ACA Chairman Robert Gessner To Moderate Group Of Independent Cable Leaders
PITTSBURGH, February 16, 2016 – Digital disruption requires independent cable operators to understand new challenges better than anyone, causing industry leaders to respond to trends with uncommon skill and nimbleness. For a view from the top of the fast-paced broadband world, the American Cable Association’s 23rd Summit on March 2 will feature a panel of leading company executives on hand to share their ideas on how to succeed amid so much change.
The ACA Summit, taking place March 1-3 in Washington, D.C., will look at the dynamic broadband market with contributions from the following panelists:
- Rocco Commisso: Founder, Chairman & CEO, Mediacom Communications Corporation
- Matt Dosch: EVP, Customer Operations & External Affairs, Comporium.
- John Higginbotham: Assistant General Manager, Frankfort Plant Board
- Steve Weed: CEO, Wave Broadband
Robert Gessner, who is President of MCTV and Chairman of the American Cable Association, will serve as moderator. Mr. Gessner will first have a one-on-one discussion with Mr. Commisso of Mediacom, ACA’s largest member, followed by a panel discussion with ACA’s industry leaders.
“This panel demonstrates that ACA has enormous depth when it comes to executive experience and leadership, and I am sure that ACA Summit attendees will greatly benefit from their wisdom and informed advice. I can’t think of anyone else who knows the issues and challenges better that these fine industry leaders,” ACA President and CEO Matthew M. Polka said.
The ACA Summit connects small and mid-sized cable operators serving hometown America with the country’s leading lawmakers and regulators as well as media representatives who track communications policy in our nation’s capital. This year’s Summit coincides with important changes occurring in the regulatory arena managed by Congress and the Federal Communications Commission.
Previously confirmed ACA Summit speakers include Rep. Mike Pompeo, a third-term Republican Congressman from the 4th District in Kansas, and Rep. Mike Doyle, who is serving his 11th term in Congress representing the 14th District of Pennsylvania, which includes the city of Pittsburgh and neighboring communities.
The ACA Summit will also feature a panel on video streaming and the future of the cable bundle moderated by Shalini Ramachandran, reporter for the Wall Street Journal. The panelists are: Alexander “Sandy” Brown, President & CEO, ONE World Sports Network; Rich Greenfield, Managing Director, Media and Technology Analyst, BTIG; Gene Kimmelman, President & CEO, Public Knowledge; and Michael Morrison, Director of Fioptics Services, Cincinnati Bell.
The ACA Summit highlights the unique role played by nearly 750 independent cable operators in providing best-in-class communications services to millions of consumers living and working in some of the most remote areas of the country. Responding to the critical broadband infrastructure needs of rural America, ACA Members put their own capital at risk to supply the solutions.
Created as ACA emerged as a lobbying force in Washington, D.C., the ACA Summit gives independent cable operators a vehicle for framing the issues in their own words during dozens of meetings on Capitol Hill. Over the three-day event, ACA Members speak with one voice in making their views known on the diverse and complex issues they face on a daily basis.
ACA Members know they “Hold The Key To Reform!” – the theme of ACA Summit 2016 — just as they know that success will require persistence and determination in overcoming entrenched interests that keep a tight grip on their regulatory advantages.
The ACA Summit website includes event details and secure online registration. Please visit the ACA Summit 2016 website by clicking here: ACA Summit. The event will take place at the Grand Hyatt, 1000 H Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20001.
About the American Cable Association: Based in Pittsburgh, the American Cable Association is a trade organization representing nearly 750 smaller and medium-sized, independent cable companies who provide broadband services for nearly 7 million cable subscribers primarily located in rural and smaller suburban markets across America. Through active participation in the regulatory and legislative process in Washington, D.C., ACA’s members work together to advance the interests of their customers and ensure the future competitiveness and viability of their business. For more information, visit https://acaconnects.org/