Spring '25 VON: Evolution

For nearly 30 years, VON has shaped the future of telecom—from the rise of VoIP to the evolution of cloud communications. Now, a new transformation is underway.

Spring ’25 VON: Evolution explores how AI, telecom, and enterprise connectivity are converging to unlock the next era of intelligent networks, automation, and business transformation.

Bentonville, AR—home to global leaders in supply chain, logistics, and digital infrastructure—is the perfect setting for this pivotal conversation. This event brings together telecom pioneers, AI innovators, investors, and business leaders to explore how next-generation connectivity is reshaping industries and creating new opportunities.

Why Attend?

• AI-Powered Telecom: How AI is optimizing networks, automation & business intelligence.
• Supply Chain & Connectivity: The role of AI in real-time logistics & intelligent operations.
• Intelligent Voice & Networks: From AI-powered customer interactions to next-gen enterprise connectivity.
• Investment & Business Strategy: Where AI & networks are driving new revenue opportunities.
• Regulatory & Compliance: The future of telecom, AI & enterprise security policies.
• Exclusive Networking: Connect with telecom, AI, supply chain & enterprise leaders.

VON is where connectivity’s future takes shape. Join the leaders defining the next era of AI-powered business and networks.

Who Should Attend?

• Telecom Operators & Wireless Carriers – AI’s role in networks, automation & voice transformation.
• Enterprise AI & Cloud Leaders – AI’s impact on edge computing, enterprise networks & intelligent decision-making.
• Supply Chain & Logistics Executives – How AI-driven connectivity is reshaping automation & real-time logistics.
• Investors & Founders – Where AI & network intelligence are creating new business opportunities.
• Regulators & Compliance Experts – AI, SCITT & the future of telecom & enterprise data security.
• Northwest Arkansas Business & Economic Leaders – How Bentonville is becoming a center for AI-powered enterprise growth.

Why Bentonville?

Bentonville is not just a supply chain hub—it’s a center for AI-driven industry transformation.

• Home to Global Enterprises – Walmart, J.B. Hunt, Tyson Foods & leaders in logistics, retail & business automation.
• Thriving AI & Connectivity Ecosystem – A growing network of AI-powered business, automation & telecom innovation.
• At the Crossroads of Intelligent Infrastructure – AI + 5G, cloud computing & next-generation logistics.

With telecom and AI revolutionizing how businesses connect, Bentonville is the perfect place to discuss the future of intelligent networks, automation, and business connectivity.

An evening for leaders, speakers, and executives to discuss the future of telecom, AI, and intelligent connectivity in a comfortable setting.

Jeff Pulver, Founder, VON:Evolution AI, telecom, and supply chain innovations are creating new business opportunities and reshaping industries. This event sets the stage for how AI is driving the future of intelligent communications and logistics.

Speakers & Delegates A chance for attendees to introduce themselves, fostering connections from the start.

Jeff Pulver, Founder, VON: Evolution

Matt Waller, Leadership Chair, Sam Walton Business School, University of Arkansas; Strategic Advisor, NewRoad Capital Partners

How is AI reshaping supply chain efficiency, logistics, and enterprise operations? This discussion explores AI’s role in automation, business strategy, and transportation from both a corporate and venture capital perspective.

Moderator: Glenn Richards, Member, Dickinson Wright PLLC

Panelists:

• Jeffrey Carlisle, Managing Member, Lerman Senter PLLC
• Jeff Stalnaker, CEO, First Orion
• Alex Quillici, CEO, YouMail

As AI-powered telecom and digital networks grow, so do regulatory and cybersecurity challenges. This panel will explore privacy concerns, AI-driven fraud, branded calling regulations, and cybersecurity risks, helping businesses stay ahead of compliance requirements and security threats.

Thomas Howe, CTO, Strolid
AI is revolutionizing how businesses communicate, automate workflows, and improve customer experiences. This session explores practical ways companies are using AI-powered tools to streamline operations, enhance decision-making, and ensure regulatory compliance.

