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CESA Market Development Forum

2026 CESA MDF Registration is Open-notext

17th Annual CESA Market Development Forum (MDF)
October 7–8, 2026
Hilton Arden West, Sacramento, CA

Attendee Registration | Preliminary Agenda | Sponsorship Opportunities | Hotel Information

Registration is now open for the 17th Annual CESA Market Development Forum (MDF), taking place October 7–8, 2026, at the Hilton Arden West in Sacramento, CA. As California's premier energy storage policy and market event, the MDF brings together regulators, utilities, policymakers, developers, and industry leaders to explore the policies, markets, and technologies shaping the future of energy storage.

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We're excited to welcome Alice Reynolds, member of the California ISO Board of Governors and former President of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), as a keynote speaker at MDF 2026. With extensive experience shaping California's energy and climate policy—including leadership roles at the CPUC and as senior advisor for energy to Governor Gavin Newsom—Reynolds brings a unique perspective on the policies and market developments shaping California's clean energy future.

Reynolds joins previously announced keynote speaker Commissioner Noemí Gallardo of the California Energy Commission. Commissioner Gallardo has played a leading role in advancing California's clean energy transition and oversees the CEC's permitting of clean energy and storage facilities. Attendees will hear her perspective on the evolving role of energy storage in achieving the state's reliability and decarbonization goals, as well as progress in implementing the state's opt-in permitting process.

This year's agenda is already packed with timely discussions on topics including market demand, resource adequacy for EDAM, long-duration energy storage, distributed energy resources, BESS safety and community engagement, market enhancements, and the opportunities created by AI-driven data center growth. Additional keynote speakers, panelists, and sessions will continue to be announced as the program evolves.

Conveniently scheduled immediately following the California ISO Stakeholder Symposium, the MDF offers attendees an ideal opportunity to extend their stay in Sacramento and continue the conversation with California's energy storage community.

Alice Reynolds Preview
Noemí Gallardo Preview

Sponsorship Opportunities!

Interested in increasing your organization's visibility? A variety of sponsorship opportunities are available, including Reception, Gold, Silver, Panel, and Break sponsorships, with special discounted rates for CESA members. Please contact CESA staff for a promo code to use at check out when securing your sponsorship.

Hotel Information

Hilton Sacramento Arden West
2200 Harvard Street, Sacramento, CA 95815

Located directly off the freeway, the Hilton Sacramento Arden West offers a 24-hour fitness center, a pool, and Wi-Fi in all guest rooms. A complimentary local shuttle is also available for transportation to nearby attractions such as Downtown Sacramento or the Arden Fair Mall. There are two on-property restaurants, the Harvard Street Grile, which is open for breakfast and lunch, and Cameo Lounge that is open for dinner. As well as a 24-hour grab and go kiosk.

If you're attending the CAISO Symposium, we have reserved rooms at the discounted for the night of October 5th so that attendees of both events can stay at the Arden West for the duration of their visit to Sacramento.

Hilton Arden West

Special CESA Room Rates: $199 for 1 King or 2 Queen Bedroom (not including state, and local taxes).

Cancellation Policy 
Cancellation at no fee is available if made up to 48 hours prior to reservation date.

Parking 
The daily parking rate has been waived for CESA hotel guests.

Reservation Cut-Off Date 
Rooms are available at our discounted rate until Wednesday September 23, 2026. Rooms may sell out prior, so we recommend booking in advance.

Thank You to Our 2026 Sponsors!

SILVER SPONSOR

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PANEL SPONSOR

Sheppard

PARTNER

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Questions?

Please direct all event or registration questions to info@storagealliance.org. Not a member of CESA? Becoming a member gives you access to resources, connections, and events to support your journey in the energy storage sector. Learn more about our membership benefits!