Cost for this preconference workshop is $75.00. Register here.   

This workshop will provide insight into the BEAD initiative, the technician shortage, programs and certifications to prepare new technicians, and a highlight view of what a technician will learn. A good portion of the session will be a quick content review of critical learnings from what’s usually a four-day broadband focused fiber optic technician course. While it is impossible to cover an entire course in detail in the allotted time, this 30kft view of the course will be educational and provide insight into deeper learning opportunities.

Panel Moderator: Janice Oliva - Endeavor

Join us for roundtable discussions during a plated lunch focused on essential topics such as career advancement, work-life balance, diversity, well-being, leveraging AI as a professional tool, and personal branding.  Following lunch get inspired by an engaging panel of accomplished executive women from the broadband industry. This insightful discussion will cover a range of relevant and timely topics, including:

• The personal career journeys of each panelist
• The single most pivotal moment or decision that shaped their careers
• Key advice and lessons for growing a company and advancing professionally
• DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives at their firms—what’s effective and what challenges remain
• Strategies for developing top-tier talent
• Their outlook and strategic plans for 2025-26 and beyond

The session will be followed by an interactive Q&A segment between the panel and audience and concludes with several high-end sponsored giveaways you don't want to miss!  In addition, each attendee will receive a special inspirational gift. 

The WIT Luncheon is a $40 add-on and must be purchased as an addition to any ISE EXPO Attendee Pass. 

Rather than viewing regulatory requirements as obstacles, telecom network providers can approach them as opportunities for partnership and collaboration to set themselves up for success. This session will show how and why “high touch” matters when working with permitting agencies. It will outline four essential steps to navigate the permitting landscape efficiently, fostering smoother project implementation that allows broadband infrastructure to reach those most in need.

This session will cover the future of connectivity, leveraging AI and automation for secure, reliable, and scalable networks. For over a decade, Verizon has been strategically integrating AI into its operations focusing on enhancing internal efficiencies, elevating customer experiences, and optimizing the network infrastructure. Take a deep dive into how Network Operations is using AI to support fault and performance management, forecast and optimize resource utilization, and mitigate risks across Verizon’s network. 

The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 projects that 35% of U.S. workers’ skills will be disrupted in the next five years, highlighting the need for upskilling in fast-changing sectors like telecom. This session gives leaders practical tools to upskill their team members using adaptive leadership strategies.  These resilient, high-performing team members will be better equipped to build, maintain and scale today and tomorrow’s networks.

McKinsey & Company found that construction remains one of the least digitized industries, costing the global economy $1.6 trillion annually. This session will explore how AI and digital innovations can reshape telecom network construction, enabling broadband providers to overcome traditional inefficiencies, delays, and high costs while enabling providers to scale projects faster and meet federal deadlines while maintaining quality. From AI-driven blueprinting to fully digitized workflows, this discussion will highlight technologies that will change how you look at your future deployment projects.

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, cloud-based communication platforms are indispensable for telco customers of all sizes. CPaaS APIs (Communication Platform as a Service) are playing a pivotal role in driving innovation and enhancing the capabilities of these platforms. This session will explore how CPaaS APIs add value to modern cloud comms platforms and empower telco’s customers to streamline their operations.
 
Attendees will comprehensively understand CPaaS APIs and their role in modern cloud communications. They will learn real-world examples of businesses successfully implementing CPaaS APIs to enhance their operations and help their customers’ communications strategies.

The permitting process can be challenging with varied federal, state, and local regulations. This panel will share expert insights from WIA, wireless infrastructure providers, and state decision-makers on best practices to help you deploy networks enabling connectivity everywhere. They will also share a helpful permitting checklist to help you work with states and municipalities.

Telecom network teams must learn how to recognize the key fundamentals of data science and engineering that can help make networks more efficient and streamlined. Attendees will learn how statistics, AI, ML, and automation can help drive data-based network-related decision-making. Finally, this session will share a view of SCTE’s new programs for Python and Data Analytics, and how attendees can earn skill-based badges in these areas. 

As the BEAD program progresses through a new presidential administration, the process of planning some individual buildouts is well underway. Each state and territory has assigned a top broadband officer as the chief administrator, driving and overseeing the buildouts. With an administrative review pending and 56 separate states and territories at different stages of their projects—some have completed their ISP selection process while others have not yet begun theirs—there is no single point of progress for the nationwide BEAD program. 

