April 30, 2026 · Aims Community College Welcome Center
Confluence
Where Water & Energy Come Together: a morning of plenaries and twin water and energy tracks for the Boulder Valley and Northern Colorado.
2026 Presenting Sponsors
Venue: aims.edu/welcome-center · Hero photo from 2025 by Dick Knapp Photography
Why attend
Learn about the key factors driving water supply and climate action
Confluence – Where Water & Energy Come Together is the only water conference in the region that examines the economic issues surrounding water scarcity affecting the growing number of residents of the Boulder Valley and Northern Colorado. Be informed by experts in the field: the 2026 program took a deep dive into how water is used for energy development, including data centers; the Colorado River and the many facets of water availability, cost, conservation, development and supply; how AI is being used for energy and water development; and the changing regulatory rules for energy.
The program
Two plenaries, two tracks, one morning
The 2026 day opened with a plenary on where water and energy futures meet, then split into a Water Session and an Energy Session each hour: the Colorado River crisis and the digital oilfield at 9, water infrastructure finance and energy’s changing rulebook at 10. Everyone came back together at 11 for “Powering the Cloud”, on how data centers drive demand for water and energy. Registration and breakfast opened at 7:30 a.m.; the program ended at noon.
Why BizWest Events?
Gain more knowledge. Increase trust in your brand. Propel your business forward.
You want to explore the latest trends and issues affecting water supply and climate change. As a sponsor, you are committed to growing awareness and loyalty with the right audience. You are ready to make use of a toolbox of information and key takeaways that will benefit any professional. The 2026 speakers came from utilities, municipalities and water districts, energy producers, state regulators, conservation groups and economic development.
Sponsorship
Put your organization at the confluence
In 2026, Presenting, Supporting, Associate and Coffee sponsors put their brands in front of the water and energy professionals of the Boulder Valley and Northern Colorado. Confluence is presented by BizWest, the Business Journal of the Boulder Valley and Northern Colorado. Become a sponsor: contact Jeff Nuttall.
2027 event details coming soon. Registration is not yet open.
2026 Agenda highlights
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8:00 – 8:50 a.m. · Plenary
At the Confluence: Where Water and Energy Futures Meet
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9:00 – 9:50 a.m. · Water Session
Colorado River Crisis
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9:00 – 9:50 a.m. · Energy Session
The Digital Oilfield: Efficiency, Emissions and the Next Phase of Colorado Production
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11:00 – 11:50 a.m. · Plenary
“Powering the Cloud” Data Centers Drive Demand for Water, Energy
2026 Speakers
The moderators
Richard Werner
President & CEO, Upstate Colorado · Opening plenary
Scott Franz
Water and Environmental Reporter, KUNC · Colorado River Crisis
Dan Haley
Executive Director, Coloradans for Responsible Energy Development · The Digital Oilfield
Scott Holwick
Partner, Lyons Gaddis · Building for Thirst
Julie Murphy
Director, Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission · Energy’s Changing Rulebook
Sandra Hagen Solin
Founder and President, Capitol Solutions · Powering the Cloud
Net Zero Cities, 2023–2025
Confluence and Net Zero Cities ran side by side
From 2023 through 2025, Confluence shared its day with Net Zero Cities. From energy to waste, an increasing number of cities are seeking to achieve aggressive sustainability-related goals. But what does it mean to be “net-zero”? That program unpacked what it means for cities and counties and the reason behind the movement, as well as the implications for the private sector and the regional population at large. In 2026 Confluence ran an Energy Session track alongside the Water Session track. Photo from 2025 by Dick Knapp Photography.
Photos from the 2026 Confluence
Photos: Alyssa Benson / BizWest Media
Become a sponsor of Confluence 2027. Contact Jeff Nuttall at jnuttall@bizwest.com.
2026 Supporting Sponsor
2026 Associate Sponsors
2026 Coffee Sponsor
Become a sponsor! Contact Jeff Nuttall at jnuttall@bizwest.com for more information.