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Welcome to the GPN & ARE-ON Joint Conference 2026 schedule. Use this page to browse sessions, view speaker and session details, and build your personal agenda for June 22–24 in Rogers, Arkansas. Check back through May as additional sessions and details are added.
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Gary Bolton Q&A: How Will Advances in Broadband and Fiber Technologies Change My Program?
Tuesday June 23, 2026 8:45am - 9:30am CDT
Embassy Suites Conv. Center - Grand Ballroom V
The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program is reshaping broadband infrastructure across the country, and state implementation is where policy meets reality. This panel brings together stakeholders from across the region to share where their states stand — what's working, where the friction is, and how institutions like universities and research networks fit into the buildout. Gary Bolton, President of the Fiber Broadband Association, moderates.
At the conclusion of his keynote session, Gary Bolton will field questions from a panel of Research and Education Network leaders and the audience members on the future of fiber and advanced needs for campus/community broadband connections.
Moderators
avatar for Mickey Slimp

Mickey Slimp

Executive Director, Great Plains Network
Recently joined GPN after working on NTIA, HUD, and HRSA grants in Texas. Now constructing a home near UAMS, UALR, and Philander Smith University in Little Rock.
Speakers
avatar for Gary Bolton

Gary Bolton

President and CEO, Fiber Broadband Association
Gary Bolton is President and CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association (FBA), the largest industry association dedicated to advancing all-fiber-optic broadband networks. Prior to joining FBA, he held senior executive roles at both venture-backed technology startups and large publicly... Read More →
avatar for Chris Crook

Chris Crook

KanREN
KanREN, the national leader in public service connectivity, provides Internet and
network technologies to research, education, and public service institutions in
Kansas. Connect to the exclusive high-speed network that connects Research,
Education and Community Anchors throughout Ka... Read More →
avatar for John Woods

John Woods

Network Engineer – CORE/Optical, MOREnet
John Woods is a Principal Network Engineer and highly valued member of MOREnet’s Core Network team, where he has contributed his expertise for nearly 17 years. With a specialized focus on optical networking, he plays a key role in designing, optimizing, and maintaining the organization’s... Read More →
Tuesday June 23, 2026 8:45am - 9:30am CDT
Embassy Suites Conv. Center - Grand Ballroom V 3303 Pinnacle Hills Pkwy, Rogers, AR 72758-8936
  General Session, Panel

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