New River Electrical Foremen’s Conference Keynote – Roanoke, VA
On October 15, 2026, Odie Espenship delivered the keynote at the New River Electrical Foremen’s Conference in Roanoke, Virginia, to a room of about 600 foremen, employees and owners. New River Electrical delivers critical electrical infrastructure nationwide, and the foremen in that room set the tone on every crew, every shift.
The theme was Owner Safety Leadership Excellence: the idea that safety isn’t a program you hand off, it’s something leaders own. Frontline leaders who speak up, listen and set the standard every day build crews that get everyone home safe. It’s a lesson Odie learned flying the A-10 and as an international airline captain.
Where I Stayed: The Historic Hotel Roanoke
While in town, Odie stayed at the historic Hotel Roanoke. Built in 1882 by the Norfolk and Western Railroad, it survived fire and the Depression to become the city’s social center. In 1989 the N&W donated it to Virginia Tech, and after a major renovation it reopened in 1995. It’s listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places.
Planning a safety conference or leadership event? Contact Odie to check his availability.