Agenda

Meetings will take place at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. The agenda is subject to change. All times listed are Central time.

Attending this conference earns you credits toward your NTCA certificate for course codes G102, P102, T106, T110 and B112. Learn more about NTCA certificate programs. 

Breakout sessions feature a three-stage format packed with dynamic content focused on three essential aspects for the success of community-based broadband providers: 

• The Community Connections stage is all about engaging with local partners across various industries, telling the unique story of your company and advocating for the needs of those you serve.
• The Operational Insights stage takes an internal focus on the important business issues facing your company, such as developing the workforce, managing construction projects and staying current with technology.
• The Administrative Professionals stage is dedicated to networking with peers and educational sessions that deliver practical insights on industry fundamentals, workplace effectiveness, operational planning and emerging technologies. 

Sunday, September 13

7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Conference Central  
Visit Conference Central for general information on NTCA programs and conference events, badge printing, tech support and on-site registration.
Registration sponsored by:

 

 

7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Church Service

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Welcome to Nashville Session
David Steele Ewing, CEO, Nashville History on Tour
In this engaging overview, Nashville historian Steele Ewing will explore Nashville's remarkable transformation over the past 30 years, highlighting the powerful connection between its rich music heritage and booming business growth. Attendees will hear the stories behind Nashville’s rise as a cultural and economic powerhouse, focusing on people, industries, entertainment and what the bright future looks like for Tennessee's capitol.

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
What’s on Your Mind: An Executive Roundtable Session With Mike Romano
Mike Romano, CEO, NTCA
This interactive session provides a candid and collaborative space to openly discuss the issues that are top of mind, share insights, and explore actionable strategies to tackle your pressing concerns. 

1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.  
Government Affairs Committee Meeting

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.  
Smart Rural Community Advisory Council Meeting  

1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.  
Awards Committee Meeting

2:15 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.  
First-Time Attendee Session
Mark Marion, Sr. Director of Member Services and Engagement, NTCA
New to the conference? This session is designed to make you feel like a Fall Conference pro in no time. You will be provided with information to help you learn the ins and outs of the conference and greeted by NTCA staff.   

2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Associate Member Advisory Council Meeting

3:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.  
NTCA Board Regional Gatherings
Executives are invited to join their regional NTCA Board directors for discussions about the association's strategic goals and objectives. 

3:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.  
Director Peer-to-Peer Roundtables
During this popular highlight of the conference, board directors will network and share their challenges with peers in their regions. Be prepared to share and take part in a rigorous discussion of issues. 

3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.  
Legal Committee Meeting

4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Welcome Reception  
Sponsored by:

 

 

Monday, September 14

7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Conference Central  
Visit Conference Central for general information on NTCA programs and conference events, badge printing, tech support and on-site registration. 
Sponsored by:

 

 

7:15 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.  
Coffee and Pastries

8:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Opening General Session

Welcome from NTCA Board Chair
Ben Foster, President/CEO, Twin Valley Communications 

NTCA CEO Update
Mike Romano, CEO, NTCA 

Smart Rural Community Showcase Awards

Keynote Address
Limitless Growth, 
Frankie Russo, 8X Inc. 500 Founder and Entrepreneur, The Growth Co. 
Break free from stagnation and the old hard way of doing things via brute force.  Unleash your organization's true potential through taking a fresh look at what's been holding you back. In this transformative session, you'll discover the secret formula for creating an Infinity Growth Loop™ to compete and win in the new world of work. Master the art of building the essential strategies and operational vision fueled by authenticity, imagination and collaboration to shatter the barriers holding your organization back and ignite a revolution of growth to redefine what’s possible.
Keynote speaker sponsored by:

10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.  
Solutions Showcase Opening
Gather with other attendees and meet and network with vendors. 

