Interactive BEAD Implementation Summit takes place in the nation’s capital

Washington, D.C. (March 19, 2026) – Yesterday, the Broadband Breakfast 2026 Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Implementation Summit took place in Washington, D.C. at the National Press Club’s grand ballroom.

The event featured more than 20 panelists and moderators who spoke on specific topics related to BEAD, as well as a fireside chat with Assistant Secretary of Commerce Arielle Roth, administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and Broadband Breakfast publisher Drew Clark.

Roth spoke about how the NTIA has completed a public listening process and is finalizing the guidance so states can use remaining funds "as soon as possible."

The panels delved into topics including guidance on remaining BEAD funds, technology choices, state broadband efforts, and financing constraints. Panelists also took time to answer important questions from guests and members.

Conversation buzzed throughout the ballroom as attendees connected with one another during dedicated networking breaks, fostering meaningful connections.