January 26, 2026—America’s Communications Association (ACA Connects) today announced that ACA Connects’ legal experts, government affairs specialists, and ACA Connects Chairman Patricia Jo Boyers will participate in a high-impact, no-spin power panel on March 4 at Summit 2026. Senior Vice President of Legal and Regulatory Affairs Brian Hurley will lead this discussion focused on the regulatory shifts reshaping broadband and video—and what they mean for America’s independent providers.
“This is one of the most important conversations we’ll have at the Summit,” said Grant Spellmeyer, President and CEO of America’s Communications Association. “These panelists aren’t just observers of the policy process—they help drive our advocacy strategy every day to ensure independent providers’ voices are heard in Washington. At Summit 2026, they’ll pull back the curtain and offer attendees an inside look at the key issues and emerging opportunities taking shape in Washington, D.C., and beyond.”
“This panel will showcase what ACA Connects does BEST,” said Patricia Jo Boyers, President/CEO & Co-Founder of BOYCOM Vision and Chairman of ACA Connects. “We’ll cut through the D.C. crap and the noise and get straight to WHAT is happening, WHY it matters, and WHAT WE CAN DO about it. We’ll bring it HOME so our members are GEARED UP and READY to make their voices heard and MAKE A DIFFERENCE for the communities we serve.”
This panel, “Building Networks, Navigating Power: Inside Washington’s Telecom Agenda,” will include:
- Patricia Jo Boyers, President/CEO & Co-Founder of BOYCOM Vision and Chairman of ACA Connects
- Tom Cohen, Partner, Kelley Drye & Warren LLP
- Mike Nilsson, Partner, HWG
- Rhod Shaw, Principal & Chairman, Alpine Group
- Brian Hurley (moderator), Senior Vice President of Legal and Regulatory Affairs
The theme for this year’s ACA Connects Summit is “We’re Building!” This event attracts hundreds of community-based independent operators, communications industry vendor partners, and rural broadband advocates who are bridging the digital divide, bringing cutting-edge technologies, and spurring economic development in communities across America. Learn more and register at ACAConnects.org/Summit.
More speakers are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Members of the press interested in attending the Summit should contact Olivia Shields at [email protected].