8:15am - 6:30Pm
Join industry leaders, visionaries, and changemakers as we explore the power of connectivity in shaping our communities, businesses, and economy.
Reserve your spot nowAcadiana thrives on connection. Whether it’s the culture that unites us, the businesses that drive us, or the technology that powers our future.
The Powered by Connectivity Summit isn’t about tech jargon or abstract ideas but real stories, practical solutions, and meaningful collaboration. With insightful sessions, expert panels, and exclusive networking opportunities, this summit will provide the strategies, connections, and ideas you need to stay ahead in an increasingly digital world.
Conversations That Drive Connectivity and Progress
2026 Speakers
Get ready to hear from industry leaders, technology experts, and community visionaries as they share insights on the power of connectivity and its role in shaping Acadiana’s future.
Mayor-President of Lafayette Parish, leading initiatives in infrastructure, economic development, and government transparency.
Monique Blanco Boulet
Co-founded Techneaux in 2010, expanding it from a two-person garage startup to a multi-location IT services firm.
Ben Johnson
Author, entrepreneur, and speaker. She leads Brand State U, TrainYard Advisors, and co-hosts the Razor Branding podcast. A civic leader and mentor, she is among the less than 1% of women-owned agency founders in the U.S.
Jaci Russo
Leads creative strategy, marketing, and business development, driving digital innovation, brand experiences, and process improvement while fostering a collaborative team culture.
Jeremy Beyt
A leadership consultant with 20+ years in media, Rob specializes in executive training and supports Acadiana through local media and community initiatives.
Rob Kirkpatrick
A telecom leader, Michael directs LUS Fiber with experience at Comcast, O3, and CBS TV2, specializing in broadband, digital strategy, and network innovation.
Michael D. Soileau
Jason Malmquist is the Executive VP and IT Services Business at CHR Solutions with 29 years experience in the Broadband & Communications Industry.
Jason Malmquist
Alton Trahan is the Public Information Officer for the Lafayette Fire Department. He’s also Chief of the Fire Investigation section.
Alton Trahan
Ben Berthelot is the President & CEO of the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission.
Ben Berthelot
Cheryl Manley (they/them) leads experience strategy for organizations that need clarity, not noise.
Cheryl Manley
Christina is an accomplished and energetic executive administrator with more than 27 years of experience with a solid history of achievement in state and local government.
Christina Dayries
Throughout his tenure with the Lafayette Police Department, Chief Trouard has demonstrated exceptional leadership in multiple roles, most recently as the Assistant to the Chief.
Paul Trouard
Destin Ortego champions entrepreneurship and innovation as Executive Director of Opportunity Machine, driving tech startup growth in Louisiana's Acadiana region.
Destin Ortego
Evan Urbania is CEO of ChatterBlast Media, a digital marketing, advertising and stakeholder engagement agency based in Philadelphia.
Evan Urbania
Suzanne McFadden, seasoned marketing executive leads acquisition, retention, and product launch programs across subscription businesses.
Suzanne McFadden
With 15 years of experience in grassroots marketing, customer acquisition, and brand development, Whitney has a knack for developing unique strategies that propel companies forward.
Whitney Savoie
Jane Vidrine is the inaugural director of the Louisiana Music Museum, a program of the Acadiana Center for the Arts in downtown Lafayette.
Jane Vidrine
Al Patin is the Chief Executive Officer of Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center, which is comprised of three campuses, multiple medical office buildings, physician clinics, and imaging centers.
Al Patin is the Chief Executive Officer of Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center, which is comprised of three campuses, multiple medical office buildings, physician clinics, and imaging centers.
Al J. Patin, MBA, BSN, RN
Al Patin is the Chief Executive Officer of Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center, which is comprised of three campuses, multiple medical office buildings, physician clinics, and imaging centers.
Dr. Boisy Gene Pitre is a computer scientist, entrepreneur, and technologist with more than three decades of experience in embedded systems, real-time software, and mobile computing.
Boisy Gene Pitre, PhD
Al Patin is the Chief Executive Officer of Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center, which is comprised of three campuses, multiple medical office buildings, physician clinics, and imaging centers.
Gerald Gruenig, a New Orleans native, joined the KLFY News 10 Sports team in June 2014 and now works on the morning show, Passe Partout.
Gerald Gruenig
Al Patin is the Chief Executive Officer of Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center, which is comprised of three campuses, multiple medical office buildings, physician clinics, and imaging centers.
Digital loves music, vinyl records, shoes, and bacon. Fortunately, one of those obsessions has allowed him to make a decent living. He started in radio In late 2003, and has been on the air ever since.
DJ Digital
Al Patin is the Chief Executive Officer of Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center, which is comprised of three campuses, multiple medical office buildings, physician clinics, and imaging centers.
Marcelle Fontenot began her journalism career here in Lafayette in 2004 and hasn't looked back. For 22 years, she has anchored and now co-anchors the 5:00, 6:00, and 10:00 newscasts at News15.
Marcelle Fontenot
Al Patin is the Chief Executive Officer of Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center, which is comprised of three campuses, multiple medical office buildings, physician clinics, and imaging centers.
Monica Haase helps broadband service providers transform their businesses through managed services, cloud platforms, and experience-centric solutions.
Monica Haase
Al Patin is the Chief Executive Officer of Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center, which is comprised of three campuses, multiple medical office buildings, physician clinics, and imaging centers.
Hunter Thevis works with business leaders and public institutions to apply Technology and AI in practical, secure ways that drive efficiency without adding risk.
