April 22-23, 2025 | Gateway Hotel and Conference Center | Ames, IA
OUR KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
DEB SOCIA
Deb Socia recently retired as the President and CEO of The Enterprise Center, a nonprofit that nurtures innovation in Chattanooga, working to connect people to resources and build an inclusive community. She is now a leadership development consultant and volunteers on several boards and advisory committees.
Learn more about Deb's work and keynote address, "Is Your Community Ready Tomorrow? Today?"
CHRISTOPHER ALI
Dr. Christopher Ali, nationally-recognized expert on broadband deployment, policy and planning, is the Pioneers Chair in Telecommunications and Professor of Telecommunications in the Bellisario College of Communications at Penn State University. He is the author of the book Farm Fresh Broadband: The politics of rural connectivity.
Your organization is facing new realities. AI adoption looms ahead. Cybersecurity needs are escalating. Digital adoption’s future is uncertain. Meet, talk with, and learn from fellow members, peers, and experts across three tracks.
Whether you're building or running a broadband network, leading in a community, or working for digital empowerment, you'll walk away with new ideas and solutions for today's challenges. No fluff - just practical strategies that work.
FULL SPRING SUMMIT SCHEDULE
All sessions subject to change.
TUESDAY
8:40 AM
KEYNOTE: Is Your Community Ready Today? Tomorrow?
Deb Socia, formerly of The Enterprise Center and Next Century Cities, followed by a fireside chat with CBAN's Curtis Dean and Jon Willow
10:00 AM
Why Digital Adoption Matters for ISPs
- Jon Willow, CBAN
In this informative session, CBAN's Jon Willow presents a compelling case for how ISP's benefit from better broadband adoption and digital skills and what role they can play in helping achieve digital equity for all.
11:00 AM
Device Programs: Boosting Trust, Competence - And Providers’ Bottom Lines
- Moderator: Jon Willow, CBAN
- Tom Esselman, DEPOT-KC
- Allison Ruhl, CBAN
- Josh Butler, Human I-T (Virtual)
Study after study shows that a smart phone is not enough to fully navigate the digital world. Equipping subscribers with full-sized, work-capable devices is a win for everyone. In this session, we'll explore how targeted device programs are helping to close the digital divide.
12:05 PM
LUNCH
Fireside chat with Christopher Mitchell, ILSR
2:30 PM
New Kids on the Community Broadband Block
- Moderator: Todd Kielkopf, KAS
- Jeremy Pearson, Fort Dodge Fiber
- Eric Lage, Waterloo Fiber
Hear from the leaders at Fort Dodge Fiber and Waterloo Fiber, Iowa's two newest municipal broadband providers about the challenges they've faced and the results they've seen in concieving of and launching a community-owned fiber network.
2:30 PM
Open Access Networks: Many Models, One Goal
- Moderator: Kim McKinley, TAK Communications
- Kyle Box, City of Willmar, MN
- Josh Orlowitz, Director of Strategy/Planning, Bonfire Fiber
- Dan Tracy, City of Ammon, ID (virtual)
This panel brings together key innovators and implementers in the municipal broadband space to explore diverse approaches to creating accessible, community-focused internet infrastructure. This conversation will examine the various models, challenges, and successes in developing open access fiber networks that prioritize community needs, competition, and equitable digital access while working toward the shared goal of transforming local connectivity through public infrastructure.
3:20 - 5:30 PM
Exhibitor Reception
Join our conference exhibitors for networking and conversation, accompanied by light refreshments and optional bar service.
WEDNESDAY
8:40: AM
KEYNOTE: Rural Broadband Transformation
Dr. Christopher Ali, nationally-recognized expert on broadband deployment, policy and planning, is the Pioneers Chair in Telecommunications and Professor of Telecommunications in the Bellisario College of Communications at Penn State University.
From digital literacy classes to affordability programs to device access and support, communities across the country are leading the way in implementing digital equity and inclusion efforts. While they may be paving the roads of digital equity, however, communities are not in the driver’s seat when it comes to public policy. Flipping the script, and by highlighting community stories and experiences, this keynote will talk about how to elevate digital empathy and digital care from communities to policymakers and back again. A fireside chat with CBAN's Jon Willow and Curtis Dean follows.
10:35: AM
AI for Cities and Utilities
- Presented by Aaron Santos, Simpson College Visiting Professor
- Todd Kielkopf, KAS
- Chris Draper, SafetAI
Discover the latest strategies for incorporating AI processes into municipal utility operations. This session will explore how network optimization, customer service enhancements, and employee efficiency gains can deliver significant returns on investment. Attendees will gain insights into key management considerations and early best practices for evaluating AI and related pathways.
10:35: AM
The Intersection of Big Data and Big Broadband
- Moderator: Curtis Dean
- Mike Miller, HDR
- Scott Johnson, Aureon (Invited)
- Matthew Towey, MidAmerican Energy (invited)
Join us for a panel discussion exploring how AI-driven data center growth requires high-capacity fiber, abundant power, and water resources. The panel will examine how rural broadband operators can capitalize on this expansion by leveraging their local networks, middle mile fiber capacity, and access to low-cost energy. Discover the emerging opportunities at this critical junction of digital infrastructure development and how smaller telecom providers can position themselves as valuable partners in the evolving data ecosystem.
