Reflecting on My First JAG Conference: A Partnership Born from Shared Purpose

by Rudy Ellis, CEO, Switchboard Live

As JAG’s newest member, Switchboard Live’s attendance at the 25th JAG Conference was both an introduction and a homecoming. Walking into that conference as an exhibitor, partner, and attendee, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. But, what I discovered over those two transformative days was a community that embodies everything we believe in at Switchboard Live—the power of genuine connection, purposeful technology, and unwavering dedication to amplifying voices that matter.

This Isn’t Just Another Industry Group

One of the most profound aspects of my conference experience was learning about JAG’s rich history and the passionate individuals who built this organization from the ground up.

Listening to the founding members speak at the awards dinner, I was struck by their dedication to what is truly “a passion and a thankless job.”

Whether serving as a JAG member or working as a team member at a station, everyone I met shared this underlying commitment to community television and its vital role in our society.

The core philosophy I took away—”accomplishing great with less”—resonates deeply with Switchboard Live’s mission, especially in today’s challenging funding environment. With year-over-year PEG funding dwindling, the need to do more with less has never been more critical. This reality underscores the resourcefulness and determination that defines both our communities and our approach to empowering communication teams with technology that simplifies their work while amplifying their voice.

The Power of Purposeful Partnerships

The partner dinner was particularly eye-opening. Seeing how valuable partnerships have grown to support JAG members and their initiatives reinforced why we chose to become part of this community. It’s not just about vendors selling products—it’s about creating meaningful connections between organizations that share common goals and values.

As someone new to the JAG community, I quickly realized that partnerships here are built on genuine need and mutual support. Stations face real challenges in their mission to serve their communities, and partners like Switchboard Live exist to provide solutions that truly make a difference.

My Surprising Booth Presentation

Perhaps the most rewarding part of the conference was my booth demonstration. As the newcomer in the block, I knew we had work to do in helping people understand where Switchboard Live fits in the ecosystem, the value we bring, and how we complement the partners they already know and trust.

What happened exceeded my expectations. I expected maybe a few polite listeners, but during the demo, I found myself surrounded by 15-17 engaged attendees for nearly fifteen minutes—station managers, team members, and fellow vendors all genuinely interested in understanding how Switchboard Live could support their work. The questions were thoughtful, the discussions were substantive, and the interest was authentic.

This experience perfectly captured what makes JAG a community. These are people who are genuinely invested in finding better ways to serve their audiences and support their missions. They don’t just attend conferences to go through the motions—they’re actively seeking solutions, partnerships, and connections that will help them do their jobs better.

Looking Forward: Building on Shared Mission

Our goal at Switchboard Live has always been to surround ourselves with communities that support our cause and mission of empowering communication teams with technology that simplifies their work while amplifying their voice. The JAG community is exactly that—a group of passionate professionals who understand that behind every piece of technology is a person trying to do meaningful work.I’m excited about the partnerships we’re building and the conversations that have continued beyond the conference.

To the teams at Woodbridge Township and East Brunswick who received our door prize gifts: I hope you will find them useful and we can’t wait to hear about your experience.

For fellow JAG members considering new solutions, I encourage you to reach out to these stations to hear firsthand about their experience with both our platform and our support. We understand that when you’re presenting new technology solutions to leadership, the quality of ongoing support can make or break your success as a leader—and we’re committed to ensuring that support never becomes a concern.

Let’s Keep The Conversation Going 

For those I haven’t had the chance to meet yet, I’m Rudy, and I represent Switchboard Live as we grow our presence in the JAG community. Our platform helps streamline workflows and enhance audience connections, but honestly, I’m more interested in understanding your specific challenges first. You can reach me directly at rudy@switchboard.live  and learn more about our solutions by visiting https://switchboard.live .

I believe the best partnerships are built on conversation and understanding. Whether you’re curious about what we do, have questions about how technology can support your station’s mission, or simply want to connect with a fellow JAG member, I’d welcome the opportunity to talk. The 25th JAG Conference reminded me why we do this work—not just for the technology, but for the communities we serve and the voices we help amplify. I’m grateful to be part of this organization and look forward to contributing to its continued success.