Breakout Sessions 
Wednesday, May 20, 2026

1:30 PM - 2:20 PM

Strategies for Building Into New Areas and Audiences

TBA, Calix

You’ve identified your next expansion target, but how do you make sure you’re going to make a splash (and meet your ROI projections!) in a new build or acquisition area? In this session, we’ll explore key communication methods, ways for identifying important audiences and stakeholders, and how to use data to pinpoint potential subscribers and best-fit services.

Jean Edhlund, Cooperative Network Services

The old saying that "the one constant is change" certainly applies to operating a video product in 2026. Content ownership is changing hands and providers need to be nimble as the changes come at a rapid pace. This presentation will include important updates as well as suggestions on how to remain relevant in the video space.

Financial Fault Lines

Kristy Szabo, Vantage Point Solutions

Broadband providers face mounting pressure – shrinking margins, rising costs, regulatory hurdles, and tech disruptions. This session uncovers hidden financial and operational risks and offers practical strategies to stay ahead: cost control, automation, and leveraging AI for efficiency and customer experience. We’ll dive into forecasting, CapEx planning, market trends, and revenue diversification to help you shift from reactive to proactive. The goal? Build resilience, boost profitability, and position your organization for long-term success.

Next Generation of Experiences with Wi-Fi 7 and 50G PON - Technology innovations for tomorrow built on a solution you can deploy today

TBA, Calix

As demand for multi-gigabit service gains momentum, operators are looking for opportunities to expand their service offerings beyond simply residential services. Higher speed PON systems (beyond 10G PON) offer operators the ability to deploy a converged architecture – a unified network for both business and residential services – such as residential, mobile, enterprise and more - onto one network. Wi-Fi 7 increases the throughput potential of subscribers to nearly 50 GB which has the potential of flooding access networks. Learn about network convergence and consolidation with capabilities like 50G PON and network slicing that will help you open new markets and deliver new experiences to your subscribers using the investment you make today on your network as well as what service providers need to consider with Wi-Fi 7 to prepare for subscriber evolution. 

2:30 PM - 3:20 PM

Winning the Churn Battle: Marketing to Keep the Customers You Have

TBA, Calix

It’s cheaper to keep a customer than find a new one — but most ISPs market only to prospects. This session focuses on retention marketing: onboarding emails, upgrade offers, loyalty programs, and reactivation campaigns that keep customers engaged and reduce churn. Learn how to use data to trigger timely, relevant outreach that builds long-term loyalty.

From Good to Great: 20 Tips to Level Up Your Sales & Marketing

Nicole Hackman, Vantage Point Solutions

In rural broadband, great marketing doesn’t require a big team – just the right strategy. In this fast-paced session, Nicole Hackman, Marketing Specialist at Vantage Point Solutions, shares 20 practical sales and marketing tips designed specifically for providers serving local communities. From strengthening customer relationships to simplifying internal processes, you’ll walk away with real-world ideas you can use immediately – no matter the size of your team. Whether you’re new to marketing or looking to sharpen your approach, you’ll leave with clear, actionable tactics to better reach your community and support the subscribers who rely on you

It's complicated: An Economic Update
Hunter Hook, CoBank

The economy continues to move forward, but not without its share of noise and conflicting signals. This presentation will break down the latest data as of May and provide the context you need to interpret it clearly. You’ll gain practical insight to help you navigate uncertainty and make informed decisions as you plan your path ahead.

Broadband Meets AI: Innovation, Responsibility, and the Road Ahead

Laura Matthews, NISC

Artificial Intelligence is transforming industries worldwide, and broadband is no exception. This session will explore how generative and agentic AI can drive new efficiencies, improve customer service, and support operational excellence for providers. We’ll also discuss security, compliance, and ethical design considerations to ensure AI is implemented responsibly. Attendees will walk away with practical ideas for getting started and a clear view of what’s coming next.

3:30 PM - 4:20 PM
Marketing Roundtable

Lifestyle Packages is the Future
Ryan Smith, Nokia

How lifestyle packages is the future for service providers to generate more revenue and to avoid the race to the bottom.

What’s Next for USF: Practical Considerations for Rural Providers
Celia Lewis, JSI

Hear from a former senior FCC official as they discuss how rural providers can navigate USF uncertainty amid increasing scrutiny. This session will focus on next-generation compliance approaches that go beyond traditional, audit-driven responses to strengthen day-to-day operations and reduce audit risk. Panelist(s) will highlight how modern compliance tools, improved data discipline, and proactive documentation practices can help providers demonstrate readiness well before an audit begins—shifting from reactive compliance to a forward-looking, risk-managed posture designed for today’s federal oversight environment.

Technology Roundtable
Facilitator: Shane McCann, Marquette-Adams

General Session
Thursday, May 21

9:00 AM - 11:45AM

Pipe Dreams: Turning Unlikely Ideas into Unleashed Opportunities
Justin Huebner, Lemonade Strategies

Beyond the fiber trench lie "Pipe Dreams." These strategic innovations were once considered unlikely. This session analyzes unique case studies across governance, operations, and marketing. We examine strategic plays, margins, and stakeholder benefits, demonstrating that these unconventional ideas can be profitable realities for unleashing ISP community access and value. 

Additional general session speakers to be announced!