Broadband Communities Conference Agenda, Speakers, Webinar Details Released

Roxana Ryan
Published: September 12, 2013

Sept. 18 Webinar to Highlight Midwest Fiber Projects, Agenda for Conference Online

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, Sept. 12, 2013 -- Successful fiber initiatives in the midwest and specifically Illinois will be topics of discussion at two upcoming webinars hosted by Broadband Illinois and Broadband Communities Magazine.

Both webinars will preview key topics slated for the Broadband Communities Regional Economic Development Conference scheduled Nov. 5-7, 2013 in Tinley Park, Ill. 

The Broadband and Economic Development conference is an opportunity to learn how your town or city can successfully deploy public or private fiber networks to serve citizens today and position your community for future growth. The full conference agenda has been released and includes multiple tracks focusing on topics that include financing a fiber network, farming & precision agriculture, distance education, and many more. In addition, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn will deliver a keynote address.  

To learn more and see the full agenda, visit bbcmag.com/chicago. General admission participants may currently register at a promotional rate of $115 by clicking here and entering discount code "ChicagoNow." Rates will go up next week!

Webinar registration links, speakers and logistics are below. Both webinars are free and open to the public.

“Highlighting Successful Midwest Broadband Projects” is scheduled for 1 p.m. CST on Wednesday, Sept. 18. Click here to register. 

Description: This webinar will introduce many of the "hot" topics that will be expanded upon in detail at the Economic Development Conference including a look at the extraordinary experiences of dozens of communities in America's midwestern heartland, including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Join us as we begin the discussion and gain insight into the latest broadband enabled technologies and applications that can benefit your City.

Speakers:

• Jim Baller, Conference Chairman, President, Baller Herbst Law Group
• David Sandel, Conference Leader, "Lessons from Kansas City" , President, Gigabit Communities and Smart Cities, Sandel & Associates
• Lori Sorenson, Conference Leader, "Using Broadband to Drive Economic Development and Create Jobs," Chief Operating Officer, State of Illinois Central Management Services (CMS)
• Chris Mitchell, Conference Leader, Director of Telecommunications Commons Initiative, Institute for Local Self-Reliance

“The Chicago Southland Project and other Illinois Fiber Projects” 1 p.m. CST on Wednesday, Oct. 9. Click here to register. 

Description: This webinar will feature homegrown, public and private Illinois fiber projects.  As home to nearly 200 providers of broadband service, Illinois is a place where public and private broadband innovation is incredibly strong.  We will hear from representatives in three parts of the State on how their fiber networks are promoting economic development in the communities that they serve.  By drawing on best practice, and touching on some of the conference topics, this webinar is recommended for Illinois and other midwestern stakeholders interested in promoting broadband deployment and collaborating around technology goals in their communities.

Speakers:

• Representative, South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association
• Zac Horn, President, Metro Communications, Inc.
• Representative, Northern Illinois University Broadband Development Group