Episode 62 of the NEDAS Live! Podcast shines a spotlight on Brian Moon, CEO of Pacific Telecommunications Council (PTC), who joined host Ilissa Miller, CEO of iMiller Public Relations, for an in-depth conversation ahead of PTC’s 2026 Annual Conference. As PTC prepares for its 48th year connecting the digital infrastructure community, Moon shares how the organization is adapting to the age of AI, meeting evolving industry needs, empowering members, and fostering innovation.

Evolving Beyond Tradition: PTC’s Growth in the Age of AI

PTC has long been recognized for its January conference in Honolulu, a staple for global industry leaders from across wireline, wireless, subsea, satellite, and data center sectors. Brian Moon traces PTC’s evolution from its origins as a Pacific-focused membership meeting to its current role as a global convener, now at the convergence of AI, edge, and cloud innovation. “It isn’t siloed anymore. AI is interconnecting and converging all the other industries. Nothing works without each other now,” Moon notes. Recent conference sell-outs reflect the enthusiastic embrace of PTC’s refreshed programming and more diverse, tech-forward offerings.​

Member-First Mentality and Year-Round Value

Recognizing that industry professionals want more than a once-a-year event, Moon highlights how PTC reinvests its not-for-profit proceeds to support members. From providing meeting spaces at major industry events to organizing exclusive luncheons and ongoing education programs, PTC prioritizes networking, knowledge-sharing, and tangible benefits. “We want to make sure our members see that their dues are going towards something meaningful,” Moon explains. The upcoming conference’s robust member benefits, accessible pricing, and expanded activities demonstrate a commitment to value and inclusion.​

Leadership, Talent, and Next-Gen Empowerment

A major theme this year is leadership, which is embodied by the debut of the Alaka‘i Stage (meaning “to lead” or “to guide” in Hawaiian), which reimagines thought leadership sessions to foster deeper connections between attendees and top executives. PTC is also addressing industry succession with two leadership development initiatives: the Academy Master Class for mid-career professionals and the Top Talent Leadership program in partnership with Columbia Business School. “These are just a few ways that we’re contributing back to the industry,” explains Moon.

Inclusion Initiatives: Laulima and Industry Diversity

PTC’s new Week of Laulima, Hawaiian for “many hands coming together”, puts a spotlight on women in critical infrastructure. Featuring tracks and safe spaces for networking, coaching, and peer celebration, this program is helping drive strong female representation and engagement at the annual event. “We want all participants to feel they belong and can thrive here,” Moon says, as surging engagement in industry group chats and programming shows the impact.​

Looking Ahead: Convening, Educating, and Innovating

As the intersection of AI, data centers, and connectivity accelerates, Moon underscores PTC’s dual role as convener and educator, providing factual context when public perceptions of the digital infrastructure sector are at stake, including environmental and community impacts. The organization aims to support industry growth and keep their members ahead of the curve, whether through connection, education, or advocacy.

With the PTC Annual Conference on the horizon, the organization continues to shape the global conversation, bringing together the leaders, innovators, and future talent driving the digital economy forward.

The PTC’26 event takes place in Honolulu at the Hilton Hawaiian Village starting Sunday, January 18 through Wednesday, January 21, 2026. The invite-only member’s soiree kicks off the festivities on Saturday, January 17, 2026.

For more information about the event, membership and to register for a pass, visit ptc.org.

To continue the conversation, listen to the full podcast episode here.