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Project Vanguard Events

Where Veterans Meet Opportunity

From career networking nights to multi-city tours, our events connect transitioning service members and veterans with the energy industry's best employers, mentors, and community leaders.

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More Than Events. A Movement.

Project Vanguard has grown into the nation's largest veteran energy network. Every event we host is designed to open doors — whether that's a handshake with a hiring manager, a conversation with a community leader, or a seat at the table with the companies building America's energy future.

25+
Events Hosted
500+
Veterans Connected
15+
Cities Reached
40+
Industry Partners
Professional Networking
Career Development
Job Placement
Military Camaraderie
Open to All

We're proud to partner with industry leaders nationally and in each of our state chapters — the organizations building America's energy future alongside the veterans who defend it.

American Clean PowerRE+Atlantic CouncilConservative Texans for Energy InnovationConservative Energy NetworkIowa Conservative Energy ForumRenewable Energy Farmers AssociationAmerican Energy Service ProvidersCleantech Leaders RoundtableGSREIA
Local chapter happy hour in Austin
Local Chapter Meetup
Build real relationships with veteran energy professionals in your city. Our chapter meetups turn online connections into career-changing handshakes.
Veterans happy hour at RE+ conference
Conference Happy Hour
Meet hiring managers and industry leaders at the biggest energy conferences in the country. Vanguard gets you in the room — and to the right table.
Acciona energy site tour
Energy Site Tour
Go behind the fence line at wind farms, solar sites, and battery storage facilities. See the jobs up close and meet the teams doing the work.
Texas Tour event
Texas Tour
Our flagship multi-city road campaign across Texas energy country. Site tours, employer networking, live podcasts, and the kind of military camaraderie that makes Vanguard feel like home.
Energy day at the Texas legislature
State Legislative Day
Veterans showing up at state capitols to advocate for energy policy that puts American security first. Your voice matters — and legislators listen.

Upcoming Events

Register to attend. Show up ready to connect. New events added regularly.

Apr
15
Wednesday
Details Coming Soon
Texas TourCommunity

San Angelo Rodeo

San Angelo, TX

Project Vanguard heads to the San Angelo Rodeo for a special Texas Tour activation. A perfect showcase of where energy, agriculture, and veteran-led small business intersect in West Texas.

Event Host
Brad Quigley
CEO, Solar Ranch Xperts · West Texas Chapter Lead
Brad's solar grazing operation sits right in San Angelo country. Come see the man whose sheep are keeping West Texas solar farms running — and learn how a 26-year Army career led to one of the most creative veteran businesses in energy.
Get Updates →
Apr
15–16
Wed–Thu
1:00 PM CT
ConferenceCommunity

Powering Louisiana: All of the Above Energy Forum

LSU Energy, Coast & Environment Building · Baton Rouge, LA

A participatory forum where industry, government, and public-sector stakeholders will discuss a shared strategy for Louisiana to become an "all of the above" energy leader. Wednesday runs 1:00–5:00 PM CT with a reception to follow. Thursday continues 9:30 AM–3:00 PM CT.

Hosted By
SWC
Southeastern Wind Coalition
Event Host
GNO
GNO, Inc.
Event Host
SREA
Southern Renewable Energy Association
Partner · "Powering Louisiana" Initiative
Get Updates →
Apr
21
Tuesday
Details TBD
CommunityConference

APA & SREA's Renewable Power Day (LA Lobby Day)

Baton Rouge, LA

Join Project Vanguard at APA & SREA's Renewable Power Day in Baton Rouge — a lobby day bringing together energy professionals, veterans, and advocates to engage Louisiana legislators on renewable energy policy and workforce development.

Hosted By
APA
American Power Alliance
Event Host
SREA
Southern Renewable Energy Association
Event Host
Get Updates →
Apr
27–28
Sun–Mon
Washington, DC
ConferenceNetworking

SAFE Summit 2026

Washington, DC

For over 20 years, SAFE has led the policy dialogue on energy and national security alongside a coalition of retired 4-star admirals and generals. SAFE Summit 2026 spotlights The Pillars of Power: A Strategy for Energy Security and Industrial Resiliency — a call for urgent action to rebuild America's industrial base, secure critical supply chains, and embrace energy abundance. Featuring C-suite executives from JP Morgan, T1 Energy, Eolian, General Motors, and Anglo American, with confirmed participation from DOE, DFC, EXIM, and USTDA.

