Disruption: Make it Stop! (1.2 Technical Credits)
Presenter: Terry Chevalier, Managing Director, Sunstone Associates

As rural broadband providers, it seems like every day we learn of some other potential “disruption” to our business. Whether it’s about USF, satellites, big acquisitions, new technologies, or macroeconomic impacts, every day brings something new. Sometimes, it’s not even from the outside, change can come rapidly from our own teams. With this volume of change, it’s difficult to tell opportunity from threat … and it can be overwhelming.

This session will highlight the big disruptive trends impacting the industry and where those just might go. Building on years of handling the latest “disruptive fire drill”, we will provide some tips, tricks, and best practices for any rural broadband leader in how to manage this much change in your teams and your organizations to achieve your goals.

AI: Opportunity or Obstacle? Risks and Rewards for Rural Broadband (1.2 Technical Credits)
Presenter: Sangit Rawlley, Senior Partner & AI Practice Lead, JLA Advisors

Rural broadband operators are essential in bridging the digital divide, yet face increasing economic pressures, including rising competition and potential subsidy reductions from federal and even state universal service funds. Furthermore, the anticipated surge in data driven by AI-generated content (images, videos) will place additional strain on communication networks, including in rural areas. In this challenging environment, operational efficiency is paramount, and AI offers transformative potential across multiple areas, including network optimization, customer service enhancement, and targeted marketing strategies.

Data security, scale limitations, and the need for transformational change make AI adoption uniquely challenging for regional operators Developing an AI strategy that addresses these unique factors is crucial.

Fighting the Big Guys (1.8 Technical Credits)
Moderator: Rusty Moore. BBT Panelists: Tara Zielinski, Kandra Young, Coleman County Telephone & Ricky Martinez

Developing your culture by Coordinating Sales, Marketing and Customer Service in the face of new market entrants.  Integrating customer service and sales more closely - transitioning from an order-taker to a sales mindset.

Beyond USF: Creative Funding for Rural Telecom (1.2 Technical Credits)

Moderator: Terry Chevalier, Sunstone Associates. Panelists: Charlie Cano, Etex; Lauren Sanders, BBT; Ted Koerner, Alpina Capital

In light of potential disruptions to USF, rural telecommunications providers need innovative funding strategies to support growth. This panel brings together operators and financial experts to explore diverse funding avenues beyond the traditional. Our speakers will share success stories of grants, community/public-private collaborations, and alternative debt and equity financing models that enable critical infrastructure development despite changing federal support. Join us to discover practical strategies and valuable connections to keep your projects moving forward in uncertain times.

Keeping your Accounting Data Secure (1.2 Technical Credits)
Todd McElmurry, HMV

In this session we will explore how threat actors try to manipulate and trick you into allowing them access to your system and network.  Will show ways to make YOU the frontline of defense through education and preparedness.

Texas Tax Grid (1 Technical Credit)
Rebecca VanNattan, HMV

This session will look at the Texas Tax Grid, covering taxes and fees specific to telecommunications providers. We will also discuss recent Texas sales and use tax audit activity.

Deferred Taxes (1.2 Technical Credits)
Blake Lackey, HMV and Rebecca VanNattan, HMV

This session will provide an overview of deferred taxes, focusing on the key concepts of deferred tax assets and liabilities, the temporary differences that create them, and their treatment under accounting standards. It will also examine the implications of deferred taxes on financial statements and their influence on business decision-making.

Navigating Regulatory Changes and Their Impact on Texas ILECS (1 Technical Credit)

Moderator: Jeremiah Raya, Moss Adams and Sharon Minor, Moss Adams. Panelists: Joey Anderson, Nortex; Samantha Munoz, HCTC; Lauren Sanders, BBT

Texas ILECS, who must abide by federal and state regulations, receive Federal and state support, which are typically their largest sources of revenue.  ILECs have strived to maximize support revenues but Federal and State focus on "broadband for all" impacts how Texas ILECs operate, the amount of support they receive, and their vision for the future. This session will discuss the regulatory changes, their impacts, and open discussion regarding strategies for the future.

What Do the Metrics Say? Benchmarking the Rural Broadband & Telecom Industry (1.2 Technical Credits)
Jarret Rea, Moss Adams

In recent years we have seen surging costs, supply challenges, employee shortages, increased competition, changing consumer demand, and continued changes to available support.  In this year’s review of the Moss Adams benchmarking study, we will take a step back and review several metrics that tell the story of where our industry has been, how these recent challenges and opportunities are impacting company performance, and what the data is hinting at for the future.

Still Preparing for BEAD (1.8 Technical Credits)
Wes Robinson, Mark Seale, Dennis Donnely

This discussion will explain the status of state and Federal funding and explore the potential for change in the future.  It will highlight changes at the FCC, the BDO, and the Legislature.

Websites, Social Media, and New Options for Digital Outreach (1.5 Technical Credits)
FoundTx

An interactive look at how new design techniques and social media tools can reach customers.  Innovations, especially in video, present a cost-efficient and effective way to plan strategies