TNBA Convention & Showcase Is Less Than a Month Away

Hello, and happy May! Summer is approaching, as is the annual Tennessee Broadband Association’s Annual Convention & Showcase set for June 4 through 6 in Franklin.

The challenge of putting on an event like this is like keeping track of spinning plates! Up for discussion are legislative bills, Broadband Equity Access and Deployment program updates, cybersecurity, and network sustainability. We’re bringing in speakers who can shed lots of light on these subjects.

Shirley Bloomfield, CEO of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, will be our opening speaker. She’ll also be on the “What’s on Your Mind” panel with Twin Lakes CEO Jonathan West. DTC CEO Chris Townson will moderate this panel.

Incoming TNBA Board President Charlie Boring will moderate a panel that will include Taylre Beaty, broadband program director for the state Department of Economic and Community Development, and Paige Shapiro, NTIA Technical Assistance Advisor. They’ll discuss the BEAD challenge process, timelines, and affordability of implementation.

I’m excited to have Ryan Avery as the general session closing speaker. In 2012, Ryan became the youngest world champion in public speaking at the age of 25. For the convention, he’ll discuss leadership and what it means to be an impactful leader. Ryan will also facilitate the sales, marketing, and customer service peer session, where he will share ways to connect with customers through stories and conversation versus pushing sales.

We have a schedule packed with peer-led sessions, and associate member companies have put together panels on current industry information. The showcase wraps up the conference, and we currently have 66 booth spaces filled. Attendees will have 3 ½ hours to see new products, hear about future innovations, and chat with industry friends. The Hohenwald TCAT students will also be attending the showcase again this year, visiting booths to learn about industry opportunities and future innovation.

The convention is hard work, but it’s one of my favorite events. It’s an opportunity to see our members in person and celebrate all the work we’re doing for a #connectedTN.