Participate in a specialized session tailored for community college attendees. Utilizing a free-form discussion format among peers, participants will have the valuable opportunity to seek guidance and exchange perspectives on technology investments and decisions. Whether contemplating future endeavors or grappling with current challenges, this session offers a forum to navigate the intricacies of technology adoption and implementation. Seize the opportunity to learn from the experiences of others and preempt potential pitfalls in your technological journey. Join us as we collectively explore pathways to informed decision-making and strategic investment in technology.

This session aims to explore the integration of AI within the realms of education and technology, focusing on enhancing network infrastructure, fortifying security measures, and fostering a community of continuous learning and collaboration. Attendees will look at a possible model for guiding comprehensive consensus building between educators and network professionals.

With much of the current dialogue around broadband centered on infrastructure and bringing service to unserved/underserved areas, less energy and effort is being spent at the local level on preparing for substantial funding opportunities for digital equity initiatives. See the results of a recently completed broadband feasibility study for Oakland County, including digital equity priorities that will help residents obtain service. Because what good is having broadband available if residents can't actually access it?!

Get a refresher of upcoming funding opportunities for digital equity priorities, including the state Digital Equity Capacity Building Grant Program ($1.44 billion) administered by MIHI, and the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program ($1.25 billion) directly administered by NTIA.

Security and compliance begin with visibility as it is often said, “you can’t manage what you can’t measure.” And in today’s ever-more-complex blended networks, visibility is the cornerstone to successfully managing assets. Whether it’s IT, OT, IoT, or medical devices, visibility into those assets is necessary to manage risk across your organization to meet compliance needs and build an effective security strategy. We welcome you to join Armis and World Wide Technology as we give you the blueprints and tools to build a bridge to better visibility, management and protection of all your assets; managed and unmanaged.

Few states make it simple for communities to start locally-based broadband utilities in any arrangement, from municipally-owned to managed outsourced. Yet, some communities in Michigan have found a way around the red tape, and more are attempting. Join Jon Willow and Curtis Dean of the Community Broadband Action Network, along with representatives from three locally-based Michigan broadband utilities for a fireside chat that peeks behind the scenes of what can be an arduous, but ultimately successful process. What was their catalyst for bringing in local broadband? What were the key successes and factors, biggest hurdles, and lessons learned? This is the perfect time to ask!

In this talk, attendees will learn about Extended Reality and how it is being used in Education to transform learning for students at the University of Michigan. In particular, this talk will focus on how education in the health sciences (Nursing, Medicine, and Dentistry) is rethinking how students learn and how they gain practical skills to become practitioners in this space. This talk will cover a broad array of technologies and demonstrate many use cases across the higher education space. While focusing primarily on what is occurring at the University of Michigan, these advancements and ideas in ER could expand into your own insitution.

Read almost any data breach announcement, and these days they almost all involve social engineering - confidence scams using our supposedly private information. In this session, learn about state-of-the-art social engineering techniques, the impact of AI separately the hype from reality, and how organizations can better protect themselves in a digital first world.

In an era where connectivity is as critical as traditional utilities, the challenge of bridging the digital divide is a central focus for many communities across the nation. This presentation explores the innovative journey undertaken by Livingston County, MI, to enhance broadband access, driven by a strategic collaboration between eX² Technology and County and School District leadership. We’ll delve into the project’s partnership model that synergizes coalition building, strategic private partnerships and civic leadership. Presenters will share insights into forming robust coalitions among local stakeholders, including government bodies, educational institutions, non-profits and residents. Attendees will learn strategies used to negotiate and secure partnerships with ISPs and technology firms, emphasizing the importance of aligning project goals with private sector capabilities and community interests. The session will equip attendees with practical insights and strategies for leveraging coalition building, strategic partnerships and leadership to address broadband accessibility in their own communities.

Access to networking, security and community are part of the basic foundations needed for a prosperous and equitable society. One of the primary ways that networking happens today is through Internet facilitated applications. Unfortunately, many individuals are disconnected from these opportunities because of challenges such as: living in rural locations, economic difficulties, accessibility barriers, and low digital literacy. As Internet access is expanded, we should explore ways to prepare individuals so they can enjoy the benefits that new technologies offer, but at the same time give them tools to better protect themselves from harm. In this presentation we will look at promising innovations that use emerging technologies to responsibly build bridges. The use of AI and XR could offer customized training in digital literacy. Individuals with higher digital literacy are better equipped to maximize the benefits of being connected, and protect themselves from online threats, such as cybercrime and misinformation.