Rusty Cumpston, CEO, DataTrails
AI is making global supply chains more transparent, efficient, and resilient. This session explores how businesses can reduce fraud, track shipments in real time, and strengthen compliance using AI-driven automation and digital verification tools. Learn how companies are using secure, AI-enhanced tracking systems to prevent counterfeit goods, cyber threats, and operational risks.

Thomas Howe, CTO, Strolid Dave Erickson, Founder, CarrierX & Phound Jon Brinton, Chief Revenue Officer, Crexendo

AI is transforming how businesses manage networks, secure data, and create new revenue opportunities. This fireside chat explores how companies are using AI to improve network reliability, automate security, prevent fraud, and unlock new business models in telecom and enterprise communications.

Moderator: Jeff Pulver, Founder, VON: Evolution

Speakers:

• John Walter, Founder & CEO, Contact Center AI Association
• Thomas Howe, CTO, Strolid

AI is changing customer service and call centers through automated responses, sentiment analysis, and real-time data insights. This discussion highlights how companies are using AI-powered automation to improve customer interactions, boost efficiency, and ensure compliance.

2:30 PM - Fireside Chat: Securing Operational Technology (OT) in the Age of AI - Cybersecurity tools built for traditional IT environments often fall short in protecting Operational Technology (OT) — the systems that run factories, logistics networks, and critical infrastructure. Briana shares how purpose-built, AI-powered OT security can address these vulnerabilities and bring true visibility and protection to the edge
Jeff Pulver - Founder, VON: Evolution
Briana Sullivan - CEO, iolitesecure
2:55 PM - AI & Supply Chain Innovations – The Future of Logistics & Business Connectivity - AI is reshaping logistics and transportation, making global supply chains faster, more cost-efficient, and more resilient. This session explores how AI is helping companies predict demand, optimize routes, reduce waste, and improve overall supply chain performance.
Justin Cooper - President, The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals
Additional Speakers TBA
3:30 PM - Fireside Chat: Where Investors Are Placing Bets: AI, Networks & the Future of Business Connectivity - Investors are betting big on AI-driven telecom, logistics, and enterprise automation. This session highlights where capital is flowing in AI-powered infrastructure, what’s driving investment in smart networks, and how businesses can prepare for the future.
Jeff Pulver - Founder, VON: Evolution
Lane Patterson - Partner, Highway Ventures
3:55 PM - Northwest Arkansas – The Next Frontier for AI, Telecom & Enterprise Innovation - Northwest Arkansas is emerging as a leader in AI, supply chain technology, and enterprise innovation. This discussion explores why startups, investors, and tech companies are turning to Bentonville, and what’s next for the region’s AI-powered transformation.
Panelists:
Grace Gill - Operations Manager, Fuel Accelerator
Joe Comizio - Partner, Highway Ventures

4:45 PM - Closing Remarks & Call to Action – Reflect on the day’s insights and walk away inspired to act. Whether you’re building, investing, or transforming your business, the future starts now.
Jeff Pulver - Founder, VON: Evolution

Meet the Host: Jeff Pulver

A VoIP pioneer & telecom visionary, Jeff Pulver has spent 30+ years shaping the evolution of telecom & connectivity.

- Founding Chairman of Vonage – A pioneer of VoIP & internet-based communication.

- Architect of the Pulver Order – A landmark decision that helped shape global telecom & internet policy.

- AI + Networks Thought Leader – Leading conversations on AI-powered telecom, automation & intelligent business.

Jeff continues to drive disruptive innovation at the intersection of AI, telecom & enterprise connectivity, curating conversations that shape the future of business, automation & intelligent networks.

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When selecting event tickets, please beware of the ticket choices:

VON Evolution Tickets:

• Purple Basic - provides access to the event only.
• Purple VIP - provides access to the event and our VIP Dinner.

(c) 2025 VON Evolution Events, Inc.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Museum of Native American History, 202 Southwest O Street, Bentonville, United States