3rd Annual

2026 SBC WIRELESS TECH & POLICY SUMMIT

June 9-10, 2026, Washington, DC

SBC is Proud to Announce
Our Lead Sponsor:

When

June 9-10, 2026

Day 1: 8:30AM - 6:00PM
Day 2: 8:15AM - 4:00PM

Where

Kellogg Conference Center
Washington, DC

800 Florida Ave NE
Washington, DC 20002

(Located in the vibrant NoMa neighborhood of Washington, D.C.)

Two Days. One Stage. Six Essential Topics

The Safer Buildings Coalition (SBC) Wireless Tech & Policy Summit — now in its third year — is the sector's premier gathering at the intersection of wireless technology and the policies that shape it, where technology leaders, policymakers, and industry associations converge around a single mission: wireless connectivity that works in every building, for every user.

Set in Washington, DC — where policy gets made — at a full-service conference venue and hotel that keeps the conversation going well beyond the session room, the event builds on the success of past Summits that have drawn 250-plus attendees and featured A-list speakers from federal agencies, leading wireless associations, major technology companies, and the public safety community.

Policy shapes what gets deployed inside buildings.
Technology Innovation demands that policy keep pace.

The 2026 program spans 6 Topic Tracks that explore that interplay:

TOPIC 01
In-Building Wireless Connectivity

A broad look at the full ecosystem of technologies, standards, and policy tools available to eliminate dead zones across the built environment, including emerging approaches and the regulatory landscape shaping their deployment

TOPIC 02
Public Safety Communications

Public safety leadership and national associations have made dependable in-building wireless a stated priority for mission-critical communications. This track examines what that means in practice — for situational awareness, connected emergency response, and the technology investments that will get us there.

TOPIC 03
School Safety

This track covers technology leadership, standards development, and legislative progress across the school safety spectrum — from the panic button mandates in Alyssa's Act to PASS K-12 guidelines, threat detection, and emergency communications across 130,000 schools nationwide.

TOPIC 04
Location Services and Indoor Mapping

Horizontal and vertical location accuracy sits at the intersection of technology capability, regulatory and legislative policy, and real-world emergency response. This track explores how aligning policy objectives with commercial feasibility creates safety and enterprise value that drive in-building wireless deployment — not because it's mandated, but because it makes sense.

TOPIC 05
Next Generation 9-1-1

NG911 promises end-to-end, bidirectional, resilient emergency communications — but end-to-end means nothing if it stops at the front door. This track examines the full chain through the lens of SBC's 911 Inside™ framework: what it takes to ensure that every call for help gets through, with location and context, from inside every building.

TOPIC 06
Wireless Workforce Development

The scale of in-building wireless deployment needed across the built environment demands a workforce strategy equal to the challenge. This track examines the training, credentialing, and apprenticeship programs turning policy ambition into boots on the ground.

There is no substitute for putting the right people in the same room!

The knowledge and connections forged here sharpen our collective thinking and open doors to the innovation and policy conversations that matter most — to our organizations, our communities, and the people we serve.

Key Collaborators already announced!

Click the Logos to learn more about our partners

Confirmed Speakers

TJ Kennedy

CEO of GeoComm
Former President of FirstNet

Speaker Bio

TJ Kennedy

TJ Kennedy is the Chief Executive Officer of GeoComm, a leader in GIS-driven solutions that enhance public safety and school emergency response. With nearly 30 years of experience in emergency services, defense, and critical infrastructure, he brings a lifelong commitment to advancing technology that empowers first responders and protects communities. A former firefighter, paramedic, and state trooper, TJ combines operational insight with innovation to improve coordination and save lives when seconds matter.

