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Registration for BBS 2022 is closed, but check back for more opportunities for webinars, events, and MMC in the Spring.

Michigan Broadband Summit

November 3rd, 2022 | Holland Civic Center, 150 W 8th St, Holland, MI 49423

The starting line for broadband expansion has been clearly drawn at the state and federal levels.

How can communities and broadband champions capitalize on today’s opportunities to continue to build positive momentum? Our fourth annual Michigan Broadband Summit (MBS) 2022 is about sharing innovative solutions and key strategies that are impacting all of us right now.

Learn from experts and peers about innovative approaches to supply chain and workforce shortages, optimal network design and cutting-edge technologies to guide immediate, positive impacts to succeed in broadband deployment in spite of it all.

Ready? Let’s Go!

Furthering Broadband Deployment: Creative Applications of GIS in Communities

November 4th, 2022 | 1 Energy Park Way, Holland, MI 49423

Urban planning, resource inventory and quality of life enhancements are supported by GIS (graphical information systems) in many Michigan communities. Broadband planning, needs assessments, infrastructure exploration, equipment and network inventory processes, and persuasive storytelling can be augmented by extant software and personnel. Walk through creative applications of GIS for community connectivity in this three-hour add-on workshop.

Unlock the power of GIS by learning from industry experts and successful network operators.

Don’t currently have GIS capabilities within your municipality or organization? Community broadband advocates will have the opportunity to learn about basic GIS resources that are used in broadband expansion initiatives and experience how GIS can facilitate future possibilities through use cases and demonstrations.

Broadband Summit Location

Holland Civic Center Place
150 W 8th St
Holland, MI 49423

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Workshop Location

Holland Board of Public Works
625 Hastings Ave
Holland, MI 49423

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Accommodations

Courtyard Holland Downtown
121 East 8th Street
Holland, MI 49423

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About Holland >

Agenda 2022

November 3rd, 2022
8:00 - 8:40 A.M. | Breakfast and Registration
8:40 A.M. - 8:55 A.M. | Opening Remarks
Opening Remarks
Joe Sawasky

President and CEO | Merit Network

9:00 A.M. - 9:45 A.M. | Keynote Presentation
NTIA and State of Michigan Overview of Broadband In The Community
Ben Fineman

Federal Program Officer, NTIA, Dept. of Commerce

Eric Frederick

Chief Connectivity Officer, Michigan High-Speed Internet Office, State of Michigan

Read Abstract

Eric Frederick, Chief Connectivity Officer of the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office, and Ben Fineman, the Federal Program Officer for the NTIA, provide an overview of federal & state collaboration, mapping, funding, and strategic planning.

10:00 A.M. - 10:45 A.M. | Session 1
Breakout 1 - How to Execute ‘The Plan’
(Moderator) Alexis Schrubbe, Ph.D.

Michigan Moonshot Program Manager, Merit Network

Bruce Patterson

Head of Operations, EntryPoint Networks

David Robertson

Principal/Owner, Lewis, Young, Robertson, and Burningham (Financial Advisors)

Allen Meyer

Vice President, RLM Underground

Read Abstract

Public entities trying to construct broadband assets quickly find themselves ‘dancing with giants’ as they try to partner with industry. This session is intended to help any public or municipal entity better understand where to place their feet as they engage with private partners to execute a successful project. This panel discussion addresses what is the proper order of operations for a successful project, how do business model, architecture, design, financing, and construction interrelate and why does it matter, how can a public entity attract the right financial, technical, and skilled workforce partners, and what are some common pitfalls, and how can they be avoided?

Breakout 2 - Project Moon-Light: A New Digital Intrastate Freeway System
Charlotte Bewersdorff

VP for Community Engagement, Merit Network

Jameka Williams

Director of Member Engagement, Merit Network

Michael Milliken

VP for Network Technology & Innovation, Merit Network

Delle Clair

Network Operations Performance Manager, Merit Network

Read Abstract

Project MOON-Light (Michigan Open Optical Network- Leveraging Innovation to Get High-Speed Technology for all) is a strategic foundation that serves to proactively impact the digital divide and make our state the best connected in the nation. From higher educational outcomes for K-12 students, telehealth access, stronger public safety platforms, agricultural innovation and positive economic development impact, among others, it is imperative for communities to leverage affordable broadband network access to maintain and grow the quality of life and provide equitable opportunities for all.

Breakout 3 - Digital Equity As An Operation and Not a Project
Autumn Evans

Deputy Director of Digital Inclusion & Equity, City of Detroit

Read Abstract

Deputy Director of Digital Inclusion & Equity for the City of Detroit, Autumn Evans, demonstrates why communities should approach bridging the digital divide from an operational perspective-as demonstrated with the success of Connect 313. Connect 313 was established in 2020 to coordinate and support city-wide digital inclusion efforts with a data-driven, community-based philosophy.

11:00 A.M. - 11:45 A.M. | Keynote Presentation
Broadband Expansion: You Can Get There From Here
Peggy Schaffer

Retired Director, ConnectME Authority

Read Abstract

Establishing broadband is a line of work with no finish line, so motivation within a team is derived from a collective understanding of the transformative, lifetime change in the future of a shared community. You will come across and choose many paths during broadband development-some leading nowhere-but you should never have to go at it alone. While data and maps are customary keys to success, building a team with a hyper-focus on what broadband can truly change in your community can make all the difference.