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
PAC Board Meeting  

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Technical Committee Meeting

11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.  
Lunch on Your Own

1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.  
Joint Industry and regulatory Policy Committee Meeting

1:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.  
Operational Insights Stage
Sponsored by: 

 

Data Center Demand in Rural America
As demand for data storage, processing, and AI workloads accelerates, hyperscalers and data center developers are expanding beyond traditional metro hubs in search of power, land and connectivity. Rural markets are increasingly part of that conversation—but many providers are still determining how to respond. Through peer examples and insights, this session will help separate hype from actionable opportunity and better understand where- and if- data center development fits into their long-term strategy.

Real World AI Use Cases from Rural Broadband Providers
This peer-to-peer session will feature real-world case studies from providers who are actively implementing AI across their organizations. Rather than focusing on theory, panelists will walk through specific use cases, including what problem they were trying to solve, how they evaluated solutions, implementation challenges and the measurable impact on operations and financial performance.

IP Evolution and Network Modernization
This will examine the current state of the IP transition, explore FCC proposals designed to accelerate network modernization and discuss the policy implications for broadband providers and the communities they serve. Attendees will gain insight into the evolving regulatory landscape and the strategic considerations shaping the future of communications networks.

From Signal to Action: How AI is Transforming NOC and CX Operations for Rural Broadband Providers
AI is moving from buzzword to operational tool — and rural broadband providers are leading the way. This session explores how operators are correlating network signals (access layer + in-home WiFi) to identify root cause, predict subscriber impact and guide NOC and CSR teams to the next best action. We'll cover how AI is helping reduce truck rolls, target the right PON proactively and automatically push personalized outage and status notifications to subscribers before they ever call in. Expect real approaches, measurable outcomes and a clear view of where AI is delivering ROI today.

1:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.  
Community Connections Stage
Sponsored by:

Stories of Impact from Rural Communities
Rural broadband providers do more than deliver connectivity—they play a vital role in strengthening the communities they serve. From supporting local schools and healthcare access to driving economic development and digital inclusion, their impact often extends far beyond the network. This panel session will highlight stories from member companies, showing how providers are making a meaningful difference in their communities.

Connecting Beyond the Network: Community Engagement Programs with FRS
This session will highlight how FRS programs can amplify your organization's community engagement efforts. Learn how your peers have used these initiatives to build trust, visibility and fostered greater community connections.

Serve, Grow, Protect
This session will highlight how providers are working to not only serve their communities but also are partnering with local, state and federal law enforcement through initiatives like Operation iFAST to help protect their communities. Through a candid, peer-led discussion, panelists will share how these partnerships began, what steps were required to get involved and how they navigate the responsibilities that come with supporting the communities they serve.

1:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.  
Administrative Professionals Stage

Networking Round Tables 
Join peers to network and share challenges.

Broadband 101- Understanding Key Concepts
Gain a better understanding of common terms, how networks are built and maintained and what factors influence service quality and cost in this session.

Governance Essentials for Administrative Professionals
This session will provide a practical overview of governance fundamentals tailored specifically for those who work closely with boards, executives and leadership teams. Attendees will gain insight into board structures, responsibilities and best practices—along with the tools and knowledge needed to confidently support board operations.

Planning Ahead: Succession Strategies for Administrative Roles
Mark Marion, Sr. Director of Member Services and Engagement, NTCA
This session will focus on how administrative professionals can both prepare for their own career advancement and support succession planning within their organizations. Attendees will gain practical tools to document processes, transfer knowledge and ensure smooth transitions when roles evolve or change.

3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.  
Innovation and Business Opportunity Committee Meeting  

4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.  
Networking Reception and Solutions Showcase
Gather with other attendees and meet and network with vendors offering solutions of the future.
Networking Reception sponsored by:

 

6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Live Country Music on the Cumberland River: An Evening Cruise with FRS Aboard the General Jackson Showboat 
Additional Registration Required 

LEARN MORE

Tuesday, September 15

7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. 
Conference Central  
Visit Conference Central for general information on NTCA programs and conference events, badge printing, tech support and on-site registration. 
Sponsored by:

 

 7:00 a.m.
FRS Rural Run/Walk
No registration required: Meet other attendees in the hotel lobby and join the group for an informal 3-mile run or walk.