This panel will take a deep dive into the results from a survey, carried out by Endeavor Business Media’s Digital Infrastructure Group and Endeavor Business Intelligence. The discussion project focuses on the complex future of BEAD projects from the state level. It will cover several aspects of broadband projects, including the status of ISP selection, plans for the use of various technologies (fiber, fixed wireless, satellite), supply-chain/fulfillment concerns, workforce and training outlook, and more. 

Don’t miss this engaging panel discussion on the future of wireless connectivity. Network leaders will share their knowledge and the best practices for wireless modernization initiatives, including Open RAN, Cloud RAN, Site Digitization, and Automation.  Gain valuable insights into how AT&T and Ericsson are leading the world and shaping the next generation of wireless telecommunications infrastructure.

Unlock the power of automation and AI-driven analytics to transform network project management and decision-making. This session will show you how real-time BI tools, structured databases, and automated workflows can eliminate network inefficiencies, enhance data accuracy, and optimize resource allocation. This session will share actionable insights and practical strategies you can add to your current management framework that will elevate your project tracking and execution. 

The anticipation of the BEAD process and execution has left many looking for answers regarding Surety as Compliance vs. Letters of Credit and the expanding risk landscape. This session will provide the principles of finance/surety, and their role related to BEAD, how iterative progress and reporting affect ongoing financial compliance, and additional variables directly associated with the rapid expansion enabled by the BEAD program.

Explore how automation, AI and Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) empower organizations to enhance agility, reliability, and security. Learn how AI-driven observability improves network operations and edge decision-making accelerates service deployments from months to minutes. Explore the benefits of NaaS and discover strategies for integration automation, AI, and cloud to enhance your network’s agility.

The session will explore the strategic crossroads broadband providers often face as their networks and businesses mature. It will focus on the natural evolution broadband operators encounter. Whether to continue to scale independently, sell the business, or form a strategic partnership. The session would normalize these decisions as common challenges across the industry. We would share insights based on our experience both operating as an ISP on a wholesale lease model and supporting acquisition evaluations for Cox. 

Ever wonder how a fuel cell works? Learn why some public utilities now use fuel cells to provide backup power for their private LTE networks. One will be highlighted and discussed in detail. See how a fuel cell compares to an internal combustion generator and the pros and cons for when it makes sense, and when it doesn't, to use a fuel cell over a traditional internal combustion generator.

Customer dissatisfaction due to the inherent limitations of wireless networks is a problem that annually costs fiber broadband carriers millions of dollars in customer support and goodwill. This session will introduce how a fiber alternative to augment wireless networks in the home can improve customer satisfaction at a price point comparable to a home Wi-Fi mesh node. You will learn how one network provider implemented FTTR and how it can improve customer satisfaction and reduce truck rolls.

Pole attachment permitting and makeready engineering delays can prevent you from meeting deadlines and complying with regulations and contract obligations, resulting in construction delays and work stoppages. While speed to market helps grow your subscriber base, compliance with code and standards reduces potential network outages, improving reliability and customer satisfaction. Learn what pole owners and utilities expect on pole attachment or conduit licensing requests. Discover more about LiDAR, image recognition and how collecting field data using digital measuring technology can help minimize delays in application processing and improve construction practices. 

Technological innovations in power and energy storage solutions allow operators to improve resilience in networks ranging from RAN to edge data centers, FTTx to Small Cells. Panelists will address questions such as: How do different network topologies cope with a fallible power grid? What solution best fits each application? How do we handle remote sites in distributed networks? How can we meet sustainability challenges and more? 

Three-quarters of telecom companies identify the shortage of skilled workers as their primary challenge. Despite attractive salaries, this gap persists due to the generational preference for traditional four-year degrees over trades. Moreover, leaders of smaller workforces need to adapt to continual uncertainty while keeping teams engaged and high performing. This session will share a proven framework that empowers you to navigate change, build resilience, and confidently lead. Walk away with practical coaching techniques and adaptive leadership strategies to strengthen your team and drive results while maintaining your well-being as a leader.

NFPA 70®, National Electrical Code® (NEC®) is used extensively in joint-use agreements and regulatory rulings. It provides baseline minimum design criteria and is consistently updated to stay ahead of changes in technology and safety. This session will share the most recent updates that are important for communications industry professionals. Learn about the modifications to span powering rules 224B and 344 and the application to current powering architectures; NESC’s role in network reliability and resiliency; congestion and clearance issues around 5G wireless antennas/equipment location and use of Fault Managed Power Systems (FMPS). 

