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Takeaways from CHARGE Conference

by Nathan Hall and Amanjot Mandair

Rice MBA students attended the 2024 North America CHARGE Conference — an annual program for global energy brands. Hundreds of business executives from around the world gathered to learn about the best practices and technologies for adapting to sustainable energy transition. Below, our students share key takeaways from their experience.

What are the latest insights and trends in the energy sector? How can young professionals apply these practices to their studies and career development?

Photo of Nate Hall
Nathan Hall, Professional MBA '25

Strategic communication and branding are crucial for bridging the gap between marketing and engineering.

  • Branding builds value by helping energy companies connect to existing customers and grow their customer base. 
  • The "not in my backyard" (NIMBY) syndrome, a phenomenon where people oppose the development of infrastructure near their own homes, is a growing threat to energy development. Good branding can help overcome this challenge. 
  • Effective communication strategies are necessary for marketers to engage with engineering-driven organizations.
  • Marketing and branding strategies can be used to amplify the effectiveness of technical solutions. 
Photo of Aman Singh
Amanjot Mandair, Full-Time MBA '25

Behavioral science provides valuable strategies for understanding and influencing consumer behavior.

  • Behavioral science can be used to reward and alter customers' buying behavior in the electricity retailing industry. 
  • Immediate rewards are more effective than delayed rewards in encouraging customers to switch providers. 
  • Major companies like Amazon and Netflix successfully utilize behavioral biases to influence consumer decisions. Professionals can similarly use these techniques to negotiate more effectively. 

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