Hunter Thevis
Al Patin is the Chief Executive Officer of Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center, which is comprised of three campuses, multiple medical office buildings, physician clinics, and imaging centers.
Brian is regarded as an experiential thought leader and is currently spearheading the development of novel augmented reality formats for emerging transparent display technologies.
Brian Beyt
Al Patin is the Chief Executive Officer of Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center, which is comprised of three campuses, multiple medical office buildings, physician clinics, and imaging centers.
In this role, he drives the University's transition to a top-tier, modern research university — one that is committed to research for a reason — through research, scholarship, and innovation.
Dr. Ramesh Kolluru
Al Patin is the Chief Executive Officer of Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center, which is comprised of three campuses, multiple medical office buildings, physician clinics, and imaging centers.
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Herman Fuselier
Al Patin is the Chief Executive Officer of Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center, which is comprised of three campuses, multiple medical office buildings, physician clinics, and imaging centers.
With 30+ years in enterprise IT and cybersecurity, Trent Martin directs cybersecurity strategy and AI transformation for a multi-portfolio organization including Managed IT and Cybersecurity Services.
Trent Martin, PMP
Summit Schedule
Thursday, March 19th, 2026 at Historic Vermilionville, Lafayette, LA
Detailed Schedule
Registration & Welcome
Attendees arrive, check-in, and enjoy refreshments while networking. Rob Kirkpatrick, our event emcee, kicks of the summit by welcoming our guests and giving an overview of the day's agenda and explanation of how to participate.
Opening Remarks
Opening speech and welcome from LFT Fiber Director Michael D. Soileau.
Healthcare Session
Leading Through Transformation: Connected Care in a Digital Era
Healthcare is undergoing rapid transformation, where patient experience, clinical innovation, and operational excellence depend on seamless connectivity. This panel explores how digital infrastructure supports everything from pre-operative coordination and real-time data sharing to telehealth and system-wide collaboration. Regional healthcare leaders will discuss how technology, powered by reliable fiber networks, enables better outcomes, greater efficiency, and a more connected patient journey.
Brand & Marketing Session
Where Marketing Meets Infrastructure: Connectivity as the Creative Engine
Modern marketing runs on infrastructure. From AI-driven insights and cloud-based workflows to remote teams and omnichannel execution, fiber connectivity is the invisible force behind today’s most agile brands. Industry leaders will explore how robust digital infrastructure fuels content creation, data intelligence, collaboration, and human storytelling. When connectivity is strong, creativity scales and brands move at the speed of culture.
Public Safety Session
From Dispatch to Decision: Connected Public Safety in Real Time
In moments that matter most, seconds count. This discussion brings together public safety leaders to examine how high-speed, resilient connectivity strengthens emergency response, interagency communication, data sharing, and decision-making. From 911 dispatch systems to field operations, reliable infrastructure ensures communities remain informed, protected, and prepared.
Cybersecurity Session
From Detection to Recovery: Building Resilience in a Connected World
As connectivity expands, so do cyber threats. This session examines what truly happens when organizations face a cyber incident, from initial detection to full recovery. Experts will share insights on response strategy, infrastructure hardening, business continuity, and the critical role secure networks play in protecting data, operations, and public trust.
Networking Lunch
Opportunity for attendees to network and discuss insights from the sessions, fresh lunch cooked at Vermilionville, buffet style setup for attendees.
Community & Culture Session
Connecting and Preserving History Through Community Technology
Technology is not only about the future. It also protects and amplifies our past. Featuring immersive 3D storytelling of Vermilionville, this panel explores how digital tools and fiber-powered connectivity preserve culture, enhance tourism, and make history interactive for new generations. Learn how innovation can deepen community identity while expanding economic opportunity.
Business Session
Overcoming “No”: Growth, Grit, and the Power of Connection
Every successful business faces rejection, setbacks, and obstacles. This candid conversation with founders and technology leaders explores how resilience, strategic relationships, and strong digital infrastructure empower companies to push past barriers. In today’s competitive environment, connection is more than bandwidth. It is partnership, persistence, and positioning for long-term growth.
AI Session
Balancing AI: Innovation, Ethics, and Human Insight
Artificial intelligence is reshaping how we work, create, and make decisions. But progress requires balance. This session explores the intersection of AI innovation, ethical responsibility, and human creativity. Experts will discuss how high-capacity networks enable AI-driven tools while emphasizing the importance of transparency, cultural awareness, and keeping people at the center of technological advancement.
Entertainment, Media & Content Creation Session
Bayou to Broadband: Amplifying Local Voices in a Digital World
From broadcast studios to social platforms and live entertainment, content creation depends on speed, reach, and reliability. This panel highlights how creators and media professionals leverage fiber connectivity to produce, distribute, and monetize content locally and nationally. Discover how broadband empowers storytelling, strengthens regional influence, and connects the Bayou to audiences everywhere.
Fireside Chat
Connected Campus, Connected City: Powering the Future Together
As higher education and municipal leadership evolve, collaboration becomes essential. In this fireside chat, community leaders will explore how connectivity strengthens research, workforce development, smart city initiatives, and economic growth. A connected campus fuels a connected city, creating opportunity that extends far beyond the classroom.
Closing Remarks
Michael D. Soileau, Director of LFT Fiber provides a summary of key insights and Photo highlights from the day as well as thank yous to speakers, sponsors and participants.
After Party on the Vermilionville Grounds
To wrap up, there will be an after party on the Vermilionville grounds with open bar services and ample Networking opportunities.
2026 Sponsors & Partners
This event is made possible by the support of LFT Fiber and our dedicated partners in connectivity and innovation.
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