Suncoast Digital Connect A Learning Thursdays Webinar Series by Digital Access for All

As we adapt to the evolving landscape of digital access, The Patterson Foundation’s Digital Access for All (DA4A) initiative is excited to present the Suncoast Digital Connect - A “Learning Thursdays” Webinar Series, designed to maintain momentum and engagement in the lead-up to the Suncoast Connect: Innovating and Thriving in the Digital Age Symposium on Tuesday, March 11, and Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Sarasota, Florida.

Kicking off in December 2024 and running through April 2025, this monthly series will bring together thought leaders, innovators, and advocates to explore crucial themes related to digital access. Each 30-minute webinar will delve into the essential elements of digital inclusion — affordable and reliable internet, devices, and the skills and support needed to thrive in the digital age.

These elements are necessary for creating a digitally vibrant future, and this series will offer invaluable insights and actionable strategies to help organizations and communities advance their efforts. After each webinar, we invite you to stay with us for an additional 15 minutes to continue the conversation and dive deeper into the topics we’ve explored.

Upcoming Speakers

• Thursday, December 5, 2024 | 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM EST
  The Future of Emergency Management: Integrating Technology Across the Disaster Lifecycle with Tom Kitchen Jr.
  
  About the Presentation:
  This presentation will explore how cutting-edge technologies are transforming the phases of emergency management — mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. Together, we'll examine practical applications of artificial intelligence, unmanned aerial systems, and mobile applications in enhancing disaster planning, resilience, and response. In addition to reviewing these opportunities, this session will also address technological implementation challenges in resource-limited environments and discuss how to improve equitable access, making emergency management more effective and inclusive for all communities.
  
  
• Thursday, January 23, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM EST
  The Role of the Century: Digital Navigator Evolution with Maribel Martinez
  
  About the Presentation:
  Regardless of age, research shows that people across the lifespan lack even basic digital literacy skills, internet access, and essential computing devices. Across all sectors, the American workforce remains underskilled, hindering national productivity, growth, and innovation. In 2021, Digital Navigators became an essential point of contact and assistance to help drive how we adopt technology and use it meaningfully each day. This discussion will explore where Digital Navigators are now and how their role might evolve to support diverse communities everywhere.
  
  
• Thursday, February 6, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM EST
  Florida Broadband Strategic Plan Update: A Roadmap to the Future of Broadband in the Sunshine State with a Florida Office of Broadband Representative
  
  About the Presentation:
  Planning for the future of broadband in Florida sets forth a path to understanding how the state is coordinating efforts to provide connectivity in all parts of the state. The Florida Broadband Deployment Act of 2021 directed the Office of Broadband to create a strategic plan and update it every two years. Learn how the update compares newly created metrics to the existing strategies from the original plan and provides analysis and findings to expand broadband access in Florida.

What to Expect

• Expert Speakers & Panel Discussions: Each webinar will feature thought leaders and innovators at the forefront of digital access. They will share insights on how to close the digital divide and strategies for creating effective access to technology, internet connectivity, and digital literacy.
  
  
• Interactive Learning: Speaker presentations will include Q&A sessions and polls to ensure participants can actively engage and collaborate.
  Networking & Collaboration Opportunities: Attendees will be encouraged to network, share experiences, and connect with others across sectors working to expand digital access within their communities.
  
  
• Continuing the Conversation & Deepening the Dialogue: After the main webinar, join us for an additional 15 minutes to dive deeper into the topics, ask questions, and hear insights from fellow attendees.

This webinar series is designed to keep the conversation going, spark new ideas, and ensure that when we gather in person at the Suncoast Connect Symposium in 2025, we arrive with fresh insights and even stronger connections within the DA4A community.

Supported by The Patterson Foundation

| Register here |

Stay tuned for more details!