August 5
9:00 am
![](https://mountainconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/green-course-300x97.png)
Annual Mountain Connect Golf Tournament
Signup for this popular outing!
- 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
- Green Valley Ranch Golf Club
10:00 am
Conference Registration
- 10:00 am to 5:30 pm
- Plaza Registration
11:00 am
Broadband 101 Class
Broadband 101 Session – The Basics of Broadband This pre-conference session will cover the basic concepts of broadband networking technology, economics, and public policy that all industry managers, public policy … Read more
- 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
- Moderator: David Reed
- Plaza Court 4/5
12:00 pm
Exhibitor Setup
- 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm
- Plaza Exhibit Foyer
3:30 pm
Broadband Connections: Uniting Experts and Communities
Join us for an engaging preconference that promises to be both informative and transformative. Featuring compelling customer testimonials, you’ll gain valuable insights into real-world challenges and solutions from those who … Read more
- 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm
- Speakers: Paul Breakman, Eric Rajchel, Barry Walton, Todd Way
- Plaza Court 7
6:30 pm
Conference Welcome Reception
- 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
- Plaza Ballroom
August 6
7:00 am
Conference Registration
- 7:00 am to 4:00 pm
- Plaza Registration
Full Breakfast Buffet
- 7:00 am to 8:00 am
- Plaza Ballroom
8:00 am
Welcome to Mountain Connect 2024
Conference Opening Remarks Ten years! We look back at where we’ve been and forward to where the industry hopes to be as Jeffrey Gavlinski interviews the original Mountain Connect Founder, … Read more
- 8:00 am to 8:30 am
- Speakers: Corey Bryndal, Jeff Gavlinski, Jase Wilson
- Plaza Ballroom
8:30 am
BEAD’s Final Showdown — Preparing for BEAD Implementation a State Broadband Director Perspective
Hear from six state broadband office directors as they share state specific approaches on how they will implement their BEAD funding program. Panelists that have had their state plans approved … Read more
- 8:30 am to 9:30 am
- Moderator: Scott D. Woods, Esq.
- Speakers: Sally Doty, Veneeth Iyengar, Jade Piros de Carvalho, Brandy Reitter, Chandler Vaughan, Peter Voderberg
- Plaza Ballroom
9:30 am
Growing Pains: Are You Ready to Scale to Meet Market Needs
Thanks to numerous state and federal funding programs, ISPs have the opportunity to leverage billions of grant dollars for broadband to grow their service footprint. ISPs will be confronted with … Read more
- 9:30 am to 10:15 am
- Moderator: Ed Barrett
- Speakers: Jeff Bankston, Ben Kley, Bret Westwood
- Governor's Square 14
Let’s Talk BEAD: Southwest States
We’re in the heart of BEAD, its challenge processes, volume two’s being cured, and soon subgrantee selection. Mountain Connect is bringing State Broadband Offices together to discuss how each respective … Read more
- 9:30 am to 10:15 am
- Moderator: Misti Willock
- Speakers: Sandip Bhowmick, Greg Conte, Joseph Le, Drew Lovelace, Edyn Rolls
- Plaza Court 7
Constructing the Network of the Future… Now
Imagine a time when no one is left behind of the digital divide and where ubiquitous instantaneous connectivity is available to all Americans. Imagine how these investments will usher in … Read more
- 9:30 am to 10:15 am
- Moderator: David Eckard
- Speakers: Paul Unbehagen, Stefaan Vanhastel
- Plaza Court 2/3
Local, Local, Local!
Being local is key to successful rural broadband. Knowing the Public Works Director, the City or Town Administrator, the electrical utility engineering department, and the City or Town Council are … Read more
- 9:30 am to 10:15 am
- Moderator: Brian Worthen
- Speakers: Evan Biagi, Kent Blackwell, Ken Fellman, David Lady
- Plaza Court 8
The Future of Broadband Affordability
In anticipation of billions of dollars in broadband funding across the US, researchers at Next Century Cities collected statewide statistics from states and territories eligible for the BEAD Program as … Read more
- 9:30 am to 10:15 am
- Speakers: Bo Ford, Shannon B. Haynes, Corian Zacher
- Plaza Court 4/5
10:15 am
Tuesday Morning Exhibit Hall Hours
- 10:15 am to 11:00 am
11:00 am
Beyond the BEAD Subsidy: It’s not just about government money. Why private capital is key to winning BEAD and executing successfully.