Seth Statler

Director of Government Affairs at NFPA

Speaker Bio

Seth Statler

Government affairs lead for the National Fire Protection Association, the global nonprofit organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards. Founded in 1896, NFPA delivers information and knowledge through more than 300 consensus codes and standards, research, training, education, outreach and advocacy. Manager of NFPA's critical relationships with Congress, the Executive Branch, and the government affairs offices of major fire service and safety organizations. Served from 2009 to 2017 as NASA's Associate Administrator for Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs and rebuilt bipartisan Congressional support for the nation's space agency. Led efforts on 3 supportive authorization bills and many appropriations successes. Secured unanimous Senate confirmation of NASA's Deputy Administrator. Worked closely with NASA corporate partners including Boeing, California Institute of Technology, Jacobs Engineering, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Orbital ATK, SpaceX, United Launch Alliance, and others. From 1997 to 2009 led Congressional Affairs for U.S. Customs and Border Protection and secured strong Congressional backing for the nation's largest federal law enforcement agency. Previously managed appropriations issues for Representative Steny Hoyer and authored the legislation that created the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. Continues to serve as treasurer and a member of the board that honors firefighters killed in the line of duty. Exceptionally strong leader with broad federal government management experience in both the executive and legislative branches. Solid policy development, communications planning, and legislative relations skills, coupled with keen big picture strategic thinking and judgment. Extensive policy experience in border security, space exploration, science, and fire service issues.

Steve Devine

Chief Technology Officer at APCO International

Speaker Bio

Stephen Devine

Stephen Devine is the Chief Technology Officer with APCO International. He is responsible for overseeing the effectiveness of technology resources within APCO and leads all APCO technical components related to Next Generation 9-1-1, Cybersecurity, and other emerging technologies. Additionally, Stephen is also responsible for developing new business strategies related to APCO Technical Services and serves as the Senior Technical Advisor to the Chief Executive Officer while overseeing operations for both APCO's Communications Center & 9-1-1 Services Department (CC9S) and APCO's Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) Spectrum Management Division. Stephen is a Life member of APCO International and has spent his 40-year career in public safety communications. He resides in Jefferson City, Missouri.

Lori Alhadeff

President, Make our Schools Safe

Speaker Bio

Lori Alhadeff

Lori Alhadeff is a dedicated advocate for school safety, an education leader, and the co-founder of Make Our Schools Safe (MOSS), a nonprofit organization focused on improving school security nationwide. Motivated by the tragic loss of her daughter, Alyssa Alhadeff, in the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, Lori has committed her life to ensuring that no other family experiences a similar loss. Lori currently serves as a Broward County School Board Member, where she tirelessly works to implement stronger safety policies, increase security measures, and advocate for legislative changes to protect students and educators. She played a pivotal role in the passage of Alyssa’s Law, a critical school safety law that mandates silent panic alarms in schools to expedite emergency response times. Under Lori’s leadership, Make Our Schools Safe has launched multiple initiatives, including the MOSS Club prevention program, which empowers students to take an active role in their school’s security and well-being. Through advocacy, education, and community engagement, she continues to push for enhanced school safety protocols across the country. In addition to her work with MOSS, Lori is a sought-after speaker and activist, frequently testifying before legislative bodies and engaging with policymakers to drive meaningful change in school security. Her unwavering dedication and leadership have earned her national recognition as a changemaker in the fight for safer schools. Lori holds a master’s degree in education and has a background in teaching, which fuels her passion for ensuring a secure learning environment for all students. Her advocacy work extends beyond legislation, as she continually supports school communities, parents, and educators in fostering a culture of preparedness and resilience. Through her relentless efforts, Lori Alhadeff continues to transform tragedy into action, creating a lasting impact on school safety initiatives across the nation..

Heather McGaffin

Director at DC Office of Unified Communications

Speaker Bio

Heather McGaffin

With over two decades in Public Safety, I’ve walked the path from EMT and First Responder to 911 Operator, Dispatcher, Supervisor, and Assistant Director in a rural consolidated center. Today, I serve as the Executive Director leading the PSAP team in our Nation’s Capital, where I’m proud to support the people and systems at the heart of emergency communications. As a consultant, I’ve led strategic planning, training programs, public education efforts, and the development of governance models to support the transition to Next Generation 911. Through every phase of my career, one thing has remained constant: a commitment to the human side of this work. Technology may drive change, but it’s the people—call takers, dispatchers, and the communities we serve—who matter most. As we transition in 911, I stay focused on ensuring that progress doesn’t lose sight of the people behind the call. I’m also a passionate advocate for elevating the voices of 911 professionals. Whether through policy, public awareness, or leadership development, I work to make sure those on the front lines are seen, heard, and supported.