12:05 PM
LUNCH
IAMU's Vanguard Awards
1:20: PM
Advanced Wireless Options for Broadband Access
- Moderator: Ryan Malek, Router12
- Hongwei Zhang, ARA Wireless Living Lab, Iowa State University
- Richard Rommes, AirWireless
- Shimon Ben-Tsadik, Tarana (invited)
1:20: PM
PON Disruptors: Transforming Fiber Optic Network Architecture
- Bryan Manske, Infobunker
- Jeff Babbitt, Solution Leader, Tejas Network
- Keith Hanna, Harmonic
It's coming! Telecommunications innovators explore the revolutionary emergence of open standards in Passive Optical Network (PON) technologies, examining how vendor-agnostic network architectures are reshaping connectivity infrastructure, breaking down traditional barriers between equipment manufacturers and network operators. Industry experts will delve into the technical challenges and unprecedented opportunities presented by interoperable fiber optic networks, discussing how open standards are driving technological innovation, reducing deployment costs, and creating more flexible, adaptable telecommunications solutions. Attendees will gain critical insights into the future of network design, understanding how these disruptive approaches are set to transform the way we conceive, build, and manage telecommunications infrastructure.
2:15: PM
Beyond the Breach: Regulations, Services, and Recovery in the Broadband Cybersecurtiy
- Moderator: TBA
- Dan Davis, Consortia Consulting
- David Hollingsworth, VP of Business, TBA
This dynamic panel brings together three unique perspectives on today's broadband cybersecurity landscape - and outline of current compliance requirements and upcoming regulatory changes affecting broadband providers; insights on transforming security challenges into market opportunities through "cybersecurity as a service"; and insight from a provider that successfully navigated a major cyber incident. Together, these diverse experiences will equip attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory, commercial, and operational dimensions of effective cybersecurity management in today's interconnected broadband ecosystem.
3:00 PM
Closing Remarks and IAMU Broadband Committee Annual Meeting
OUR SPEAKERS
Deb Socia
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Deb Socia recently retired as the President and CEO of The Enterprise Center, a nonprofit that nurtures innovation in Chattanooga. She is now a leadership development consultant and volunteers on several boards and advisory committees.
Dr. Christopher Ali
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Dr. Christopher Ali, nationally-recognized expert on broadband deployment, policy and planning, is the Pioneers Chair in Telecommunications and Professor of Telecommunications in the Bellisario College of Communications at Penn State.
Christopher Mitchell
SPEAKER
Christopher Mitchell is a leading national expert on community networks, Internet access, and local broadband policies. He is Director of the Community Broadband Networks Initiative with the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) in Minneapolis.
Kim McKinley
SPEAKER
Kim McKinley is Chief of Staff for TAK Broadband, where she ensures internal mission success by upholding TAK's commitment to excellence and innovation. Previously, Kim served UTOPIA Fiber as Deputy Director and Chief Marketing Officer.
Ben Stineman
SPEAKER
Ben Stineman is a network infrastructure consultant who provides technical services for ISP design and startup, Internet transit/peering, cloud computing and network security. He has worked closely with public and private entities since 2008.
Dr. Chris Draper
SPEAKER
Chris Draper, Ph.D., P.E., is a seasoned technology leader focused on how to reduce human error in innovative environments. Dr. Draper supports SafetAI in creating and operating AI Safety Oversight Boards. He is the author of two books on the subject.
Dan Davis
SPEAKER
Dan is a senior consultant with Consortia Consulting, assisting clients with FCC Comments and Orders. He works with rural and municipal telecom providers on cash flow and financial analysis. Dan is also a director on the Consortia Board.
Tom Esselman
SPEAKER
Tom is Executive Director of DEPO-KC, a nonprofit supporting Kansas City organizations with digital access services and programs. He co-chairs the Anchors for Digital Opportunity national policy group of SHLB (Schools, Health, Libraries Broadband Coalition).
Jeremy Pearson
SPEAKER
Jeremy Pearson is the Director for Fort Dodge Fiber, a brand new municipal fiber utility in Iowa. Construction finished at the end of 2024, with over 2,600 customers already connected. Previously, he was Supervisor of IT for Fort Dodge Community Schools.
Todd Kielkopf
SPEAKER
Todd Kielkopf, M.S., provides fractional leadership and strategy advising. He established KAdvise Solutions, co-founded CBAN, promotes new broadband utility formation, help effectively launch services, and advise on operating strategies.
Curtis Dean
SPEAKER
Curtis has been involved in community broadband since the late 1990s. He is passionate about the benefits that invariably are derived from the accountability provided when local needs are front and center, whether in public or private partnerships.
Jon Willow
SPEAKER
Jon Willow is a CBAN co-founder, and Michigan State University’s 2025 REI Innovation Fellow. She has extensive experience supporting utilities in community engagement, managing crisis communications, and making data-driven business decisions.
Allison Ruhl
SPEAKER
Allison is a graduate of North Dakota State University, with a B.S. in Family Science. A career public servant, Allison provides digital equity support right in her home community of Southwest Iowa with dedication and compassion.