Being a successful BEAD applicant is not only about securing grant funds. To be successful, applicants will need sufficient private capital to credibly propose a winning private match of at … Read more
- 11:00 am to 11:45 am
- Moderator: Evan Grayer
- Speakers: Alejandro Batista, Darren Glatt, Chuck Hogg, Ajit Pai
- Governor's Square 14
Let’s Talk BEAD: Mountain West States
We’re in the heart of BEAD, its challenge processes, volume two’s being cured, and soon subgrantee selection. Mountain Connect is bringing State Broadband Offices together to discuss how each respective … Read more
- 11:00 am to 11:45 am
- Moderator: David Don
- Speakers: Chad Bolling, Rebecca Dilg, Patrick Haggerty, Brandy Reitter
- Plaza Court 7
Leveraging Public Infrastructure to Connect the Community
To achieve their goal of leveraging utility infrastructure for citywide fiber connectivity, Colorado Springs Utilities entered into an agreement with The Broadband Group to plan and implement their project and … Read more
- 11:00 am to 11:45 am
- Moderator: Patrick Mulhearn
- Speakers: Eric Coursey, Thane LaBarre, Gregory Poole, Deb Walker
- Plaza Court 2/3
Successful Digital Equity Programs: We Know WHY, Let’s Focus on HOW
This session will review a variety of successful digital equity efforts from across the country. Expert practitioners will discuss the importance of high speed, low cost home access options and … Read more
- 11:00 am to 11:45 am
- Moderator: Deb Socia
- Speakers: Nina Bodenhamer, Taylor Carter-Disanto, Joshua Edmonds, Aneta Thomas Lee, Joshua Williams
- Plaza Court 8
Over the River (and Railroad) We Go: Fiber vs Laser in Challenging Deployments
Rivers & Railroads get in the way of upgrading backhaul infrastructure. While fiber delivers great bandwidth and reliability, the costs are high, Railroads have challenging standards, rivers/canyons/mountains complicate deployments, and … Read more
- 11:00 am to 11:45 am
- Moderator: Zev Suissa
- Speakers: Abel Ramirez, Dr. John Stryjewski
- Plaza Court 4/5
12:00 pm
12:30 pm
Tuesday Lunch Keynote: A Fireside Chat with SpaceX
Join Gwynne Shotwell, President and Chief Operating Officer of SpaceX, for a Fireside Chat. Hear from this pioneering business leader about plans to land Americans on the moon, what it’s … Read more
- 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm
- Moderator: Jase Wilson
- Speakers: Gwynne Shotwell
- Plaza Ballroom
1:15 pm
Tuesday Afternoon Exhibit Hall Break
- 1:15 pm to 2:45 pm
- Plaza Exhibit Foyer
2:45 pm
Mission Critical: Training and Delivering Broadband Talent
There is a massive shortage of trained Broadband (BB) technicians and professionals needed to bring broadband across America. Community colleges will learn about cutting-edge resources such as Broadband Nation which is … Read more
- 2:45 pm to 3:30 pm
- Moderator: David S. Stehlin
- Speakers: Jenny Miller, Edyn Rolls, Delia Sanchez
- Governor's Square 14
Unlocking Connectivity in MDUs through Federal Funding
The demand for robust connectivity in Multi-Dwelling Units (MDUs) is more critical than ever. This panel aims to explore creative strategies employed by various states in utilizing Broadband Equity and … Read more
- 2:45 pm to 3:30 pm
- Moderator: Sean Gerner
- Speakers: Valarry Bullard, Josh Eichen, Alyssa Kenney, Daniel Myers
