2027 Forum: Powering Energy Sovereignty, Leadership in Action

The Tribal Energy Forum is a key opportunity for Tribal Leaders and members to connect with DOE and energy experts to share their energy project successes, learn how others have overcome challenges, and explore larger energy trends facing Indian County to inform individual Tribal visions and goals.

The theme for the 2027 Tribal Energy Forum is Powering Energy Sovereignty, Leadership in Action. Keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities are designed to support attendees in addressing four energy challenges facing Tribal Nations:

• Improving electricity access, costs, and service for Tribal communities.
• Investing in Tribal energy workforce development and the next generation of Tribal energy leaders.
• Unlocking the energy wealth of Tribal Nations and reducing red tape to facilitate public-private partnerships.
• Strengthening communications and engagement between Tribes and other energy partners.

By 2030, the Office of Indian Energy Strategic Plan aims to support 450 Tribe-led energy and infrastructure projects, deliver more than $2 billion in cumulative energy cost savings, and install 100 megawatts of new energy generation capacity for Tribal communities.

The 2027 Tribal Energy Forum programming will center on four tracks:

1. Empowering Tribal Energy Futures         
2. Energy Infrastructure 
3. Energy Funding and Financing 
4. Energy Efficiency 

Check back for the full agenda and list of keynotes, speakers, panelists, and sessions.

Back by popular demand: Artisan Market

The Tribal Energy Forum’s popular Artisan Market returns for the 2027 event, bringing authentic culture and craftsmanship directly to conference attendees. The Market features Native artisans selling Indigenous jewelry and other crafts, promotes cultural integrity, and showcases and honors skills that have been passed through generations of Tribal craftspeople.

Sponsoring the 2027 Tribal Energy Forum enables your organization to connect with the Tribal Leaders, experts, and government representatives who are securing innovative solutions that will advance Tribal interests while upholding the principles of Tribal energy sovereignty. There are multiple opportunities to engage with meeting attendees during breakfast, lunch, coffee and snack breaks, and evening receptions. All sponsorships come with broad recognition.

Sponsoring the 2027 Tribal Energy Forum affords meaningful opportunities for: 

• Brand Recognition: Establish your organization as a leading partner in solving complex energy challenges facing Tribal Nations.
• Public-Private Partnership Development: Connect with new prospects, Tribal decisionmakers, and government resources to identify partnership projects and increase future business opportunities.
• Thought Leadership: Communicate your organization’s priorities and expertise, raising awareness on how your efforts benefit Tribal communities and organizations.
• Relationship Building: Have solution-oriented, actionable discussions with Tribal Leaders and Tribal energy partners.
• Workforce Development: Position your organization to fulfill future workforce needs and support the next generation of Tribal energy leaders.

Custom sponsorships are also available. This could include combining events, bulk registrations, and more. To learn more, download the sponsorship prospectus or contact TribalEnergyForum@kbcenergysolutions.com.

Sponsorship commitments are requested by December 1, 2026. Deadline to be included in onsite signage is January 15, 2027.

The 2027 event is expected to welcome more than 1,000 attendees, including Tribal Leaders and representatives from Federal agencies, state governments, private industry, utilities, and academia. At #TEF27, we anticipate:

•    150+ Tribal Nations and Tribal organizations represented
•    1,000 Tribal Leaders, staff, and partners 
•    20+ keynotes and breakout sessions
•    15+ government offices and agencies

Registration opens in December 2026. Stay tuned for more information on registration, lodging, and more!

A thank you to our hosts, the Pechanga Band of Indians!