Fri, February 4, 2022 | Posted by Sean Gonsalves

Because of the pandemic, for the past two years the annual Net Inclusion conference had been held virtually. This year Net Inclusion 2022 – bringing together digital inclusion advocates, academics, Internet Service Providers, and policymakers – will return to an in-person event.
As in years past, the conference is being organized by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA), a national grassroots organization that works collaboratively with digital inclusion practitioners and advocates “to craft, identify and disseminate financial and operational resources for digital inclusion programs while serving as a bridge to policymakers and the general public.”
The three-day conference, which will be hosted at Portland State University in Portland, Oregon Feb. 15-17 and livestreamed to accommodate those unable to travel, will feature interactive sessions that range from celebrating the “Digital Equity Champion Awards,” a plenary on federal broadband funding, another that explores structural racism featuring NDIA's own Regina Cooper Benjamin, culminating in a fireside chat with FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel.
The panel speakers are a Who's Who of community broadband experts. ILSR’s Christopher Mitchell will be on a panel to talk about “Building Subsidized & Affordable Broadband.” Deb Socia of the Enterprise Center will join a panel on "Economic Development and Digitial Inclusion," while Next Century Cities' Francella Ochillo will be a featured speaker on a panel that explores "Local Government Funding, Office, Coordination & Policy."
In addition to the panel discussions, each day will include lightning rounds and break-out sessions that center around three focus areas:
• Local, state, and federal policies and policy innovations impacting digital equity
• Sources of financial and programmatic support of digital inclusion programs
• Digital inclusion best practices from across the country
Because this year’s conference will be held in-person, organizers “will require vaccinations, boosters, and/or negative tests” for attendees. Also, “masks will be required in indoor spaces, and outdoor eating options will be available.”
Those interested in attending can register here.
Panels and speakers include:
What part does assistive technology play in #digitalequity? Join us at #NetInclusion2022 in just 2 weeks, with @melhelquist @SaltLakeCC https://t.co/a0Y50u4Yb0 pic.twitter.com/g4DGP8eVaO
— NDIA (@netinclusion) February 1, 2022
How does #digitalinclusion go hand-in-hand with economic development? Find out at #NetInclusion2022 with @robertoge @pcrd @dsocia @thenterprisectr @RuralLISC @We_ByteBack @JoePaulSpeaks https://t.co/a0Y50u4Yb0 pic.twitter.com/tZOjTGWYka
— NDIA (@netinclusion) February 3, 2022
Join us at #NetInclusion2022 to find out about local government funding for #digitalinclusion with with @Candy_MendozaTX @FranOchillo @NextCentCit @PortlandGov @PHLInnovation https://t.co/cqjlZLnmPy pic.twitter.com/WegcqlJiOH
— NDIA (@netinclusion) February 3, 2022
How can your community make the most of low-cost internet? Join us at #NetInclusion2022 to find out from this great lineup: @netinclusion @gmillener @thenterprisectr @PCsforPeople @MobileCitizenMC @austintexasgov.
Register here: https://t.co/cqjlZL5LY0 pic.twitter.com/UUqPwXkqYP
— NDIA (@netinclusion) January 31, 2022
How are #digitalequity and structural racism connected? Join us live in Portland and streaming online at #NetInclusion2022 for this great discussion with @DavisWand @ASC3CLE @rdc_me @JordanaBarton https://t.co/a0Y50u4Yb0 pic.twitter.com/VBIM4CuFf1
— NDIA (@netinclusion) February 1, 2022
Don't miss this great topic and lineup at #NetInclusion2022! Growing the Field: How to Expand the Pipeline for Future Leaders - with @elindse1 @UrbanAlliance @NTENorg @LeadForAmerica_ @SamSchartman @MarconiSociety https://t.co/a0Y50u4Yb0 pic.twitter.com/scrxwOxZdT
— NDIA (@netinclusion) January 28, 2022
We'll be in person and livestreaming with these emerging leaders Feb. 15 at #NetInclusion2022, with @yvettescorse @terimumm @spy_hop @inspireduATL @CityofSanDiego @NTENorg pic.twitter.com/NS2yQfQhXL
— NDIA (@netinclusion) January 27, 2022