Hosted By
SAFE
Nonpartisan Energy & National Security Organization
SAFE is an action-oriented, nonpartisan organization committed to transportation, energy, and supply chain policies that advance U.S. economic and national security. Working with the Energy Security Leadership Council — a coalition of Fortune 500 CEOs and retired four-star military officers — SAFE drives secure, resilient, and sustainable policy solutions from the first raw materials to the very last mile.
Jonathan Gillis
Senior Director, Corporate Operations · USCE
Jon is the director of corporate operations at USCE, a clean energy platform and holding company operating in the solar, energy storage, and building decarbonization sectors. A United States Marine Corps veteran who served in infantry and technology development roles, Jon brings broad energy sector experience including M&A, FP&A, utility project management, and risk modeling.
Michael Dunn
Senior Manager, Market Intelligence & Policy Analysis · Qcells
Michael enlisted in the Army and served seven years in the Army and National Guard. After his military service, he returned to school, earning his bachelor's and MBA. He found his way to clean energy while working in the Energy Practice at the Boston Consulting Group. Now he leads market intelligence activities for Qcells, shaping market strategy and evaluating policy impacts within clean energy.
Learn More →
Jun
1–4
Mon–Thu
Details TBD
ConferenceNetworking

Veterans Meet Up — ACP's CleanPower Conference

Location TBD

Join Project Vanguard at the largest clean energy conference in North America. Connect with veteran energy professionals, meet hiring companies, and build your network at the industry's biggest annual gathering.

Event Host
Kevin Doffing
CEO & Founder, Project Vanguard
Kevin founded Project Vanguard to connect veterans with careers in the energy industry. At CleanPower, he brings the full Vanguard network together under one roof — this is the veteran energy meetup of the year. Come introduce yourself.
RSVP on Eventbrite →
Aug
3–4
Mon–Tue
Details TBD
ConferenceSocial

Veterans Happy Hour — National Conservative Energy Summit

Boston, MA

Connect with fellow veterans at the National Conservative Energy Summit. An evening of networking and camaraderie with energy professionals who share the conviction that energy security is national security.

Event Host
Kevin Doffing
CEO & Founder, Project Vanguard
Kevin built Project Vanguard on the belief that all-of-the-above American energy dominance requires veterans at the table. At the Conservative Energy Summit, he's rallying the network around the policies and partnerships that put veterans to work. Don't miss this one.
RSVP on Eventbrite →
Sep
2026
Details TBD
ConferenceNetworking

Veterans Happy Hour — Climate Week NYC

New York, NY

Project Vanguard hits Manhattan during Climate Week NYC. Join veteran energy professionals from across the country for an evening of networking at the world's largest climate event — and show the industry that veterans are leading the charge.

Event Hosts
Steve Bravo
Director of Product & Commercialization, NYSERDA · Northeast Chapter Lead
A Naval Academy grad and former Navy helicopter pilot with three Persian Gulf deployments, Steve spent a decade at GE building wind and battery storage products before joining NYSERDA. He's Vanguard's man in New York — and Climate Week is his home turf.
Ginger Cutler
Sales Director · Community Leader Fellow
A veteran of the 916th Air Refueling Wing turned energy sales leader, Ginger brings the kind of presence and energy that makes a room full of strangers feel like a reunion. She'll make sure every veteran at Climate Week leaves with new connections and a reason to come back.
RSVP on Eventbrite →

Events Across America

From West Texas to Manhattan — Project Vanguard is building the veteran energy network coast to coast.

United States Map
Upcoming Events
Past Events

Don't See an Event Near You?

We're expanding across the country and want to hear from you. Tell us where you are, and we'll work to bring a Project Vanguard event to your community. Our chapter leaders and partners are standing by.

Request an Event Nearby

Past Events

A look back at where Project Vanguard has been. Click any event to see details, photos, and highlights.

Apr 2026

Veteran Tour of the National Laboratory of the Rockies

Golden, CO
Tour

An exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the National Laboratory of the Rockies for veterans in the energy sector. Veterans saw cutting-edge research in action and learned about career pathways in national laboratory and federal energy research roles.