Pres Marshall

Logos Space Services

Speaker Bio

Preston Marshall

Developing the policy, technology, and systems needed to create wireless abundance. Immediate focus is on the application of shared spectrum to enable massive increases in wireless capacity. CBRS is the current focus for this effort, and expanding opportunities and ecosystem support for innovative deployments, including neutral host, private, and offload networks. To continue the evolution of bandwidth abundance and sustainable network capability, developing concepts for 6G that can enable a more integrated wireless experience that reflects the very diverse wireless and connectivity ecosystem that has emerged over the last thirty years, and resolving some of the disruptive aspects of this experience in authentication, network connectivity handovers, and integration with the wireless services. Previously Deputy Director at USC Information Science Institute, with a personal research program in wireless technology, self-forming content delivery networks, electronic warfare, and algorithms for managing decisions in complex, ambiguous, and information-constrained environments. Participated in the Presidents Council of Advisers (PCAST) study on spectrum sharing, leading directly to the CBRS band. Was the witness to defend Administration PCAST study and initiative in Congressional Committee hearing. Before that I was a Program Manager at DARPA managing innovations in cognitive radio, dynamic spectrum access, interference management and self-forming networking. Managed thirteen technology programs, and developed twelve new-start programs of record. Specialties: Wireless Networking, Cognitive Radio, Spectrum Technology and Policy

Seth Buechley

Founder, Safer Buildings Coalition

Speaker Bio

Seth Buechley

Seth founded the Safer Buildings Coalition in 2012 and continues to provide guidance and direction to this day. Seth brings Cathedral entrepreneurial leadership gained through board and senior executive experience with public, private, family-owned, and nonprofit organizations. Prior to his role at Cathedral, Seth was a client of the firm for 6 years, developing a close friendship with Cathedral's founder, the late Phil Clements. Today, Seth is active as a board-level strategist, investor, and advisor to CEO's in the telecom sector. Most recently, Seth co-founded and led the US and Canadian operations of SOLiD USA. overseeing a team of industry leaders responsible for developing and distributing innovative wireless communications products. Upon achieving revenue of nearly $60 million, and with counsel from Cathedral, the company was sold to its venture partner in early 2016. Under Seth's leadership, SOLiD earned wide industry recognition for delivering cellular coverage inside of some of the world's most prestigious venues including the New York subway, The Empire State Building, Nike World Headquarters and Daytona International Speedway. Seth began his career as a co-founder of family-owned CORD Communications, a turnkey network implementation company acquired by publicly-traded WesTower Corporation in 1998. He was then a founding investor and Vice Chairman of Washington Oregon Wireless (WOW), a Sprint PCS affiliate. In 2001, Seth co-founded Tri-Power Group, a leading DAS integrator based in the San Francisco Bay Area. In 2008, he co-founded and became President of SOLiD USA. He is also the founder of the Safer Buildings Coalition which seeks to ensure coverage for public-safety communications services inside buildings. Seth is the recently-published author of Ambition: Leading with Gratitude, a leadership manifesto highlighting the necessity of gratitude in the lives of driven leaders. An experienced keynote speaker and emcee, Seth is an active member of Young President Organization (YPO) and serves several nonprofit Christian ministries. Seth is also the host of the Business Done Right podcast and is a popular keynote speaker at corporate and non-profit events.

Nathan Leamer

NATE: State Liaison for District of Columbia
CEO: Fixed Gear Strategies

Speaker Bio

Nathan Leamer

I started my public policy career after graduating Calvin College as a staffer in the Michigan state legislature and then when my boss won his Congressional race I went with him to work in the House of Representatives. After several years, I went to a grassroots advocacy organization working on a campaign to make it easier for craft breweries to come to market. From this experience I joined the R Street Institute, a think tank in DC, as a Senior Fellow and Outreach Manager, helping to build out their tech policy program. When FCC Chairman Ajit Pai took office I served his team as a Policy Advisor working on a host of exciting initiatives and projects. After three years at the Commission I left to work at Targeted Victory, running their telecommunications practice as a Vice President of Public Affairs. Most recently in June of 2023, I started my own boutique consulting firm, Fixed Gear Strategies, helping clients navigate the intersection of tech policy and messaging.

