2026 Connect the Unconected Award Basics & FAQ

1. What is the purpose of the Award?

The Connect the Unconnected Award recognizes the individual who, in the opinion of the award judges, has made the most significant contribution in the past year, bringing fiber broadband to an unserved or underserved community in North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean. It is expected that bringing fiber broadband to the community will provide life enhancing services to citizens of the community.

2. Who can win the Award?

Individuals must be nominated by at least one of their industry peers to be considered for the award. Nominees must have been instrumental in starting or completing an FTTx project; they may work for companies that operate, develop, or install FTTx technology. Only activities in North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean will be considered in assessing nominations.

3. How do I nominate someone for the Award?

Nominations can be made here. The form must be completed in its entirety to be considered. Nominators will be asked to provide the name and affiliation of the nominee, plus provide the nominee's contact information. In addition, the nominator must describe, in no more than 500 words, why the nominee deserves the Award. Finally, the nominator must provide their contact information in case the judges seek additional information.

4. Can I nominate myself?

No.

5. Must the nominee be a customer of Corning Incorporated or work for a company that advertises with Endeavor B2B's franchise?

No.

6. Are employees of Corning or Endeavor B2B, eligible for the Award?

No.

7. Must I pay a fee to nominate someone?

No.

8. Is there a limit to the number of people I may nominate?

No.

9. What is the deadline for nominations?

Nominations will be accepted beginning March 9, 2026. The deadline for receipt of nominations is April 24, 2026 before 11:59 PM EDT.

10. How will the nominations be judged?

Primary consideration will be given to the essay that describes the nominee's contributions to serving unserved communities. The judges will rely on their industry experience and expertise when weighing nominations. They may also conduct additional research beyond the nomination forms in making their final selection.

11. Who are the judges for the contest?

The judges will come from Corning Inc., Endeavor B2B, and the Fiber Broadband Association. The Award organizers reserve the right to impanel additional judges as they deem necessary.

12. When will the judges complete their deliberations?

Final judging is scheduled to be completed on or about April 29, 2026.

13. When will the winner be notified?

Corning through Endeavor B2B will notify the winner as soon as feasible after judging has completed.

14. When will the Award be announced and presented?

The winner of the award will be announced officially during the 2026 Fiber Connect conference and expo at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center located in Kissimmee, FL., which takes place May 17th- 20th, 2026.

15. What does the winner receive?

The grand prize is a piece of Steuben glass. A profile of the winner that describes their accomplishments will appear on the ISE websites.Prizes are not transferable.

16. Will Corning or Endeavor B2B pay any expenses associated with submitting nominations or receiving the prize?

No. If you are the winner, you are solely responsible for all costs, expenses, and any other arrangements associated with receiving the prize, including but not limited to any taxes or other fees imposed by a governmental authority.

17. Whom can I contact if I have a question?

Send any inquiries regarding the contest to Jessica Ross. For more details, please see the official Rules section of the website.