Oregon Connections Telecommunications Conference

The Oregon Connections Telecommunications Conference is a significant event that celebrates innovation, leadership, and legacy within the Oregon telecommunications sector. This year, more than 255 broadband leaders, policymakers, and innovators gathered in Hood River for this two-day conference aimed at fostering collaboration and advancing Oregon's mission for reliable high-speed connectivity across all communities. Participants engaged in sessions that explored critical topics such as the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, artificial intelligence, funding strategies, and the evolving technologies that shape Oregon's broadband future. Attendees described the event as 'energizing' and 'well organized,' asserting that it is 'the best place in Oregon to connect with people who are actually making broadband happen.' The conference also emphasized the importance of collaboration, with participants noting that it delivers a sense of purpose and possibility, where real partnerships take root.During the conference, the annual Oregon Connections Awards were presented at a luncheon, celebrating individuals and organizations that are leading the charge in innovation, advocacy, and community impact. Recognitions included the Fort Rock Data Center and CBS Oregon for their advancements in sustainability, efficiency, and cybersecurity. Specific individuals were honored for their exceptional contributions, such as a leader in expanding broadband access and digital literacy in the Mid-Columbia region, alongside efforts that showcased intergovernmental collaboration among Wasco County, the City of The Dalles, and Northern Wasco County PUD, exemplifying successful rural broadband partnerships. The Parker Enduring Achievement Award was given to the BEAD Coordinator from the Oregon Broadband Office, acknowledging her collaborative leadership in guiding one of Oregon's significant broadband initiatives, particularly in revising the state's $688 million BEAD plan to ensure ongoing connectivity progress. The conference also paid tribute to two longstanding leaders, Ed Parker and John Irwin, whose legacies continue to inspire the growth and development of Oregon's broadband community.The 2026 Oregon Connections Conference is already on the horizon, set to mark the 30th anniversary of this vital gathering. It will return to Hood River with a program designed to celebrate three decades of innovation and collaboration in connecting the state. The conference continues to draw over 250 attendees from across Oregon, providing a platform for sharing ideas and knowledge on various telecommunications topics. The agenda typically includes speakers, panels, group discussions, and networking opportunities, covering essential themes such as funding programs, state and local engagement, digital equity, middle-mile infrastructure, and public-private partnership solutions. By maintaining its focus on collaboration and community strength, the Oregon Connections Telecommunications Conference remains a cornerstone of the telecommunications landscape in the state.