2013 Michigan Broadband Conference Slated For October 24

LANSING (WWJ) -- Connect Michigan, a non-profit organization facilitating the expansion of broadband access, adoption, and use throughout the state, will host a broadband and technology conference Thursday, Oct. 24.

The 2013 Michigan Broadband Conference will bring together community leaders from education, libraries, economic development, local government, healthcare, and technology sectors to share and learn cross-collaborative best practices for expanding broadband and technology access, adoption, and use and move Michigan to the forefront of the digital economy.

The event will be held beginning at 9 a.m. at the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center at Michigan State University, 219 S. Harrison Road in East Lansing.

The featured keynote speaker will be Blair Levin of the Aspen Institute, speaking on relationships and strategies to enhance economic development with broadband and technology.

Levin became a communications and society fellow with the Aspen Institute Communications and Society Program in May 2010, following his departure from the Federal Communications Commission, where he served as the executive director of the Omnibus Broadband Initiative. In his role at the FCC, Levin oversaw the development of a National Broadband Plan, a project mandated by Congress in the America Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

At the event, nationally recognized broadband and technology experts will join local leaders to provide attendees with best practices and insights into leveraging technology for improved community and economic development, education, healthcare, and workforce development. Actionable information and case studies will be provided to empower participants to work with local stakeholders and broadband providers in their communities to expand technology access, adoption, and use.

For sponsorship inquiries, vendor opportunities or additional information contact: Eric Frederick, state program manager at efrederick@connectmi.org or call (517) 994-8024

As the designated entity for broadband mapping and planning in the state of Michigan, Connect Michigan is a public-private partnership between the Michigan Public Service Commission and Connected Nation to work with local governments, businesses, and citizens in the goal of increasing broadband service in the state's underserved areas. For more information about what Connect Michigan is doing to accelerate technology in Michigan's communities, visit www.connectmi.org.