2024 MACS Agenda

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

NCTC Regional Meeting - Find more information here…

• Noon – 1 pm – Networking Lunch

• 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm – NCTC Regional Meeting

4:00 – 8:00 p.m. - Exhibitor Setup – SkyPorch Atrium, (GLF)

4:00-6:00 p.m. - Registration – Hotel Lobby, Live! By Loews

5:00 p.m. - MACTA Board Meet and Greet – Hotel Lobby, Live! By Loews

6:00 - 8:00 p.m. - Opening Night Reception + Stadium Tours – Lexus Club, (GLF)

Thursday, April 4, 2024

All Sessions held at Globe Life Stadium (GLF).

9:00 a.m. - Registration Opens – SkyPorch Atrium, (GLF)

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. - Cable Tec Games hosted by the North Central Texas Chapter – Evan Willams Dugout (GLF)

8:00 a.m.- 12:15 p.m. - Main Session Panels & Break - Karbach SkyPorch, (GLF)

• 8:30 a.m. - Welcome

  • Welcome from CableLabs CEO Phil McKinney 

  • Minute Made Presentations

• 8:45 a.m. - Session 1: Navigating the Digital Landscape: Exploring the impact of BEAD, ACP and Net Neutrality

  • This panel promises to provide valuable insights and perspectives on the complex intersection of BEAD (Broadband Equity and Deployment) funding, Net Neutrality and ACP (Access and Connectivity Partnership) funding in today’s digital age. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with industry experts and contribute to the ongoing dialogue shaping the future of digital connectivity.

    • John Higginbotham, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, ACA Connects

    • Bill Tortoriello, Directory of Regulatory Affairs, ACA Connects

• 9:45 a.m. - Exhibitor Networking Break

• 10:15 a.m. - Session 2: New Markets, New Challenges

  • This panel will provide an opportunity to hear from both established and new providers who are leveraging their experience and new ideas along with private equity and public funding to offer service in new markets.  They use a variety of HFC, fiber and fixed wireless networks while facing challenges in construction, hiring, supply chains, local presence, working with under-resourced local utilities and communities and managing government funding programs and requirements.  Join us for a "C" level discussion on their approach to launching in new markets and overcoming these challenges.  There will be time for questions at the end of the discussion.   

    • Lori Haight, Director of Markets, HyperFiber

    • Elaine Partridge, Vice President of Special Projects, Vexus Fiber

    • Phil Spencer, CEO, Vyve Broadband

    • Moderator: Matt Looney, Strategic Sales Leader, Calix

• 11:15 a.m. - Session 3: Innovating Connections: The Future of AI in Telecom

  • "Innovating Connections" brings together distinguished panelists from various facets of the telecom sector to explore the rapidly evolving landscape of AI in telecommunications. This fireside chat aims to uncover the potential of AI in transforming cable and internet services and monetization, addressing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. With an AI technology expert, a telecom industry leader, a cable/internet innovator, and a data security and ethics specialist, the discussion will offer a comprehensive view of AI's integration into the telecom world.

    • Venu Amar, COO, Actifai

    • Mark Heffley, CEO, Adrentech

    • Ayodele Damola, Director AI/ML Strategy, Ericsson

    • Moderator: Loren King, MBO

12:30 - 1:15 p.m. - Annual Meeting & Luncheon Presentation - Lexus Club (GLF)

1:15 - 2:00 p.m. - Exhibitor Networking Break - Karbach SkyPorch, (GLF)

2:00 - 4:00 p.m. - Breakout Sessions

• Customer Service Breakout: Balancing Act: AI-Powered Customer Service with a Personal Touch, Lexus Club

  • Join us for a discussion on integrating self-service options and AI technologies to enhance efficiency while providing the personal touch that defines your customer service. You’ll learn from companies who have implemented AI tools into their customer service strategy, offering convenience without sacrificing personal connection.

    • Josh Peace, Head of Marketing, Actifai

    • Libin Benny, SVP of Analytics & Technology, eClerx

• Technical Breakout: State of DOCSIS 4.0 and FTTH, Evan Williams Dugout

  • This breakout will feature a presentation by an industry veteran and expert on HFC networks. He will focus on the current state of DOCSIS 3.1 and DOCSIS 4.0, what the large nationwide operators are doing about it, what kind of solutions are available, and what considerations operators should make when considering upgrading their current HFC plant vs. building FTTH instead.

    • Curtis Knittle, Vice President - Wired Technologies, CableLabs

    • Eric Davis, Distinguished Member of Technical Staff - Sales Engineer, Calix

• Marketing Breakout: Humans vs. Robots: Who is the Better Marketer, Lexus Club

  • Get ready for an epic “showdown" between traditional and AI-powered marketing. Can they co-exist within our businesses, or does one reign supreme? Marketing mavens Sarah Connole and Crystal Kemp will go toe-to-toe to present the challenges and benefits of these two competing marketing approaches while addressing topics including creativity, efficiencies and customer experience. Who will come out on top? Attend to find out!

    • Sarah Connole, President & Founder, Trouvaille Creative

    • Crystal Kemp, Chief Marketing Officer, Conway Corp

• HR/Workforce Breakout, Evan Williams Dugout

  • Struggling with employee retention? Looking for ways to help employees learn and grow? This session will look at ways small, medium, and large companies are developing and retaining frontline employees.

    • Brad Shely, VP Regional Engineering, Charter

    • Matt Dainauski, Executive Operations Leader, Bluepeak

    • Moderator: Abbie O’Dell, Senior Director, Learning Services: Field Operations, Charter

4:15 - 5:15 p.m. - Mastering Leadership: Wisdom from Industry Pathfinders, Karbach SkyPorch Screen

• As recipients of the Wendall Woody Pathfinder Award, our panelists embody excellence, innovation and vision in the telecommunications industry. Whether you are a seasoned industry professional or an emerging leader, this panel promises to inspire and inform, as they share personal anecdotes, lessons learned and innovative approaches to leadership that have shaped their careers and their organizations.

5:30-6:30 p.m. - Exhibitor Networking Hour, Karbach SkyPorch Atrium

6:30-8:00 p.m. - Weary Scholarship Silent Auction Reception, Karbach SkyPorch Loft Area