7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Women in Telecom Industry Breakfast
LEARN MORE

8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.  
Operational Insights Stage
Sponsored by: 

 

Workforce Shifts After Buildout
Josh Seidemann, Vice President, Policy and Industry Innovation, NTCA
Stacey Brigham, Principal, Regulatory Director, Pinion Global  
This session will explore practical strategies for workforce planning in the post-build environment, helping organizations align skill sets and organizational structure with long-term operational needs.

Building and Keeping a Strong Workforce
Josh Seidemann, Vice President, Policy and Industry Innovation, NTCA
This session will focus on practical, real-world strategies for building a sustainable workforce in rural communities. Drawing on peer experiences, panelists will share how they are addressing hiring challenges, investing in employee development and creating environments where people choose to stay and grow.

Where the Rubber Meets the Road: How Progressive Companies Drive Purposeful Education for Retention
Retention isn’t just about what organizations offer—it is about what employees understand, value and use. This conversation explores how progressive companies are closing that gap through purposeful education that turns benefits, culture and growth into meaningful employee experiences.
Employers invest heavily in health, life, disability, and retirement benefits to protect employees from financial risk—but without effective education, much of that value goes unrealized. When employees understand how these benefits work and the risks they mitigate, they make more informed decisions, build greater financial confidence and develop a deeper appreciation for the support their organization provides. That awareness directly impacts retention.
At the same time, many organizations face a structural challenge, limited turn over, or hierarchy. When upward mobility isn’t always available, growth must be redefined. Leading companies are addressing this by creating cultures of continuous learning—where mentorship spans roles, knowledge is shared and employees gain decision-making, ownership and leadership capabilities regardless of title.
This session will highlight how organizations are:

• Using benefits education to build employee value and improve decision-making 

• Helping employees understand and navigate financial risk, retirement programs, and their total rewards 

• Creating mentorship-driven cultures that develop leaders at every level 

• Expanding employee growth beyond promotions to sustain engagement and retention

8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.  
Community Connections Stage
Sponsored by:

Data Centers and Rural Communities: Strategic Considerations for Boards
Brian Ford, Vice President, Federal Regulatory, NTCA
As demand for data storage and processing continues to surge, data center development is expanding into new markets—including rural communities. While these projects can bring economic opportunity, they also introduce important considerations around infrastructure, resources and long-term community impact. From this session, board members will understand the strategic, financial and community implications of data center development. Providing a balanced view of the opportunities and risks, equipping board leaders to ask questions and provide effective oversight.

The Board's Role in Cyber Risk Oversight
This session is designed to help board members navigate the evolving cyber threat landscape and understand their role in ensuring their organization is prepared. It will focus on governance, risk management and accountability, rather than technical details.

Building Your AI Roadmap: A Practical Journey for Rural Broadband Operations
AI adoption doesn't happen overnight — and for most rural ISPs, the question isn't whether to embrace it, but where to start. This session gives operations Directors a practical framework for the journey: developing guiding principles, defining your approach and measuring success along the way. We'll share how peers are navigating vendor selection, internal readiness and change management — and what a phased roadmap actually looks like in a rural broadband environment. Walk away with actionable next steps, no matter where you are in the process.

9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.  
Administrative Professionals Stage

Using AI for Everyday Project Management
This session will provide a practical, hands-on look at how AI can support everyday project management tasks—without requiring technical expertise. Designed specifically for administrative professionals, the session will focus on real use cases that can be implemented immediately.

Annual Meeting Planning for Administrative Professionals
Designed for administrative professionals, this session will provide a step-by-step guide to planning and delivering a successful annual meeting. Let's focus on practical tools, timelines and considerations unique to rural communities. 

