Since 1994, the Internet Society has organized INET conferences, first as global gatherings and then, more recently as the Internet became widely adopted, on a regional basis. These are events when ISOC Members and others can get together and brainstorm on ways and means to further the Society’s mission – “to promote the open development, evolution, and use of the Internet for the benefit of all people throughout the world.’
In 2010, organized by the newly established ISOC North American Bureau, two INETs will be held in the United States: Washington DC on Apr 29, and San Francisco on May 7.
Below are further details of the Washington event:
INET Washington DC
29 April 2010
Venue: Capital Hilton, 1001 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC
Internet 2020: The Next Billion Users
The Internet Society, in collaboration with the Greater Washington DC Chapter is holding a regional conference in Washington, DC on Thursday, 29 April 2010. The conference, part of the Internet Society’s INET series, will be focused on connecting the unconnected with the theme of INTERNET 2020 – The next billion users.
Today, more than a billion people use the Internet on a regular basis. Within ten years, that number could double—or triple—as smartphones, netbooks, and other devices become more affordable and new networks connect underserved communities. This conference will explore the most exciting new Internet applications in countries around the world, feature leading Internet visionaries helping to shape the future of the Internet, and debate what can—or must—be done to “connect the next billion” and ensure that the Internet continues to be a platform for innovation.
INET Washington DC will bring together regional and international policy and technical experts, government, network operators, the private sector and the user community. The conference will explore the technologies that will connect the next billion users, discuss how to instill trust in the new technology, and explore how users are using the technology. We will also include technology and policy “slams” to encourage participants to think creatively together about the best technologies and policies that will change the way the Internet develops in the coming years. Finally, INET Washington DC will provide a launching pad for our DC Chapter activities for months to come.
Registration is free, however, seating is limited and pre-registration by 16 April is required. Morning/afternoon refreshments and lunch will be provided.
Draft Agenda
| 8:15-9:00 | Registration and Networking |
| 9:00-9:15 | Opening Remarks Jon McNerney, Chief Operating Officer, Internet Society Representative of Key Sponsor Representative of ISOC-DC |
| 9:15-10:30 | Main Panel: Posing the Problem – How can new technologies “connect the unconnected”? |
| 10:30-10:50 | Networking Break |
| 10:50-12:15 | Parallel Session 1: Moving the bits – what are the technologies that can be used to reach the unconnected (WiMax, broadband satellite, 3G and 4G wireless)? Which technologies are working and where? What are the challenges? |
| Parallel Session 2: Trusting the bits – How do we ensure that the infrastructure of the Internet is secure, reliable, and trusted? What are the technologies, processes, standards and business practices that will address user fears about security and identity theft? | |
| Parallel Session 3: Using the bits – How do we provide Internet users with valuable and useful content and applications in their own language? Social media is enabling “everyone to be a publisher”—and a broadcaster. This session will explore this trend and what it means for Internet users in underserved communities. | |
| 12:15-1:00 | Lunch |
| 1:00-2:00 | Parallel Session 1: Technology Slam – Participants will have three minutes to present an exciting new product or service that is changing the way the Internet is being used. Judges will select the best three speakers, who will be given three more minutes to answer audience questions about their presentation. Then the audience will choose the winning presentation |
| Parallel Session 2: Policy Slam – Participants get three minutes to present a government policy or business practice that could accelerate the growth of the Internet and new Internet applications. Judges will select the best three speakers, who will be given three more minutes to answer audience questions about their presentation. Then the audience will choose the winning presentation. | |
| 2:00-2:40 | Keynote Address |
| 2:40-3:15 | Networking Break |
| 3:15-4:15 | Chapter Brainstorming Session – how to integrate the lessons of the day into chapter activities. |
| 4:15 – 5:00 | Wrap-up Session |
| 5:00 – 6:30 | Cocktail |
