Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The NARUC Annual Meeting 2026 is a key event for utility regulators, featuring discussions on essential topics affecting energy, telecommunications, and water services. This year's meeting will take place from November 8 to 11 at the Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel in San Juan.
Attendees will include state public service commissioners and industry leaders, providing a platform for networking and collaboration on regulatory challenges. NARUC Annual Meeting 2026 takes place in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
TL;DR
- 1Scale and Focus: This annual meeting gathers utility regulators to discuss pivotal issues in energy, telecommunications, and water sectors.
- 2Organiser: Hosted by the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), details available at naruc.org.
- 3Buyer Authority: Attendees include state utility commissioners, industry leaders, and regulatory experts influencing utility policies.
- 4Entry: Registration is required; details can be found on the official website.
Why visit
Attendees will gain insights into the latest regulatory developments and best practices in utility management. The event offers networking opportunities with industry leaders and regulators, fostering collaboration on pressing utility issues. Participants can attend educational sessions and workshops tailored to enhance their regulatory knowledge and skills.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at the NARUC Annual Meeting provides access to key decision-makers in the utility sector. Companies can showcase their innovations and solutions to a targeted audience of regulators and industry professionals. This is an opportunity to build brand recognition and establish valuable connections within the regulatory community.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
State public utility commissioners and commission staff
Federal and state regulatory agency officials
Utility and carrier executives from electric, gas, water and telecom sectors
Energy and utility policy analysts and advocates
Regulatory economists and academic researchers
Legal and compliance counsel in regulated utilities
Consumer advocates and intervenors in utility proceedings
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Regulatory intelligence and compliance software vendors
Energy market data and analytics providers
Law firms and consultancies specialising in utility regulation
Grid modernisation and smart metering technology suppliers
Telecommunications and broadband policy consultancies
Water utility management and infrastructure providers
Cybersecurity and resilience service providers for utilities
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Regulatory intelligence platforms and tracking tools
Utility rate case and compliance software
Grid modernisation and distributed energy resources
Broadband and BEAD programme implementation services
Energy market data and price analytics
Water utility operations and resilience solutions
Transmission planning and reliability services
Consumer protection and low-income energy programme tools
Location & Facilities
Venue
Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Facilities
Parking
Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel in San Juan typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel in San Juan typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Event days & opening times
DayOpening hours
November 8 to 11, 2026Confirm daily opening hours on the official registration page
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Why it matters
Attendees will gain insights into the latest regulatory developments and best practices in utility management. The event offers networking opportunities with industry leaders and regulators, fostering collaboration on pressing utility issues.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport
The main gateway for San Juan and the only airport with frequent mainland US and international service; SJU is the practical arrival point for delegates heading to the Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel
about 8 mi (13 km) east of the convention district
to venue
15-25 min by taxi or rideshare outside rush hour
by car
Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport (Isla Grande)
Small regional and charter field close to Old San Juan and Miramar; useful only if your itinerary happens to arrive there, since scheduled mainland service is minimal
about 2 mi (3 km) from the convention district
to venue
5-10 min by taxi
by car
Rafael Hernández Airport (Aguadilla)
Serves the northwest coast with limited mainland routes; if a direct flight lands here, budget a long road transfer or an onward hop to SJU
about 80 mi (130 km) west of San Juan
to venue
roughly 2 hours by road
by car
Mercedita Airport (Ponce)
Southern regional airport with very limited scheduled service; most delegates should compare only against SJU fares rather than plan around it
about 75 mi (120 km) south of San Juan
to venue
roughly 1.5 hours by road
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino
Convention Center district, San JuanOn site at the Puerto Rico Convention Center district to venue
Approximate nightly rate band for a November meeting week; staying here removes daily commuting and keeps you close to committee breakfasts and evening receptions.
Hyatt Place San Juan / City Center
Miramar / Convention Center districtShort walk or 5 min ride to the convention district to venue
Approximate nightly band; the closest limited-service option if the venue hotel block is full.
Courtyard by Marriott San Juan Miramar
MiramarApprox. 5-10 min by taxi to the convention district to venue
Approximate nightly band; business-hotel format in the Miramar cluster, walkable for confident walkers.
Hilton Garden Inn San Juan Condado
CondadoApprox. 10-15 min by taxi to the convention district to venue
Approximate nightly band; Condado pairs dining and beach access with a short daily commute.
Embassy Suites by Hilton San Juan Hotel & Casino
Isla VerdeApprox. 15-20 min by taxi to the convention district to venue
Approximate nightly band; close to SJU and good for family stays, furthest of the listed options from sessions.
Caribe Hilton
San Geronimo, edge of Old San JuanApprox. 10 min by taxi to the convention district to venue
Approximate nightly band; resort property that also puts Old San Juan within walking distance.
