Mid-Atlantic Broadband Summit

Tuesday, June 18th
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
ISPs in Virginia and neighboring states, industry partners serving the Mid-Atlantic, policymakers

WHAT IS IT?
Please join WISPA—Broadband Without Boundaries for the Mid-Atlantic Broadband Summit. This event will bring together local internet service providers who operate in both the fixed wireless and hybrid fiber-wireless space, technology vendors offering the latest equipment, and the policymakers who are supporting broadband expansion programs across the state and region.

This conference will feature a full day of discussions and networking opportunities focused on broadband expansion policy  and reality. Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss the state of broadband expansion plans in Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic region; network with community leaders, broadband providers, and policymakers; and see firsthand the cutting-edge developments in broadband technology the ISP community is deploying to offer reliably high-speed broadband service everywhere.

WHEN IS IT AND WHERE IS IT?
June 18, 2024, at the Marriott Downtown (Richmond, VA)

REGISTER NOW >

 

 

Agenda (subject to change)

7:30–8:30 a.m.: Breakfast

8:30–9:00 a.m.: Introduction/Kickoff

  • Speaker: David Zumwalt (President and CEO, WISPA)

9:05–10:00 a.m.: State BEAD Plans

  • Speakers
    • Tamarah Holmes, Ph.D. (Director, Virginia Office of Broadband)
    • Bryan Horn (Director, Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development)
    • Chandler Vaughan (Senior Policy Analyst, Virginia Office of Broadband)

10:00–10:15 a.m.: BREAK

10: 15–10:40 a.m.: Getting to 100%—Using All Technologies to Reach Universal Service

  • Moderator: Steven Schwerbel (State Advocacy Manager, WISPA)
  • Speakers
    • Charles Thomas (Chief Strategy Officer, Rural Broadband Partners)
    • Benton Cook (Strategic Account Manager, Winncom)
    • Richard P. Biby (CEO, Two-Hops Wireless LLC)

10:45–11:30 a.m.: How to Prepare for BEAD Requirements

  • Speakers
    • Jill Springer (Senior Policy Advisor and Chief Environmental Review and Permitting Officer, NTIA)
    • Chris Bolling (NTIA Southeastern Regional Director)

11:30–11:45 a.m.: Lunch Buffet

11:45 a.m.–12:30 p.m.: Lunch Conversation–Federal Broadband Efforts & Legislation

  • Moderator: Matt Mandel (Vice President of Government Affairs, WISPA)
  • Speakers
    • Jill Springer (Senior Policy Advisor and Chief Environmental Review and Permitting Officer, NTIA)
    • Chris Bolling (NTIA Southeastern Regional Director)

12:30–1:15 p.m.: Vendor Presentations and Benefits of WISPA Membership

1:15–1:30 p.m.: BREAK

1:30–3:00 p.m.: Tracked Discussions

Track 1: ISP Business

1:30–3:00 p.m.: Preparing Your Business for BEAD While Keeping Your Business Running

  • Speaker: Charles Thomas (Chief Strategy Officer, Rural Broadband Partners)

Track 2: Policy

1:30–3:00 p.m.: “Office Hours”—Facilitated conversations with NTIA and the Virginia Broadband Office to learn more about expectations for BEAD applications and advice on how to engage with broadband expansion programs

  • Speakers
    • Tamarah Holmes, Ph.D. (Director, Virginia Office of Broadband)
    • Chandler Vaughan (Senior Policy Analyst, Virginia Office of Broadband)
    • Caroline Luxhoj (Program Manager, Virginia Telecommunication Initiative)

3:00–3:15 p.m.: BREAK

3:15–4:00 p.m.: Fireside Chat: Gigi Sohn in conversation with David Zumwalt

4:00–5:30 p.m.: Cocktail Reception with Vendors