Gabrielle Adair
Chief of Staff, Project Vanguard
Exclusive lab access · Cutting-edge energy research · Federal career pathways for veterans
Apr 2026

Vets in Energy Dinner

Washington, DC
Networking

An intimate dinner bringing together veteran energy professionals for a night of real conversation, career connections, and camaraderie. Networking at its best — good food, good people, and the kind of relationships that move careers forward.

Kevin Doffing
CEO & Founder, Project Vanguard
Curated dinner · Veteran energy professionals · Career connections made
Mar 2026

"The Grid That Has to Hold" Panel

Washington, DC
Panel

A panel discussion on the challenges and opportunities facing America's power grid — and why veterans are uniquely positioned to lead the workforce that keeps it running.

Kevin Doffing
CEO & Founder, Project Vanguard
Grid resilience discussion · Industry and veteran workforce perspectives · Key policy conversations
Mar 2026

Veterans Happy Hour @ ACP Siting & Permitting Conference

Denver, CO
Conference

Veterans connected with fellow professionals attending ACP's Siting & Permitting Conference for an evening of networking and camaraderie, building relationships with the companies shaping America's energy infrastructure.

Kevin Doffing
CEO & Founder, Project Vanguard
Permitting professionals connected · Veteran energy network expanded · Career conversations
Mar 2026

Texas Tour Kickoff — Sweetwater

Sweetwater, TX
Texas Tour

The Texas Tour kicked off in the heart of West Texas energy country. Veterans joined energy employers and community leaders for networking, live podcast recordings, and the official launch of Vanguard's flagship road campaign.

Brad Quigley
CEO, Solar Ranch Xperts · West Texas Chapter Lead
Veterans connected · Live podcast recordings · West Texas energy employers · Flagship road campaign launched
Feb 2026

Veteran Meet-up @ RE+ Northeast

Boston, MA
Conference

Project Vanguard brought veterans together at RE+ Northeast, the region's premier clean energy conference. Members networked with employers from across the Northeast energy market and explored career opportunities in solar, storage, and grid modernization.

Steve Bravo
Director, NYSERDA · Northeast Chapter Lead
20+ veterans attended · 8 energy employers represented · Multiple follow-up interviews reported
Sep 2025

Veterans Happy Hour @ Climate Week NYC

New York, NY
Conference

Project Vanguard made its New York debut during Climate Week NYC at 144 Sullivan Street. Veterans from across the energy sector came together for an evening that proved the veteran energy network extends well beyond Texas.

Steve Bravo
Director, NYSERDA · Northeast Chapter Lead
30+ veterans · First East Coast Vanguard activation · Established NYC as recurring chapter
Sep 2025

Veterans Happy Hour @ RE+ 2025

Anaheim, CA
Conference

The biggest veteran energy gathering of the year at North America's largest clean energy conference. Packed happy hour bringing together veterans from every branch and every corner of the energy industry.

Kevin Doffing
CEO & Founder, Project Vanguard
Veterans happy hour at RE+ 2025
50+ veterans · 15+ energy companies · Vanguard's largest conference activation to date
Aug 2025

Veterans Happy Hour @ National Conservative Energy Summit

Stillwater, OK
Conference

Veterans gathered at the National Conservative Energy Summit for networking and conversation about the future of American energy with industry leaders and policymakers committed to an all-of-the-above strategy.

Kevin Doffing
CEO & Founder, Project Vanguard
15+ veterans · CEN partnership strengthened · Key policy conversations
Aug 2025

Austin Veterans Energy Happy Hour

Austin, TX
Networking

The Austin chapter came together for casual networking. Members connected with energy professionals from Apex, ERCOT, and several local developers.

Barrett Thomas
Senior Development Manager, Apex Clean Energy · Austin Chapter Lead
Austin veterans happy hour
25+ local veterans · 5 energy employers · 3 members reported job leads within 30 days
2025

Houston Veterans Happy Hour

Houston, TX
Networking

Veterans in energy professionals gathered in the energy capital of the world for an evening of networking. Hiring managers from Houston's top energy firms, veteran small business owners, and transitioning service members built connections over drinks and conversation.

