Community First: The Future of Public Broadband Conference and Hill Day
Event
Join Us for Community First: The Future of Public Broadband Conference and Hill Day | May 14–15 | Washington, D.C.
The American Association for Public Broadband (AAPB) and New America Open Technology Institute (OTI) is proud to host Community First: The Future of Public Broadband Conference and Hill Day, our inaugural public broadband conference, bringing together public broadband champions, community leaders, policymakers and industry experts for two days of strategy, advocacy, discussions and networking in the nation’s capital.
As momentum grows for community-owned broadband networks and cooperatives, this event will provide an essential space to share best practices, discuss financing, shape public policy, and support the development and expansion of public broadband networks to ensure all Americans have access to reliable, high-speed, affordable internet service.
Not an AAPB member? Join today.
📅 Day 1: Wednesday, May 14 — Advocacy Training & Conference
Location: New America (740 15th St NW #900, Washington, DC 20005)
9:00 AM – 9:45 AM | Continental Breakfast (for Advocacy Training attendees)
Meet fellow attendees before diving into a hands-on advocacy training to kick off the day.
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM | Advocacy Training (for AAPB members)
Learn how to make a compelling case for public broadband to policymakers, the press, and the public. This session will help attendees prepare for Hill meetings with clear, persuasive talking points, tips for handling tough questions, and an overview of Hill etiquette and expectations. If you're not an AAPB member but are interested in attending the training and Hill Day, please contact Gigi Sohn at gsohn@aapb.us.
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Lunch
Enjoy a catered lunch and connect with fellow attendees.
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Panel 1: From Vision to Connection - Building a Successful Public Broadband Network
This panel features public broadband leaders, technical experts, and policy strategists sharing lessons learned from launching and growing successful community-owned networks.
2:00 PM – 2:15 PM | Fireside Chat: Gigi Sohn, Executive Director, AAPB, and Elliot Noss, President and CEO, TING
2:15 PM – 3:15 PM | Panel 2: Bridging the Divide Together - Public-Private Partnerships for Broadband Expansion
Panelists will discuss how local governments and private ISPs can collaborate through public-private partnerships (PPPs) to expand broadband access.
3:15 PM – 3:30 PM | Break
3:30 PM – 4:45 PM | Panel 3: Community Bandwidth: A Town Hall on Public Broadband Challenges & Solutions
Tired of short Q&A sessions? This interactive, town hall-style panel invites attendees to shape the conversation with a panel of experts on a wide range of topics affecting public broadband. Submit your questions and topics in advance using this form to help guide a dynamic discussion on the challenges and future of public broadband.
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Networking Social
Wrap up the day with drinks and good conversation.
🏛️ Day 2: Thursday, May 15 — Hill Day
Location: Meeting place available upon RSVP
9:00 AM – 9:45 AM | Breakfast
Meet at New America before heading to the Hill.
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Hill Day
AAPB will coordinate meetings with key members of Congress and their staff. This is your opportunity to advocate for public broadband and educate federal decision-makers about the importance of community-owned networks.