Utility Day – Fall 2026
Utility Day by Forgent Power is the essential learning and collaboration day that brings utility decision makers together to learn how to advance the energy industry.
Join us for this one-day workshop, which provides a practical, end-to-end view of distribution transformer specification, testing and manufacturing.
Over the course of the day, participants will review key design options, material selections, performance requirements and applicable industry standards used to develop effective utility transformer specifications. The workshop also examines final manufacturing-stage testing, comparing major standards and approaches, including Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and field testing, to understand how compliance, reliability and performance are verified.
In addition, each attending utility will receive a free-of-cost pilot distribution transformer (up to 2,000 kVA), customized to the utility’s standard.
The day concludes with an in-depth, hands-on walkthrough of the transformer manufacturing process, highlighting our commitment to safety, quality and craftsmanship at every stage of production.
Registration
Who Should Attend
This workshop is designed for utility professionals involved in the specification, evaluation and procurement of distribution transformers and substation equipment. Typical roles and responsibilities include:
- Engineers working with transformers and substation standards, including those responsible for developing, interpreting or applying Utility specification and utility standards.
- Supply chain professionals and category managers responsible for qualifying vendors, evaluating bids and managing supplier performance.
By bridging engineering, standards and procurement perspectives, this training supports better decision-making, stronger vendor qualification and improved outcomes for utility transformer programs.
What’s Included with your Registration
- Learning program. Please see Agenda.
- A pilot transformer free of cost. A Padmount Transformer customized to the utility’s standard; one per utility up to 2000 kVA.
- Hotel accommodations.
- Transportation to and from the hotel and factory.
- Meals: Dinner on September 16, breakfast, lunch and dinner on September 17 and breakfast on September 18.
- Industry Networking: Connect and share during the workshop on September 17 and during the optional golf outing on September 18.
Cost: $200
Meet the Speakers
Massimo Nardi
As VanTran Transformers’ Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Massimo has a deep technical background on power systems, proven track record of driving revenue growth, building high-performance teams and a customer-first mindset. His background spans diverse global roles at industry leaders such as GE, Hitachi Energy, and ABB, where he led multimillion-dollar portfolios and P&Ls across North America.
He holds an MBA in International Business from the University of New Hampshire and a BS in Electrical Engineering from Florida International University.
Jaber Shalabi
Jaber Shalabi has over 10 years of hands-on transformer design and manufacturing experience, overseeing Engineering and Supply chain Management activities from design concept to finished product, specifically in Distribution Transformers up to 10MVA and 46kV. Jaber’s innovative approach to Engineering has helped secure VanTran’s reputation as an industry leader providing customized solutions and best-in-class technical support. Before joining the VanTran team, Jaber worked in a power plant as a performance engineer, performing several roles in quality control and facility management assurance.
Christine Crites
Christine Crites, P.E., P.Eng. is VanTran Transformers’ Senior Applications Engineer. She joined VanTran in November 2025, bringing over 13 years of experience from GE Grid Solutions, where she held roles spanning technical support and field applications engineering for GE’s protection and control business across Ontario and the Midwest and South-Central United States. Christine received her Bachelor of Engineering Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Western Ontario in 2012. She is currently based in the Houston, Texas area and holds Professional Engineer licenses in Texas and Ontario.
Itinerary & Agenda
Event Itinerary
- October 7: Arrival in Waco, TX
- October 8: Full day technical workshop (see below agenda)
- October 9: Networking golf outing at the Ridgewood Country Club, optional, and departure from Waco, TX
Technical Workshop Agenda
From Core to Test: Manufacturing Performance & Reliability in Distribution Transformers
Workshop Objectives:
- Develop distribution transformer specifications: a review of design options, material selection, performance criteria and applicable standards for effective utility procurement.
- Explore the comprehensive testing: Conducted at the final manufacturing stage to verify adherence to specifications, compare key standards and approaches, including Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) versus field testing, highlighting how each ensures reliability and performance.
- Manufacturing excellence in action: a hands-on, in-depth exploration of each step in VanTran Transformers’ production process, showcasing our dedication to safety, quality and craftsmanship.
Detailed Agenda:
- 8:30 – 9:00 AM | Welcome & Introductions
- 9:00 – 10:00 AM | Distribution Transformer Specification Essentials
- Enclosure & compartment fabrication
- Cooling methods & thermal design considerations
- Core & coil material selection & construction
- Accessories, controls, & monitoring equipment options
- 10:00 – 10:15 AM | Break
- 10:15 – 11:00 AM | Core Requirements: Standards, Documentation, Labeling & Logistics
- Standards, Performance Ratings & Special Considerations
- Signage, labeling, & nameplate requirements
- Project management, data requirements, & drawing documentation
- Shipping & handling
- 11:00 – 12:00 PM | Transformer Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) Fundamentals
- Routine factory testing requirements
- Optional & special testing
- Distribution vs. power-class testing
- FAT vs. NETA field testing comparison
- 12:00 – 1:00 PM | Lunch
- 1:00 – 2:00 PM | Travel to Plant II
- Registration & safety briefing
- 2:00 – 4:30 PM | Factory Showcase & Production Walkthrough
- Tank & compartment fabrication
- Winding
- Lacing
- Core & coil assembly
- Testing
- Final finish
- 4:30 – 5:30 PM | Break
- 5:30 – 9:30 PM | Cocktails and Dinner
Travel & Logistics
Recommended Airports
Flights and airport transfers are arranged and paid for by each attendee. We recommend the following local airports and to use Uber or arrange for your own rental car.
- Austin Airport (~110 miles)
- Dallas Airports (~102 miles)
- Waco Airport (~8 miles)
Hotel
Through your Utility Day registration, your hotel room will be booked and nightly costs covered through your event fee.
AC Hotel Downtown Waco (600 Mary St., Waco, TX 76701)
Event Location
Utility Day will take place between the Hotel and VanTran’s Transformers factory located at 2700 Texas Central Parkway, Waco, TX 76712.
Contact Us
Maddie Martinez
Marketing Specialist
Maddie.Martinez@ForgentPower.com
Forgent Power
In 2025, VanTran Transformers formally combined with 3 other companies under a unified company, Forgent Power.
Forgent Power is now among the top-3 leading U.S. designer and manufacturer of electrical distribution equipment used in data centers, the power grid and industrial facilities capable of delivering some of the highest levels of customization and shortest lead times available in the industry.