EMACS Conference and PowerUp Conference happening in the same location?

  Yes! We’re happy to announce that PowerUp – Chartwell’s Outage Conference and EMACS – Chartwell’s Customer Experience Conference – will once again be co-located!

   

  Both PowerUp  EMACS will take place at the Hilton Atlanta this September 22nd through 24th.

   

  This is a unique chance to attend one or both of these dynamic events, offering an even greater breadth of insights, strategies, and networking opportunities under one roof.

• What are the details for the hotel?

  Our host for Chartwell’s PowerUp Conference is the Hilton Atlanta, located at:

  255 Courtland St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303

   

  We are pleased to offer a discounted room rate of $209 per night plus applicable fees and taxes in effect at the time of check in.

   

  **The cutoff date to book a room at our host hotel is Monday, August 31st, 2026.**

   

  The link to reserve a room will be located in your confirmation email. Please book directly through this link only.

  We recommend that you arrive by 5:00 PM on September 22nd and remain through the conclusion of the event, departing at your leisure on September 25th.

   

  Currently, the Hotel’s check-in time is 4:00 PM, and check-out time is 11:00 AM

   

  If you need to cancel or alter your reservation for any reason after booking, please be sure to do so no later than 48 hours prior to your arrival to avoid cancellation or no-show penalties.

• Is there parking at the conference hotel?

  Yes. Self-parking will be offered at a rate of $35 per day.

• What is the attire for the conference?

  Business casual. Temperatures in conference halls may fluctuate widely. If you are prone to feeling cold you may want to bring along a sweater or jacket.

• My utility is a member of the one or more of Chartwell's Leadership Council(s). Can I attend a meeting?

  Member utilities are allowed two complimentary seats at each Leadership Council meeting. Additional seats can be purchased for $315 each. (Please note that additional seats do not include admittance to the EMACS conference)

   

  If you are interested in attending one of the meetings, please reach out to Anna Miller at amiller@chartwellinc.com. 

• I'm confirmed to attend one of the following in-person Leadership Council meetings: Customer Experience, Billing & Payment, or Vulnerable Customer. When are the meetings in conjunction with the EMACS conference?

  The Customer Experience, Billing & Payment, Vulnerable Customer, Business Customer and Electric Vehicle Leadership Council meetings are prior to the EMACS Conference and will take place on Tuesday, September 22nd, from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM ET.

   

  All council meeting attendees should plan to arrive in Atlanta on Monday, September 21st.

  The EMACS Conference officially begins Tuesday evening at 6 pm with a Welcome Reception.

   

  *Please note: These are closed meetings and only those confirmed with Chartwell should plan to attend. For more information, please reach out to Anna Miller at amiller@chartwellinc.com*

• What networking opportunities are there during the conference?

  In addition to our networking receptions and meals, we’ve scheduled 30-minute breaks each morning and afternoon to give you ample time to interact with fellow utility professionals, conference sponsors and exhibitors.

• Will there be Wi-Fi?

  Yes, there will be free Wi-Fi available in all meeting spaces. Sign-in info will be provided on conference communications or ask a Chartwell employee for assistance!

• What if I have a special need, such as a dietary restriction?

  Food will be served at each nightly reception. Please let us know as far in advance as possible about any special needs or requests by contacting conferences@chartwellinc.com.

• Will slides be available after the conference?

  Yes, we will email all presentations to attendees within the following week.