The next session of the SNL EXNET Symposium will be held January 24-25, 2011.  To be on the mailing list for the program, click here.  The material below is from the 2010 Symposium.  

DAY ONE

7:30 a.m.

Registration and Continental Breakfast

Hosted by PricewaterhouseCoopers

8:30 a.m.

Welcome and Introduction

• Gregory W. Gartland, Managing Director, SNL Center for Financial Education
• Michael J.B. Carter, Director, SNL Energy

8:45 a.m.

The Investment Bankers’ Perspective

With uncertain valuations, capital issues and climate change arguments continuing to cloud the landscape, how is the M&A environment likely to play out in the short term? What are the drivers for consolidation? Who are the likely buyers and sellers? What will it take to close a deal?

10:15 a.m.

Refreshment Break

 Hosted by Huron Consulting Group

10:35 a.m.

Considerations from State Regulators and Consumer Advocates

How are state regulators assessing mergers today and what approaches are most likely to win approval?  What does it take for a merger to create value for customers? What are some of the key considerations regulatory commissions use to balance utility costs with ratepayer perceptions?

12:00 p.m.

Luncheon with Remarks

Marc Spitzer, Commissioner
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Hosted by Ernst & Young

1:30 p.m.

Views from the Top: Using Mergers and Acquisitions to Address Strategic Uncertainty

How are capital, infrastructure and environmental issues impacting deal-making and future strategic growth? How are legislative and regulatory uncertainties affecting the sector? What are the most pressing challenges facing the industry in the near term and long-term? How will M&A be part of a company's forward plans?

3:00 p.m.

Refreshment Break

3:20 p.m.

Alternative Energy Transactions

Where is the most activity in this space and why? What are the valuation and cost implications of the Treasury Grant and available tax subsidies? What are the financing options and challenges in the current market? Is a secondary market for renewable energy assets beginning to materialize?

5:00 p.m.

Cocktail Reception

Hosted by Booz & Company

DAY TWO

7:45 a.m.

Continental Breakfast

8:30 a.m.

Asset Acquisitions and Divestitures

Where is the market for generation assets headed in 2010 and 2011? What are the implications of carbon policy and climate change on the type of assets that used to be attractive and that will be attractive?  How will the need for "intelligent" valuations drive asset value if credit remains scarce? Who are the buyers and sellers, and how will macro factors influence market participants?

10:00 a.m.

Refreshment Break

10:15 a.m.

Strategies for Sustained Growth

What are the challenges to achieving sustained growth? What are the implications for financing capital expenditures? What will it take for industry inorganic growth to regain momentum? How will companies address the impacts of growth on prices to customers?

11:30 a.m.

Refreshment Break

11:45 a.m.

Infrastructure Financing Opportunities and Challenges

How will utilities address their transmission and other aging infrastructure? How should operators approach raising and allocating capital and executing transactions in the ordinary course and in non-traditional manners? What are the opportunities for investors and what is their decision process for allocating capital?

1:00 p.m.

Closing Remarks followed by Buffet Lunch