Sean Salas
VP of Sales, JLL Energy Advisory · Houston Chapter Lead
Houston energy professionals · Career connections made · Local chapter community strengthened
2025

Project Vanguard Happy Hour — Las Vegas

Las Vegas, NV
Networking

Vanguard brought veterans together in Las Vegas for a networking happy hour connecting veteran energy professionals in the Southwest with employers and community leaders in the region's growing solar, battery, and grid infrastructure sectors.

Nick Martocci
Tower Training Academy · Western Chapter Lead
Southwest veteran energy network activated · Local employer connections · Chapter growth in Nevada
2025

Veterans Happy Hour @ VIE

Location varies
Conference

Project Vanguard hosted a networking happy hour at the Veterans in Energy conference, connecting members with fellow veteran energy professionals, hiring companies, and advocacy organizations working to build the veteran-to-energy pipeline.

Kevin Doffing
CEO & Founder, Project Vanguard
Veterans in Energy community engaged · Cross-organization partnerships formed
May 2025

Veterans Meet Up @ ACP's CLEANPOWER Conference

Houston, TX
Conference

At ACP's CLEANPOWER Conference at the George R. Brown Convention Center, Project Vanguard hosted its largest conference meetup. Veterans met with the nation's top clean energy developers, manufacturers, and service providers.

Kevin Doffing
CEO & Founder, Project Vanguard
George R. Brown Convention Center · Largest Vanguard conference activation · Top clean energy employers
2025

Veterans Happy Hour @ RE+ Texas

Texas
Conference

Veterans gathered at RE+ Texas for a networking happy hour focused on the state's booming renewable energy market. Members connected with Texas-based developers, EPCs, and O&M companies actively hiring veterans for wind, solar, and storage roles.

Kevin Doffing
CEO & Founder, Project Vanguard
Texas energy employers in the room · Veterans connected with local hiring managers
Apr 2025

Veteran Tour of the National Laboratory of the Rockies

Golden, CO
Tour

An exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of a national energy research laboratory. Veterans saw cutting-edge research in renewable energy, grid integration, and energy storage — and learned about career pathways that leverage their security clearances and technical backgrounds.

Gabrielle Adair
Chief of Staff, Project Vanguard
Exclusive lab access · Cutting-edge energy research · Federal career pathways for veterans with clearances
2025

Oklahoma Energy Day

Oklahoma City, OK
Community

Veterans joined energy industry leaders and policymakers at the Oklahoma State Capitol for a day of advocacy and engagement around energy policy, workforce development, and the role veterans play in Oklahoma's all-of-the-above energy economy.

Kevin Doffing
CEO & Founder, Project Vanguard
Oklahoma Capitol engagement · Veteran energy policy advocacy · Bipartisan energy conversations
2025

Trusted Voices, Powerful Impact: Activating Veterans in State Energy Policy

Virtual Webinar
Webinar

A virtual panel exploring how veterans serve as trusted voices in state-level energy policy conversations. Featuring community leaders who have engaged with state legislators, permitting boards, and economic development councils to advocate for energy projects and veteran workforce pathways.

Kevin Doffing
CEO & Founder, Project Vanguard
National virtual audience · State policy best practices shared · Community leaders featured
2025

Veterans in Energy Careers Webinar

Virtual Webinar
Webinar

A virtual career workshop for veterans exploring the energy industry. Panelists shared career transition stories, hiring managers discussed what they look for in veteran candidates, and attendees learned about the pathways from military service to energy careers across wind, solar, oil & gas, and grid infrastructure.

Kevin Doffing
CEO & Founder, Project Vanguard
National virtual audience · Career pathways demystified · Hiring managers on the panel
Mar 2025

Veterans Happy Hour @ ACP Siting & Permitting Conference

Denver, CO
Conference

At ACP's Siting & Permitting Conference at the Gaylord Rockies Resort, veterans connected with professionals navigating the permitting landscape for wind, solar, and storage projects.

Kevin Doffing
CEO & Founder, Project Vanguard
Gaylord Rockies Resort · Permitting professionals connected · Development career conversations
Mar 2025

Veterans Happy Hour @ CERAWeek

Houston, TX
Conference

Veterans gathered during CERAWeek — the world's premier energy conference — for an exclusive networking happy hour in Houston with C-suite executives, policymakers, and hiring managers from across the global energy landscape.

