4–7 May 2026  •  Chicago, IL

Technical Tours

Explore Innovation in Action on a Technical Tour at IEEE PES T&D

Step off the show floor and into the field by joining one of the Technical Tours at 2026 IEEE PES T&D. These guided, behind-the-scenes experiences give you direct access to real-world energy infrastructure, emerging technologies, and innovative grid solutions in and around the Chicago area.

Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a returning expert, these technical tours are a valuable opportunity to connect technical concepts with on-the-ground applications.

What to Expect

  • Exclusive access to regional energy facilities, substations, smart infrastructure, and control centers
  • Direct interaction with facility operators and engineers
  • In-depth discussion of design, safety, and operational strategies
  • Real-world insight into reliability, storage, decarbonization, and distributed energy

Tour Schedule

Tour locations and times will be announced soon. All tours are expected to take place between 4–7 May 2026, with transportation provided.

Each tour has limited capacity and may sell out quickly. Tours require a separate registration and may include specific safety gear requirements (PPE).

Pre-registration is strongly encouraged. Waitlists will open once tours fill.

What You'll Need

  • Long pants (jeans recommended)
  • Hard-soled shoes or boots (no open-toed or high-heeled shoes)
  • Safety gear (hard hats, safety glasses, etc.) may be provided onsite
  • Government-issued photo ID for facility access

Key Info at a Glance

Requirement Details
Registration Required?
Yes – separate from general event registration
Additional Fee?
Yes – varies by tour
Transportation Provided?
Yes
PPE Required?
Yes – tour-specific requirements provided in advance
Who Can Attend?
All full conference registrants

Please note: Tour sites are selected based on operational availability and regional access. Final offerings may differ from previous years.

Sample Tours from Previous Events

Curious what kinds of experiences may be offered? Previous tours have included:

  • Indoor gas-insulated substations
  • Battery energy storage facilities
  • Hybrid turbine + storage systems
  • Emergency operations and control centers
  • Smart ports and electrified shipping terminals
  • Advanced grid-forming renewable installations

2026 Tour Details Coming Soon

We’re finalizing the 2026 tour schedule now. Check back for full descriptions, pricing, PPE requirements, and registration links. All tours will be posted here once confirmed.

Stay Up-To-Date on IEEE PES T&D 2026

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