The Condado Plaza Hilton
CondadoApprox. 10-15 min by taxi to the convention district to venue
Approximate nightly band; large conference-capable hotel, so check whether another group has taken the inventory that week.
DoubleTree by Hilton San Juan
CondadoApprox. 10-15 min by taxi to the convention district to venue
Approximate nightly band; reliable overflow option when the Convention Center district sells out.
AC Hotel by Marriott San Juan Condado
CondadoApprox. 10-15 min by taxi to the convention district to venue
Approximate nightly band; newer business-oriented property with compact meeting space.
Hotel El Convento
Old San JuanApprox. 10 min by taxi to the convention district to venue
Approximate nightly band; boutique historic property for delegates who prefer the old city and accept a daily commute.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from SJU to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forLuis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) to the Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel / convention district
The default arrival transfer. Taxis wait outside the baggage claim level; the ride is 15-25 min outside rush hour.
rideshare
Estimated costApprox. USD 18-26 one way by app-based rideshare (estimate; surge pricing applies at peak arrival banks)
Best forLuis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) to Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel
Pickup is at the designated rideshare zone, not the taxi kerb; allow a few extra minutes to walk there with luggage.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD 11-16 one way (estimate; short hop, confirm fare with the driver before departure)
Best forFernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport (SIG, Isla Grande) to the convention district
Only relevant if your itinerary uses the regional field; the transfer is short and inexpensive compared with SJU.
rideshare
Estimated costApprox. USD 8-14 one way (estimate; availability can be thin at this smaller field)
Best forFernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport (Isla Grande) (SIG) to Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel
App coverage around Isla Grande is workable but less dense than at SJU; have a taxi fallback.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD 150-190 one way for the intercity transfer (estimate; confirm availability in advance, this is not a kerb-hail route)
Best forRafael Hernández Airport (Aguadilla) (BQN) to Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel
Only worth it if a direct mainland flight lands at BQN; the road transfer runs roughly two hours.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD 120-160 one way for the intercity transfer (estimate; pre-book rather than rely on airport taxis)
Best forMercedita Airport (Ponce) (PSE) to Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel
Roughly 1.5 hours by road; most delegates find connecting to SJU simpler than landing at PSE.
rail
Estimated costApprox. USD 1.50 per ride (estimate; confirm current fare and card rules at the station)
Best forTren Urbano single ride (San Juan metro rail, Bayamón to Sagrado Corazón)
Useful for the metro area but the line does not reach the convention district or Old San Juan, so plan a bus or taxi for the last leg.
bus
Estimated costApprox. USD 0.75 per ride (estimate; exact change expected, confirm current fare)
Best forAMA public bus, routes serving Old San Juan, Miramar and Condado
Cheapest way to move around the city; services are frequent on main corridors but slower in traffic and not built around luggage.
Weather
San Juan is tropical in November: daytime highs typically 29-31 C (84-88 F), overnight lows 22-24 C (72-75 F) and high humidity. November is the tail of the Atlantic hurricane season (1 June to 30 November), so the pattern is warm sunshine interrupted by short, heavy showers rather than all-day rain. Session rooms are heavily air-conditioned, so carry a light layer. Monitor storm advisories in the week before travel and keep flexible flight options.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Puerto Rico runs on the US grid standard: 120V, 60Hz, Type A/B plugs, so US and Canadian devices need no adapter and European or UK devices do. US carriers operate natively here and US roaming plans treat San Juan as domestic, so no international pass is needed for American subscribers; other visitors should check their roaming terms or pick up a local prepaid SIM at SJU. LTE and 5G coverage is solid across the convention district, Condado and Old San Juan, and hotels and the venue generally provide Wi-Fi, but confirm whether meeting-room Wi-Fi is included with your registration. Spanish is the everyday language and English is widely spoken in hotels, the venue and business settings.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Language
Spanish is the everyday language and English is standard in hotels, the venue and professional settings. Opening with a greeting in Spanish is appreciated; simultaneous interpretation is not the norm at this meeting, so sessions run in English.
Business dress
Business formal to business casual: suits or jackets for commissioners and utility executives on panels, smart business casual for staff and exhibitors. A light layer is essential because ballrooms are cooled aggressively.
Greetings and pacing
Handshakes with direct eye contact are standard in professional settings. Meetings start close to time, but corridor conversations run long, and much of the value of this week happens between sessions.
Tipping
US convention applies: 15-20 percent in restaurants, a dollar or two per bag for hotel staff, and a small tip for taxi drivers on top of the metered fare.
Heat and walking
Old San Juan and Condado are best explored on foot, but the cobblestones, humidity and sudden showers reward comfortable shoes and a compact umbrella rather than formal footwear.
