TUESDAY, AUGUST 19th
Policy Rapid Fire with the Experts
A conference favorite! Our experts will break down the most pressing legislative, regulatory, and legal developments across key issue areas in this high energy, beat-the-buzzer session where nothing is off the table.
Moderator: Mike Lynch, Legislative Director, NATOA
Speakers: Nancy Werner, Partner, Bradley Werner, LLC; Gerry Lederer, Partner, Best Best & Krieger, LLP; Angelina Panettieri, Legislative Director, Technology and Communications, National League of Cities
Presentations:
Organizational Pre-Production & Scripting
Whether it’s a script, a storyboard or a meeting agenda, pre-production remains a crucial step in the video process. Learn more about how other stations organize staff and projects before grabbing the camera and how pre-production can benefit your clients as well.
Moderator/Speaker: Chris Williams, Video Production Administrator, James City County, VA
Speakers: Ayyaz Amjad, Senior Communications Analyst, Prince William County, VA; Bob Pearce, Owner, Pearce Video Productions
Presentations:
Changes at the Federal Level: PEG & Cable Preemption
Join us for an insightful look at key actions shaping the year so far within the Courts, the Hill and the FCC. Our experts will unpack what’s happening, why it matters, and the potential impacts – giving you the context and clarity to stay ahead of the curve.
Moderator: Daniel Lightfoot, Intergovernmental Relations Representative, League of Minnesota Cities
Speakers: Mike Wassenaar, President & CEO, Alliance for Community Media; Tim Lay, Partner, Best Best & Krieger LLP
Presentations:
Top Tips for Vertical Videography
Learn the top tips and creative tactics for producing standout vertical content. See what’s working for others, how it’s built into existing workflows, and where the content is going. Sharpen your strategy and discover the latest tools that streamline vertical production.
Moderator: Amanda Kleber, Communications Specialist, City of University Place, WA
Speakers: Jonathan Kirsch, Media Services Manager, City of Lakewood, CO; Scott Evans, Video Producer, City of Allen, TX; Grant Bowling, Film & Audio Production Manager, City of Kyle, TX
Presentations:
Cable & Streaming Video: Is There a Technical Difference?
Are there technical differences between traditional cable service and streaming video, and do they matter? Technical experts will explain how modern cable systems transmit video programming, and discuss the legal and policy differences. Learn about QAM and IP-based video, how PEG programming is handled by cable systems, and how program information appears on channel guides.
Moderator: Mike Lynch, Legislative Director, NATOA
Speakers: Brian Grogan, Shareholder, Moss & Barnett, PA; Andrew Afflerbach, CEO/CTO, CTC Technology & Energy; Tom Robinson, President & CEO, CBG Communications Inc
Presentations:
2025 Show & Share
Throw your favorite tool or piece of gear in your suitcase and be ready to share how it has transformed your work. Walk away with a host of new gear ideas to solve your programming dilemmas.
Moderator: Carson Hamlin, Chief Engineer/Franchise Administrator, City of Fort Collins, CO
Presentations:
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20th
Storytelling Workshop - Flying Solo: Surviving and Thriving In a Social-First World featuring Juliana Broste
It’s time to harness the power of ONE. Let’s take a deep dive into the world of solo storytelling, with a 2025 filter. We’ll talk about the tools and techniques to get set up for success and work smarter, not harder. Beyond the demands of traditional media, we’ll shine a spotlight on social-first content. We’ll explore new ideas and avenues for creativity, connect with the community, and stay on trend. In this session, you’ll gain a fresh perspective on destination-based storytelling and the confidence to do it yourself in this special workshop.
- Solo Storytelling: Working Smarter, Not Harder
- Gear Must-Haves
- On Camera Confidence: How to Film Your Selfie
- Stop the Scroll with Social-First Content
Speaker: Juliana Broste, TravelingJules
Presentations:
AI for Municipalities
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming how local governments serve their communities—starting with chatbots that deliver 24/7 support, streamline operations, and reduce costs. This session breaks down what AI means for municipalities and showcases long-term strategies that improve efficiency and citizen engagement. Learn how forward-thinking cities are using AI to do more with less—and how you can, too.
Moderator: Rick Assmus, Community Connectivity Manager, City of Arvada, CO
Speakers: Chris Seidt, Director of Information Technology, City of Louisville, KY; Peter Wallace, CIO, City of Virginia Beach, VA; Brian Donoghue, Digital Equity Officer, City of Boston, MA
Presentations:
Working with Today’s FCC: Possibilities & Perils
Recent court decisions indicate that courts may give less deference to FCC actions than under the previous Chevron doctrine and new Commission leadership may be changing the FCC’s traditional priorities. Join a panel of experts to discuss what may arise under the new regime.
