Schedule

Powering the Future: Balancing Energy, Network Infrastructure and AI
As the demand for data and connectivity continues to surge, the communications industry faces an increasingly complex challenge: balancing energy consumption with the need for robust data center capabilities, efficient network infrastructure and the integration of AI technologies. This session will explore how these interconnected elements influence one another and what the future holds for sustainable, high-performance networks. From the massive energy requirements of data centers housing AI workloads to the growing demands on global networks, energy efficiency is now at the forefront of innovation. As AI-driven technologies push the limits of computing power, there is an urgent need to rethink how we design and manage infrastructure. This discussion will delve into the latest advancements in energy-efficient data centers, the role of AI in optimizing network operations and the evolving strategies to ensure sustainable growth in an increasingly energy-conscious world.

Moderator:
Chip Pickering, CEO, INCOMPAS

Speakers:
Michael B. Galvin, Chief Administrative Officer, Granite Telecommunications LLC
Steve Hall, Environmental Manager, Williams Companies
Carol Lane, Vice President, Government Affairs, X-energy
Alan Poole, General Counsel, DC BLOX
Asim Raza, Vice President & General Counsel, Arcadian Infracom

Bridging the Digital Divide: Aligning BEAD and USF for Universal Broadband Access
The Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program is a landmark investment aimed at closing the digital divide and expanding broadband access to underserved communities. However, BEAD funding alone will not be enough to ensure universal service—long-term success will require a comprehensive strategy that integrates BEAD funds with the broader objectives of the Universal Service Fund (USF). This panel will explore how both funding mechanisms can work together to achieve the goal of universal broadband access.

Moderator: Christopher L. Shipley, Executive Director, Public Policy, INCOMPAS

Speakers:
Chris Champion, Vice President, Government Relations, C Spire
Carl Guardino, Vice President, Government Affairs & Policy, Tarana
Veneeth Iyengar, Executive Director, ConnectLA
J. Ryan Thompson, Senior Associate, Hogan Lovells

Modernizing Permitting and Infrastructure Rules to Streamline Broadband Deployment
Congress and the FCC are considering changes to permitting and rights-of-way access with a goal of streamlining and expediting the deployment of wired broadband infrastructure.  By revising federal policies and reducing regulatory hurdles, the new administration aims to facilitate broadband expansion through NTIA’s Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program and other federal programs, particularly in underserved rural areas. During this session, panelists will explore the implications of these proposed policy changes on broadband access, competition and long-term connectivity goals.

Moderator: 
Joshua M. Bobeck, Of Counsel, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

Speakers:
James T. Hoffman, Vice President, External & Customer Affairs, Alabama Fiber Network
Ben Sanborn, Senior Counsel, Conterra Networks
Ariane Schaffer, Head of Public Policy and Government Affairs, GFiber

Amplifying Impact: How Innovative Deployment Techniques Maximize Broadband Funding    
Join industry leaders for an insightful discussion on the latest deployment techniques, such as Rapid Connect— a fast, shallow, and minimally invasive construction method for installing fiber. Learn how embracing innovative technologies, guided by the Broadband Ready City Checklist, enables cities to extend the reach of broadband funding and connect more people. This panel will explore real-world success stories where cities have prioritized innovation, turning funding opportunities into tangible results. Together, we’ll discuss how adhering to the principles of broadband readiness fosters collaboration, drives efficiency, and accelerates connectivity for underserved communities. Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of cutting- edge strategies and the path toward smarter, more inclusive public policy.

Moderator:
Van Bloys, Managing Counsel, Crown Castle

Speakers: 
Nazila Cruz, City Engineer, City of Los Angeles
Bruce Gardner, Town Manager, Queen Creek, Arizona
Alyia Gaskins, Mayor, Alexandria, Virginia

Moderator: Robert M. McDowell, Partner, Cooley

Speakers:
Amy Bos, Director, State and Federal Affairs, NetChoice
Berin Szóka, President, TechFreedom
Jeffrey Westling, Director, Technology and Innovation Policy, American Action Forum
Josh Withrow, Fellow, Technology and Innovation, R Street Institute

Promoting Open Source Competition: Unleashing Innovation in the Marketplace 
In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, open-source models have become a cornerstone for innovation and competition, enabling faster development cycles, cost-efficiency and broad access to cutting-edge technologies. But what does promoting competition in open-source really mean, especially when we consider its impact on national security and market dynamics? This panel will explore how the open-source ecosystem fosters innovation and drives competition, while also addressing the potential risks and challenges to national security. Join leading experts from the telecommunications, technology and cybersecurity sectors as they discuss the balance between openness and security, the role of open source in fostering innovation, and how competition in the open source space can be leveraged to create more resilient and secure communication infrastructures.

Moderator: 
Chip Pickering, CEO, INCOMPAS

Speakers: 
Dr. Anthony Bak, Head of AI Implementation, Palantir 
Colin Crowell, Managing Director, The Blue Owl Group
Kara Hinesley, Global Head of Public Policy and Government Affairs, Canva
Victoria Luxardo Jeffries, Public Policy Director, Meta
Maryam Mujica, Chief Public Policy Officer, General Catalyst

Defending Our Digital Frontiers: Strategies for Securing Communications Networks and Undersea Cables from Cyber Threats
As global connectivity becomes increasingly vital to every aspect of modern society, the security of our communications networks has never been more critical. From private networks to the essential undersea cables that form the backbone of international communication, safeguarding our digital infrastructure is paramount to protecting national security, economic stability and the flow of global information. With cyber threats growing more sophisticated and widespread, how can we ensure that our networks are adequately protected? This panel will bring together top cybersecurity experts, industry leaders and policymakers to discuss the evolving threat landscape and the strategies required to secure communications networks, including the often-overlooked, but critically important, undersea cable systems, which carry 99% of international data. These cables are vital to global data transmission but are highly vulnerable to physical and cyber attacks. Experts will explore the latest advancements in cybersecurity technology, risk management and international cooperation, offering insights into how we can protect both terrestrial and undersea infrastructure from evolving threats.

Moderator:
Alexander Botting, Senior Director, Global Security & Technology Strategy,Venable LLP

Speakers:
Paula Boyd, Senior Director, Government & Regulatory Affairs, Microsoft
Dr. Richard J. Harknett, Professor and Director of the School of Public and International Affairs ,and Director of the Center for Cyber Strategy and Policy at the University of Cincinnati
Grace Koh, Vice President, Government Relations, Ciena
Milo Medin, CEO, Logos Space Services

Moderator: 
Christopher L. Shipley, Executive Director, Public Policy, INCOMPAS

Speakers: 
Hank Kelly, Partner, Kelley Drye
Michael H. Pryor, Shareholder, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP
Greg Rogers, Head of Global Policy & Regulatory Affairs, Bandwidth
Joshua Ruby​​​​, General Counsel, Granite Telecommunications LLC