14th Annual

TFI Technology Logo

TFI Technology
Conference

January 24-26, 2019
Courtyard Marriott Downtown,
Austin Texas

Downloadable PDF Brochure

 

Videos, Pictures, and Slides from the January 2019 conference

Videos, Pictures, and Slides from the January 2018 conference

Videos, Pictures, and Slides from the January 2017 conference

Overview Speakers Schedule Registration and Venue
14th Annual TFI Technology Conference, Jan 24-25, 2019, Austin, Texas. Industry leaders and professionals gathered once again to share the latest trends and developments impacting communications and asset valuation. 

2019 Main Theme: 5G and its Business and Valuation Implications

Iain Gillott, wireless expert extraordinaire, returns to TFI for the fourth time. This time Iain will lead us through a deeper look into this technology and its impacts on broadband, cable, video, and other asset-intensive industries. He will be joined by other wireless experts, including Dr. Robert Heath, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin.

Our policy keynote this year is former FCC commissioner Mignon Clyburn who will address key topics relevant to communications infrastructure such as broadband deployment, network neutrality, spectrum allocation, and telephony service obligations.

For 2019, we are re-introducing tax and valuation-specific segments to the conference to reinforce the relevance of technology change to asset valuation. We hope you’ll join your colleagues in what promises to be another interesting and important event!

Gain Background, Insights, and Forecasts:

  • Wireless Communications, including 5G
  • Broadband & Video, including Gigabit networks and OTT
  • Network Technologies
  • Cutting-edge technologies such as virtual and augmented reality

Stay Relevant and Timely:

  • High level review of top communications trends
  • Informative presentations on key technologies
  • Illuminating discussions of current and emerging issues facing the communications industry
  • Important insights on the impact of these changes on asset valuation
  • Multiple opportunities to connect and reconnect with community and thought-leaders

You Should Attend If:

  • You have a business or policy interest in the communications network's future, or
  • You are involved with the valuation of communications assets, or
  • You are impacted by changes in the telecom, wireless, and cable television networks, or
  • You are active in the IoT, AI, VR or other up and coming communication technologies, and
  • You value learning, sharing, and collaborating with industry leaders and professionals
2018 Conference Information
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2019 Keynotes and Conference Speakers

Mignon Clyburn, Former Commissioner, FCC

Mignon Clyburn, former FCC Commissioner

Great news! Former FCC commissioner Mignon Clyburn will be our policy keynote. With the changes in Congress, January is a great time to talk about what’s in the air in Washington, especially as it involves communications infrastructure. Mignon will address topics such as infrastructure development, broadband deployment, network neutrality, spectrum allocation, and telephony service obligations. Having served as an FCC commissioner from August 2009 to June 2018, Mignon will provide us perspective on what to expect in these interesting times.

— • —

Robert Heath, Ph.D., Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin

Dr. Robert Heath, UT Austin

We are excited to announce that Dr. Heath, will lead the panel "Coloring in the 5G Triangle: Super High Bandwidth, Massive IoT, and Ultra High Reliability" with featured technology specialists in 5G delivery.

Professor Heath spoke to us in 2016 about millimeter wave technology and cars communicating. This year he will give a special Keynote presentation on his current research interests "Connected Aerial Vehicles and Machine Learning for Communications."

— • —

Iain Gillott, President and Founder, iGR (iGillottResearch, Inc.)

Iain Gillott, iGR

We are pleased to have Iain joining us once again as our 2019 special Wireless Keynote Speaker. Iain joined us in 2018, 2017 and 2015 to awesome reviews. We are extremely happy to have him back in 2019!

Ian will be the moderator of the 5G Triangle Panel and will introduce our 2019 main theme: 5G and its Business and Valuation Implications, where we take a deeper look into 5G technology and its impacts on broadband, cable, video, and other asset-intensive industries.