Moderator: Brandon Dittman, Partner, Wilson Williams Fellman Dittman
Speakers: Cheryl Leanza, Attorney, Best Best & Krieger, LLP; Ceilidh Gao, Campaign Attorney, Communications Workers of America; Sean Stokes, Partner, Keller & Heckman LLP
Presentations:
Wireline Proceeding Déjà Vu? Shot Clocks, Fee Caps & What’s Next
With growing momentum behind proposals to impose wireline shot clocks and fee caps similar to the small cell order, we will examine the latest developments in the Accelerating Wireline Broadband Deployment proceeding, including what these signals could mean for your jurisdiction. Learn how local governments can proactively engage to help shape policies that recognize the critical role communities play in broadband deployment.
Moderator: Mike Lynch, Legislative Director, NATOA Speakers: Gerry Lederer, Partner, Best Best & Krieger, LLP; Tripp May, Partner, Telecom Law Firm, PC
Presentations:
Smart Solutions for PEG Organizational Challenges
Get practical, no-nonsense guidance for navigating today’s toughest organizational challenges—from higher costs and shrinking budgets to staff shortages and leadership transitions. Learn how to evaluate capital vs. operational spending, uncover hidden efficiencies, and build resilience through thoughtful planning and smart prioritization.
Moderator: Carson Hamlin, Chief Engineer/Franchise Administrator, City of Fort Collins, CO
Speakers: Sue Buske, President, The Buske Group; Debra Roger, CEO, Falmouth Community Television, MA
Presentations:
THURSDAY, AUGUST 21st
Hot Topics in Broadband
In this timely session, experts will break down the latest broadband developments impacting municipalities—what’s changing, what’s at stake, and how you can position your community to benefit. Learn the opportunities, obstacles, and actions local leaders should be watching right now.
Moderator: Chris Seidt, Director of Information Technology, City of Louisville, KY
Speakers: Lori Adams, Vice President of Broadband Policy & Funding Strategy, Nokia; Christine Mailloux, Broadband Policy Specialist, Michael Baker International; Ou Nopmongcol, Acting Broadband Officer, City of San Jose, CA
Presentations:
Social Media Speed Dating
In an ever-evolving digital landscape, social media remains one of the most powerful tools to engage, inform, and connect with communities. Learn how to build smart, fast workflows, create videos that audiences actually watch to the end, and use cross promotion techniques to make the most of every asset. The session will begin with presentations by the panel and then break out into roundtables for a deeper dive.
Moderator: Chris Williams, Video Production Administrator, James City County, VA
Speakers: Amanda Kleber, Communications Specialist, City of University Place, WA; Lya Yllades, Communications Director, City of Alamo, TX; Steve Harris, Video Producer, City of Vancouver, WA
Presentations:
Roundtable Discussion: Connecting Constituents in the end of DEI, E-Rate, ACP and more
This roundtable offers a platform to share experiences, explore alternative resources, and discuss strategies for sustaining constituent engagement and service delivery amidst these changes.
Moderators: Rick Assmus, Community Connectivity Manager, City of Arvada, CO and Glenn Williams, General Manager, Boston Neighborhood Network, MA
Presentations:
Programming Showcase: Lemons to Lemonade
Every programmer has a war story—a project that just didn’t go as planned. But sometimes, those missteps lead to better solutions, surprising innovations, or important lessons. Share your “lemons to lemonade” and leave with a fresh perspective on how mistakes can fuel growth.
Moderator: Suzanne Bartole, Multi-Media Designer, County of San Diego, CA
Presentations:
Will MY PEG Channel Survive?
These days, the future of PEG channels can feel uncertain (to put it mildly)—but survival is not only possible, it’s achievable. Across the country, PEG channels are finding new ways to stay relevant, amplify community voices, and thrive in a rapidly changing media landscape. Join us to discover practical strategies, fresh ideas, and walk away with the tools and motivation to secure your channel’s future and strengthen its impact for years to come.
Moderator: Michael Russo, Immediate Past President, NATOA
Speakers: Dana Healy, Chief Operating Officer, Tightrope Media Systems; Nancy Werner, Partner, Bradley Werner, LLC; Centrell Reed, President/CEO, CReed Global Media
Presentations: