SAFETY CONFERENCE

The ILR Safety & Training Conference is a one and a half-day learning experience that offers speaker presentations and training demonstrations. The ILRA is committed to help promote work safe practices that improve the safe performance of line work. All attendees are invited to come hear from industry experts on hot topics evolved in the electric utility industry. Make plans now to arrive early and join us for this information packed event.

Wednesday, October 14, 2026
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday Safety Conference
 
 
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Building a Voice to Support the Industry
Ryan Lucas, Quanta Services
Ryan Lucas
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Beyond the Checklist: the Lie we Tell Ourselves
Ken Lulow, Lineworker Solutions
Ken Lulow
10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Just Another Day
Theo Venter
Theo Venter
11:45 AM - 12:15 PM
Lunch
 
 
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
Off Road Consulting-Winch and Recovery Safety
Kyle Buchter, Off Road Consulting
Kyle Buchter
1:15 PM - 2:15 PM
Is 911 Enough?
Travis Proffitt, Service Electric Co. Corp - Chattanooga *
Travis Proffitt
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Understanding Compatible Connections and Fall Distances of Fall Protection Components and System
Bob Hall, Buckingham Manufacturing
Bob Hall
Thursday, October 15, 2026
8:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Thursday Safety Conference
 
 
8:01 AM - 8:30 AM
Registration/Continental Breakfast/Welcome
 
 
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
30 Years in the Trade…and Still Behind
Wilson Matthew Betances, Energize Us EDU Inc.
Wilson Matthew Betances
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Nearly Hit..the Silent Incidents We Don’t Talk About
Thomas Williamson, United Powerline Solutions
Thomas Williamson
10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Eyes on the Air
Jason Taylor, Sentinel Robotic Solutions
Jason Taylor
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Expo Open
 
 
Friday, October 16, 2026
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Judges Information & Registration
 
 
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Expo Open
 
 
9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Judges Meeting
 
 
9:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Contestants Registration
 
 
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Apprentice Testing
 
 
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Contestant Registration Open for Late Arrivals
 
 
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Barbecue and Trade Night
 
 
Saturday, October 17, 2026
7:00 AM
Opening Ceremony and Instructions to Participants
 
 
7:30 AM
Rodeo Competition Begins
 
 
6:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Awards Banquet
 
 

CALL FOR SPEAKERS!

The International Lineman’s Rodeo is now accepting speaker proposals for the 2026 ILR Safety & Training Conference, October 14–15. We’re seeking industry professionals ready to share their knowledge, expertise, and real-world safety stories. If you have insights that help advance safety and training in the line trade, we want to hear from you.

SPEAKER SUBMISSIONS CLOSED