Agenda

Agenda is subject to change. Meetings will take place:

• July 14-16, 2024, Everline Resort & Spa, Olympic Valley, CA, Pacific time (PT)
• July 21-23, 2024, Hyatt Regency Savannah, Savannah, GA, Eastern time (ET) 

Attending this conference earns you credits toward your NTCA certificate for course codes P101, P105, T102, G101 and G104. Learn more about NTCA certificate programs. NTCA is offering a Best Value Package for event attendees to take home recordings of the breakout sessions to revisit any time after the conference. 
 

Sunday

3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Registration + Information
Start here for your conference needs, including printing your attendee badge, and meet with NTCA staff for any questions you may have.

4:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
First Time Attendees Session
Is this your first time attending the Summer Symposium? This session will have you acclimated in no time. You will be provided with information to help you learn the ins and outs of the conference, how to navigate the city, and you will meet NTCA staff to help guide you along the way. Veteran attendees are invited to join in as well. 

5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Welcome Reception
Welcome, meet and greet other board members as you get ready for Monday morning.
Sponsored by

 

 

 

 

Monday

7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Registration + Information

7:30 a.m.–8:30 a.m.
Buffet Breakfast

8:30 a.m.–Noon
Opening General Session

Welcome 
Shirley Bloomfield, CEO, NTCA

Unleashing Leadership Excellence: Insights from Iconic Authors 
Scott Carley, The Change Energizer 
You will delve into the wisdom of iconic leadership authors — from John Maxwell's "No Limits," where you will learn to break through self-imposed limitations, to Chris Voss's "Never Split the Difference," which offers negotiation strategies for leaders.
You will hear about "The Magic of Thinking Big" with David Schwartz and explore the astute business sense of Shark Tank's Lori Greiner. Get ready for some leadership energy. Watch out ... You may also hear about Chuck Norris and Clint Eastwood along the way. Gain actionable insights from these thought leaders to elevate your leadership journey as a board member. 

Deciphering AI: A Guide for Directors 
Tammy Wellbrock, Creative Solutions Sales Representative, Nex-Tech
At a high level, learn how telcos across the USA are using AI in their operations. Everything from marketing to online chatting, you’ll get a better idea of how this technology is being used and impacting rural broadband companies today. 

Understanding Broadband Regulation: An Overview at the Board Level
Michael Romano, Executive Vice President, NTCA

Director Dialog: A Candid Conversation
(Olympic Valley, CA)
Moderator: Gregory Nielsen, CEO, Nielsen Training & Consulting, LLC
Dolly Villarreal, VTX1

Director Dialog: A Candid Conversation
(Savannah, GA)
Moderator: Gregory Nielsen, CEO, Nielsen Training & Consulting, LLC
Melissa Cole, Director, Chariton Valley Telecom
Julia Tripp, Director, FOCUS Broadband

Noon–1:30 p.m.
Lunch on Your Own

1:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Roundtable Discussions by Company Size
Gather with peers from similar-sized companies to discuss the topics that matter most. Share your stories and learn from others how boards across the country tackle common issues. 

2:45 p.m.–3:45 p.m.
Breakout Sessions

Leadership Icons Unveiled: Discovering Your Inspirations 
Scott Carley, The Change Energizer 
In this interactive breakout session, attendees will have the opportunity to delve deep into their personal leadership journey by identifying their own leadership icons and understanding the profound reasons behind their choices. Through personal connections, interactive sharing and self-reflection, attendees will get a better understanding of their own leadership skills. 

Is Your Board Ready for a Checkup? Understanding Board Assessments
Gregory Nielsen, CEO, Nielsen Training & Consulting, LLC
Like any team, most Boards will go through periods in which they are clicking on all cylinders and periods in which performance or effectiveness may dip. This session explores the value of a Board Assessment as a tool for enhancing the health and performance of your Board.  Attendees will also look at various tools of Board Assessment and address frequently asked questions to maximize the impact on their Board.

4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Breakout Sessions

Understanding Capital Credits: Redemption, Retirement, and Beyond 
Daniel Gibson, Partner, Gibson & Sheen, PLLC
Delve into the details of capital credits, a cornerstone of the cooperative business model. Join us to explore allocation methodologies, retirement patterns, member education initiatives, standard protocols, and strategies surrounding capital credits. Bring your questions and engage in an insightful discussion about this vital component of coops 

AI: The Laughable, The Lovable, and the Loathsome 
Tammy Wellbrock, Creative Solutions Sales Representative, Nex-Tech 

5:15 p.m.–6:15 p.m.
Networking Reception
Gather with other board members from around the country to share ideas over hors d'oeuvres and beverages.

6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Vic's on the River with NTCA Rural Broadband PAC
(Savannah, GA)
LEARN MORE  

6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Jake's On The Lake with NTCA Rural Broadband PAC
(Olympic Valley, CA)
LEARN MORE  

Tuesday

7:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Registration + Information

7:30 a.m.–8:30 a.m.
Buffet Breakfast

8:30 a.m.–9:15 a.m.
Director Town Hall/General Session
NTCA wants to hear from you. Let us know how the association can better meet the needs of your company and get information from NTCA staff about making the most of your membership. 

9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Breakout Sessions

Legal Liabilities and Current Challenges and Trends for Rural Broadband Companies 
Carri Bennet, Partner, Womble Bond Dickinson
Jason Smith, CEO, Rainbow Communications
Stay informed about the latest legal developments crucial for rural broadband companies and cooperatives. Join this session for an in-depth exploration of director legal liabilities, emerging trends and relevant issues impacting rural broadband companies today. 

Understanding the Broadband Business 
Barry Walton, Telecom Solution Architect, Corning
In this session, you will unravel the complexities of the broadband industry, providing an understanding of its structure, technologies and impact on business and subscribers. On a high level, explore how broadband networks function, their role in modern communication, and get your questions answered in this session tailored for new and nearly new directors.

10:45 a.m.–11:45 a.m.
Breakout Sessions

Financial Documents 101 for Board Members
Rod Ballard, Principal, Jackson Thornton
Gain essential skills for interpreting financial reports and statements crucial for effective decision-making within the boardroom. Explore the significance of key financial documents such as balance sheets and income statements and understand the direct impact of board decisions regarding finances.

Strategies for Productive Board Meetings
Gregory Nielsen, CEO, Nielsen Training & Consulting, LLC
Unlock the secrets to productive boardroom gatherings in this session, where attendees will learn strategies and techniques to streamline meetings and enhance decision-making processes. Discover practical approaches to boost efficiency, facilitate collaboration, and create meaningful outcomes in every boardroom interaction.

11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
Group Luncheon + Awards 
NTCA presents the annual Milestone Awards, celebrating 25- and 50-year member companies, and celebrates the roster of new Director Core Curriculum Certificate awardees during lunch. 

12:45 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Closing General Session

Washington Update
Leif Oveson, Vice President of Government Affairs, NTCA (Olympic Valley, CA)
Brendan Dailey, Director of Government Affairs, NTCA (Savannah, GA)
NTCA government affairs staff provide an update on the latest regulatory and policy issues most important to rural broadband providers.

The Board's Responsibility in Cybersecurity
Carri Bennett, Partner, Womble Bond & Dickinson
Discover the pivotal role of boards in safeguarding against cyber threats as we delve into how the board contributes to the big picture. Gain invaluable insights on how board members can proactively navigate their role in protecting the organization.