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Who Should Attend:

Communications, marketing, public relations, and energy services employees, as well as other employees and board members interested in these areas.

Related Events:

Post-conference workshop, Sept. 25, 2025 (details coming soon!)

Overview:

Join us this September in Whitefish, Montana, at the Grouse Mountain Lodge for the 2025 NIC! The NIC is an award-winning conference that offers communicators and energy services professionals a chance to reach new heights. This year's theme is Expand Your Horizons: Big Ideas Under the Big Sky. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains of northwest Montana, Whitefish offers visitors a charming mountain-town experience with easy access to outdoor recreation, local dining, and a vibrant arts scene. Whitefish is just 25 miles from Glacier National Park's west entrance and serves as the perfect gateway to explore the park's magnificent glacial-carved peaks, pristine alpine lakes, and over 700 miles of hiking trails.

Your NIC journey begins Monday, Sept. 22, with an optional volunteer event and networking opportunity, followed by a special welcome reception where you can connect with other attendees and vote on the Excellence in Communications contest photography entries. On Tuesday morning, Ginger Johnson, a Montana author and professional speaker, will set the tone of the conference with an opening keynote on the joy of belonging. Over the next two-and-a-half days, you'll blaze new trails with sessions covering energy services, crisis communications, wildfire preparedness, renewable energy education, storytelling techniques, and practical applications of artificial intelligence. This year's conference also features a Dine Around Whitefish networking dinner, an engaging Trail Mixer speed networking session, NIC at Night, and an awards banquet where we will honor winners of the 32nd Excellence in Communications contest.

Thursday is not to be missed, with valuable networking time, an engaging closing keynote, and an optional post-conference workshop. When planning your return travel, please keep in mind that Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell, Montana, offers convenient afternoon and evening flights to major hubs such as Seattle, Portland, Denver, and Salt Lake City, allowing you to fully participate in Thursday's valuable programming before departing. 

Note: NIC at Night is an open-mic talent show open to readings, musical acts, skits, and other forms of artistic expression. Drop-in performances are more than welcome. However, if you're eager to showcase your talents, please reach out to Melissa at melissa@nwppa.org. By letting us know in advance, we can promote your act and/or help coordinate any equipment needs.

Agenda

Location and Hotel Information:

The Grouse Mountain Lodge
2 Fairway Drive
Whitefish, MT 59937
(406) 862-3000

Please book your room no later than Aug. 22, 2025, to receive the NWPPA group discount. If you plan to arrive before the event or extend your stay, our special rate is available for reservations between Sept. 18-29, 2025.

Fees:

Utility Member Early Bird (ends 8/22/2025): $995
Utility Member Standard: $1,195

Associate Member Early Bird (ends 8/22/2025): $1,495
Associate Member Standard: $1,695

Non-Member Early Bird (ends 8/22/2025): $1,990
Non-Member Standard: $2,190

Note: Organizations that register a group of employees will receive every fifth registration for free. For example, if you register five employees, you only pay for four; register 10 employees, you only pay for eight; and so on. There is nothing additional you need to do to receive this discount.

Cancellation Policy:

For webinars, virtual classes, and section meetings: cancellations at least five days prior to the event will receive a full refund; within 1-4 days or no show, the charge will be 100% of the registration fee.

For in-person events: cancellations at least 30 days prior to the event will receive a full refund; within 15-29 days there will be a $100 fee; and within 1-14 days or no show, the charge will be 100% of the registration fee.

When possible, please send a substitute instead of canceling. NWPPA does not charge a fee for substitutions. To request a refund, please contact us at registration@nwppa.org or (360) 254-0109.