APCO-PSBTA Public Safety Communications Event
The Technology Sessions: 4.9 GHz and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Join the Technology Sessions to learn more about 4.9 GHz and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how the introduction of AI may impact public safety needs. This is a 2-day event discussing the innovations and evolutions in public safety communications. There will be public safety subject matter experts, end users, and technology innovators discussing the importance of 4.9 GHz, and how the integration of AI benefits public safety from the use of dedicated public safety spectrum. Each day will conclude with a focus group discussion, providing ample opportunities to network, make connections, share insights, and analyze data.
On Day 1, you’ll learn about the history of the 4.9 GHz band, public safety’s need for 5G using Mid Band spectrum, 4.9 GHz licensing, incumbent use of the spectrum, and the importance of a Band Manager.
Day 2 will focus on AI, what it means to public safety communications, how it will interface with public safety broadband, what the future landscape looks like for this type of technology, and the potential impact to improved public safety communications.
There is limited seating for this event.
Location
The City Club of Washington
555 13th Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20004
Dates and Times
March 18, 2025 | 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
March 19, 2025 | 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon
Cost
$500 for commercial employees
Free for government employees
Agenda
Day 1 |
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| 1:00 p.m. | 4.9 GHz: Licensing, Recent FCC Action, and Historical Perspective of the Band This session will consist of a series of panel and group discussions focused on 4.9 GHz public safety spectrum. Recent FCC action has introduced the relicensing of 4.9 GHz licenses and creation of a Public Safety Band Manager to facilitate use of 4.9 GHz public safety spectrum. Sessions will identify licensing issues and responsibilities assigned to the Band Manager. Introduction: Stephen Devine, Chief Technology Officer, APCO |
| 1:30-2:30 p.m. | Panel #1: Incumbent Use and Licensing of the 4.9 GHz Band Moderator: Stephen Devine, Chief Technology Officer, APCO Panelists: Michael Barnbeck, Deputy Executive Director, PSBTA; Jack Varnado, First Vice President, APCO; Richard R. Mirgon, Vice President & Treasurer of the PSBTA |
| 2:45-3:45 p.m. | Panel #2: 4.9 GHz Band Manager Introduction and Responsibilities Moderator: Michael Barnbeck, Deputy Executive Director, PSBTA Panelists: James Mitchell, Obelisk Associates; Stephen Devine, Chief Technology Officer, APCO; Richard Carrizzo, Fire Chief, Southern Platte Fire Department & Chair of the FirstNet Authority Board, Retired |
| 4:00-4:45 p.m. | 4.9 Focus Group Discussion-Closeout Moderator: Stephen Devine, Chief Technology Officer, APCO |
Day 2 |
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| 8:00 a.m. | Public Safety and Artificial Intelligence (AI) This session will consist of a series of panel and group discussions focused on Artificial Intelligence and how it enhances public safety. Specifically, we will discuss what AI is and what does this mean to public safety, how does AI integrate with public safety broadband, and explore use cases where AI has been successful. Introduction: Michael Barnbeck, Deputy Executive Director, PSBTA Brian Henz, PhD, Senior Science Advisor-Artificial Intelligence, US Department of Homeland Security |
| 8:30-9:15 a.m. | Panel #1: Does AI Have a Need for More Dedicated Spectrum Moderator: Stephen Devine, Chief Technology Officer, APCO Panelists: Armada Inc. (AI Leading Company); Michael Barnbeck, Deputy Executive Director, PSBTA |
| 9:15-10:15 a.m. | Panel #2: How to Responsibly Harness AI for Public Safety Moderator: Stephen Martini, APCO President Panelists: Dave Blankinship, President, Emergent; Chad Brothers, Vice President of Emergency Services Program, Viiz Communications Inc.; James Mitchell, Obelisk Associates |
| 10:30-11:30 a.m. | Panel #3: Spectrum Needs and Effective AI Integration in Public Safety Moderator: Michael Barnbeck, Deputy Executive Director, PSBTA Panelists: Deputy Fire Chief Thomas W. Chenworth, District of Columbia Fire & EMS Department; David Clow, CIO, Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia; Jacob A. Saur CPE, ENP, ECC Administrator of Arlington County Public Safety Communications and Emergency Management |
| 11:30 a.m. – 12 noon | AI Focus Group Discussion-Closeout Moderator: Michael Barnbeck Deputy Executive Director, PBSTA |