Fiber Connect 2025 Events Will Light Fiber and Palates

The Fiber Broadband Association will conduct an unprecedented number of in-person events in 2025, including a record seven Regional Fiber Connects plus the industry-leading Fiber Connect conference in Nashville, Tenn., on June 1-4, 2025. Fiber Connect Conference Program Director Rich Willams and FBA Board Member and EPB Vice President of Government & Community Relations Evann Freeman provided an initial preview of the multi-day Fiber Connect conference in Nashville and what attendees could expect, along with hinting at some to-be-announced surprises in the works.  

“We’re really excited about the lineup of events that are shaping up,” said Freeman. “The theme of Fiber Connect 2025 this year is ‘Light it Up.’ We’re highlighting lighting up networks throughout our country. This year is an important year, with the states getting their BEAD funding and a lot of construction projects already underway.”  

Fiber Connect 2025 will kick off on Sunday, June 1, 2025, with preconference workshops including the FBA’s long-running Broadband Starter Toolkit packed full of lessons learned, tips, and tricks for people and organizations just entering the broadband market. Also confirmed is the new “Brand Economics and How Brand Impacts Fiber.”  

“The goal of the [Brand Economics workshop] is to help operators and vendors and the ecosystem understand the role brand equity and brand knowledge plays as you introduce new services and when you might be serving people for the first time who’ve never considered broadband,” said Williams. “And understanding how that could affect how your brand is perceived, and how you launch and manage services in those areas.”  

Operator “Light Talk” keynotes that have been confirmed so far this year include the CEOs of C Spire and SaskTel, along with executives from Alta Fiber, Cityside Fiber, and Ting Internet. But there will be more than talking this year, with some palates and positions of fiber executives expected to be challenged in a most unique way.   

“Sean Evans, of the ‘Hot Ones’ YouTube series, is going to be hosting a fiber broadband hot seat with two lucky guests,” said Williams. “They’re going to dive deep into issues and challenges associated with building extreme fiber broadband. As guests answer the questions, they’ll be eating increasingly hot wings.” 

Other general sessions taking place on Monday and Tuesday, June 2-3, 2025, will include roundtable discussions on bringing broadband to the remotest locations on earth, and creating the ultimate Smart Home, with 114 breakout sessions taking place starting at 1 PM across those days. On Wednesday, June 4, the State Broadband Summit will take place, with representatives from over half the states expected to participate.  

“We try to have something for everyone at Fiber Connect,” said Williams. “No matter what your role is, what your level is, whether you’re a veteran or brand new to the industry, you’ll find things tailor-made for you.”  

For more inside information on Fiber Connect 2025 programs and activities, tune in to the latest Fiber For Breakfast.