- Plaza Court 7
Game Changer: The impact of eSports & gaming in rural America
eSports and gaming are taking form as a powerful means of connection and opportunity beyond the digital arena. This interactive panel discussion will arm participants with a new knowledge and … Read more
- 2:45 pm to 3:30 pm
- Speakers: Jessica Gilbert, Bryan Hicks
- Plaza Court 2/3
Using Data To Guide Broadband Policy & Programming Interventions
While data shows that broadband networks have been deployed equitably overall, rurality has a significant impact on broadband availability for people of all races and incomes. In addition, Native Americans … Read more
- 2:45 pm to 3:30 pm
- Moderator: Paul Garnett
- Speakers: Kate Allison, Geoffrey Blackwell, Elizabeth Bowles, Alisa Valentin, Ph.D., Jake Varn
- Plaza Court 8
The Time is NOW to Protect Your Network Against Cyber Attacks
With cyber attacks on the rise, it’s not a matter of your network will be targeted. Providers need to protect their network with top-tier tools to keep their customers and … Read more
- 2:45 pm to 3:30 pm
- Moderator: Bob Knight
- Speakers: Bob Helton, Jonathan Layman, Jason Malmquist, Mike Puglia
- Plaza Court 4/5
3:45 pm
How to Face and Hopefully Overcome Challenges when Delivering Broadband Funding to Rural Communities
The Appalachia Digital Accelerator supports rural Appalachian communities by enhancing broadband connectivity and digital skills to drive economic, social, and health improvements. Managed by Connect Humanity, the Accelerator aids 24 … Read more
- 3:45 pm to 4:30 pm
- Moderator: Samantha Schartman
- Speakers: Shannon Millsaps, Tom Reid, Annie Stroud
- Governor's Square 14
Let’s Talk BEAD: Midwest States
We’re in the heart of BEAD, its challenge processes, volume two’s being cured, and soon subgrantee selection. Mountain Connect is bringing State Broadband Offices together to discuss how each respective … Read more
- 3:45 pm to 4:30 pm
- Moderator: Chris Lord
- Speakers: Devon Braunstein, Alyssa Kenney, Jessica Randall, Peter Voderberg
- Plaza Court 7
Efficient Digital Fielding & Design for Fiber Network Deployments
Begin with the end in mind®. This is Habit #2 from the timeless classic book, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Steven Covey. Fiber broadband’s “end in mind” is … Read more
- 3:45 pm to 4:30 pm
- Moderator: Mike McGill
- Speakers: Scott Casey, Geon-Claude Grobler, Randall René
- Plaza Court 2/3
Broadband Superpowers – Which Ones Do You Need for Your Community
Join us for a dynamic discussion and debate on the future of broadband connectivity, hosted by Brian Hollister, CEO of Bonfire. This panel will debate and challenge your assumptions around … Read more
- 3:45 pm to 4:30 pm
- Moderator: Brian Hollister
- Speakers: Angela Bennink, Delbert Cuthair, Russell Elliott, Dennis Pappas
- Plaza Court 8
Women in Broadband: The Next Generation
This panel illuminates the pivotal roles and dynamic contributions of women in early to mid-career stages within the telecom industry. As the sector evolves rapidly, these emerging leaders are driving … Read more
- 3:45 pm to 4:30 pm
- Moderator: Megan Beresford
- Speakers: Niki Carnahan, Jackie English-Martin, Alisa Valentin, Ph.D., Claire Ward
- Plaza Court 4/5
4:45 pm
What Happens After BEAD Funds Are Awarded?
