2026 Mid-America Show

8:00 a.m. - Registration Opens

8:30 a.m. - Welcome Announcement

8:40 - 9:30 a.m. - Beyond Speeds and Feeds: Convergence, Competition and What Comes Next

• Presented by Jeff Baumgartner, Light Reading

9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - SCTE Broadband Championship Mock Games

• Start the day with hands-on Broadband Championship Training Challenge (formerly Cable-Tec Games) designed to help technicians gain experience in a collaborative, low-pressure environment. These mock games provide training and collaboration points, one-on-one coaching, and practical skills development as participants prepare for local and national Broadband Championship competitions.

9:30 - 10:20 a.m. - Executive Leadership in a Competitive, Evolving Industry

• In an industry defined by rapid change and rising competition, executive leadership is critical to staying ahead. This C-suite panel brings together senior leaders to share how they are navigating disruption, driving innovation, strengthening culture, and positioning their organizations for sustainable growth. Through candid insights and real-world experience, panelists will explore how they balance short-term performance with long-term strategy while leading with agility, resilience, and clear vision in a constantly evolving landscape.

• Bret Carroll, Conway Corp - Panelist

• John Walburn, Conexon - Panelist

• Ken Johnson, CableONE - Panelist

• Scott Randall, Everfast - Panelist

• Larry Foland, CableLabs - Moderator

10:20 - 11:10 a.m. - Vendor Networking Break

• Network, play and score big during our World Cup-themed Vendor Networking Breaks. Collect vendor signatures on your miniature soccer ball sponsored by IP Pay for a chance to win prizes and grab a complimentary professional headshot while you connect. Fast, fun and designed to spark great conversations.

11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. - Customer Experience at the Center: Leadership in a Competitive Era

• In this main-stage conversation, panelists will explore how they are guiding their organizations through change while keeping the customer at the center. From integrating new technologies such as AI, to shaping culture, empowering teams, and aligning operations with brand promise, this session examines the real work of leading CX in today’s environment. Gain perspective on balancing innovation with practicality while delivering consistent, trusted experiences.

  • Melanie Hannasch, Vyve Broadband- Panelist

  • Kim Gibson, Sparklight - Panelist

  • Jeff Kulas, Ritter - Panelist

  • Susie Tomenchok, Syndeo Institute - Moderator

12:30 - 1:15 p.m. - MACTA Annual Meeting & Lunch

1:15 - 1:45 p.m. - Vendor Networking Break

• Keep the momentum going. Visit vendor partners to complete your soccer ball signatures, sponsored by IP Pay, connect with industry peers and take advantage of complimentary professional headshots.

1:45 - 2:45 p.m. - Breakout Sessions

• Marketing Breakout: From ISP to Connectivity Partner: Standing Out in a Crowded Market

  • In a landscape where everyone claims to be the fastest, how do you truly differentiate, and avoid getting lost in the noise? This breakout explores how providers are redefining their role from traditional ISP to trusted connectivity partner.

    Join the conversation as we tackle speed vs. reliability messaging and rebranding in competitive markets. We’ll also discuss how marketing teams are using AI tools to drive efficiency while keeping communication authentic and genuine. Walk away with practical ideas to clarify your value, strengthen your brand, and compete with confidence.

    • Tanna Hanna, Allo Fiber - Panelist

    • Laurie Ringler, WEHCO - Panelist

    • Christy Drummond, NCTC - Moderator

• Technical Breakout: Beyond Speed: Engineering Reliability That Keeps Customers Connected

  • Speed may grab attention, but reliability keeps customers satisfied. In this technician-focused session, explore the tools, techniques, and best practices that support seamless connectivity from the network to the home.

    From installation standards and signal optimization to troubleshooting and proactive monitoring, this discussion delivers practical insight to help technical teams reduce repeat calls, improve first-visit resolution, and strengthen the overall customer experience.

    • Tommy Nolen, Conway Corp - Moderator

    • Matt Dainauski, Bluepeak - Panelist

    • Richard Conger, Mediacom - Panelist

    • Steve Harris, UCL Swift Americas - Panelist

3:00 - 4:00 p.m. - Breakout Sessions

• Customer Service Breakout: Smarter Service: Using AI to Strengthen Customer Loyalty

  • Customer expectations are rising and so is competitive pressure. In this session, explore how customer service teams are using AI tools to improve response times, streamline workflows, and deliver more consistent experiences without losing the human touch.

    From AI-assisted call summaries and chat tools to proactive outage communication and churn prevention insights, operators will share what’s working, what’s not, and how automation can support, not replace, your frontline team. Walk away with practical ideas to improve efficiency while strengthening long-term customer loyalty.

    • Tamia Ishman, Microsoft - Panelist

    • Noelle Tieszen, MIDCO - Panelist

    • Casey Worth, United Fiber - Panelist

    • Stacey Slaughter, NCTI - Moderator

• HR/Workforce Breakout: Building the Bench: Mentorship and Workforce Development for the Future

  • As the industry evolves, so must its workforce. From retiring leaders to emerging talent, organizations are facing both opportunity and urgency when it comes to succession and skill development. This breakout explores how mentorship programs, leadership pipelines, and intentional knowledge transfer are strengthening teams and preparing the next generation.

    • Shane Jones, Astound Broadband - Panelist

    • Scott Roe,, Nex-Tech - Panelist

4:10 - 5:00 p.m. - Lessons Learned: Leadership Perspectives from Industry Pathfinders

• Few perspectives are more valuable than those shaped by decades in the industry. This Pathfinder Panel will share candid insights on how the industry has evolved, and what that history teaches us about today’s challenges. From marketing and competition to innovation, regulation, and long-term investment, this conversation connects the dots between business strategy, customer trust, and public policy. Designed to close the day with perspective and purpose, this session offers thoughtful insight for leaders navigating change and planning for what comes next.

  • Michael Adams, Adams Cable Equipment - Panelist

  • Sarah Connole, Trouvaille Creative - Panelist

  • John Higginbotham, ACA Connects - Panelist

5:00 - 6:00 p.m. - Vendor Networking Hour

• Visit vendor partners and stop by the Mid-America table to show your signed soccer ball sponsored by IPPay for prize entry. Complimentary professional head shots available.

6:00 - 8:00 p.m. - Silent Auction & Final Reception

• Live entertainment provided by Felix and Fingers Dueling Pianos

  • Dueling Pianos is a captivating and interactive musical entertainment concept. It involves two talented pianists or keyboardists who go head-to-head in a friendly competition, delivering an unforgettable live music experience.

• Sponsored by Adams Cable Equipment