This session addresses the difficulties of deploying fiber cabling in brownfield MDUs due to structural inconsistencies, tenant occupancy, and aesthetic requirements. It expands the network engineer’s toolkit with innovative, forward-thinking approaches to simplify and accelerate these challenging installations. This session will broaden your perspective on viable design options for MDU cabling projects, share how to complete MDU installations more efficiently with minimal tenant disruption, and increase your confidence in addressing projects previously deemed unfeasible due to building constraints.

Navigating BEAD funding’s permitting and regulatory landscape is no small feat—but mastering it can mean the difference between project delays and on-time successes. This session will arm you with the dos and don’ts to expedite approvals, ensure compliance, and strengthen relationships with local agencies and BDOs. Join us to gain the insights you need to keep your broadband deployments on track and on budget.

While there’s significant "buzz" about AI/ML solving all network evolution woes, few people understand how AI works, and what questions to ask when presented with a problem that a vendor says can be "easily" solved with AI. This session will help leaders and decision-makers clarify terminology, determine AI/ML strengths and weaknesses and gain key insights to separate AI’s promises from its real potential. 

Join Janice Oliva, Endeavor Business Media, as she moderates a lively panel discussion with telecom game-changing thought leaders and strategists. The session will dive into topics including: Key network growth drivers and headwinds, fiber capacity questions, converged/hybrid networks, bridging the digital divide with creative network solutions and BEAD realities. Sponsored by Clearfield, Esri, Millennium, TAK Communications, and Vitruvi.

Learn the next-generation methodologies reshaping cable recovery operations for today's telecommunications landscape. Drawing from real-world implementations across significant multi-year projects, we'll examine strategic approaches defining this specialized sector's future. The discussion will highlight how innovative business frameworks and collaborative models can simultaneously address carrier priorities while creating new value streams for telecom construction partners. 

Learn the critical applications of AI and ML across the network by diving into the classification of network use cases, the evolution of AI and ML, and the path to network foundation models. You’ll also learn the role of AI and ML in driving network efficiency and performance, addressing challenges like the volume of devices, complex dynamics, varying traffic, and the need for near real-time management.

Attendee Learnings:
•    Real-life network use cases
•    Path(s) to network foundation model(s)
•    AI and ML can drive network efficiencies.

Verizon has a decades-long history of collaborating with partners across the telecom industry to deliver effective communication solutions that aid public safety, particularly during emergencies. By utilizing new technologies, developing innovative solutions, and partnering with industry, government, and community stakeholders, Verizon is committed to improving disaster preparedness and revolutionizing emergency management.

Join Julie Slattery, Verizon Senior Vice President of Core Engineering & Operations for a discussion on Verizon’s disaster resilience approach that includes preparing for any situation, being ready to respond, providing post-disaster recovery assistance and using technology and learnings to mitigate potential future emergencies. The keynote will dive into the extreme lengths engineers go to run to a crisis and keep communities connected offering real-life anecdotes and learnings.

The primary areas of focus will be on the importance of internal and external partnerships, leveraging emerging technologies including AI and highlighting key strategies that can be implemented in organizations of all sizes.

Learn how to maximize the lifespan of legacy network hardware through repair, refurbishment, and surplus solutions, effectively reducing capital expenditures and mitigating supply chain delays. Gain insights into navigating manufacturer backlogs, leveraging multi-vendor solutions, and streamlining permitting processes to meet BEAD funding guidelines and deployment deadlines. And discover how to manage surplus efficiently and decommissioned equipment to minimize environmental impact, recapture capital, and support cost-efficient, sustainable broadband network expansions. 

Gen AI adoption is expected to grow from 19% to 48% within two years. CSPs are projected to increase their Gen AI spending by 6X within two years. Attend this session to learn how Gen AI can be used for network monitoring, network operation management, predictive maintenance, cybersecurity, and fraud mitigation.

In the telecom world, the most significant innovations aren't found in the cables or the code but in the people who build them. Discover how you can help your team close critical gaps in talent, training, and leadership to meet today’s rigorous network demands. This session explores workforce development strategies, technical upskilling, and adaptive leadership techniques that can equip teams with the expertise to manage high-performance networks and thrive in a fast-evolving regulatory and operational landscape.

