2025 Showcase

Wednesday, January 8 - Thursday, January 9


27 North 27th Street
Billings, MT  59101
406-252-7400

Telco & Other RegistrationAssociate/Vendor Registration
Agenda | Speakers | Sponsors

 Room reservations can be made by calling 406-252-7400 or click here and reference BBM. Room rates start at $159/night plus tax. Please note you can only book within the contractual nights of January 6th, 7th and 8th to get the rate. Room block rate expires December 6, 2024.  

Parking at the event
Please park in the 1st Avenue North Parking Garage (Park 2) that is right across the street on 1st Ave. Waive your hand at the red circle to have the system generate a ticket.  If you are staying at the hotel, you'll receive a parking voucher upon check-in with a small parking fee added to your individual room bill.  If you are not staying at the DoubleTree, you will pay the posted parking fees or you can get a discounted voucher/validation from the front desk agents at the DoubleTree.  Parking clearance is 7ft high and 10.5ft wide with tight corners.   

Parking option - Billings-Logan International Airport
Oversized or other vehicles can also park at the nearby airport, which is only two miles from the hotel.  Rates are $9-$11/day.  The DoubleTree offers free shuttle service from and to the airport, 24 hours/day: call the DoubleTree at 406-252-7400 for pickup/drop off. 


Vendor/Associate Member Registration

Click here for more details and to register


Telco Member & Others

REGISTER

Pricing
BBMT Telco Member, Government Entity or Non-profit: $175/person
Non-members and for-profit entities: $350/person
Late pricing - goes up $50 after December 11th

You must have an existing account to register - please email if you need assistance.


Tentative Agenda

Tuesday, January 7th

Noon - 9pm Vendor Booth setup - 3rd Floor

  

Wednesday, January 8th  

7:00am Registration Opens - 3rd Floor
7:30am Hosted Breakfast - 22nd Floor
8:30am Booths Open - 3rd Floor
8:30am

Welcome
Skyview 1&2 - 20th Floor

8:35am

How the Rocky Mountains Shaped a CX Strategy
Sean Albertson, Founder and CEO, CX4ROCKS, LLC
Skyview 1&2 - 20th Floor

No matter what we try as a company, our customers often find themselves wandering back and forth between phone, chat, website and app, while trying to reach resolution. Their journey is like a river in the Rocky Mountains with obstacles and “rocks” that get in the way of an effortless flow. These class 5 rapids create challenges, frustration and increase the likelihood of customer disloyalty. Unfortunately, organizations are not designed to support the full customer journey. Sean Albertson has created a strategy that will ensure your organization is aligned and can leverage the tools needed to improve experience and drive greater customer loyalty.  

Sponsored by 

9:30am

Middle Mile Network Growth for Long Term Success
Aaron Sopko, Chief Strategy Officer, Range
Skyview 1&2 - 20th Floor

A discussion of various strategies for middle mile and even last mile network growth that could lead to sustainable revenue for your business.

Buried Cable Session TBD
Conference Room 5 - 3rd Floor

10:30am

Trade Show Break & Networking – no sessions

 11:30am Work Smarter Not Harder:
Ways to Leverage AI in Marketing

Autumn Ricke, Marketing Coordinator,
Pinnacle Marketing Group

Skyview 1&2 - 20th Floor 

Discover how Artificial Intelligence can streamline your marketing. AI takes care of routine tasks like scheduling emails and predicting campaign success, so you can focus on what matters most—like impressing clients. Join us for a fun and laid-back session that shows AI isn’t here to take over the world, just to make your life easier. Whether you're in marketing or not, you’ll leave with quick, practical tips on how to make AI work for you.

TBD
Conference Room 5 - 3rd Floor
 12:30pm   Hosted Lunch Buffet - 22nd Floor
1:30pm Permitting Panel

Ryan Kudera, Finley Engineering 
Steve Girad, Utility Section Manager, Right of Way Bureau, Montana Department of Transportation
BBMT Telco member TBD
Skyview 1&2 - 20th Floor

Rural Applications in Broadband
TBD
Conference Room 5 - 3rd Floor

2:30pm Trade Show Break & Networking – no sessions
3:30pm

TEAM – Aligning Employee Engagement with Customer Experience
Sean Albertson, Founder and CEO, CX4ROCKS, LLC
Skyview 1&2 - 20th Floor

Employees often find themselves caught between the needs of their leadership and the needs of their customers. It takes everyone at a company to create great experiences, but most companies are designed, managed and run in silos. Transformational companies don't just recognize this disconnection and advocate for solutions, they get involved and drive changes to improve the employee experience so the employee can pass that on to the customer.

Sponsored by 

4:30pm

Hospitality Hour – hosted from 4:30-5:30pm
Trade Show Area - 3rd Floor

 

Thursday, January 9th

7:00am Hosted Breakfast - 22nd Floor
8:30am

Cyber Security on a Dime:
Protecting Without Breaking the Bank

Brian Kettman, CTO, MTCO Communications, Illinois
Skyview 1&2 - 20th Floor

In an era where digital threats are constantly evolving, defending against cyber-attacks is a necessity, regardless of the size of your budget. "Cybersecurity on a Dime" is a dynamic session designed to empower individuals and organizations with cost-effective strategies to fortify their digital defenses without compromising financial resources. From free and open-source tools to creative solutions for maximizing existing resources, this session aims to demystify cybersecurity and make it accessible to all. 

