Representatives from Google, Cisco, Harvard University and the municipal officials from Seattle and Amsterdam are just some of the speakers included in this week's Fiber Fête conference. Representatives from Google, Cisco, Harvard University and the municipal officials from Seattle and Amsterdam are just some of the speakers included in this week's Fiber Fête conference being held at the Louisiana Immersive Technologies Enterprise. City-Parish President Joey Durel and Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Stephen Moret will be the featured speakers kicking off the event today. "We have a story to tell, to share with America and the world," Durel says in a press release posted today on the Fiber Fête Web site. "The future of fiber optic networking isn't a dream. For us, it's a reality, it's here, it's working, and it's an example of what is not only possible, but of what will be the future in America."
In addition to celebrating the launch of Lafayette's municipally-owned fiber-to-the-premise network, speakers and guests at Fiber Fete will be exploring what innovative possibilities are out there for fiber-powered communities. Topics range from a presentation by local musician David Greely on "Using the Internet to Spread Cajun Culture," to a speech on Google's Gigabit Project from the company's project manager. While an invitation-only event, Fiber Fête is also open to the world live via the Internet. Viewers may access the webcast online at www.LiveStream.com/FiberFete. Coverage will run from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. CST Tuesday, April 20 and from 8:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 21.