Storm awareness
November sits at the end of hurricane season. Locals take advisories calmly but seriously; follow venue and hotel guidance if a system is being tracked and keep your airline app notifications on.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: SJU
Book into SJU unless a materially cheaper direct fare lands at BQN or PSE and you accept a two-hour or ninety-minute road transfer. Nonstop service is densest from New York, Boston, Washington, Atlanta, Miami and Chicago, so most state commissions route through one of those hubs; West Coast itineraries usually need one connection and an extra travel day each side. November is a busy leisure month in Puerto Rico and Thanksgiving week sells out early, so lock flights once your registration is confirmed. Allow two hours for the return through SJU, more on Sunday afternoons, and keep flexibility if a late-season storm is forecast.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU): 15-25 min by taxi or rideshare outside rush hour; Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport (Isla Grande) (SIG): 5-10 min by taxi; Rafael Hernández Airport (Aguadilla) (BQN): roughly 2 hours by road; Mercedita Airport (Ponce) (PSE): roughly 1.5 hours by road. Allow road or rail time to Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel: Convention Center district, San Juan: Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino; Miramar / Convention Center district: Hyatt Place San Juan / City Center; Miramar: Courtyard by Marriott San Juan Miramar.
Ride-hail: App-based rideshare operates across San Juan, including the airport, Condado, Miramar and Old San Juan, and is commonly used by visitors. At SJU, request the ride after collecting bags and walk to the signed rideshare pickup zone rather than the taxi kerb, or the driver may be turned away. Prices sit close to taxi fares in the city centre, with surge at session start and end times and during evening rain. Availability thins in the very early morning and in outlying districts, so keep a licensed taxi as a fallback for airport runs and pre-dawn departures.
Public transit: San Juan's public network is run by AMA buses, with the Tren Urbano metro rail line linking Bayamón, Guaynabo and the Sagrado Corazón area of San Juan. Neither reaches the convention district or Old San Juan directly, so getting to the Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel by transit means a bus plus a walk or a short taxi at the end. Fares are low, roughly USD 0.75 per bus ride and about USD 1.50 per Tren Urbano ride, with exact change expected and limited signage in English. The AcuaExpreso ferry between Old San Juan and Cataño is a cheap scenic crossing rather than a venue transfer. For a meeting schedule with fixed session times, most delegates use rideshare or taxi instead.
Parking: The Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel and the Convention Center district both offer on-site parking, typically in the region of USD 15-25 per day for self-parking with valet and event-day rates higher; confirm the current rate with the venue or hotel at check-in. Capacity tightens on days with a large general session or a co-located event, and the surrounding one-way street layout makes circling impractical. If you rent a car for side trips, park it for the meeting days and walk or take a short ride to sessions instead of driving between hall and hotel.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: November - warm tropical conditions at the end of the Atlantic hurricane season
Temperature: Daytime highs typically 29-31 C (84-88 F), overnight lows 22-24 C (72-75 F), with sea temperatures near 28 C (82 F) and high humidity throughout
Seasonality: The Atlantic hurricane season runs 1 June to 30 November, so November is the tail end: expect warm sunshine broken by short, heavy showers rather than sustained rain, with roughly 100-130 mm (4-5 in) across the month. Showers usually pass within an hour, and indoor session rooms run cold, so plan for both heat outdoors and air conditioning inside.
Packing: Lightweight breathable business clothing and shirts that dry quickly, a blazer or light layer for air-conditioned ballrooms, a compact umbrella or packable rain shell, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen for walking between hotels, comfortable shoes for Old San Juan's cobblestones, and a refillable water bottle. Add a plug adapter only if your devices are not US Type A/B, and carry any prescription medication in original packaging.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at NARUC Annual Meeting 2026 usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Confirm your registration and any committee or staff subcommittee sign-ups; NARUC sessions fill and some working groups are limited to commission staff
T-2
Reserve your room in San Juan early - November inventory tightens when a large convention is in the Puerto Rico Convention Center district
T-3
Book flights into Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU); it is the only gateway with frequent mainland service and the shortest transfer to the Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel
T-4
Check US entry requirements (visa or ESTA) and make sure your passport is valid for the whole stay, since Puerto Rico follows US immigration rules
T-5
Draft the two or three regulatory questions you want answered - rate design, DER interconnection, broadband build-out - and identify which sessions or commissioners can answer them
T-6
Download the agenda and mark the general sessions, committee meetings and evening receptions you will actually attend instead of over-scheduling
T-7
Arrange side meetings by email before you fly; hallway conversations are easier to schedule than to find on site
T-8
Pack business casual with a light jacket or blazer for heavily air-conditioned ballrooms, plus a compact umbrella for passing tropical showers
T-9
Bring a power bank and a US-plug adapter set (120V, 60Hz) if your devices use another plug type
T-10
Plan ground transport from SJU in advance if you land after dark; rideshare pickup zones at the airport are signposted
T-11
Keep one printed copy of your registration confirmation and hotel address in case mobile coverage is patchy on arrival
T-12
Leave buffer time on departure day - SJU security queues build on Sunday afternoons and holiday weekends
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2NARUC Annual Meeting 2026 registration concourse
Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$190.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether NARUC Annual Meeting 2026 fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For NARUC Annual Meeting 2026, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Energy regulation technologies and Telecommunications infrastructure solutions and benchmarking suppliers at NARUC Annual Meeting 2026 in San Juan.
