An AI Experience at Hillsborough County

We’re excited to host our AI-focused utility event in Florida.

April 10, 2026

What to Expect

At Think Higher, utility leaders and innovators will share real-world experiences, lessons learned, and strategies that are transforming the industry. You’ll explore the future of customer and grid innovation, discover new ways technology is driving smarter connections and operational efficiency, and gain practical insights you can immediately apply within your organization. The day will also include a unique giveback initiative, bringing participants together to make a meaningful impact in the local community.

After the incredible energy and turnout at last year’s Think Higher event in Toronto, we’re excited to bring everyone together again—this time at Hillsborough County’s offices in Tampa! It’s a unique opportunity for utility leaders to see how another organization is approaching innovation from the inside, not from a conference center or hotel ballroom. 

Here’s what you can look forward to this year

Real Conversations About Where AI Actually Fits 

We’ll have a lineup of panels and keynotes where utility leaders, partners, and practitioners talk honestly about what’s working, what’s not, and what’s coming next. No hype—just real stories, lessons learned, and practical takeaways you can bring home. 

A Comfortable, Collaborative Atmosphere 

One of the things people loved most last year was how easy it was to connect with others. This event keeps that spirit. Whether you’re exploring new ideas or just curious about what others are doing, you’ll find people who are open, welcoming, and happy to share. 

Demos You Can See Up Close 

We’ll showcase tools and approaches that utilities are already using today. It’s hands-on and conversational, not a sales pitch—just a chance to explore what’s possible and ask questions in real time.

A Giveback Moment That Matters 

We’re partnering with a local nonprofit again this year for a community-focused activity. It’s a simple way for all of us to step out of our day-to-day work and give something meaningful back to the city hosting us. 

Speakers (So Far)

Steve Dawson

Founder & President

POWERCONNECT.AI

Georges Gonzalez

Enterprise Solutions Division Director

Hillsborough County Water Resources Dept.

Christina Northrup-DeBellis

President

BHC Global

Maria Barannikova

Manager of Sales and Marketing

BHC Global

Sponsorships

A Great Opportunity for Partners, Too 

For sponsors, this is a relaxed but high-value setting to meet utility teams who are actively building their roadmaps. Last year’s partners told us the intimate format helped create better conversations—and we’re building on that same model again. 

We’re in the early planning stages, and this is the perfect time to join us. 

Early sponsors will have the chance to help shape panels, participate in agenda discussions, and secure the most visible opportunities. 

This event is free for all utility participants.

Platinum Sponsor – Happy Hour (Premier Level)
Investment: $6,000

Includes:

  • Exclusive branding for the Happy Hour (Thursday, 5:00–8:00 PM), including signage, menus, tabletop cards, and welcome displays

  • Largest logo placement on:

    • Event landing page

    • Registration confirmation emails

    • Stage backdrop

    • Printed agenda

  • Verbal recognition during opening remarks and at the start of the Happy Hour

  • Option to place one banner or step-and-repeat at the venue

  • Ability to include two branded items in attendee welcome bags

  • Four complimentary event registrations

  • Professional photography, including prioritized coverage of the Happy Hour and branded interactions, with post-event access to curated images.

Opening Moment Sponsor
$2,000 

Includes:

  • Logo on the first slide displayed as the event begins

  • Verbal recognition during opening remarks

  • Logo placement on:

    • Event landing page

    • Printed agenda under the Opening Session

  • Professional photography capturing opening remarks and audience engagement, with priority access to images

  • One complimentary event registration  

Silver Sponsor – Lunch Sponsor
Estimated Investment: $1,500 

Includes:

  • Branding on lunch boxes (Panera), table signage, and lunch-hour screens

  • Logo placement on:

    • Event landing page

    • Printed agenda

    • On-screen slides during lunch

  • Verbal thank-you prior to lunch

  • One complimentary event registration

  • Professional photography including lunch setup, signage, and attendee engagement

Gold Sponsor – Give Back Experience
Estimated Investment: $2,500–$3,000

(Final cost dependent on shirts, supplies, and activity scope)

Includes:

  • Primary branding for the Give Back Experience, including shirts, supply tables, and on-site signage

  • Large logo placement on:

    • Event landing page

    • Printed agenda

    • On-screen slides during the Give Back transition

  • Verbal recognition during the Give Back introduction

  • Option to deliver a 2–3 minute welcome message prior to the activity

  • Ability to include one branded item in attendee welcome bags

  • Two complimentary event registrations

  • Professional photography capturing the Give Back activity, sponsor branding, and participant engagement, with curated images provided post-event

Thought Exchange Sponsor
$1,500 

Includes:

  • Logo displayed on session transition slides throughout the day

  • Branding in the printed agenda under Thought Leadership / Discussion Sessions

  • Verbal recognition before afternoon discussions

  • Professional photography capturing panel interactions and audience discussion moments

  • Inclusion in the post-event sponsor photo gallery

  • One complimentary event registration  

Bronze Sponsor – Breakfast & Coffee Sponsor 
Estimated Investment: $1,000 

Includes:

  • Branding at the breakfast and coffee station (table signage, napkin cards)

  • Logo placement on:

    • Event landing page

    • Printed agenda

  • Verbal thank-you during morning remarks

  • Option to place a small tabletop display at the refreshment station

  • Professional photography capturing morning networking and branded refreshment areas

Included for All Sponsors 

All sponsorship levels include: 

  • Professional event photography 

  • Access to a curated post-event photo gallery 

  • Rights to reuse images for marketing, social media, presentations, and sales collateral 

  • Brand visibility aligned to authentic moments of the event