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Annual PerspECCtives Conference

JW Marriott Austin
​Austin, Texas
September 9–11, 2026
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Annual PerspECCtives
​Conference.
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Sponsors Only Session
Annual Conference Sponsors Only Session
On Wednesday, September 9, leaders from ECC sponsoring companies will gather for an exclusive afternoon program during the Annual PerspECCtives Conference. This year’s session will explore the external forces affecting business, the decisions leaders make under pressure and the habits that support more intentional leadership.
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
1:00–5:00 p.m.
Annual PerspECCtives Conference
JW Marriott Austin

What to Expect

You will hear timely perspectives on the economic, domestic political and geopolitical forces affecting the business environment and capital projects industry. You will also take part in an interactive leadership exercise that explores how priorities shift under pressure, then close the afternoon with a practical conversation on leading with greater clarity, accountability and purpose. Throughout the session, you will have opportunities for candid discussion and connection under Chatham House Rule with leaders from across the ECC sponsor community.

The Sponsors Only Session is part of the 2026 Annual PerspECCtives Conference. You can also explore the full conference agenda, keynote speakers and PerspECCtives Forums as you plan your conference experience.

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Registration

Your Sponsors Only Session registration is included with your Annual PerspECCtives Conference registration if you are attending on behalf of an eligible ECC sponsor. Your organization’s complimentary registration allotment is based on its sponsorship level:

  • 2026 Premier Sponsors: Your organization receives three complimentary Sponsors Only Session registrations.
  • 2026 Annual Sponsors: Your organization receives two complimentary Sponsors Only Session registrations.
Register Now

Note: You must be logged in to your ECC portal to register for the Annual PerspECCtives Conference. If you do not have a login, please email [email protected].

Not an ECC sponsor? Explore how your organization can become an ECC sponsor.

Agenda

12:00–1:30 p.m.

Registration

1:30–1:40 p.m.

Welcome & Opening Remarks

1:40–2:40 p.m.

Industry Update

Speaker: Mitchell Toomey

This session will examine the economic, domestic political and geopolitical forces shaping capital investment, project pipelines and the broader business environment. Capital project leaders will gain context for evaluating risk, anticipating market shifts and making more informed decisions across project portfolios and delivery strategies.

2:40–3:35 p.m.

Leadership Pressure Test

Facilitator: Krystyna Riley

Everything is a priority. Everyone needs an answer. Capacity hasn't changed. Sound familiar? In this fast-paced, small-group simulation, you'll lead a capital project through the competing demands that define the job, and see in real time how pressure reshapes priorities, communication, and the calls you make. Come ready to decide, defend, and rethink.

3:35–4:10 p.m.

Networking Break

4:10–4:55 p.m.

Leadership Development & Self-Improvement

Speaker: Mike Howard

Drawing on his personal and professional journey, Mike will share the experiences, lessons, and turning points that have shaped his growth as an entrepreneur and leader. He will discuss how curiosity, lifelong learning, and a willingness to evolve have driven both his personal development and his leadership of Howard Energy Partners, as well as his advocacy for the energy industry. Attendees will leave with new perspectives and practical insights as they consider their own path toward greater impact, purpose, and fulfillment.

4:55–5:00 p.m.

Closing Remarks

Featured Speakers

Mitchell Toomey

Mitchell Toomey

Vice President, Responsible Care® & Stewardship
American Chemistry Council

As Vice President of Sustainability and Responsible Care®, Mitch Toomey leads the strategic implementation of ACC’s environmental, health, safety, security and sustainability performance initiatives. He focuses on strengthening the chemical industry’s role as a solutions provider across key areas, including air and water quality, product and process safety, greenhouse gas reduction, recycling and workforce diversity.

Prior to joining ACC in September 2022, Mitch served as Director of Sustainability for BASF Corporation, where he led efforts to integrate sustainability across twelve businesses and advance renewable power, circular economy initiatives and sustainability-focused portfolio strategies. Before BASF, he spent more than 15 years with the United Nations and UN Development Programme, leading global sustainability, innovation and knowledge-management initiatives.

Mitch began his career in the private sector, helping build two startups and advising companies on digital markets and sustainable business models. He holds an MBA and a bachelor’s degree from New York University, as well as a Wilderness Expedition Leadership Certificate from the National Outdoor Leadership School.

Krystyna Riley

Krystyna Riley

Chief Executive Officer, Chair of the Board
Havior

Krystyna Riley serves as CEO and Chair of the Board of Havior, a behavioral science consultancy that helps organizations close the gap between strategy and execution. She joined the firm in 2010 and has led its growth as a 100% employee-owned business.

Krystyna works with senior leaders across energy, engineering and construction, life sciences, mining, and chemicals, focusing on leadership effectiveness, stalled strategies, transformation fatigue, and underperforming operations. Much of her work sits at the intersection of technical complexity and human performance, helping organizations improve execution and performance across capital projects, turnarounds, and operations. She is known for translating complex challenges into clear action, applying behavioral science to remove barriers and improve results.

Outside of work, Krystyna enjoys hiking, snowshoeing, trying new recipes, volunteering with animal rescue organizations, reading, and exploring the outdoors with her dog, Mabel.

Mike Howard

Mike Howard

Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
Howard Energy Partners

Mike Howard is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Howard Energy Partners, a privately held energy infrastructure company he founded in 2011 that owns and operates assets across five U.S. states and Mexico. Mr. Howard has more than 30 years of experience in the midstream energy sector. Prior to founding HEP, he served as President of Midstream at Energy Transfer Partners. Earlier in his career, he held leadership positions with Union Pacific Resources, Duke Energy Field Services and Crosstex Energy.

Mr. Howard is passionate about building high-performing teams shaped by continuous development and is a committed advocate for reliable, abundant energy. He often says he is “pro energy, pro climate and anti-poverty.” Mr. Howard holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Texas A&M University–Kingsville, where he was named a Distinguished Alumnus. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of HEP, Atlas Energy Solutions (NYSE: AESI), TXOGA, INGAA and Jonah Energy LLC, and was appointed to the National Petroleum Council by U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright.

Active in philanthropy and civic engagement, he also serves on the Board of Trustees of the Texas A&M University–Kingsville Foundation, the San Antonio Academy, Energy Corps, Switch Energy Alliance and numerous other civic organizations, including the South Texas Recovery Foundation. Mr. Howard lives in San Antonio with his wife and three children, where he can often be found coaching his children’s sports, serving as a patrol leader in Boy Scouts and spending time outdoors on his ranch in George West.

Schedule note: Agenda details and timing are subject to change.
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