Min. budget
$450.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Energy regulation technologies and Telecommunications infrastructure products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$2,200.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the San Juan show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Glossary
- NARUC
- National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, the US association of state commissioners that convenes this Annual Meeting and its committee and staff subcommittee sessions.
- Public utility commission (PUC)
- The state body that sets rates, service quality standards and market rules for electric, gas, water and telecom utilities; commissioners from these bodies are the core audience in San Juan.
- Rate case
- A formal proceeding in which a utility asks its commission to approve new rates, usually supported by a cost-of-service study and test-year forecasts.
- Revenue requirement
- The total dollar amount a utility is authorised to recover through rates, covering operating expenses, depreciation, taxes and an allowed return on investment.
- Cost-of-service study
- An allocation of a utility's costs across customer classes (residential, commercial, industrial) that underpins rate design and inter-class subsidy debates.
- Rate design
- The structure of a tariff - fixed monthly charges, volumetric blocks, demand charges, time-of-use windows - that decides how the revenue requirement reaches each customer.
- Decoupling
- A mechanism that separates utility revenue from the volume of energy or water sold, often used so efficiency gains do not erode earnings.
- Performance-based regulation (PBR)
- A framework that ties revenue, earnings or penalties to measured outcomes such as reliability, affordability, customer experience or emissions reductions.
- Integrated Resource Plan (IRP)
- A long-term planning docket in which a utility models supply-side, storage and demand-side options against load growth and policy targets.
- Distributed energy resources (DER)
- Rooftop solar, battery storage, electric vehicle charging and other customer-sited resources connected at distribution level; a recurring Annual Meeting panel topic.
- Net metering
- A billing arrangement that credits customers for electricity exported to the grid, and a frequent subject of successor-tariff and rate-design proceedings.
- Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI)
- Smart meters plus communications and data management systems that enable time-varying rates, outage detection and remote service operations.
- Interconnection
- The technical screening and contractual process for connecting new generation or DER to the distribution or transmission system.
- RTO / ISO
- Regional transmission organisation or independent system operator that runs wholesale electricity markets and grid operations across multiple states.
- FERC
- Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which regulates interstate transmission, wholesale electricity sales and interstate gas pipelines, and typically appears in Annual Meeting plenary panels.
- Docket
- The numbered file holding every filing, comment, testimony and order in a commission proceeding; staff and intervenors track dockets by number.
- Intervenor
- A party formally admitted to participate in a proceeding, such as a consumer advocate, industrial customer group, municipality or environmental organisation.
- Generic proceeding
- A rulemaking-style docket that sets policy applying to many utilities at once, for example interconnection standards or performance incentive rules, rather than a single company's rates.
- Staff subcommittee
- A NARUC working group of commission staff that compares state practice, drafts resolutions and reports into the association's committee structure during the meeting week.
- Universal service
- Policies and funding mechanisms that keep basic utility service available and affordable in high-cost, rural or low-income areas.
- Affordability and arrearage management
- Rate mechanisms, payment plans and customer assistance programmes that address energy burden and unpaid balances; a regular subject at state commissions and on the Annual Meeting agenda.
- Wildfire mitigation plan
- A utility filing, used mostly in western states, setting out grid hardening, vegetation management and public safety power shutoff rules, reviewed and approved by the commission.
- Beneficial electrification
- Policy and rate strategy to move heating, transport and industrial loads onto electricity while managing peak demand and grid cost.
- General session
- A plenary programme block at the Annual Meeting, usually featuring commissioners, federal officials and industry panels rather than a single committee.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- NARUC conference San Juan
- utility regulation conference
- energy regulation meeting
- NARUC Annual Meeting 2026 San Juan
- NARUC Annual Meeting San Juan 2026
- NARUC 2026
- NARUC San Juan 2026
- San Juan Puerto Rico
- Conference San Juan 2026
- Utilities
3 more alternate names hidden
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Sources
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Date checked
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Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.