Clearly I want to spread the word on the upcoming Blandin Broadband conference. I’m going to paste the Save the Date info asis – but just so you know, my secret favorite parts include: the broadband competition, Robert Bell (from Intelligent Community Forum), and the policy panel discussion. (I’d also strong suggest the Broadband Planning session for anyone who wants or needs a practical primer. It is truly back by popular demand.)

Make plans now to attend Connected Communities: Making the Net Work for Minnesota on December 3-4, 2008 in Eden Prairie, MN.

At this premier broadband conference, national and local leaders and champions will share:
• World-class expertise on community broadband planning
• Examples of broadband-based economic development
• Cutting-edge applications
• Conversation with and about Minnesota’s new Broadband Task Force

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QUICK DETAILS
FEES: $95 full conference | $48 one day
VENUE: ADC Telecommunications, 13625 Technology Drive, Eden Prairie
LODGING: Sheraton | 7800 Normandale Blvd., Bloomington ($99 nightly rate)
REGISTRATION OPENS SEPTEMBER 15: Call 507.828.5559 for more information.

Conference Highlights:

Compete in the Community Broadband Awards
Visit BlandinFoundation.org after September 15 for details on how your community can participate in the 1st Annual Broadband Awards. Receive recognition and a Community Broadband Grant to further your broadband efforts!

Pre-conference Webinars
Learn about fiber-to-the-home, wireless technology and broadband policy in Minnesota
Keynote – Seven Habits of Highly Successful Communities

Robert Bell, Executive Director of Intelligent Community Forum explains how Intelligent Communities – whether through crisis or foresight – come to understand the enormous challenges of the Broadband Economy and create an economy capable of prospering in it. Robert Bell shares stories from around the world relevant to rural, suburban and urban Minnesota.

Content-Rich Sessions:

Broadband Planning
Back by popular demand, nationally acclaimed consultants from Design Nine guide participants through the basics of community broadband project planning.

Seven Habits of Highly Effective Communities
Robert Bell of the Intelligent Community Forum shares best practices of the world’s Intelligent Communities in adapting to the demands of the Broadband Economy.

Policy Panel and Hearing
Hear from the MN Broadband Task Force as it works to develop recommendations for broadband development across the state. Ask questions and provide input to task force members.

Tour a Production Facility that Supplies the World’s Telecommunication Needs
A rare behind-the-scenes opportunity to tour ADC’s production facility that enables communications service providers to serve their residential and business customers more efficiently.
We look forward to seeing you at the conference.