Agenda

Agenda is subject to change. All times are listed are Eastern time. Meetings will take place at the JW Marriott Indianapolis.

Attending this conference earns you credits toward your NTCA certificate for course codes G101, P102, T102, B107 and B112. Learn more about NTCA certificate programs.

Community Connections Stage Sponsored by:	Operational Insights Stage Sponsored by:

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday, September 28

7:30 a.m.–11:30 p.m.
CSSA Breakfast and Board Meeting
 

Sunday, September 29

7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Conference Central
Visit Conference Central for general information on NTCA programs and conference events, badge printing, tech support and on-site registration.
Registration Sponsored by:

 

 

8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m.
Church Service

10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Welcome to Indianapolis
Kathleen Headington, CMP, Destination Experience Manager, Conventions at Visit Indy
Get ready to experience Hoosier hospitality at its finest. By the end of this session, you will be well-equipped to conquer Indianapolis with the confidence of a true Hoosier. Consider this your one-stop shop for must-try restaurants, exciting activities that suit all tastes and a fascinating journey through Indy's history. Plus, you will get a sprinkle of some surprising fun facts to share with other attendees throughout the event. This session will transform you from a first-time visitor to an Indy insider. Ask questions, get personalized recommendations based on your interests and make your time in Indy unforgettable.

11:15 a.m.–Noon
What is on Your Mind: An Executive Roundtable Session
Shirley Bloomfield, CEO, NTCA
Michael Romano, Executive Vice President, NTCA

1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.  
Awards Committee Meeting 

2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.  
Legal Committee Meeting 

2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. 
Associate Member Advisory Council Meeting 

2:15 p.m.–2:45 p.m.  
First-Time Attendee Session 
New to the conference? This session is designed to make you feel like a Fall Conference pro in no time. You will be provided with information to help you learn the ins and outs of the conference and greeted by NTCA staff. 

3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.  
Director Peer-to-Peer Roundtables by Region 
During this popular highlight of the conference, board directors will network and share their challenges with peers in their regions. Be prepared to share and take part in a rigorous discussion of issues. 

3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. 
NTCA Benefits Update 
Discover the latest developments and updates coming to NTCA's Group Health Program, Savings Plan and R&S Program during this insightful conference session. 

4:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m. 
Welcome Reception  
Sponsored by:

 

 

4:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m.  
FRS Cornhole Tournament 
Additional registration required 
LEARN MORE

Monday, September 30

7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. 
Conference Central  
Visit Conference Central for general information on NTCA programs and conference events, badge printing, tech support and on-site registration. 

7:30 a.m.–8:30 a.m. 
Coffee + Pastries 

8:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m.  
Opening General Session

NTCA Chairman Update
Mike Grisham, President and CEO of Shawnee Communications

CEO Update
Shirley Bloomfield, CEO, NTCA

Smart Rural Community Showcase Awards
NTCA 2024 Smart Rural Community Showcase awards will be announced. 

Opening Keynote: Future-Proof Yourself: Innovate and Thrive in Times of Uncertainty  
Crystal Washington, Tech Trends Futurist
The new normal of consistent change is leaving leaders concerned about being left behind. Instead of implementing half-baked, panic-driven ideas … it is time to identify the Easter eggs the future has left for us. In this talk, technology futurist Crystal Washington will show you how to innovate, thrive and enjoy the ride. In this session, she will uncover: 

• The gifts the future really has to offer, allowing you to shape and manipulate for your ultimate outcomes. 
• The most under-utilized Easter eggs of innovation — which you already have in your basket.  
• A framework to help you future-proof your organization and avoid getting scrambled. 

Opening Session Speaker sponsored by: 

 

 

How the Numbers Prove What We Know is Right
A high-power panel that delves into the full impact of broadband on rural spaces, and a blend of storytelling and academics.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship for All
John McDonald, CEO, NEXT Studios
John talks about the significance of these three words and how they are key to making sure no one is left out of the next wave of technology.

11:00 a.m.–Noon 
Solutions Showcase Opening
Gather with other attendees and meet and network with vendors offering solutions of the future. 