The fiber optics market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.70% reaching $43.02 billion by 2032. A key factor is the widespread adoption of 5G technology, which creates a demand for communication infrastructure that supports high-capacity and low-latency requirements. This session will cover the technological, logistical and cost benefits of using fiber in 5G deployments and help attendees understand how the shift will impact them by sharing deployment examples.

The Brattle Group’s first-of-its-kind economic study finds that deploying fiber in the U.S. could generate an estimated $3.24 trillion in economic impact by increasing housing values, lifting average household income and creating jobs. Learn how to tap that opportunity to build lasting partnerships that help you successfully go after grants and public funds—ultimately expanding broadband to underserved communities. Learn how to rally communities so they become your biggest advocates and make your build investments go further. 

Pricing:

• Full Conference Registrants: Included in your registration fee
• Non-conference Registrants: $75.00 (includes access to the Program for all three days and free access to the Exhibit Hall Wednesday and Thursday.)

8:00-9:00 AM:  State of the Industry Panel Discussion & Audience Q&A                                                    
Join broadband leaders as they explore the challenges, best practices and successes to recruit, retain and inspire the broadband workforce that evolves the fixed and mobile networks we all rely on to live, work and play.  

Steve Harris - Harris DigiTech Academy & Solutions/Learning Alliance
Chris Disher - Cajun Broadband
Thomas Tyler - CONNECTLA
Fred Arnold - Learning Alliance Corporation
Bo Gresham - Dycom

9:15-10:15 AM:  Best Practices: Training & Expanding the Broadband Workforce
CONNECTLA shares challenges/opportunities for the state and economic development; and providers share best practices/stories/future initiatives about broadband training and growth.

10:30-11:30 AM: Closing Keynote
Tom Maguire - Brightspeed
 
11:45 AM-1:00 PM: Lunch followed by Executive Fireside Chat & Audience Q&A (plated sit-down lunch, registration required + additional fee of $40)​​​​​

1:00-2:30 PM: Sponsored Tech Training Tours on Exhibit Floor 

FBA reports that BEAD funding will require 28,000 broadband construction workers and 30,000 broadband techs, with 119,200 additional workers needed over the next 10 years to offset retirement and attrition. Learn how to leverage BEAD funding for sustainable workforce development programs that create long-term economic benefits for communities. Better understand how BEAD funding extends beyond connecting America, laying the foundation for economic growth, job security, and connected homes—all powered by fiber.

The adoption of AI is on the rise, with AI in telecommunications expected to grow at a CAGR of 28.2% from 2023 to 2030. Whether you're deploying new fiber networks or maintaining existing ones, AI and automation are becoming essential tools in breaking down data silos, integrating third-party data, keeping as-builts updated, and expediting field data capture. You will learn about integrating diverse information streams into a comprehensive and reliable dataset; migrating data between systems without compromising integrity or security and using AI to enhance data capture and reduce manual workload. 

According to the 2024 Global State of the Skills Economy Report by Cornerstone, demand for human skills continues to outpace digital skills, with North America seeing a 2.4 times higher demand for human skills. This underscores the market's need for programs that enhance human-centered capabilities alongside the telecom industry’s technological advancements. In this dynamic seminar, you’ll discover the five essential inner tools that drive success, helping you navigate uncertainty, make empowered decisions, and take bold action to lead with clarity in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. 

Drones with advanced cameras and sensors enable WISPs and ISPs to conduct comprehensive aerial surveys of prospective deployment areas. These surveys provide crucial insights into terrain, obstacles, and environmental factors, facilitating more informed decisions regarding network infrastructure. Learn how you can expedite network deployment and minimize costly errors by replacing time-consuming manual surveys with efficient drone-assisted planning to transform how you run your network. 

This session will share how to design a modular, vendor-agnostic, open-access model as you move to meet your network roadmap milestones. UTOPIA will share best practices for leveraging an open-access active Ethernet network, forecasting and supply chain management processes, staff skill set requirements and network OEM guidelines.

For more than a decade, Tom Maguire has championed modernization in the telecom industry — away from unreliable, costly copper networks to new, more resilient technology that easily adapts to innovation and consumer needs. We are now at a pivotal point when federal oversight is aligned, state-level changes are underway, the industry’s labor force is ready to execute, and scalable connectivity is possible. Copper is the past, and now is the time to embrace the future. When all the players in the industry work together the possibilities are infinite.