Join us to explore the dynamic world of technical talent acquisition and retention. Discover the current landscape, best practices for attracting top talent, and effective strategies for retaining them. Through real-world examples, we'll demonstrate successful talent acquisition initiatives. Attendees will learn actionable insights to enhance their recruitment efforts and retain key technical personnel. Walk away with a toolkit of strategies and case studies to implement in your organization immediately. Don't miss out on this opportunity to optimize your talent acquisition process and secure your competitive edge in today's fast-paced tech industry.

Think of AI in cybersecurity as a vital asset for your security team. It's incredibly efficient at sifting through large amounts of data quickly to pinpoint security threats, making it a huge time-saver. However, AI's real power is in its advanced pattern recognition capabilities, allowing it to detect anomalies that could signal a cyber attack. This proactive detection is essential in staying ahead of potential threats. Plus, AI plays a key role in strengthening password security and employs advanced strategies to outmaneuver cyber adversaries. For software developers specifically, AI is like a knowledgeable advisor, guiding them toward creating more secure software. Essentially, AI is a versatile tool that significantly boosts the effectiveness and sophistication of cybersecurity efforts.

In the evolving landscape of telecommunications, the transition from traditional Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) lines and from legacy Primary Rate Interface (PRI) systems to modern Cloud Communications solutions is not only a practical reality, but a pivotal shift for organizations. This presentation will explore the benefits and strategies for replacing outdated communications systems with advanced solutions like Cloud PBX, Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS), Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) trunking, and Digital Fax services.

Access to affordable high-speed internet has become a necessity in our professional, personal, and social lives. People who lack connectivity miss out on online learning, healthcare, and economic opportunities. The Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI) is working to create a more digitally equitable Michigan where everyone can leverage technology to improve their quality of life. In this session attendees will receive the latest updates and information from MIHI.

The Teaching and Learning Team within WMUx, Western Michigan University’s innovation hub, has deployed an intentional, evidence-based response to the impact that Generative Artificial Intelligence is having on practices at our institution and in our communities. In addition to helping instructors decide why and how to add AI into their courses, we have emphasized the value of preparing our students to ask important ethical questions about AI when they enter the workforce. The audience will learn how we established dozens of well-received AI events, how we assisted in the development of Humanities-based AI courses, how we have partnered with local school districts to ensure a good flow of information and ideas, and how we have helped WMU set up a cohesive, user-centered approach to AI integration.

More than 60% of Americans have personally experienced a major data breach. A growing number of public entities are facing cybercrime issues, with the cost of the average data breach to a U.S. company spiking to nearly $9.5 million in 2023. What are the recent cybersecurity and cybercrime trends to be on the lookout for? This session will help participants to identify and safeguard against emerging trends and growing sophistication within the realm of cybercrime.

This year, software licensing disruptions have challenged the Total Cost of Ownership "TCO" for many institutions. With many viable choices and timing being critical, we will journey into understanding the risks, alternatives and ROI ramifications of Hybrid Cloud future state architectures. Together we will overcome licensing challenges while learning about strategic advantages and the options available to you.

Featured Software conversations: Broadcom, Azure Stack & Azure aligned, Nutanix, AWS aligned, and Pure 3-2-1+1 with Hybrid Cloud options.

Learn how Arista Networks drives down LAN/WAN spend with the industries Highest Availability Networks, Zero Touch Operations, and Zero Trust Security.

Highlight: Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program (BEAD). This session is provided to have a candid, peer-assisted open floor conversation about broadband access and deployment challenges, successes, and opportunities for growth that can benefit all of our communities. The conversations will be emceed by Merit Network's VP for Community Engagement, Charlotte Bewersdorff, and our Moonshot Project Manager, Chris Greene Hutchings.

Highlight: Network & Business Automation. This session is provided to have a candid, peer-assisted open floor conversation about network and business automation challenges, successes, and opportunities for growth that can benefit all of our communities. The conversations will be emceed by Merit Network's Chief Information Officer, David Dennis.

Highlight: The Merit Security Operation Center (SOC). This session is provided to have a candid, peer-assisted open floor conversation about any and all IT Security challenges, successes, and opportunities for growth that can benefit all of our communities. The conversations will be emceed by Merit Network's Chief Information Security Officer, Kevin Hayes.