Noon–1:30 pm 
Lunch on your own 

Noon.–1:30 pm 
PAC Board Meeting  

1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m. 
Technical Committee Meeting 

1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.  
Joint Industry and Regulatory Policy/Competitive and Advanced Services Committee Meetings 

1:30 p.m.–4:00 p.m.   
Community Connections Stage 

• Community Engagement Strategies
• Examining Your Community Assets
• Working With Third Parties and Philanthropic Organizations
• Strategies for Inclusive Connectivity 

1:30 p.m.–4:00 p.m. 
Operational Insights Stage

• Workforce Development Strategies
• AI's Impact on Workforce
• Peeking Inside the Pages: NTCA Broadband Opportunities and Leadership Development program
• Techniques for Retaining Top Talent 

2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Government Affairs Committee Meeting 

3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
Innovation and Business Opportunity Committee Meeting  

4:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m.  
Networking Reception + Solutions Showcase 
Gather with other attendees and meet and network with vendors offering solutions of the future. 
Networking Reception sponsored by:

 

 
6:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m. 
Dueling Pianos With FRS 
Additional Registration Required 

LEARN MORE

Tuesday, October 1

 7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. 
Conference Central  
Visit Conference Central for general information on NTCA programs and conference events, badge printing, tech support and on-site registration. 

7:45 a.m.–8:45 a.m. 
Women in Telecommunications Industry Breakfast  
LEARN MORE

7:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m. 
Coffee + Pastries 

9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. 
Community Connections Stage

• The Power of Storytelling    
• From Data to Impact: Crafting Compelling Narratives 
• Leveraging Advocacy for Positioning     
• Powerful Potential of Partnerships 

9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.  
Operational Insights Stage

• Being the Technology Company — and Leaning Into It 
• Building for the Future: Fiber Construction Challenges  
• Smarter and More Secure
• Data Center Expansion and Impacts on Rural

11:00 a.m.–Noon 
Solutions Showcase and Executive Networking
Executives and Key Employees are invited to the Solutions Showcase for a second opportunity to connect with exhibitors and for casual networking among peers.

11:00 a.m.–Noon 
Morning Entertainment Session 
Mina Starsiak Hawk, HGTV Star, Co-founder and Owner of Two Chicks and a Hammer and retail store Two Chicks District Co. Directors and conference guests are invited to attend this Q+A session between Mina and Sally Wlasuk, NTCA member relations manager, you will hear what it takes to give your surroundings and community a fresh look with a boost of modernization with tech design trends and style tips. You will be dazzled as Mina, a native Indianapolitan, shares her contributions and design skills of transforming parts of the city to smart living.

Noon–1:30 p.m. 
Lunch on Your Own 

1:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m.  
Community Connections Stage

• Economic Growth Strategies: Innovation and Investment 
• Broadband's Role in Ag Innovation     
• Investing in Education Futures
• Advancing Rural Health Care

1:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m.  
Operational Insights Stage

• Assessing the Current State of Broadband Grants and Funding
• Policy Top of Mind: Broadband Regulatory Burdens
• Tools for Today’s Technology
• Regional and State Collaboration Done Right

3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m.  
Esports Experience
Learn what is new in esports and gaming in rural spaces, including the potential business opportunities for broadband providers. 
Presented by the NTCA Innovation and Business Opportunity Committee

4:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m.  
Legal Committee Reception 

5:30 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
St. Elmo's Steak House with NTCA Rural Broadband PAC
Additional Registration Required

LEARN MORE

Wednesday, October 2

 7:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m. 
Conference Central  
Visit Conference Central for general information on NTCA programs and conference events, badge printing, tech support and on-site registration. 

7:30a.m.–8:30a.m. 
Coffee + Pastries  

8:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Closing General Session

Foundation for Rural Service Update
Pam Becker, Executive Director, FRS

iFast/Guardian Group

Policy Issues for 2025: An NTCA Member Panel

Esports: Connecting Communities and Culture 
This session is brought to you by the Innovation and Business Opportunity Committee.

Closing Keynote: Becoming an Idea Factory: How to Turn Yourself (and Your Organization) into An Innovation Machine 
Kyle Scheele, Accidental TikToker and Crazy Idea Guy 
If there is one belief that is holding you back from getting the most out of your team, it is this one: some people are creative, and some people are not. That belief is based on outdated ideas about what creativity means, where it comes from and who gets to harness it. The truth is creativity is a skill like any other: It can be learned. In the same way that we teach employees how to track expenses, process orders and jiggle the lock just right to get into the supply closet, we can teach them how to be more creative, how to have better ideas, and how to build a culture where innovation is a natural byproduct. 

11:00 a.m.  
NTCA Fall Conference Adjourns