8:00AM - 8:45 PM

Breakfast

8:45 AM - 9:30 AM

Keynote with Tracie D. Hall

Information Islands: The Rise of Co-Intelligence, the Necessity of Civic Fluency, and the Decline of Human Literacy

9:30 AM - 9:45 AM

Networking Break

9:45 AM - 10:45 AM

USF Contribution Reform: How Do We Solve That Problem?

The FCC’s Universal Service Fund–which funds critical programs like E-rate and Lifeline–plays a critical role in ensuring affordable broadband across America. After the recent SCOTUS decision, it’s more important than ever to improve the fund and put it on more stable and sustainable financial footing. This breakout panel will discuss the nuts and bolts of expanding the contribution base.

Speakers:

• Carol Mattey, Principal, Mattey Consulting LLC

• Greg Guice, Chief Policy Officer, Vernonburg Group

• Paroma Sanyal, Principal, The Brattle Group

9:45 AM - 10:45 AM

Better Broadband Data Mapping with Crowd-Sourced Speed Testing

Discover how crowd-sourced internet speed tests are transforming broadband mapping—and what that means for students and communities. This session dives into real-world data collected along students’ daily routes to school, revealing major gaps in official broadband coverage maps. In one California district, for example, speed test data showed 27% of residents were unserved—compared to just 3% on the government map.

Join leaders from school districts, state broadband offices, and analytics firms as they explore how this data is reshaping infrastructure planning and policy decisions. While the focus is on K–12, the conversation extends to libraries, colleges, and healthcare institutions—underscoring that broadband is a basic utility for learning, health, and opportunity.

Speakers:

• Philip Neufeld, Executive Officer, Strategic Research and Policy Analysis, Fresno Unified School District

• Kelleigh Cole, Director of Strategic Initiatives, Utah Education and Telehealth Network

9:45 AM - 10:45 AM

Beyond the Hype: How Schools Are Building Real AI Literacy

Forget the buzzwords—this session dives into how school districts are taking the lead on AI education through meaningful research partnerships. Over the past three years, these collaborations have focused on building students’ foundational competencies in AI, not just chasing the latest tech trends.

Join us for a forward-thinking conversation on what it really takes to prepare the next generation for an AI-driven world.

Speakers:

• Mekka Smith, Deputy Chief of Strategic Partnerships & Community, Digital Promise

• Dr. Brooke Morgan, Coordinator of Innovative Learning, Talladega County Schools

• Andrew Fenstermaker, Instructional Technology Coordinator, Iowa City Schools

9:45 AM - 12:00 PM

Rural Healthcare Workshop

Join this interactive workshop to dive deep into the Rural Health Care (RHC) program—what’s working, what’s changing, and what’s needed next. This workshop starts with a panel of experienced RHC participants who have successfully navigated the application process, secured funding, and expanded broadband connectivity to support critical healthcare services in rural communities. From overcoming eligibility hurdles to flipping the switch on new network infrastructure, this session offers both policy insights and practical strategies for using broadband to transform rural healthcare delivery.

Then, we'll welcome staff from the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). They will provide key updates from USAC, followed by a listening session designed to elevate your questions, concerns, and ideas directly with program administrators.

Whether you're new to the RHC program or looking to improve your approach, this workshop is your opportunity to connect, learn, and help shape the future of rural health connectivity.

10:45 AM - 11:00 AM

Networking Break

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

E-Rate Efficiency: Maximizing E-Rate as a Statewide Consortium

Statewide E-Rate consortia are proving to be powerful tools for driving digital opportunity in schools and libraries. By streamlining procurement, simplifying applications, and maximizing funding, these coordinated efforts help anchor institutions get connected faster—and more affordably.

This session will explore successful statewide strategies, drawing on lessons from North Carolina’s model, where a long-standing consortium has secured over $140 million in E-Rate support in a single year and achieved near-universal fiber connectivity for public schools. Attendees will learn how centralized support, data dashboards, and shared tools can reduce administrative burden and improve transparency.

Whether you're building a new consortium, strengthening an existing one, or seeking practical ways to improve your E-Rate outcomes, this session will offer real-world insights and opportunities for cross-state collaboration.

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Getting to $30: ACP's Lessons for the Future of Universal Service

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) brought millions of households online—proving that targeted subsidies work. As the future of broadband affordability shifts and the Universal Service Fund faces legal and financial uncertainty, what lessons can we take from ACP’s success? This fireside chat will explore what ACP revealed about subsidy levels, enrollment strategies, and the path forward for sustainable, universal connectivity.

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

What's Next for BEAD? A Conversation with State Broadband Leaders

With BEAD implementation underway, what challenges and opportunities are emerging on the ground? Join state broadband leaders for a forward-looking conversation about what's working, what's not, and what’s next. Hear insights from state leaders as they discuss permitting, partnerships, anchor institution engagement, and how states are navigating the path to universal connectivity.

Speakers:

• Christine Hallquist, Executive Director, Vermont Community Broadband Board

12:00 PM - 12:15 PM

Networking Break

12:15 PM - 12:45 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Fireside Chat with FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez

Join us for a special Fireside Chat with FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez, a true broadband champion. We’ll dive into the future of connectivity and why Commissioner Gomez continues to be a powerful advocate for anchor institutions and unserved communities.

1:30 PM - 1:45 PM

Networking Break

1:45 PM - 4:00 PM

E-Rate Workshop

This interactive workshop brings together SHLB members, E-Rate practitioners, and USAC representatives for a timely discussion on the future of the E-Rate program. The session opens with updates from staff at the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), followed by a listening session designed to surface questions, concerns, and real-world feedback from those navigating the program.