— • —

Lawrence K. Vanston, Ph.D., Conference Director, President, TFI

Lawrence Vanston, PhD., Conference Director, President, TFI

— • —

Salam Akoum, Ph.D., Principal Member of Technical Staff, AT&T Labs

Dr. Salam Akoum, AT&T

— • —

Jeffrey Binkley, Assessment Valuation Advisors

Jeffery Binkley, Assessment Valuation Advisors

— • —

Randy Cook, Sales, Affirmed Networks

Randy Cook, Sales, Affirmed Networks

— • —

Robert Daniels, Ph.D., Vice President, PHAZR 

Dr. Robert Daniels, PHAZR

— • —

Brian Goemmer, President, Allnet Insights & Analytics

Brian Goemmer, President, Allnet Insights & Analytics

— • —

August (Augie) Grant, Ph.D., Professor, School of Journalism and Mass Communications,
University of South Carolina; Co-Editor, Communications Technology Update and Fundamentals

August Grant, PhD, Professor, University of South Carolina

— • —

Carl Hoemke, Partner, Valentiam

Carl Hoemke, CEO, Co-Founder, crowdREASON

— • —

Ray Hodges, Senior Consultant, Technology Futures, Inc.

Ray Hodges, Sr. Consultant, TFI

— • —

Kim Houser, Assistant Professor, Oklahoma State University

Kim Houser, JD., Asst Professor, Oklahoma State University

— • —

Ruben Miranda, Director, Tax Services, Duff & Phelps

Ruben Miranda, Duff & Phelps

— • —

John Reed, Sr. Director - Property Tax, Charter Communications

John Reed, Sr Dir, Prop Tax, Charter Communications

— • —

Jim Stegeman, CostQuest Associates, Inc.

James Stegeman, President, CostQuest

— • —

Peggy Wardlaw, Founder, Wardlaw Appraisal Group, LC.

Peggy Wardlaw, Founder, Wardlaw Appraisal Group
— • —

Gary Wiggins, ASA, CAE, Executive Director - Property Tax, AT&T

Gary Wiggins, AT&T

— • —

Stephen Yergeau, Director, Property Taxes, T-Mobile

Stephen Yergeau, T-Mobile

— • —

Carrie Vanston, The Energy Accelerator

Carrie Vanston, Corporate Cultures That Rock and TFI

— • —

TFI Staff:

Helen Mary Marek, VP Operations & Creative Director, Technology Futures, Inc.
Conference Liaison

Helen Mary Vanston Marek, TFI, VanMarek Design

TFI TEAM
Lawrence Vanston, PhD., Conference Director, President, TFI
(l-r Helen Mary Marek, Larry Vanston, Carrie Vanston, Ray Hodges)
Lawrence K. Vanston, Ph.D., President, TFI, CONFERENCE DIRECTOR

Lawrence Vanston, PhD., Conference Director, President, TFI

Ray Hodges, Senior Consultant, TFI

Carrie Vanston, TFI, Corporate Cultures That Rock

Carrie Vanston, The Energy Accelerator

Claire E. Chase, Property Tax Manager, Centurylink

CONFERENCE LIASON:                  
– Helen Mary Marek, VP Operations & Creative Director, TFI

Helen Mary Vanston Marek, TFI, VanMarek Design
_______________________________

Some of Our Previous Attendees:

3M Advantax American Appraisal AT&T
AT&T Mobility AUS Consultants Arizona Attorney General Office Baker Donelson
Bexar Appraisal BCRI Blankenship Resources Capitol Appraisal Group
CenturyLink CHR Solutions Clearwire Collin County Appraisal
Comcast Cricket Communications CostQuest Associates Dallas Central Appraisal
Deloitte Duff & Phelps Embarq Ernst & Young
FTTH FMV Opinions Grant Thornton GVTC Communications
Hiscock & Barclay, LLP Hawley Troxell Ennis & Hawley LLP Hill Ward Henderson Law Firm KPMG
Law Offices of Peter Michaels Level 3 Communications Millinium Marketing Qwest
Revenue Wisconsin Satai Network SC&H Group, LLC Sprint/Nextel
State of California Board of Equalization Tarrant County Appraisal Tax Compliance Inc. Thompson Reuters
Time Warner Cable T-Mobile TRCI Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
UHY Advisors Verizon
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What Attendees Say:

"Thank you for putting on your seminars and conference. Although I have used various TFI tables over the years and read several of your publications, there is an additional and unique learning experience to be had via the lectures and interaction with the audience and TFI. Through the questions, comments, and answers one hears the issue presented from a variety of perspectives and has the opportunity to put in one's own words their own comments and questions to see if they understand it or not, etc. One-on-one with the authors, the experts, a wonderful educational opportunity."