11:45 A.M. - 12:30 P.M. | Lunch
12:45 P.M. - 1:30 P.M. | Session 2
Breakout 1 - Open Session of the Broadband Equity and Advocacy Community of Practice
Charlotte Bewersdorff

VP for Community Engagement, Merit Network

Ben Fineman

Federal Program Officer, NTIA, Dept. of Commerce

Read Abstract

In this open session of the Broadband Equity and Advocacy Community of Practice (COP), participants will connect with peers in other communities navigating the process of seeking reliable, high-speed Internet. The COP is engineered to foster learning and collaboration between peers representing municipal and county government entities, broadband stakeholders at Merit Member organizations, and Michigan nonprofits. This session is your opportunity to see what the COP is like before you decide to join.

Discussion areas include network ownership models, navigating federal funding, and infrastructure planning, build-outs, maintenance and operation."

Breakout 2 - Holland City Fiber - A Community Based Decision Making in Action
Pete Hoffswell

Superintendent of Broadband Services, Holland Board of Public Works

Read Abstract

The City of Holland, Michigan, has had a fiber network for 30 years. Recently, the people of Holland decided to expand the network to pass every home. Learn about the history of fiber optics at one of the nation's oldest open-access community-owned fiber networks and how the community came together to work towards becoming an all-fiber city.

1:45 P.M. - 2:30 P.M. | Session 3
Breakout 1 - Battling the Digital Divide in Detroit
Art Thompson

Chief Information Officer, City of Detroit

Oscar Chapa

Digital Equity Manager, City of Detroit

Read Abstract

Detroit residents deserve access to high speed, affordable internet. In this session, you’ll learn how Detroit is increasing the availability of internet and affordability by creating a larger shared infrastructure for fiber access across the city. During this session we will also discuss Detroit’s future plans and the importance of using data to drive investment decisions.

Breakout 2 - Connected Schools - Essential for Our Future
Chris Nelson

Executive Director, Lenawee/Monroe Technology Consortium

Read Abstract

Connecting students to our school districts is essential for the future of our workplace, commerce, and overall educational well-being of our nation. When communities work together with schools and broadband vendors, wonderful things can happen. Many of our schools struggle to implement state of the art educational solutions due to the lack of connectivity for their students. This session will discuss ways in which everyone can work together for the common goal of educating our future.

Breakout 3 - Premier Sponsor Presentation: Community-Driven Broadband Solutions
Brian Snider

CEO, Lit Communities

David Corrado

CEO, Medina County Fiber Network

Read Abstract

Determining the best course of action to take when addressing your communities broadband needs can be overwhelming. Lit Communities CEO, Brian Snider will discuss how leaders can equip themselves with the right tools and strategies to prepare, plan and execute successful community-driven broadband solutions.
Medina County Fiber Network CEO, David Corrado shares perspective from his nearly decade of experience of running a municipally owned network, and the role that P3 partnerships have played in accelerating the impact of broadband in Medina County, OH.

2:45 P.M. - 3:30 P.M. | Session 4
Breakout 1 - Calhoun County's Pursuit for Better Broadband
Lucy Blair

Communications Director, Calhoun County Government

Lynn Meikle

Communications Coordinator, Calhoun County Government

Read Abstract

Since May 2021 when the Board of Commissioners approved the Calhoun County Broadband Task Force, Calhoun County Government began to formally address broadband access, affordability, adoption, and digital literacy in our mostly-rural community. This presentation will share the story of how Calhoun went from a grassroots effort to a county-led initiative that is taking specific steps to improve access to Broadband for all residents. In addition to rural connectivity, we are seeking solutions for households in cities like Battle Creek and Albion, and leveraging learnings from the municipally-owned network in Marshall. Calhoun has tackled understanding what residents’ experiences are like (with the Merit Survey), auditing what ISPs are currently working on in Calhoun, and considering what county government can realistically do to improve access.

Breakout 2 - Meaningful Conversations with Elected Officials
Quentin Bishop

County Administrator, Lapeer County

Kris Tobbe

Chief Information Officer, Livingston County

Read Abstract

How do broadband advocates garner support for Internet expansion from elected officials? Learn how employees of Livingston and Lapeer counties engaged with their county boards and other local stakeholders to move broadband to the top of their county’s priority list. Kristoffer Tobbe will share guidance on providing compelling data for a discerning crowd, while Quentin Bishop outlines his strategy for approaching individual stakeholders, and managing relationships and group dynamics to build consensus.

Breakout 3 - Merit Community Supporter Presentation: Building an Inclusive Infrastructure
Albert Garcia

Leader for Broadband Solutions, Cisco

Abel Ramirez

Broadband Solution Architect, Cisco

Read Abstract

The pandemic has proven that Broadband is an absolute "must have", but Access, Affordability, and Sustainability of the service are not consistent for many of us. Today there are many Federal and State programs to start changing that equation, but it will take a coalition willing to make lasting changes and transform communities well beyond just Broadband. In this session, Cisco Systems, a leader in Internet technologies, will discuss increasing digital equity for your community and the technologies that make it possible.

3:45 P.M. - 4:30 P.M. | Keynote Presentation
Broadband For All: Be the Spark that Ignites the Change
Deb Socia

President & CEO, The Enterprise Center

Read Abstract

The time to enact digital equity is now. Funding is on the ready, but it is essential to have a network of collaborators to prevent future missteps, saving on wasted time, energy and money. We need guidance towards the race line to begin planning accessibility and affordability of broadband development in our own backyards. As a collective voice, we will all need to take charge. In this session, hear success stories from urban, suburban, and rural areas and actionable steps each community can take to move closer to digital equity.

4:30 P.M. - 4:45 P.M. | Closing Commentary

PREMIER SPONSORSHIP

BASIC SPONSORSHIP

COMMUNITY SUPPORTERS

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Juniper Networks

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