2014 Broadband Conference

2014 Broadband Connecting Nebraska Conference

The 2014 Broadband Connecting Nebraska Conference provided proven strategies and best practices, conversations with practitioners, and case studies from businesses that are succeeding. 

Held October 1 and 2 at the Younes Center in Kearney, the event featured industry experts and business leaders.  They shared ideas and experience in taking advantage of high-speed Internet connections to operate more efficiently and grow market share.  Review the full Agenda for the event.

The Youth Track offered an exciting unique set of learning opportunities to students from Nebraska.  The focus was on innovation, creativity, emerging technologies and careers in information technology.  The theme was "Internet of Things."

Key Messages

The Broadband Connecting Nebraska Conference featured outstanding state and national speakers.  Share in their remarks by watching -- and sharing -- the videos of these presentations.

Opening Keynote Message, Shane Farritor, Professor of Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

"Maker Spaces: Driving Creativity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship" 

Luncheon Keynote, Daniel Sieberg, Author of The Digital Diet, Technology Correspondent & Senior Marketing Manager, Google

"Putting the Pieces Together: Making Sense of Transformational Technologies" 

Day One, Closing Keynote, Ryan Mead, CEO/Founder, Vitru Inc.

"Five Years and the Cloud" 

Day Two, Opening Keynote, Keith Adams, Deputy Director, USDA Rural Development Rural Utilities Service Program

"Smart Communities and Broadband"

Panel Discussion, "Broadband Availability & Affordability"

• Nate Wyatt, Gothenburg State Bank
• Maria "Liz" Connor, Latino Business Liason, Nebraska Broadband Initiative
• Troy Stickels, Glenwood Telephone
• Mike Mawby, Charter Communications
• Tom Shoemaker, Pinpoint Communications
• Jason Axthelm, NebraskaLink
• Stuart Howerter, Unite Private Networks

Closing Keynote, Travis Hollman, President, Hollman Media, LLC

"Technology & Society: We Really Haven't Changed that Much!"

E-Rate & Other Broadband Regulatory Changes

Leaders from the Nebraska Public Service Commission shared insight to current status and potential trends.  Review these presentations.

• Gene Hand spoke about Broadband in Nebraska, Current Status and Future Trends
• Cullen Robbins explained Broadband/Mobile Pulse, including coverage and speed implementation

Moving Forward with the State Broadband Plan

Anne Byers, with the Nebraska Information Technology Commission, explained the new statewide plan.  Based on input from citizens across the state, "Broadband in Nebraska:  Current Landscape and Recommendations" showcases progress and potential.  Byers presented this video of Broadband in Nebraska highlights.

Breakout Sessions

A series of Breakout Sessions offered varied perspecitves on a variety of topics.  Nebraska business and technology leaders shared their insight and expertise.

Remote Video & Sensing
Kylen Hunt, Crop Metrics, discussed Managing for Profit -- Wirelessly.