SCHEDULE
& EVENTS
WORKSHOPS
E-RATE WORKSHOPS
E-Rate Invoicing
& SAM.gov
​Navigate the E-Rate invoicing process with clarity and confidence in this practical, step-by-step session. Participants will gain a clear understanding of the differences between BEAR and SPI invoicing methods, key submission deadlines, and common mistakes that can delay reimbursement. The session also covers SAM.gov registration and maintenance requirements to ensure accounts remain active and compliant. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to streamline invoicing workflows, avoid costly errors, and ensure timely receipt of E-Rate funds.
E-Rate Unplugged: Expert Panel Q&A
Join a panel of experienced E-Rate professionals for an interactive, participant-driven discussion focused entirely on your questions. This open forum provides clear explanations and practical guidance on real-world challenges, emerging issues, and common compliance concerns. Whether you are navigating complex applications, competitive bidding, invoicing, or audits, this session offers direct access to expert insight. Attendees are encouraged to bring questions, share experiences, and engage in meaningful dialogue that supports informed decision-making throughout the funding year.
Free Isn’t Free: Understanding FCC Gift Rules & Vendor Compliance
This session provides an overview of FCC gift rules and their impact on E-Rate compliance. Participants will learn how the gift rules intersect with open and fair competitive bidding requirements and review common violations involving meals, entertainment, promotional items, and free equipment or services. The class will also examine potential funding consequences of noncompliance and highlight practical strategies to protect funding and maintain procurement integrity. Attendees will leave with clear guidance and best practices to support compliant decision-making across IT, purchasing, and service provider teams throughout the E-Rate cycle.
From Install to Invoice – Closing Out Your C2 Projects
Successfully closing out a Category Two project requires careful coordination and compliance from installation through final invoicing. This session provides a clear roadmap for managing completion deadlines, equipment documentation, asset tracking, and audit preparation. Participants will learn how to maintain accurate records, avoid common closeout errors, and meet documentation standards established by the Federal Communications Commission and administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company. Attendees will leave with practical tools and confidence to complete projects efficiently while protecting funding and ensuring smooth reimbursement.
From Utilization to Transformation: Leveraging E-Rate to Fund Districtwide Infrastructure at Scale
Discover how strategic planning and strong program oversight can transform E-Rate from a funding opportunity into a districtwide infrastructure solution. This session highlights a real-world case study of a large district that successfully leveraged Category 2 and special construction funding to modernize internal networks and expand fiber connectivity. Presenters will share practical lessons on multi-year planning, competitive bidding for complex projects, compliance management, and large-scale implementation coordination. Attendees will gain replicable strategies to maximize funding, strengthen governance, and drive long-term technology transformation.
How to Be Awesome at Audits
Audits are a routine part of the E-Rate program—but they don’t have to be stressful. This session demystifies the audit process and provides practical strategies for staying prepared year-round. Participants will learn what commonly triggers audits, the types of documentation typically requested, and how to maintain organized, compliant records that withstand scrutiny. The presenters will also share proven best practices for minimizing findings and delays. Attendees will leave with greater confidence, stronger documentation habits, and a clear plan for remaining audit-ready at all times.
Leading with Influence: Policy and Advocacy for E-Rate Success
Effective advocacy plays a critical role in protecting and strengthening E-Rate funding at the local, state, and federal levels. This session explores how district leaders can engage policymakers, communicate program impact, and promote continued support for educational connectivity. Participants will learn strategies for building relationships with stakeholders, sharing compelling funding stories, and staying informed about legislative developments. Attendees will leave with practical guidance on how to serve as informed, confident advocates for their districts and the broader E-Rate community.
Strategic Planning & Compliance in the E-Rate Competitive Bidding Process
Build a structured, defensible, and compliant competitive bidding process with this comprehensive session designed for E-Rate coordinators and district leaders. Participants will learn how to conduct needs assessments, draft clear specifications, and align procurement strategies with program rules established by the Federal Communications Commission and administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company. The session also covers developing weighted evaluation criteria, maintaining open competition, documenting award decisions, and managing vendor communication. Attendees will leave equipped to run transparent, audit-ready bidding cycles aligned with long-term district goals.
ERW WORKSHOPS
ERW Asset Tracker
Maintain accurate and compliant equipment records with the ErateWorks Asset Tracker. This session includes a live demonstration of the ERW Asset Tracking Tool and explains Category 2 equipment documentation requirements established by the Federal Communications Commission and administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company. Participants will learn best practices for documenting deployments, monitoring inventory across sites, and maintaining records that support audits and funding compliance. Attendees will leave equipped to implement organized, reliable asset tracking procedures within their districts.
ERW Bid Evaluator
Ensure fair, transparent, and compliant bid evaluations with this focused session on the ErateWorks Bid Evaluator. Participants will see a live demonstration of the tool and learn how it supports scoring documentation and alignment with procurement rules established by the Federal Communications Commission and administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company. The session reviews compliant evaluation criteria, documentation expectations, and audit considerations. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of how to conduct consistent, defensible evaluations throughout the competitive bidding process.
ERW Document Management
Strong document management is the foundation of E-Rate compliance. In this session, participants will see a live demonstration of the ErateWorks® Document Management system and learn how it simplifies document collection, organization, and retention. The course reviews program documentation requirements and highlights best practices for maintaining audit-ready records throughout the funding cycle. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how structured document management supports compliance, reduces risk, and promotes long-term program success.
ERW Reports & Category 2 Budget
Maximize Category 2 funding with this in-depth look at ErateWorks reporting tools and budget management features. Participants will see live demonstrations of the ERW Funding Dashboard, Customized Reports, and the ERW Category 2 Budget Tool. The session explains budget multipliers, enrollment data sources, and the structure of the five-year budget cycle. Attendees will gain practical strategies for tracking remaining funds, forecasting future needs, and making data-driven decisions that support effective long-term infrastructure planning.
Introduction to ERW
This session provides a comprehensive overview of the ERW platform and its role in simplifying and strengthening E-Rate program management. Designed for both new and experienced users, the class introduces the core tools within ERW and demonstrates how they work together to support compliant procurement, document management, reporting, and funding oversight. Participants will gain a clear understanding of how ERW streamlines workflows, enhances transparency, and supports audit readiness across the E-Rate lifecycle. The session also highlights key features, navigation tips, and best practices to help districts maximize efficiency and fully leverage the capabilities of the platform.
TECH WORKSHOPS
Articulating Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence is here to stay, and business leaders must understand, govern, and leverage it responsibly. This session takes a look at the history of AI and why generative AI represents a turning point for productivity and decision-making. Attendees will gain a clear view of what AI can realistically do today, where organizations often stumble, and how unchecked adoption can introduce risk to data, people, and reputation. We’ll explore practical ways to harness AI’s capabilities while putting the right safeguards in place—protecting your organization, your staff, and your customers without slowing innovation. From establishing responsible use guidelines to identifying high value business use cases, this session equips leaders with the clarity and confidence needed to adopt AI thoughtfully, securely, and strategically.
The Future is Cyber Secure
Cyberattacks have radically evolved—from opportunistic malware to targeted, business-disrupting campaigns powered by automation and AI. In this session, we’ll look back to how attacks have changed over the years, what the modern-day cybersecurity tool stack should look like today, and why “it’s not if, it’s when” should shape every organization’s recovery plan. You’ll learn about the most common attack types. We’ll also tackle why continuous security awareness training is your strongest control and your greatest challenge. Finally, we’ll look at the 2026 threat landscape—AI-driven attacks and agent-enabled adversaries—and what’s next, including deepfake audio/video and the emerging implications of quantum-era risk.