Artificial Intelligence Workshop

Description

Artificial Intelligence Workshop
November 10-11, 2026 (T 9a-4p, W 8a-3p)
Minnesota Rural Electric Association
11640 73rd Ave N
Maple Grove, MN 55369

Who Should Attend 
Any Co-op employee.

AI in Practice: Applications for Utilities
Tools like Copilot, ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini, as well as industry-specific and role-specific AI applications, are no longer discussions about the future - they are a part of our daily reality. This workshop gives you a structured way to catch up with the state of the industry, evaluate useful tools for your scenarios, and plan strategies for your organization. First, we build a foundation of information and essential use cases, then we develop practical skills and lead honest conversations about what cooperatives are experiencing in the field. From AI-assisted productivity to automated workflows and agentic systems, you'll leave with a roadmap for your organization's next steps.

Requirements 
You will need to bring your laptop to do hands-on activities.

Agenda
Day 1 Morning: The AI Landscape

• Distinguishing between generative AI, agentic AI, predictive analytics, and workflow automation - and explaining how each category applies differently for organizations like yours
• Identifying the leading AI platforms in use today and demonstrating the key differences between them
• Outlining and highlighting current and emerging AI applications in the utility sector, including prediction, automation, reporting, and communications
• Evaluating the relevance of specific AI use cases to your cooperative's needs

Day 1 Afternoon: Copilot and Claude - Productivity Scenarios

• Understanding how Copilot and Claude work, including their data access, security, and how they generate responses
• Comparing capabilities and limitations of free and paid subscription tiers for generative AI products
• Exploring security and permissions with Copilot, Claude, ChatGPT, and Gemini
• Identifying valuable use cases for embedded AI in collaborative workspaces

Day 2 Morning: Deep-Dive with Generative AI

• Building a toolbox of useful techniques and functions with Copilot and other applications
• Engaging with colleagues to explore real-world benefits and adoption
• Designing AI policies for organizations with unique security and dependability requirements
• Planning the next steps for yourself and your team

Day 2 Afternoon: Automation and Agentic AI

• Mapping the automation landscape, from rule-based workflows to fully autonomous agents, and identifying applications in a cooperative environment
• Exploring Power Automate for building intelligent workflows without a development team
• Understanding AI agents, including where current capabilities begin and end
• Evaluating automation and agentic AI use cases specific to cooperative operations, including member services, compliance, and field operations

Instructor:
Neil Malek - Knack Training

Cost
Please see registration page for pricing.
Options include:
Both Days
Day 1 Only
Day 2 Only

Hotel
Holiday Inn & Suites Arbor Lakes
11801 Fountains Way
Maple Grove, MN 55369
763-425-3800 

Event Policies
MREA Event Cancellation Policy (Link to Full Policy) updated 12.19.2025

MREA Event Code of Conduct (Link to Full Policy)
MREA is committed to providing a safe, productive and welcoming environment for all participants and staff in MREA meetings, conferences, training programs, and events both online and in-person. All Event participants including but not limited to attendees, speakers, exhibitors, staff, students, guests and vendors, are expected to abide by this MREA Event Code of Conduct, and this code applies to all space and situations in which MREA meeting-related activities are being conducted, including virtual meetings and those sponsored by organizations other than MREA but held in conjunction with MREA Events. Participation constitutes agreement to comply with the Code of Conduct as a condition of attendance. 

2026 Late Registration
All events in 2026 will be subject to a $50 late registration fee for anyone that registers 2 weeks prior to the published event dates.