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Solutions Showcase and Executive Networking
Gather with other attendees and meet and network with vendors offering solutions of the future. 

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Entertainment Session: The Price is What?  
Directors, spouses and guests are invited to join this interactive game show experience designed for connection, conversation and a few laughs. This session features a mix of friendly team challenges and classic game show-style fun. It is a great opportunity to meet others, share a few smiles and maybe even walk away with a prize or two. 

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch on Your Own

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. 
FRS Board of Directors Meeting

1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.  
Operational Insights Stage
Sponsored by: 

 

Budgeting and Strategic Planning for a Self-Sustaining Rural Broadband Business
Many rural broadband providers have historically relied on Universal Service Fund (USF) support to operate and maintain networks. With ongoing changes in the regulatory landscape and increased competition, it is becoming increasingly important to chart a path towards financial self-sufficiency. In this panel discussion, we will look at strategies and best practices for reducing our dependence on USF funds and developing sustainable business models. Panelists will share their experiences and insights on innovative approaches to revenue diversification, cost optimization and strategic planning to achieve this critical transition.

Make NPS Matter: Turning Insights into Real CX Outcomes
Mike Roddy, CEO & Founder, GoCare  
For broadband providers, Net Promoter Score (NPS) is often treated as a reporting metric instead of a tool for improving customer experience in real time. This session explores best practices for transactional NPS, including how to capture feedback at key moments in the subscriber journey and use it to drive improvements across marketing, operations and customer care. Attendees will learn how providers are combining survey data with operational and business insights to identify patterns tied to service events, support interactions and network experiences. The session will also cover practical approaches for survey design, reducing survey fatigue and turning customer feedback into measurable CX improvements.

1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.  
Community Connections Stage
Sponsored by:

 

Understanding USF: A Board-Level Perspective on Risk, Policy, and the Future
Brian Ford, Vice President, Federal Regulatory, NTCA
The Universal Service Fund (USF) remains a foundational component of rural broadband—but it is also facing increasing scrutiny and uncertainty. For board members, understanding USF is essential to effective governance, risk oversight and long-term strategic planning. Through a panel discussion, a clear and comprehensive overview of USF will be provided. It will cover how the program has evolved, its role in supporting rural broadband today and the key policy and regulatory developments shaping its future.

Strengthening Economic Growth and Community Investment
Tyler Glynn, Executive Director, Brainerd Lakes Area Economic Development Corporation 

AI Governance for Boards: Oversight, Risk and Responsibility 
This session will address the strategic, ethical and risk considerations boards must evaluate as AI becomes more embedded in their organizations.

Community First: Digital Safety and AI Education
This case-based, peer-to-peer session will highlight how member companies are leading community safety initiatives, including senior-focused online safety programs and emerging efforts to build AI awareness and literacy.

3:45 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
NTCA Board Regional Gatherings for Executives
During this popular highlight of the conference, board directors will network and share their challenges with peers in their regions. Be prepared to share and take part in a rigorous discussion of issues. 

7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Evening at the Grand Ole Opry With NTCA Rural Broadband PAC 
Additional registration required
LEARN MORE

Wednesday, September 16

7:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. 
Conference Central  
Visit Conference Central for general information on NTCA programs and conference events, badge printing, tech support and on-site registration. 
Sponsored by:

 

 

7:15 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. 
Coffee and Pastries  

8:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.  
Closing General Session  

Welcome from NTCA Board Vice-Chair 
Ross Petrick, CEO, Alliance Communications

FRS Update
Pam Becker, Executive Director, Foundation for Rural Service

Keynote Address: 
Storytelling: A Skill For All
Jimmy Yeary, Song Writer, Sony
When you feel a story, you see it. When you see a story, you tell it effectively. Everyone's life is a story that has been authentically felt and therefore can be drawn upon to utilize every emotionally valuable detail to move and inspire. "You connect with others within seconds, just like a song does". 

10:30 a.m.  
NTCA Fall Conference Adjourns