The Creative Coast is pleased to welcome Federal Communications Commissioner Ajit Pai to Geekend on Friday, October 16 at 4 p.m. Commissioner Pai, who was nominated to the Federal Communications Commission by President Barack Obama and confirmed unanimously by the United States Senate on May 7, 2012, will speak on “Innovation and Entrepreneurship in America’s Internet Economy,” and share ways the U.S. is leading the world in online innovation.

It is no secret, high-speed broadband is the key to innovation and entrepreneurship in the Internet economy. In big cities and small towns alike, the Internet gives anyone with an idea the chance to succeed.  The Federal Communications Commission can play a key role in enabling digital opportunity by promoting investment in the nation’s next-generation broadband networks and by freeing up more spectrum for consumers’ use.  As a result, FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai has said that America’s Internet economy and entrepreneurial culture are ‘the envy of the world.’

Commissioner Pai’s focus is on creating a regulatory environment in which competition and innovation will flourish, thus benefitting American consumers. He believes that it is vital for the FCC to adopt policies that will give private firms the strongest incentive to raise and invest capital; to develop new products and services; and to compete in established and new markets. Specifically, Commissioner Pai is working to remove uncertainty that can deter businesses and investors from taking risks, to revisit outdated regulations, and to set clear, modernized rules for the road. These steps will result in consumers enjoying better products at lower prices and the communications industry contributing to faster economic growth and more job creation.

Pai's session will be presided over by Clegg Ivey, an entrepreneur and former a Silicon Valley Tech Lawyer in the 90s, who has founded and helped several startups. His business plans and pitches have raised over $71 million from VCs like Crosspoint and Mayfield in the last fifteen years, in addition to his startup portfolio which includes Voxeo (acquired in 2013 by Aspect Communications for $150M); Tropo (acquired in 2015 by Cisco for $75M); Redux Beverages; Savannah to Go!; Forge (X); The Guild Hall; The Chromatic Dragon; and 8-Bit Donuts. He was also instrumental in guiding the development of a number of other startups, including CDP, Routergy, Cyberspy, and Quickit.

The two will speak at The Guild Hall, located at 615 Montgomery St. in downtown Savannah on Friday, October 16 at 4 p.m. Tickets are on sale for a limited time and can be purchased online www.geek-end.com.

For a complete schedule of events and to purchase tickets, please visit www.geek-end.com. Special room rates and travel information can also be found on www.geek-end.com.