 Robert G. Strong, Tax Director
AT&T

"Great range of topics & speakers that were both fascinating and provocative."

Jim Dombrowski, Property Tax Manager
Verizon

"Based on TFI's knowledge, skills and experience, I strongly recommend their annual Technology Futures Asset Valuation Conference to anyone who is involved in assessing telecommunications equipment or anyone involved with telecommunications in some form or another."

Raul Reyes, Business Personal Property Supervisor
Dallas Central Appraisal District

"Great program...information is timely and program ties together well. Good for attendees with various background and interests. I highly recommend."

Jeffery S. Binkley, Senior Director
Deloitte

"Great conference for all of those who want an update on trends in the communications industry and the technologies impacting it. As an academic, I found it especially valuable in providing me ideas of what I need to be looking out for in my own areas of interest.

Kim Houser, Business Law Professor, 
Washington State University

"5 Stars! Informative sessions with dedicated speakers."
Paul Tucker, Independent Appraiser,
Tucker Consulting

"I found the insights on technology changes in-process and planned and their current and expected impact on replacement of assets most useful. Proper valuation must take into account technological externalities that will diminish the value of the existing assets. The technological innovations are having a such an impact that keeping up is essential. This conference keeps me up to date."

Roger Grabowski, Managing Director
Duff & Phelps

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TFI Communications Technology Conference Logo14th Annual TFI Technology Conference
Thurday & Friday, January 24-25, 2019
Courtyard Marriott Downtown, Austin, Texas 

Conference Schedule

 
 

 

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2019

6:15–7:15 pm - Pre-Conference Reception Meet & Greet - Sponsored by CostQuest -- Rooftop (Gatehouse if cold or rainy)

THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019 (8:30 am - 6:00 pm - Conference Day One -Rio Grande Ballroom)

8:30 am Introductions and Welcome
• Lawrence Vanston, President, Technology Futures, Inc. (TFI)

8:45 am TFI Industry Forecast Overview
• Lawrence Vanston, President, TFI 
• Ray Hodges, Senior Consultant, TFI

9:45 am Break

5G WIRELESS

10:00 am 5G: The Big Picture
• Iain Gillott, President and Founder, iGR

10:45 am 5G Equipment: What on Earth does this Stuff Look Like?
• Robert Daniels, Vice President, PHAZR

11:00 am Break

11:15 am Coloring in the 5G Triangle: Super High Bandwidth, Massive IoT, and Ultra High Reliability 
- Panel Discussion
• Robert Heath, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of Texas
• Salam Akoum, Principal Member of Technical Staff, AT&T Labs
• Robert Daniels, Vice President, PHAZR
• Iain Gillott, President and Founder, iGR 

12:30 pm Texas BBQ Lunch - Sponsored by Maura's Voice - Gatehouse

1:15 pm Wireless Futures Research - 
Connected Aerial Vehicles and Machine Learning for Communications
• Robert Heath, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, the University of Texas at Austin

1:45 pm 5G Data Fast: Fiber Optics and Edge Computing - Panel discussion
• Randy Cook, Sales, Affirmed Networks
• Jim Stegeman, President, CostQuest Associates, Inc
• Iain Gillott, President and Founder, iGR (Moderator)

2:30 pm Break

2:45 pm The 5G Spectrum Puzzle
• Brian Goemmer, President, Allnet Insights & Analytics

3:15 pm The 4G to 5G Transition
 • Iain Gillott, President and Founder, iGR 

3:45 pm Wireless vs Wireline
 • Lawrence Vanston, President, TFI 
• Iain Gillott, President and Founder, iGR