From Sky to Street: How Cutting-Edge Imagery is Shaping the Future of Broadband
Dustin Heath, Director, Customer Success, CHR Solutions
Conference Room 5 - 3rd Floor

Are you tired of relying on outdated Google Earth images or struggling to find that new subdivision? Ever had a customer request service for a road that doesn’t even appear on your maps? It’s time to take control and say goodbye to these headaches. Tools like drones, street cams, or even satellites allow you to capture the latest, most accurate data. Whether you're mapping new subdivisions or updating service areas, these technologies empower you to create detailed, up-to-date visuals tailored to your network’s needs.
Key Benefits:

  • Real-Time, Current Imagery – Say goodbye to outdated maps and hello to fresh, high-resolution visuals.
  • Improved Decision-Making – With precise, custom imagery, you'll make smarter, more informed decisions.
  • Enhanced Clarity & Analysis – Seamlessly integrate visual data into your operations for clearer insights and better planning.

Unlock the power of aerial and street-level imagery to transform how you see—and run—your network.

9:30-11am  Trade Show Break & Networking – no sessions
11:00am  CEO Panel
Aimee Dietrich, GM/CFO, Northern Telephone Cooperative
Rob Johnstone, CEO, Range
Jason Moothart, CEO, InterBel
Skyview 1&2 - 20th Floor
12:30pm Raffle & Door Prize Drawing
Trade Show Foyer near Registration Desk

 

Thank you to our generous sponsors!

Keynote Sponsor

 

Premium Sponsors

 

 

 

 



 



 

 


 


Hospitality Hour Sponsors

     
     


 

Lunch Sponsors

 
 


 

   

 

 

 

 

 

Coffee & Breakfast Sponsors

CIENA | Crown Utilities, LLC | Hubbell Utility SolutionsInventronics LimitedIrbyLynn | Multilink, Inc. | NISC | NRTC | OFS | Power & TelRally Factory Rep Services | S&S Solutions, LLCSuperior EssexTii Technologies Inc.Torgerson's Equipment | UtiliSource, LLC


Speakers

Sean Albertson has been a CX leader for 20+ years across companies from startups to Fortune 200. He has been at the forefront of transforming the customer journey to reduce effort and drive customer loyalty. He has created advanced CX programs leveraging text analytics, operational metrics, journey analytics and survey programs, with artificial intelligence driving real results. Sean shares his experience from the stage as an international speaker and workshop facilitator, as well as an advisor to CX-leading companies. Sean is the author of the award-winning book, 4ROCKS: Reduce Effort, Drive Loyalty, Transform the Customer Journey. See more information on his website, www.cx4rocks.com


Aaron Sopko, Chief Strategy Officer, Range – Aaron has been with the Range family for 28 years. During his time with the company, he has served in several capacities including Marketing Coordinator, Customer Service Manager, Marketing Director, Vice President and General Manager of Advanced Communications Technology, and now as Chief Strategy Officer for the Range Corporation.  In addition to his duties at Range, Aaron serves on the board of directors for Vision Net and as the Vice President for the Sheridan Area Chamber of Commerce. Most importantly, Aaron is blessed with a beautiful wife, two amazing daughters and a soon to be son-in-law, all of whom are active in directing and overseeing his time away from the office.


Autumn Ricke is a designer, marketer, and analytical nerd based in Bemidji, MN. While she currently is a Marketing Coordinator for Pinnacle Marketing Group, she’s been assisting businesses with marketing for over 10 years. Her creativity attention to detail, and willingness to give anything a try has helped Pinnacle Marketing Group not only promote their own brand, but their customers as well. She is passionate about helping others learn marketing strategies to succeed. When she is not busy sharing unsolicited marketing advice you can find her coaching Junior Olympic Volleyball, Golfing, or tending her indoor jungle of houseplants. 


Steve Giard has worked for the Montana Department of Transportation for 34 plus years.  He has 12 years with MDT’s Road Design Section and designed a variety of reconstruction projects.  He then moved to the R/W – Utilities Section where he worked as a Utility Agent for 3 years.  He was promoted to the Utility Engineering Supervisor for 14 years.  In 2020 he accepted and is currently the Utility Section Manager within the Right of Way Bureau.


Dustin Heath, as Director, Customer Success at CHR Solutions, is at the forefront of pioneering new technologies, directing training initiatives, and strategically managing contractor resources. Since joining CHR Solutions in 2016 as a CAD Manager, Dustin has consistently demonstrated his deep-rooted expertise in GIS, construction, and engineering, propelling the company towards innovation and excellence. 

Dustin's professional journey is marked by his exceptional skill in planning and executing broadband network designs utilizing cutting-edge technologies. A recognized Subject Matter Expert in GIS/CAD, Right of Way and Pole Permitting, Make Ready Engineering, and OSP Engineering and Construction, Dustin has played a pivotal role in optimizing CHR Solutions' network deployments across diverse terrains, from rural expanses to urban landscapes.


Brian Kettman has dedicated 30 out of his 35 years of telecommunications experience to MTCO Communications. Where for the last 15 years, he has held the position of Chief Technology Officer. Located in North Central Illinois, MTCO Communications is a family owned ILEC/CLEC proudly serving broadband, IPTV and telephone services to over 10,000 customers. Brian's expertise lies in technology and cybersecurity team leadership, project management and customer experience optimization. He possesses a profound passion for introducing the latest and proven telecommunications technologies to MTCO's valued customers, ensuring they receive cutting-edge solutions. When not immersed in his professional pursuits, Brian takes pleasure in spending quality time with his grandchildren, engaging in a round of golf, or embarking on scuba diving adventures in tropical destinations. For further information and professional inquiries, you can connect with Brian on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-mtco/.


Rob Johnstone has been with Range for 18 years.  First, in the marketing department where he was the CMO for 13 years, and currently CEO for the last 6 years.  He received his education in management and marketing from the University of Montana School of Business in Missoula, MT.  Rob serves on several national, state, and local boards which include the SMC Board for NTCA and President of Montana’s state broadband association, BroadbandMT.  Rob has 25+ years of experience in leadership, management, public relations, marketing, and sales.