While many are focused now on state competitive grant processes, awarding BEAD funds to sub-grantees is not the end of the road – it’s just the initial milestone in a … Read more
- 4:45 pm to 5:30 pm
- Moderator: Earnie Holtrey
- Speakers: James Carsley, Carol Mattey, Edyn Rolls, Matt Schmit
- Governor's Square 14
Let’s Talk BEAD: Northeast States
We’re in the heart of BEAD, its challenge processes, volume two’s being cured, and soon subgrantee selection. Mountain Connect is bringing State Broadband Offices together to discuss how each respective … Read more
- 4:45 pm to 5:30 pm
- Moderator: Matt Larsen
- Speakers: Valarry Bullard, Brandon Carson, Roddy Flynn, Christine Hallquist
- Plaza Court 7
Expanding the Vision of “Open Access” Networks as Operating Systems for Cities
What if a single fiber network, brought to life with technology, could serve every community segment, bring competition and choice in services all the way to the desktop, and form … Read more
- 4:45 pm to 5:30 pm
- Speakers: Jamie W. Earp, Tyler Svitak, Bob Thompson
- Plaza Court 2/3
How Local Governments Promote Broadband Deployment and Protect Consumers
With billions of dollars available for broadband from state and federal sources, municipalities are preparing themselves to apply for funding and address potential concerns that new broadband projects will bring … Read more
- 4:45 pm to 5:30 pm
- Moderator: Ryan Johnston
- Speakers: Taylor Carter-Disanto, Ellie de Villiers, Joshua Edmonds, Alberto Garcia
- Plaza Court 8
Bandwidth Trends and Impact on Middle Mile Networks
Integrating rural areas into the digital world is important for economic development. Connecting homes to the internet is crucial. However, the amount of data that those digital pipelines can carry … Read more
- 4:45 pm to 5:30 pm
- Moderator: Mike Vermeer
- Speakers: Dr. Jose Castro, Sachin Gupta, Vini Santos, Craig Sword
- Plaza Court 4/5
5:30 pm
Exhibitor Reception
- 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm
- Plaza Exhibit Foyer
August 7
7:00 am
Conference Registration
- 7:00 am to 2:00 pm
- Plaza Registration
Full Breakfast Buffet
- 7:00 am to 8:00 am
- Plaza Ballroom
8:00 am
Breakfast Keynote: The NTIA and the “State” of BEAD
Attend this keynote panel and fireside chat with NTIA BEAD Director Evan Feinman and State Broadband Directors on the Status of BEAD. The session will delve into such topics as … Read more
- 8:00 am to 9:00 am
- Moderator: Lori Adams
- Speakers: Brandon Carson, Evan Feinman
- Plaza Ballroom
9:00 am
Going for the Gold: Using Vendor Coalitions to Success Obtain Government Funding
As states start and open their grant application windows under short time constraints, it is imperative that the potential subgrantees (potential fiber network owner) have all of their vendors lined … Read more
- 9:00 am to 9:45 am
- Moderator: Heather Gold
- Speakers: David Eckard, Amanda Molina, Ashley Travers
- Governor's Square 14
Let’s Talk BEAD: Western States
We’re in the heart of BEAD, its challenge processes, volume two’s being cured, and soon subgrantee selection. Mountain Connect is bringing State Broadband Offices together to discuss how each respective … Read more
- 9:00 am to 9:45 am
- Moderator: J. Matthew Firra
- Speakers: Krista Baker, Daniel Holbrook, Brian Mitchell
- Plaza Court 7
Shaping Regulatory Policy at the Local, State and Federal Level
AI systems have been embraced by local and state governments at unprecedented scale. People across the world are recognizing the potential that AI will bring to the economy and public … Read more
- 9:00 am to 9:45 am
- Speakers: Seamus Dowdall, Zach Friend, Jessica Sankus
- Plaza Court 2/3
Digital Inclusion Partnerships – The Impact of Collaboration
Melanie Colletti, Digital Equity Manager for Colorado’s Office of the Future of Work, will facilitate a panel of leaders from community-based organizations that have contributed to the creation of Colorado’s … Read more
- 9:00 am to 9:45 am
- Moderator: Melanie Colletti
- Speakers: Farduus Ahmed, Trey Grimes, Erin Maruzzella, Lara Van Matre
- Plaza Court 8