I live in Alexandria with my wife Amanda and our three children. When not cheering on my hometown favorite Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies, you will find me riding my bike on the roads around northern Virginia or smoking meat in my backyard.

John Foley

Managing Director, Safer Buildings Coalition

Speaker Bio

John Foley

John provides day-to-day Coalition management of the Safer Buildings Coalition and leads SBC's mission-driven thought leadership, public policy, and lobbying efforts. John has extensive experience in analyzing and developing positions for telecommunications regulatory and legislative issues involving federal and state agencies and legislative bodies.

John is co-author of The Complete ERCES Handbook (erceshandbook.com), the definitive resource for learning and reference material pertaining to Emergency Responder Communications Enhancement Systems (ERCES).

John currently serves on the TIA Smart Buildings Working Group and Public Safety Subgroup, the CTIA Smart Cities Steering Committee, IWCE Advisory Board, and the NATE DAS Integrated Infrastructure Working Group. John serves on the advisory boards of non-profits Make Our Schools Safe (MOSS - makeourschoolssafe.org) and Telecommunications Against Trafficking and Exploitation (TATE - 3sgf.org/tate-initiative). John is also a certified ERCES instructor for the Florida State Fire College.

John has held key business development, operations, engineering, and executive roles at telecom service companies such as Level 3 Communications, MFS, and MCI. John was a co-founder of Nextlink (later named XO Communications) where he served as VP of Operations and Engineering and VP of International Network Development. John led dark fiber provider City Signal Communications in the position of President and CEO. John also served for five years in the role of Capture Director and engineering team lead for a leading DAS Integrator.

The Safer Buildings Coalition is the leading advocacy organization focused on eliminating in-building wireless dead zones. Founded in 2012, SBC unites more than 175 member companies and many thousands of content subscribers—spanning public safety, the wireless industry, and building operations—to ensure reliable emergency communications inside buildings. Core initiatives include championing school safety technologies, driving the "9-1-1 Inside" movement, and improving indoor 9-1-1 location accuracy and mapping. SBC leads workforce development through its Complete ERCES Handbook, the definitive technical reference underpinning multiple industry-recognized certification programs—ensuring the professionals who design and install these critical systems are properly trained and credentialed.

Cesar Ruiz

President & CEO - Learning Alliance Corporation

Speaker Bio

Cesar Ruiz

Over the past 18 years, Cesar Ruiz has focused on identifying and mastering the process needed to obtain Federal, State and Regional grant funding to overcome industry specific workforce challenges. With this unique format of workforce development, he has written 218 grants and assisted over 37,000 students with learning paths to support industry specific workforce requirements.

Tampa, Florida-based Learning Alliance, founded in 2002, is a leader in the trade education space, providing training and certifications for individuals, companies and colleges. Its goal is to tackle the industry shortage head-on with hands-on courses, and it was honored as the first partner in the Wireless Infrastructure Association’s (WIA) Telecommunications Education Center’s Authorized Training Partner (ATP) program.

The Learning Alliance differentiates itself by heavily investing in infrastructure to emphasize real-life situations, above and beyond classroom lecture. Ruiz believes first tower climbs should be during training, not during first days on the job. The company has a strong focus on veteran recruiting, seeking both those who are entering the workforce, or are currently stuck in a lower-paying hospitality field to one that earns a higher annual income in telecom.

Working with Learning Alliance, employees will gain voluntary participation in professional and personal growth, as the employee is not burdened with the cost. The employer will gain knowledgeable and well-trained employees that will benefit the organization, along with a cost-effective approach.