Kevin Doffing
CEO & Founder, Project Vanguard
Global energy leaders · Fortune 500 executives · Key industry partnerships formed
Mar 2025

Texas Energy Day @ State Capitol

Austin, TX
Community

Vanguard members joined energy industry leaders at the Texas State Capitol for meetings with legislators, advocating for veteran workforce development and energy security.

Kevin Doffing
CEO & Founder, Project Vanguard
Texas Energy Day
12 legislative meetings · Bipartisan support · 3 local media stories
2025

Meet & Greet at Cypress Creek Renewables

Location varies
Career

An exclusive employer meet-and-greet hosted at Cypress Creek Renewables. Veterans toured the offices, met with hiring managers and team leads, and learned about career opportunities in solar development, project management, and operations — with direct pathways for military veterans.

Kevin Doffing
CEO & Founder, Project Vanguard
Direct employer access · Hiring manager introductions · Solar career pathways explored
2025

Veterans Meetup @ RECHARGE

Location varies
Conference

Project Vanguard organized a veteran meetup at RECHARGE, an energy storage conference. Veterans in the battery, grid, and storage sectors came together for networking and career conversations at one of the fastest-growing segments of the energy industry.

Kevin Doffing
CEO & Founder, Project Vanguard
Energy storage industry connections · Battery & grid sector networking
2025

Acciona Wind Farm Site Tour

West Texas
Tour

Veterans went behind the fence line at an Acciona wind energy facility for a hands-on tour of turbine operations, maintenance bays, and control systems.

Brad Quigley
CEO, Solar Ranch Xperts · West Texas Chapter Lead
Acciona site tour
15 veterans toured · 2 members hired into wind energy within 60 days
2025

Texas Tour — Sweetwater Kickoff

Sweetwater, TX
Texas Tour

The inaugural stop of the 2025 Texas Tour launched in Sweetwater. Veterans toured wind facilities, met with local employers, and kicked off the road campaign with live podcast recordings and an evening networking event.

Kevin Doffing
CEO & Founder, Project Vanguard
Gabrielle Adair
Chief of Staff, Project Vanguard
20+ veterans · Wind facility tours · Live podcast recordings · Employer networking
2025

Texas Tour — San Angelo

San Angelo, TX
Texas Tour

Solar grazing site visits and community engagement with local officials and business leaders. Veterans met Brad Quigley and the Solar Ranch Xperts team.

Kevin Doffing
CEO & Founder, Project Vanguard
Gabrielle Adair
Chief of Staff, Project Vanguard
Solar grazing site visits · Local official meetings · Community leader networking
2025

Texas Tour — Midland/Odessa

Midland, TX
Texas Tour

The Permian Basin stop — veterans face-to-face with American oil and gas alongside the region's growing renewable energy footprint.

Kevin Doffing
CEO & Founder, Project Vanguard
Gabrielle Adair
Chief of Staff, Project Vanguard
Energy facility tours · Permian Basin employer networking · Meetings with local officials
2025

Texas Tour — Abilene

Abilene, TX
Texas Tour

Another West Texas energy hub — veterans toured operational sites and connected with workforce development programs in wind energy operations, construction, and grid infrastructure.

Kevin Doffing
CEO & Founder, Project Vanguard
Gabrielle Adair
Chief of Staff, Project Vanguard
Energy site tours · Workforce development · Community evening event
2025

Texas Tour — Houston

Houston, TX
Texas Tour

The energy capital of the world. Veterans connected with hiring teams from major Houston-based energy companies, toured facilities, and built relationships that turned into job offers and mentorships.

Kevin Doffing
CEO & Founder, Project Vanguard
Gabrielle Adair
Chief of Staff, Project Vanguard
30+ veterans · Major employer networking · Facility tours · Job offers reported
Sep 2024

Veterans Happy Hour @ RE+ 2024

Anaheim, CA
Conference

Project Vanguard's first major conference activation at RE+ 2024. Veterans from across the country came together in Anaheim and put Vanguard on the map as the go-to veteran energy community at industry conferences.

Kevin Doffing
CEO & Founder, Project Vanguard
First national conference activation · Major clean energy employers · Established Vanguard's conference presence