4:00 pm Break

4:15 pm Why Does It Matter? And How? A Tax/Valuation Perspective I
• Ruben Miranda, Director, Tax Services, Duff & Phelps
• Gary Wiggins, Executive Director, Property Tax, AT&T
• Stephen Yergeau, Director, Property Taxes, T-Mobile

5:00 pm The IRS and the Data Mess
• Kim Houser, Assistant Professor, Oklahoma State University

5:30 pm Day End

6:00 pm Conference Reception - Rooftop (Gatehouse if cold or rainy)

FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 2019 (8:30 am - 1:30 pm - Conference Day Two - Rio Grande Ballroom)

BROADBAND & VIDEO

8:30 am Communications Technology Update
• August (Augie) Grant, Professor, School of Journalism and Mass Communications, 
University of South Carolina; Co-Editor, Communications Technology Update and Fundamentals

9:15 am Fiber Deep: Broadband Industry Risks and Economics
 • Jim Stegeman, President, CostQuest Associates, Inc.

10:00 am Break

10:15 am Policy Fireside Chat
• Mignon Clyburn, Former Commissioner, FCC 
• Jim Stegeman, CostQuest Associates, Inc. (Moderator)

11:15 am Break

11:30 am Why Does It Matter? And How? A Tax/Valuation Perspective II
 • Jeffrey Binkley, CEO, Assessment Valuation Advisors (Moderator)
• Carl Hoemke, Partner, Valentiam Group
• John Reed, Sr. Director - Property Tax, Charter Communications

12:15 pm Last Word: The Assessor Perspective
 • Peggy Wardlaw, Founder, Wardlaw Appraisal Group, LC.

12:30 pm Break

12:35 pm Box Lunch Discussion - Rio Grande Ballroom 
Getting out of the Aligator Pit and Moving Forward 
• Carrie Vanston, The Energy Accelerator

1:25 pm Conference Ends


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To receive conferenee updates, please click here.

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VENUE:
Downtown Austin PhotoLocation/Accommodations: Courtyard Marriott Downtown, 300 E. 4th Street., Austin, TX, 512-236-8008 or 800-321-2211.
The hotel is in walking distance to Austin's best live music venues and restaurants and near the Texas State Capitol, the University of Texas, and other popular Austin sites. This is a non-smoking facility with complimentary high-speed Internet and wireless access throughout the hotel. (photo source: Marriott)

For more information about Austin, please visit Austin 360 or Austin Chamber of Commerce.

To receive updated seminar details, dates, and registration information for future sessions, please click here.

Please contact Helen Mary Marek at info@tfi.com or call us at (512) 258-8898 with any questions regarding the conference. ********************************************

Overview Speakers Schedule Registration and Venue

Archives:
2018 Conference -- 2017 Conference -- 2016 Conference -- 2015 Conference -- 2014 Conference -- 2013 Conference

CONFERENCES & SEMINARS

SPONSORS

TFI Technology Conference Sponsor, Deloitte

TFI Technology Conference Sponsor, CostQuest Associates

TFI Technology Conference Sponsor, CostQuest Associates

TFI Technology Conference Sponsor, CostQuest Associates

What Attendees Say

“... a unique learning experience to be had via the lectures and interaction with the audience and TFI."

Robert G. Strong,
Tax Director, AT&T

"Based on TFI's knowledge, skills and experience, I strongly recommend their annual Technology Futures Asset Valuation Conference to anyone who is involved in assessing telecommunications equipment or anyone involved with telecommunications in some form or another."

Raul Reyes, Business Personal Property Supervisor
Dallas Central Appraisal District

"Great program ... information is timely and program ties together well. Good for attendees with various background and interests. I highly recommend it."<

Jeffery S. Binkley,
Director, Deloitte

"… Proper valuation must take into account technological externalities that will diminish the value of the existing assets. The technological innovations are having a such an impact that keeping up is essential. This conference keeps me up to date."

Roger Grabowski,
Managing Director
Duff & Phelps



Copyright © Technology Futures, Inc. All rights reserved.
Austin, Texas, U.S.A.
Telephone: (512) 258-8898
info@tfi.com • www.tfi.com •www.tfi.com