It’s been a very broadband month – even for those of us who usually live in this world. Thanks to the many presenters and attendees for making it so great to far. The wisdom really does seem to be in the room and we’ve had some great conversations. Below is a high level look at what’s happening this week. Please pop in when you can – I’ll be posting videos of each session once they happen.

Please note two opportunities for special interaction:

• Got a conversation you want to happen? Bring it to the Open Space Idea Generation on Tuesday for inclusion on Wednesday
• Want to recognize someone with a good idea, a tip or someone you know you’ll be partnering with after the conference? Let us know and we’ll give them a shout out at the reception on Wednesday. Also – if you have someone you’d like to see get an all-star shout out, please let us know.

Tuesday, October 27

• 9:00 am Welcome
• 9:30 am  Connecting Residents to Essential Services: Solutions for Local Communities by Deb Socia, President and CEO, The Enterprise Center, Chattanooga, TN
• 10:35 Open Space Idea Generation
  What do YOU want to learn more about and discuss? Bring your ideas and generate new ideas in small groups – the discussions will take place Wednesday.
• 11:45  Wrap-Up
• 12:00 pm  Adjourn

Wednesday, October 28

• 9:00 am     Welcome
• 9:20     Open Space Discussions I
• 9:50     Report Back to Group
• 10:05   Open Space Discussions II
• 10:35   Report Back to Group
• 10:45    Digital Ready Communities Report Back
  Throughout the month of October, three Minnesota communities (Koochiching Technology Initiative, Le Sueur County, and Rock County) have been participating in a condensed version of Purdue University Center for Regional Development’s Digital Ready Community program. Hear about what they’ve learned so far!
  
• 11:45 Wrap-Up
• 12:00 pm  Adjourn
• 4:30 – 6:00 pm
  Closing Reception
  It’s been a busy month of broadband! Please join us for one more opportunity to network, reflect, and share feedback and learning. We plan to recognize all-star participants, play a little trivia, and give everyone a chance to share an idea. Register here
  

Thursday, October 29

• 9:00 am     Welcome
• 9:15 am  How I Think About the Importance of Communities in the 21st Century by Thomas L. Friedman, Author, Reporter, Columnist, New York Times
  Introduction by Former Senator Al Franken. Moderated by Mark Ritchie, President, Global Minnesota
• 10:30     2020 MN County Broadband Reports: Measured Progress, Accelerated Need, by Ann Treacy, Treacy Information Services
• 11:00         Closing Words
• 12:00 pm   Adjourn