Annual Convention Sessions & Speakers |
Schedule subject to change.
View Schedule-at-a-Glance here.
General Session
Wednesday, May 22
8:00AM-11:00AM
NTCA Update
Shirley Bloomfield, NTCA
Unmasking the Dark Web: A Riveting Expedition into History, Legends, AI Breakthroughs, and the Menace to Service Providers
Jon Brown, ePlus Technology
This session will take you through the dark web's fascinating history, shedding light on its origins and evolution. Gain insights into the aspects of the dark web and explore the urban legends that have shaped public perception. Also delving into the security implications along with AI technologies, like ChatGPT.
Keynote
Vice Admiral Scott Van Buskirk
Session description TBA.
Breakout Sessions
Wednesday, May 22
Breakouts 1: 1:30PM-2:20PM
2024 Broadband and Video Study ReportTrack: Marketing
Scott Meyer, Innovative Systems
This presentation will include 2024 data that identifies key demographic, social, and preferential tendencies of your broadband and video customers. The study was conducted in rural marketplaces across the US with over 800 respondents and includes a benchmark report that covers 2021-2024. A free copy of the full report will be made available to conference attendees.
AI and its Potential Effect on Rural LECs
Track: Business Management
Teri Kessler, NECA
An overview of artificial intelligence – what it is, how it works and what it can do, as well as AI’s promise for growth opportunities in the telecommunications industry and potential operational disruptions.
Full House at the FCC: Navigating the New Regulatory Landscape with All Five Commissioners in Play
Track: Policy/Accounting
Jennifer Holtz, JSI
From digital discrimination to NG911, broadband nutrition labels to outage reporting, ACP to the Future of USF, the FCC is running at full speed ahead with a fifth Commissioner. Get an update from the nation’s capital on the newest regulations, as well as possible new rules, and how your company can take action now to minimize any compliance risks.
Solving for Wi-Fi Coverage in Large Commercial and Rural Environments, and Providing Connectivity to School-Age Children
Track: Technology
Speaker TBA, Calix
Ninety-seven percent of the country's land mass is rural but only nineteen percent of the population lives there. So, what can a BSP offer to business and residential subscribers to connect them with broadband services?
In today's world, access to the internet is crucial for students to succeed academically. However, many students lack reliable access to the internet, leaving them at a disadvantage when it comes to completing assignments and participating in online classes. This talk will explore the ways in which community Wi-Fi networks can bridge the digital divide for school-age children, providing affordable and accessible internet access to those who need it most. We will also discuss the importance of community engagement, the need for partnerships with local businesses and government entities, and the potential for community Wi-Fi to drive economic development in underserved areas.
Breakouts 2: 2:30PM-3:20PM
Track: Marketing
Tara Young, Calix
Will new competition with deep pockets flood your market this year? Armed with more than $100 billion in funding, existing, and incumbent providers are targeting your pool of potential subscribers. What’s your new strategy to beat them to the punch?
Competing on speed and price will no longer cut it. Broadband providers are looking for new data-driven strategies to fuel growth and transform how they engage with their subscribers and prospects.
Economic Update and State of the Debt/Acquisition Market
Track: Business Management
Hunter Hook, CoBank
This presentation will provide an update on economic activity and also cover both the debt market (interest rates etc.) and the acquisition market.
Nutritious and Informative: Regulatory and Compliance in 2024
Track: Policy/Accounting
Eric Pulvermacher, FORVIS
Whether it is Broadband labels, or the first round of BEAD grant applications many regulatory and compliance issues continue to shape your 2024 decision processes. Whether it is state or federal we will review many of the pressing regulatory and compliance issue affecting Wisconsin companies this year.
Connectivity Blueprint: Mapping Broadband Grant Applications for Telecom Providers
Track: Technology
Thomas Mattimiro, Millennium
Tailored for telecommunications leaders, this presentation delves into leveraging GIS technology to map, track, and analyze grant applications.
Breakouts 3: 3:30PM-4:20PM
Streaming Forward: Navigating the Streaming Revolution for Effective Advertising
Track: Marketing
Autumn Ricke, Pinnacle Marketing
Step into the future of advertising with streaming platforms. Explore the rising trend of cord-cutting and the golden opportunities it creates for businesses. With a myriad of streaming services and precise audience targeting, discover why this moment is opportune for businesses to make their mark in the streaming advertising landscape.
Accounting Roundtable
Track: Policy/Accounting
Facilitator: Laura Gullickson, NTec
Technology Roundtable
Track: Technology
Facilitator: Shane McCann, Marquette-Adams Telephone Cooperative, Inc.
General Session
Thursday, May 23
9:00AM-11:45AM
Transitioning from Traditional Voice to Cloud Solutions
Facilitator: PJ Louis, NECA
The panel will discuss the reasons for moving away from traditional voice to the cloud and will discuss the challenges facing carriers making the move to cloud solutions.
Business Management Panel
Facilitator: TBA
Cybersecurity Panel
Facilitator: Shane McCann, Marquette-Adams Telephone Cooperative, Inc.
Closing General Session
Ed Sedar, Former Brewers Baseball Coach