Alan Perdue

Executive Director - Safer Buildings Coalition

Speaker Bio

Alan Perdue

Chief Perdue has over 40 years of service in public safety. Chief Perdue is credentialed as a Chief Fire Officer (CFO) and Fire Marshal (FM) through the Center for Public Safety Excellence - Commission for Professional Credentialing, a graduate of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officers Program and holds degrees in Fire Protection Technology and Management/Ethics. In addition to serving as the Executive Director of the Safer Buildings Coalition since his retirement from Guilford County Emergency Services in 2013, Chief Perdue serves on the National Fire Protection Association 1225 Technical Committee, Underwriters Laboratories Standard #2524 Standards Technical Panel, Federal Communications Commissions - Intergovernmental Advisory Committee, National Association of Counties - Telecommunications and Technology Steering Committee and as an Elected County Commissioner in Guilford County, NC. Chief Perdue lectures extensively across the US and Canada about Emergency Responder Communications Enhancement Systems and is the co-author of the Complete ERCES Handbook. Chief Perdue's past public service includes serving as; the International Director representing Fire & Life Safety on the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Board of Directors , the Governor's fire service appointee to the North Carolina State Building Code Council, a Commissioner on the Center for Public Safety Excellence's Commission for Professional Credentialing, a member of the International Accreditation Services Technical Advisory Committee for Fire & Life Safety Departments and a member of the International Code Councils Codes and Standards Council. Additional career highlights to local, state and national fire service organizations include Director at Large, Vice-Chair and Chair of the IAFC Fire & Life Safety Section, four terms as a member of the International Code Councils Fire Code Hearing Committee, Vice-chair and Chairman of the North Carolina Fire Code Revision Committee, President of the North Carolina County Fire Marshal's Association and as an advisory board member for the Guilford Technical Community College Fire Science Curriculum Program.

Eric Toenjes

Board Chair - SBC School Safety WG
National Market Manager - Wireless - Graybar

Speaker Bio

Eric Toenjes

Eric Toenjes is responsible for setting strategy and working with the wireless ecosystem to bring best-in-class wireless solutions to Graybar's customers. He has over 25 years of experience in the wireless market through work with cellular carriers, system integrators and distribution providing solutions to end users and carriers. He is a frequent speaker at industry events and works with organizations like WIA, OnGo Alliance, IWCE and Safer Buildings Coalition to understand issues facing building owners, influence codes and help develop an understanding of business drivers behind the solution. As the Board Sponsor for the SBC School Safety Work Group, Eric is Liaison to the 40+ volunteers who develop content and strategy to improve school safety through technology, access the collective talents of those in the Work Group.

Highlights from Past SBC Tech and Policy Summits

Kellogg Conference Hotel Capital Hill

Special Rates available to Summit Attendees
Stay at the Event Venue - Keep the Conversation Going!
Newly renovated rooms with work space and WiFi

We have secured a block of rooms for the Group for the dates of June 8 - 11, 2026.
Rooms will be held until the cut-off date of Saturday, May 9th, 2026,
Special SBC online rate reservations are live and can be made by clicking on the hotel booking link below.
- After the respective hotel cut-off date, reservations made will be based on a space and current rate available basis
- All reservations must be secured with your individual credit card.
DO NOT DELAY! Quantities are limited and DC Hotel rates can be very high in June

Reserve Here

Other hotels nearby:

Homewood Suites by Hilton Washington DC NoMa Union Station

501 New York Avenue NE, Suite B, Washington, District of Columbia, 20002
(1 mile from Kellogg Conference Center)

More Info

Courtyard by Marriott Washington, DC/U.S. Capitol

1325 2nd St NE, Washington, DC 20002
(0.8 miles from Kellogg Conference Center)

More Info

The Morrow Washington DC, Curio Collection by Hilton

501 New York Avenue NE, Suite B, Washington, District of Columbia, 20002
(1 mile from Kellogg Conference Center)

More Info

Washington Marriott Capitol Hill

175 L St NE, Washington, DC 20002
(0.9 miles from Kellogg Conference Center)

More Info

Lead Sponsor

Reception Sponsor

WiFi Sponsor

Tote Bag Sponsor

AM Break – Day 1

Support the Mission - Connect with the Community

Sponsorship Opportunites

The 2026 SBC WIRELESS TECH & POLICY SUMMIT offers a unique opportunity to put your brand in front of the industry’s most influential leaders in wireless infrastructure, public safety, and school safety policy. Sponsorship packages include visibility across the event, exhibit space, and recognition in all Summit communications.

Several packages have already sold — including our Reception Sponsor, Wi-Fi Sponsor, and Tote Bag Sponsor. Download our prospectus to see all available options and secure your spot.