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Community Economics and Fiber Broadband

Monday, May 18, 2026

3:30 PM - 4:10 PM ET

Location: Smart Community Theater (Expo Hall) (Exhibit Hall / Level 1)

Moderator(s)

Kimberly Maki

CEO, Influential Voices, LLC & Strategic Advisor
Broadband Library Magazine, Florida, United States

Panelist(s)

Donald Ray (he/him/his)

Chief Development Officer
BAM Broadband
Greenwood Village, Colorado, United States
Kim Smithers (she/her/hers)

Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer
IQ Fiber
Jacksonville, Florida, United States
SK

Sean R. Kio (he/him/his)

Director of Government & External Affairs
Tillman Fiber
Land O Lakes, Florida, United States

A thriving smart community drives economic growth by attracting new businesses, enabling advanced services, and improving the overall quality of lives for residents. At the core of this progress is fiber -- providing the needed high-capacity, low-latency connectivity required for innovation, efficient city operations, and a competitive local economy. This session takes a look at how fiber-powered smart technologies stimulate job creation, support and attract entrepreneuers, and strengthen regional resilience. Attendees will gain practical strategies, real-world examples, and insights into leveraging fiber investments to unlock long-term economic opportunity.