Please join us for a discussion about how a mature Security Operations Strategy can dramatically reduce the success of any hacker through Protection, Detection, and Response. Successfully deploying technologies like SOAR, NDR, SIEM, and monitored edge defense can not only reduce what gets in, but dramatically reduce the time to detect and remove a hacker from the network.

This session provides a comprehensive guide on the essential aspects to consider when formulating an AI policy within your organization. We will begin by emphasizing the importance of conducting an environmental scan to fully understand the current use of AI across different departments, alongside developing individual and collective AI roadmaps. Participants will learn the advantages of establishing a centralized governance source, including recommendations for structuring this oversight effectively. A significant portion of the discussion will be dedicated to ethical considerations, focusing on human-machine interactions, vendor relations, accountability, and transparency. Furthermore, we will explore potential sections and templates that could be integral to your organization’s AI policy. This presentation is designed to equip attendees with the knowledge and tools to craft a thoughtful and comprehensive AI strategy that aligns with organizational values and goals.

Learn how the Michigan Municipal League is dedicated to making Michigan’s communities better by thoughtfully innovating programs, energetically connecting ideas and people, actively serving members with resources and services, and passionately inspiring positive change for Michigan’s greatest centers of potential: its communities.

MOON-Light is a revolutionizing broadband access in Michigan. With advanced technical capabilities and strategic statewide access points, MOON-Light collaborates with ISPs, cooperatives, and community networks to deliver affordable, high-speed Internet to underserved areas. By reducing costs, accelerating timelines, and overcoming geographical barriers, MOON-Light sets the stage for future last-mile projects, laying a solid foundation for enhanced connectivity and economic growth. In this session we review the current state of the project and what comes next.

Attendees will learn how organizations save money and time by using REMC SAVE - a FREE statewide cooperative bid providing equitable product pricing for Michigan schools (including higher ed), nonprofits and public agencies no matter their size. SAVE contracts cover a wide variety of categories, including network, computers, software, supplies, security, paper, technology, furniture and more, and provided nearly $200M in savings in 2023 alone. The session will also review other resources freely available from the REMC Association due to the effectiveness of the REMC SAVE program.

At Juniper, we strive to deliver network experiences that transform how people connect, work and live. By challenging the inherent complexity in the 5G and cloud era, our solutions power the connections that matter most - from education to healthcare to secure banking. Our commitment is to advance real outcomes for network teams and every individual they serve.

In this session, learn about the National Security Innovation Network - A Dept. of Defense agency that works with entrepreneurs, small businesses, early-stage ventures, Universities and University Researchers to help solve DoD problems.

Advancements in artificial intelligence, particularly the development of deepfake—a sophisticated form of manipulated media technology—and the evolution of social media platforms, are major contributors to the unprecedented surge in global disinformation. Deepfake technology has effectively weaponized information, and social media platforms further exacerbate the issue. Malicious actors are exploiting deepfakes and social media to disseminate falsehoods, amplify rumors, propagate disinformation, distort facts, and manipulate election outcomes. Recent research indicates that disinformation inflicts significant harm on society and individual well-being. It acts as a stressor, exacerbates polarization, and erodes trust in democratic institutions. A spate of disinformation campaigns during natural disasters, geopolitical conflicts, and elections in the United States and across the globe illustrates the peril it presents to democratic societies. Although efforts to detect and combat disinformation campaigns have seen some success, malevolent actors persist in leveraging emergent generative AI technologies and repurposing social platforms to spread lies and skew political discourse.

This presentation will examine the forces driving disinformation campaigns and the threats they pose to national security, democratic institutions, and society at large. We will also showcase cutting-edge deepfake detection tools, present the findings of our current research on content verification for digital media, and suggest a strategic framework to combat the disinformation crisis.

Given the hours we invest in our workplaces, striving for environments where we're understood and heard is not just beneficial; it's essential for our personal success and mental health. Establishing genuine connections, especially with new team members or clients, can be challenging. So, let’s master the art of an intentional introduction. Angela Peat's 'Working Styles' conversation framework is a proven tool for building trust and understanding from the get-go. With nearly two decades of experience, Angela has refined a method that transforms awkward first encounters into opportunities for deep connection. This interactive workshop will guide you through initiating these pivotal conversations and accelerating the storming-to-performing process. Expect a blend of practical insights and tools designed to empower you, whether stepping into a leadership role or aiming to contribute more effectively to your team.