Diversity at State of the Net 2024

Earlier this month, we were thrilled to convene the Internet stakeholder community at the 20th annual State of the Net Conference, the nation’s most prominent Internet policy summit.

Speakers at SOTN reflect different perspectives on Internet policy issues. We have long curated the program to highlight differences of opinion among experts from across the spectrum of industry, government, academia, and civil society. 

We have made strides over the years to bring more diverse voices to the table at State of the Net. We’ve made great progress in some areas and have made incremental improvements in others. In other areas, we haven’t made much of a dent and we need to do better. In the interest of accountability, we’re publishing the below stats regarding speaker diversity at #SOTN2024.*

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Copy of SOTN 2023 Diversity Pie Charts
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There is always room for improvement and we will work harder. We will also continue our work to create a pipeline for talented Internet policy practitioners of color through the Internet Law & Policy Foundry. The Foundry, which we launched seven years ago, is a professional development platform for early career professionals passionate about Internet law and policy. Diversity is a major goal in the Foundry admissions criteria for incoming fellows. We will also continue to inspire students of color to pursue careers in computer science and STEM through the Congressional App Challenge (CAC). Through the House’s official computer science competition for middle and high school students, which we administer, we work to ensure that student participation in the CAC reflects the diversity of the American people. (See impact/diversity).

* BIPOC Defined.

** Why Latine?

*** Our survey of speakers at SOTN was passive. Our data is not a reflection of speakers’ attestation of identity. “All Speakers” is reflective of speakers across keynotes (podium speeches and fireside chats), panels, and our newly introduced Lightning Talks and Salons. “Panelists/Moderators” reflect speakers who spoke on a panel as well as moderators who moderated either a panel or a fireside chat. 

Agenda, Video
SOTN 2024 is over. Here are links to the program agenda, speakers, and videos.