Out of the Box Thinking – How Political Power Drives a Path to Progress in Uncertain Times
As more communities devise their broadband solutions, leveraging the upcoming funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, what makes for successful efforts responsive to community needs? What factors contribute … Read more
- 9:00 am to 9:45 am
- Speakers: Charlotte Bewersdorff, Amanda Borrett, Kristoffer Tobbe
- Plaza Court 4/5
10:00 am
Building a Strong Foundation: Community Readiness for BEAD
This session will equip communities with the knowledge and tools to navigate the BEAD application process and secure funding for broadband infrastructure development. This interactive presentation equips communities with the … Read more
- 10:00 am to 10:45 am
- Speakers: Andrew Eubank, Chad Kay, Brian Mefford
- Governor's Square 14
Let’s Talk BEAD: A Conversation with State Broadband Directors
We’ve all been waiting for the roll out of the $42.5 billion in congressionally appropriated BEAD funding. NTIA required state broadband offices to submit their plans for a state map … Read more
- 10:00 am to 10:45 am
- Moderator: Teresa Ferguson
- Speakers: Sally Doty, Bree Maki, BJ Tanksley, Chandler Vaughan
- Plaza Court 7
How Starlink is Helping Communities Stay Connected in the Worst of Times
In times of emergency, internet connections are critical for emergency response, community support, and continuity of services. Learn how Starlink is helping communities stay connected during the worst of times. … Read more
- 10:00 am to 10:45 am
- Speakers: Erica Myers, Keith E. Pruett, MA
- Plaza Court 2/3
From Greenfield to Growth: Pioneering a Sustainable Broadband Model for Rural Communities
In this session, we will explore the success story of a small Midwest county that forged a public-private partnership to pioneer a community-owned infrastructure project with a holistic broadband solution. … Read more
- 10:00 am to 10:45 am
- Speakers: Michael Adams, Zach Bachmann, Jim Cannon, Wim D’Hondt, Trey Hall
- Plaza Court 8
Net Neutrality Revisited
In recent years, the FCC has hotly debated and repeatedly changed the regulatory classification of broadband under the Communications Act. Due to different philosophical approaches to what rules should apply … Read more
- 10:00 am to 10:45 am
- Moderator: Thomas M. Johnson, Jr.
- Speakers: Steve Coran, Greg Guice, Jeff Kohler
- Plaza Court 4/5
10:45 am
Wednesday Morning Exhibit Hall Hours
- 10:45 am to 12:00 pm
12:00 pm
12:15 pm
Fireside Chat with FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr
Join us for this pre-recorded fireside chat with FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr. Topics discussed include: 1. Impacts of Chevron Deference to FCC 2. Universal Service Fund Reform (ahead of the … Read more
- 12:15 pm to 12:30 pm
- Moderator: Steve Coran
- Speakers: Brendan Carr
- Plaza Ballroom
12:30 pm
Lunch Keynote – History is the Future: What the Early Days of the Telegraph & Telephone Can Teach Us About the Internet’s Ongoing Evolution
In order to understand the future, we often must look to the past. In this keynote, carrier hotel pioneer Hunter Newby will discuss how the evolution of telegraph and telephone … Read more
- 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm
- Moderator: Brent Legg
- Speakers: Hunter Newby, Tonya Witherspoon
- Plaza Ballroom
1:30 pm
BEAD – Headaches, Hurdles, and Headway – Dispatches from the Front Lines
Join Dr. Justin Fazzari, Sanborn Geospatial’s Senior Broadband Strategist and Jenna Leveille, VP of State and Local Government Practice as they discuss the necessity for local governments to develop a … Read more
- 1:30 pm to 2:15 pm
- Speakers: Tom Duchen, Justin Dean Fazzari, Ph.D., Jenna Leveille, David Zelenok
- Governor's Square 14
Let’s Talk BEAD: Southeast States
We’re in the heart of BEAD, its challenge processes, volume two’s being cured, and soon subgrantee selection. Mountain Connect is bringing State Broadband Offices together to discuss how each respective … Read more
- 1:30 pm to 2:15 pm
- Moderator: Carl Guardino
- Speakers: Sarah Baska, Emily Hale, Glen Howie, Chandler Vaughan
