Registration Closes When We Sell out or by Jan. 31

Whether you know it yet or not, you will find your people at Net Inclusion.

We’re just 21 days away from the biggest (and best, if I may) digital inclusion conference in the United States, and probably in the world. (Now, if I’m misspeaking and you’re aware of some huge digital inclusion gathering elsewhere, please tell me, because I love any excuse for international travel!)

It was a big deal last year when we shattered our previous Net Inclusion record by 142% and hit 800 attendees. Our conference, like our movement, has grown. We’re about to look across that Net Inclusion ballroom on February 13 and see 1,200 people. By the way, 1,100 of those tickets are gone, so if you do not have yours, get it now! Like, right now. Go!

How Is That Going to Feel?

Graphic with red lettering says LOVE with a Wi-Fi sign as the These 1,200 people aren’t part of an anonymous crowd; they’re all of you, and you are part of a beautifully growing community. I know you. You will walk in with your beaming, positive spirits (even more beaming after a cup of coffee, if I know you right). You will be welcoming to new people while embracing old friend-colleagues (after you confirm their preferred level of physical contact, of course).

You will generously share what you know. You will express humility and ask about what you don’t know. If you’re like me, you will get misty-eyed during some of those lightning rounds, and then you’ll laugh and slowly shake your head at the nerdiest digital inclusion jokes you can bear. You will come in with open hearts, thirsty minds, and with your fingers on the pulse of your keyboards.

You will proudly share your work and commend others on theirs, and you will emerge with renewed energy, courage, ideas, possibilities, and the solid beginnings of new partnerships, funding, and friends.

Powerful Voices Shaping Digital Inclusion in the US

A woman with brown hair, blue suit, and black shirt smiles

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel

Here are some speakers who will be joining us in person on the main stage and on our free livestream (links to come):

Jessica Rosenworcel, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman – Tuesday, February 13
Alan Davidson, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator – Thursday, February 15
Angela Thi Bennett, Digital Equity Director, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) – Wednesday, February 14
Laurel Leverrier, Assistant Administrator, Rural Utility Service, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) – Wednesday, February 14
Joey Wender, Director, Capital Projects Fund, US Department of Treasury – Wednesday, February 14
Philadelphia’s 100th Mayor Cherelle Parker – Tuesday, February 13
Plus more to be announced!

Here’s a Peek at a Few of the Fabulous Breakouts We Have Lined Up

See all of the Net Inclusion sessions, make your profile, and create your personalized schedule on the Sched page or app.

From Alaska to Appalachia: Rural Outreach & Engagement for Digital Inclusion – Trusted nonprofit leaders will share how they work with their communities to drive rural broadband awareness and adoption – from Alaska to Appalachia. Moderator: Ryan Collins, NDIA, Panelists: Julia Brown, Local Initiatives Support Corp (LISC), Taylor Stuckert, American Connection Corps, Brittany Woods-Orrison, Alaska Public Interest Research Group, Melissa Callejas, Tech Goes Home Chattanooga, Shannon Millsaps, Thrive Regional Partnership

A View from the Digital Divide in the Black Rural South – How can state digital equity implementation and other digital inclusion opportunities reach Black and other BIPOC communities in the rural South? Explore how those making plans for these communities’ futures can join local folks in creating a shared story of a connected future. Moderator: Gina Cooper Benjamin, NDIA, Panelists: Megan Waiters, Community Service Programs of West Alabama, Brandon Forester, MediaJustice, Solomon Graves, Heartland Forward, Oneisha Freeman, Georgia Technology Authority

Accessibility Toolbox for Digital Skills Training – There is a disparity in access to technology, including broadband service, devices, and digital skills training, for people with disabilities. As part of our digital equity work, discover how all providers, regardless of their familiarity or knowledge of disabilities, can feel more comfortable working with ALL people and integrate accessibility tools. Moderator: Amy Fuchs, Easterseals Greater Houston, Panelists: Neil McDevitt, Deaf-Hearing Communication Centre, Joy McGowan, Easterseals Southeastern Pennsylvania, Kim Singleton, TechOWL PA

See the Full Lineup

Time with Your Digital Inclusion Buddies – Old & New

Photo of many people ice skating and watching at night with lights and next to an old beautiful building

Photo: Visit Philadelphia

We have some great activities to offer for the evenings. Whether you’re coming with team members or flying solo, you’ll have chances to meet new people and enjoy Philadelphia.

February 13, 7:30-9 p.m. – Rothman Orthopaedic Ice Rink at Dilworth Park (a 5-minute walk from the hotel) is reserved exclusively for you! Bring your Net Inclusion badge; the first 150 get free skate rentals.
Look out for the bulletin boards outside the ballroom to join attendee-organized meetups, including an LGBTQ+ happy hour.
“Dine Arounds” – Use the bulletin boards to join other attendees and NDIA Board Members to explore tasty restaurants recommended by our Local Planning Team. Note: Dinner is not included with your registration, so please prepare to cover your expenses.

Look out for New Members of Team NDIA

Team NDIA has some new additions this year. They’re all so excited for their first year behind the scenes. Please say hi to these wonderful folks – some who are new to the field and others who you’ll recognize from past Net Inclusions.

Christina Santiago (she/her), Executive Administrator, Columbus, OH

Christina has over 12 years of experience in event management, executive administrative support, and project management in nonprofit and private sectors.

Ryan Collins (he/him), Policy Manager, Columbus, OH

Ryan joined Team NDIA from Buckeye Hills Regional Council, where he led Ohio’s Southeast Regional Digital Inclusion Alliance and worked to bridge the digital divide in Ohio’s Appalachian Region.

Shauna Edson (she/her), Senior Policy Manager, Salt Lake City, UT

Shauna is a long-time NDIA community member, previously serving as the technology and digital equity manager at Salt Lake City Public Library.

Caroline Stratton (she/her), Senior Research & Data Manager, Brooklyn, NY

Caroline has a strong research background, focusing on the use of technology for social good and addressing digital equity plans, broadband infrastructure investment, and information and communication technologies for development (ICT4D).

Aviance Washington (she/her), Digital Marketing Coordinator, Houston, TX

Aviance brings a variety of comms and digital skills to the comms team, with freelance experience in content creation, community-driven change, storytelling, and public relations.