Recent years have demonstrated dynamic change and innovation across all industries, and the energy sector has been no exception. The 2025 Duke University Energy Conference will bring together leaders and industry experts to explore, discuss, and debate how the evolution of the energy sector will shape key aspects of society including transportation, finance, and technology.

The Energy Conference draws over 400 attendees each year and features keynote speakers, panel discussions, networking opportunities, a company expo, and interactive sessions. This year’s theme will cover hot topics across the energy sector to explore opportunities to collaboratively address barriers to progress and inspire cross-disciplinary action to advance the energy transition..

2025 Keynote Speakers

Bobby Hollis joined Microsoft in 2023 as VP of Energy responsible for leading Microsoft’s energy sourcing and carbon removal strategy globally as its AI infrastructure deployment accelerated. In this role, Bobby and his team works with utilities, suppliers, policy makers and industry leaders to procure energy and renewables to power Microsoft’s global data centers and AI infrastructure, achieve Microsoft’s renewable energy and carbon negative commitments and support the advancement of carbon-free electricity grid infrastructure.

Before his energy work in the technology sector, Bobby led renewable energy for Nevada’s largest utility, NV Energy, a Berkshire Hathaway utility, adopting customer-oriented approaches that radically changed renewables within the utility sector. His tenure included innovative customer projects with Apple and Nellis Air Force Base, as well as a state-wide SmartGrid deployment and major policy changes to retire all coal facilities and replace them with renewable generation. Early in his career, Bobby practiced corporate and regulatory law at Jenner & Block and Baker & Mackenzie, in Washington, DC, and Chicago, as well as leading legal support for Invenergy LLC, one of the largest renewable energy developers in the US.

Bobby holds a J.D. in Law from the University of Iowa College of Law and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Florida.

Food and Drinks

West End Wine Bar | $$ Wine Bar
Ponysaurus Brewing | $$ Brewery
Motorco | $$ Live Music and Bar
Velvet Hippo| $$ Rooftop Bar