- Plaza Court 7
How Video and Emerging Bundles Impact Broadband Uptake
Let’s explore the dynamic landscape of the video industry, focusing on major trends reshaping business development. It delves into the profound impact of streaming evolution on business strategies, examining how … Read more
- 1:30 pm to 2:15 pm
- Speakers: Scott Barton, James Causey, Angelina Charles
- Plaza Court 2/3
Sustainable Solutions for Connecting Regions and Communities
We want to invite you to join an exciting panel discussion that will focus on the development of high-speed internet service for Region 10 in Colorado. The panel will include … Read more
- 1:30 pm to 2:15 pm
- Moderator: Trey Hall
- Speakers: Corey Bryndal, Joel Daly, Rick Hillis
- Plaza Court 8
The American Connection Corps: Closing the Digital Divide through National Service
Aspiring young leaders are craving clear pathways to stable, socially impactful careers. Nonprofits and governments in communities nationwide are in dire need of bright and ambitious talent to tackle challenges … Read more
- 1:30 pm to 2:15 pm
- Speakers: Eric Kotin, Amber Smyer, Taylor Stuckert
- Plaza Court 4/5
2:15 pm
Wednesday Afternoon Exhibit Hall Hours
- 2:15 pm to 3:15 pm
- Plaza Exhibit Foyer
3:15 pm
How Community Anchors Promote Broadband Deployment and Adoption
Community Anchor Institutions are the cornerstones of a successful broadband plan. Some state broadband plans recognize that deploying fiber to the anchor institutions first can make it easier and more … Read more
- 3:15 pm to 4:00 pm
- Speakers: Mark Colwell, Kristen Corra, John Windhausen
- Governor's Square 14
The Blurring Lines Between Middle Mile and Edge
Edge computing and networking will see an exponential growth overtaking the growth curve of Cloud computing and networking. This will be possible due to the hundreds of billions of dollars … Read more
- 3:15 pm to 4:00 pm
- Moderator: Sachin Gupta
- Speakers: Sandip Bhowmick, Sarah Bleau, Jill McDaniel, Jade Piros de Carvalho
- Plaza Court 7
Efficiency in Every Connection: Engineering Design Strategies for Broadband Expansion
In response to the commitment made by the United States government to bridge the digital divide, initiatives across the nation are accelerating broadband expansion with specific timelines and service obligations. … Read more
- 3:15 pm to 4:00 pm
- Moderator: Barry Walton
- Speakers: Brian Bailey, Ryan Matthews, Todd Way
- Plaza Court 2/3
Fiber Network Design Considerations for Rural Broadband
Government funding from the Capital Projects Fund, State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, and starting this year BEAD will combine with matching private funds to result in over $100B of … Read more
- 3:15 pm to 4:00 pm
- Moderator: John George
- Speakers: Don Dodge, John Monday, Drew Pappas, Doug Seacat
- Plaza Court 8
Community is Key for Rural Network Sustainability
The panel and the discussion is to focus on the how Associations, ISP, Venders and Local Leadership has to address affordability, digital literacy and device ownership in rural areas Any … Read more
- 3:15 pm to 4:00 pm
- Moderator: Quinn Jordan
- Speakers: Catherine Krantz, Jenny Miller, Karisa Tashjian
- Plaza Court 4/5
4:00 pm
The BEAD Conundrum: Why an All-Fiber Approach May be Insufficient (or Inadequate)?
Since BEAD was announced in 2022, many in our industry have heavily promoted fiber as the only plausible infrastructure to deploy. History would suggest that this strategy has notable flaws … Read more
- 4:00 pm to 4:45 pm
- Moderator: Heather Gold
- Speakers: Gary Bolton, Jeff Gavlinski, Kevin Morgan, Zev Suissa, David Zumwalt
- Plaza Ballroom
4:35 pm
EXHIBITOR MOVE-OUT
CARRIER CHECK-IN DEADLINE 5:00 PM OUTBOUND SHIPPING AGREEMENT DEADLINE: 6:00 PM All exhibitors must submit an outbound Material Handling Agreement to the Exhibitor Service Desk. RE-ROUTE DEADLINE 6:00 PM Shipments … Read more
- 4:35 pm to 6:00 pm
- Plaza Exhibit Foyer
4:45 pm
Closing Remarks
Conference Closing Remarks
- 4:45 pm to 5:00 pm
- Moderator: Jeff Gavlinski
- Speakers: Jase Wilson
- Plaza Ballroom