The conversation continues with a collaborative policy discussion focused on streamlining implementation, addressing current challenges, and shaping recommendations for the next five-year budget cycle. A panel of E-Rate experts will explore practical strategies to improve efficiency, increase access, and ensure the program continues to meet the evolving connectivity needs of schools and libraries.

Whether you're a seasoned applicant or new to E-Rate, this is your chance to engage directly with program leaders and help influence the future of one of the nation’s most impactful broadband initiatives.

1:45 PM - 2:45 PM

A City's Journey to Revitalization through Digital Opportunity and Inclusion

The City of St. Louis will delve into the historical context behind its segregation and the systemic loss of equity that followed. City representatives will discuss their multi-layered strategy to address these long-standing disparities through intentional investments in digital infrastructure. A key focus will be on how the City is leveraging community broadband to revitalize underserved neighborhoods, promote digital equity, and create new opportunities for economic and educational empowerment. By strategically placing community connectivity hubs and learning labs in historically under-resourced areas, the City aims to bridge the digital divide and lay the foundation for inclusive growth. This ongoing initiative reflects a broader commitment to ensuring every resident—regardless of zip code—has access to the tools and resources needed to thrive in a modern, connected world.

Speakers:

• Al Brown, CEO, SmartWAVE

• Simon Hung, CTO, City of St. Louis

• Nahauel Fefer, Executive Director of Community Development, City of St. Louis

• Sheila Rebbit, Broadband Analyst, City of St. Louis

1:45 PM - 2:45 PM

A Comprehensive Strategy for Federal Broadband Funding: What's Working, What's Missing, and What's Next

With federal broadband funding spread across multiple programs—each with its own goals, rules, and agency oversight—how do we create a cohesive strategy that truly advances universal connectivity? This panel brings together experts to break down the current federal landscape. We’ll explore what’s working, where the gaps remain, and what coordinated steps policymakers, providers, and anchor institutions can take to align funding streams and maximize impact.

1:45 PM - 2:45 PM

Enhancing Rural Health Care Resilience

Reliable broadband is the backbone of digital health—especially in rural communities. This session explores how subsidy programs like the FCC’s Rural Health Care Program are helping anchor institutions sustain and expand telehealth services, improve cybersecurity, and bridge healthcare gaps.

Featuring insights from UAMS Institute for Digital Health & Innovation and Merit Network’s statewide pilot, the panel will highlight successful strategies for leveraging federal reimbursements, navigating funding cycles, and future-proofing rural health infrastructure.

Speakers:

• Charlotte Bewersdorff, VP Community Engagement, Merit Network

• Michael Wallace, Assistant Director, UAMS e-Link

2:45 PM - 3:00 PM

Networking Break

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Extreme Conditions, Extraordinary Response: Recovery After Natural Disasters

The images were unimaginable – raging wildfires in California, devastating floods in West Virginia, and in September 2024, Hurricane Helene’s punishing blow to Western North Carolina. Across the country, natural disasters have displaced families, triggered landslides, overwhelmed critical infrastructure, and tested the resilience of entire communities.

This panel brings together leaders and representatives from the states most impacted – North Carolina, California, West Virginia, and others – to share their firsthand experiences responding to these events. Together, they will go beyond the headlines to offer a deeper, more nuanced look at the challenges faced during and after these crises, and the paths toward recovery.

This conversation will spotlight the innovative solutions, tough lessons, and collaborative strategies that emerged – from grassroots action rooted in community knowledge to public-private partnerships that bridged gaps in infrastructure and services. This panel gets beyond hardship with a forward-looking dialogue offering insights and actionable takeaways for building stronger, more resilient, and better-connected communities nationwide.

Speakers:

• Jim Nester, Chief Marketing Officer, MCNC

• Adam Geisler, President, American Indian Media Concepts

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Powering Rural Innovation: How Middle Mile and Edge Infrastructure Enable AI Across Communities

Discover how middle mile fiber networks and edge data centers are unlocking the power of AI in rural markets. This session spotlights a real-world model from the Texas Panhandle, where advanced infrastructure is being used to support smart agriculture, personalized learning, modernized healthcare, and digital government services. Learn how strategic investments in connectivity are transforming rural communities—and what it takes to replicate this success elsewhere.

Speakers: 

• Mike Ellison, VP of Sales, FiberLight

• Dave Irek, VP of Business Development, Duos Edge AI

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Closing the Gap: Broadband Affordability, State Innovation, and the Connectivity Imperative

This session will explore the evolving policy landscape around broadband affordability and its downstream impact on education and health access. Panelists will discuss new research into the K-12 digital divide, recent state-level approaches like New York’s Affordable Broadband Act, and how these efforts intersect with telehealth, equity, and long-term digital inclusion strategies.

Speakers:

• Brenna Leasor, Tech Policy Counsel, Common Sense Media

• Albert Pulido, New York State Deputy Secretary for Finance and Technology

• Ji Soo Song, Director of Projects & Initiatives, SETDA

• Drew Garner, Director of Policy Engagement, Benton Institute for Broadband & Society

4:00 PM - 4:15 PM

Networking Break

4:15 PM - 5:00 PM

Speed Networking Sponsored by Finley Engineering

Skip the stress, keep the small talk! This guided (and seated) speed networking session sponsored by Finley Engineering helps you take the guesswork out of networking. Let our host lead the way as you make meaningful connections, one timed conversation at a time.

5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Reception Sponsored by Zayo

Raise a glass at this reception sponsored by Zayo Education, SHLB's proud partner in advancing connectivity for the anchor institutions that power our communities.

6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

SHLB Board Dinner (Invite Only)