The 2026 Annual Meeting & Expo agenda is designed to reflect the real conversations, challenges, and opportunities facing our industry today. This year’s theme, Lights. Camera. Connections puts the spotlight on the people, ideas, and moments that bring our community together.
Across three days, the agenda features intentional programming focused on leadership, innovation, and connection—paired with meaningful opportunities to engage with peers, partners, and industry leaders. From keynote sessions that set the tone to breakout discussions and a reimagined Expo experience, every element is designed to create an experience that is engaging, relevant, and impactful.
Meet Your Keynotes These main-stage sessions help set the tone for your conference and frame the conversations that continue throughout the agenda.
Danielle brings a refreshingly honest perspective on leadership and workplace well-being—calling out burnout, hustle culture, and the unsustainable expectations many teams are facing today. A nationally recognized TEDx speaker and founder of Danielle Roberts Co., her work has been featured by major national outlets and resonates with leaders navigating today’s workforce challenges.
An Iowa native, Kent Stock brings a powerful, real-life leadership story shaped right here in our state. Best known as the head coach who led the Norway High School baseball team through its now-famous final season—later portrayed in the 2007 film The Final Season—Kent shares lessons on leadership, perseverance, and leading through change that resonate far beyond the screen.
Featured Panel: USF Reform This year’s agenda features a timely panel on the future of the Universal Service Fund, bringing together respected voices from across the industry.
Moderated by Dave Duncan, CEO of the Iowa Communications Alliance, the panel includes Mike Romano, Executive Vice President of NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association, and Ryan Boone, CEO of Premier Communications.
This conversation brings national and local perspective together around one of the most important policy issues impacting rural broadband.
Featured Experience: Women in Telecom Breakfast Sponsored by: Core Telecom Systems
The Women in Telecom Breakfast returns as a standout experience focused on leadership, connection, and community.
Featuring Lisa Behrends, Founder of Intentional Connections, this session offers an energizing start to the day with thoughtful conversation and practical insight.
Breakfast provided | Registration required | Open to all attendees
Together, these experiences reflect the leadership, credibility, and connection that define the 2026 Annual Meeting & Expo.
