2012 Annual Conference

Letter From The President

A special invitation from the NATOA President

View Invitation


Who Should Attend?

  • City and County Telecommunications Administrators
  • Elected and Appointed Officials
  • City and County Managers
  • City and County Attorneys
  • Planning and Public Works Directors
  • Budget and Finance Directors
  • Cable and Communications Industry Representatives
  • Government Programmers
  • Government CIOs and Web site Managers
  • IT & Network Managers


Save the Date for NATOA’s 2012 Annual Conference!
September 27 - 29, 2012 at the Sheraton New Orleans
New Orleans, LA

Be a Conference Sponsor!
Let NATOA help you establish brand recognition; enhance your corporate image;
increase sales… and your bottom line.

NATOA invites your company to take advantage of a vast array of high-visibility sponsorship opportunities at NATOA’s 32nd Annual Conference. Whether you plan to unveil new products and services, network with established clients or contact new prospects, NATOA’s Annual Conference should be an essential part of your marketing plan. Interact with the most influential and knowledgeable people working on broadband, communications and programming issues in local government. For each listed opportunity, you will be given exclusivity at the selected event.
Visit the Sponsor Tab for more information.

Letter From The President

A special invitation from the NATOA President

View Invitation


Who Should Attend?

  • City and County Telecommunications Administrators
  • Elected and Appointed Officials
  • City and County Managers
  • City and County Attorneys
  • Planning and Public Works Directors
  • Budget and Finance Directors
  • Cable and Communications Industry Representatives
  • Government Programmers
  • Government CIOs and Web site Managers
  • IT & Network Managers

CONFERENCE ATTIRE

Casual business attire is suggested for the conference sessions and the reception. 

HOTEL INFORMATION

NATOA has reserved a block of rooms for conference attendees at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel at the special conference rate of $110 single/double per night plus tax. This special rate also includes complimentary high speed Internet in guestrooms.

To reserve a room, call 888-627-7033. You must mention that you are with the NATOA Annual Conference to be assured of receiving NATOA’s discounted rate. To guarantee your reservations, please contact the Sheraton before Friday, September 7, 2012. We encourage you to make your room reservation ASAP to guarantee availability. NATOA cannot guarantee availability or rate once the block has sold out. Rack rates at the Sheraton range from $159-219 per night, so it is important to make your reservations early and take advantage of the discounted rate. The Sheraton New Orleans Hotel is located at 500 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130; Phone: (504) 525-2500

Use this link to make your reservation online


TRANSPORTATION

The Sheraton New Orleans Hotel is located approximately 16 miles from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. Taxi service to the hotel from the airport is approximately $30 each way. Shuttle Service is approximately $15 each way.

Cancellation Policy

Full registration fee minus a 25% service charge will be refunded if cancellation is received in writing at NATOA Headquarters no later than Friday, August 31, 2012. No refunds will be made for cancellations received after August 31, 2012. Substitutions are permitted and encouraged in lieu of cancellation. You may fax your cancellation or substitution request to (703) 997-7080.

Sponsorship Opportunities

NATOA has numerous sponsorship opportunities available at this year’s Annual Conference. Whether you plan to unveil new products and services, network with established clients or contact new prospects, NATOA’s Annual Conference must be an essential part of your marketing plan. Don’t miss this opportunity to interact with the most influential and knowledgeable people working on broadband, communications and programming issues in local government. Visit the “Be a Sponsor” tab for more information and to sign-up today!

 

Registration Pricing

Actual payment must be received by the date indicated in order to receive the registration rate. If your registration and payment are not received by the date indicated, the correct (higher) fee will be applied. A purchase order does not constitute payment.

                                                                                                                                                            

One or Two Day Registration
NATOA Member $275
NLC Primary Member/Elected Official $275
Government Non-Member/Non-Profit $375
Non-Member Private Sector $425
Until 6/01/2012
NATOA Member $575
NLC Primary Member/Elected Official $575
Government Non-Member/Non-Profit $845
Non-Member Private Sector $945
6/02/2012 - 7/15/2012
NATOA Member $650
NLC Primary Member/Elected Official $650
Government Non-Member/Non-Profit $945
Non-Member Private Sector $1,045
After 7/16/2012
NATOA Member $725
NLC Primary Member/Elected Official $725
Government Non-Member/Non-Profit $995
Non-Member Private Sector $1,095
 

 

Print this Agenda

The Following Conference Program Details Are Subject To Change

09/27/2012 - Thursday, September 27, 2012
8:00 am - 9:00 am - First Time Attendees Meeting
8:00 am - 4:30 pm - Registration Open
9:15 am - 10:30 am - Concurrent Sessions
Broadband 101: A Primer
The session will look at the business, technology, regulatory, and political factors affecting affordable and reliable broadband service, with a look at emerging technologies and delivery models. This is a non-technical session designed for those new to the broadband arena, and those who'd like an update.
Moderators: [tba]
Speakers: [tba]
PEG Technology 101: A Primer
This Primer is an introductory to current PEG technologies and an overview of everything PEG. Panelists will share their experiences and decision-making processes concerning their current communication plans. Topics for this Primer include equipment selection, social media, YouTube, and getting the most "bang for your buck." Join us for this amazing idea-sharing and networking opportunity and hear first-hand experiences from those that have been there and done that.
Moderators: [tba]
Speakers: [tba]
11:00 am - 12:15 pm - Concurrent Sessions
The Future of State and Local Communications Taxes
Federal and state preemption of local taxing authority. The streamlining and simplification of tax codes. The challenge of adapting existing tax policies to new technologies. How are these changes impacting local government revenues? Does a "general tax" create equity between different technologies, or does it just hamstring local government tax authority and reduce revenue streams? Learn about the different tax models being used and the strengths and weaknesses of each.
Moderators: [tba]
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Now Listen to This: Words Tell the Story
Imagine a saltwater marsh at sunset. Insects buzz in the cord-grass and short-tailed sparrows circle overhead. Now imagine yourself in a conference room learning how to create "a sense of place." National Public Radio storytellers will share the secrets of subject/verb order and suggestive word choice so you can swiftly create a logical narrative for your own stories. Driveway Moments, meaningful silence, and natural sound will also be shared.
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12:30 pm - 2:00 pm - General Session Luncheon
(Lack of) Public Interest Obligations
Whatever happened to public interest obligations? In exchange for the use of public airways and rights of way, there used to be a form of social compact between industry and communities concerning universal service guarantees, PEG channels, consumer protection, and so on. But with developments like statewide franchising, operator consolidations, and the emergence of broadband and wireless services, some say those days are over. Join this provocative discussion as our panelists debate the challenges and opportunities facing local communities as they seek to preserve public interest obligations and rebalance the social compact.
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2:30 pm - 3:45 pm - General Session
Broadband from a Global Perspective
Is it true that we live in a "flat" world, a global economy in which America's localities compete for jobs and economic development not only with each other, but with our competitor communities in Asia, Europe and Down Under? If so, should we be alarmed at our rapid fall from first in the world in broadband deployment a decade ago to lagging behind much of the developed world today? This session will explore the global broadband picture and will describe how competitor nations are building for the broadband future. Panelists will also project how America's localities can use broadband to take advantage of resources and opportunities outside the United States.
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4:15 pm - 5:30 pm - Concurrent Sessions
At Last . . . A Nationwide Public Safety Wireless Broadband Network: Now What?
A nationwide public safety wireless broadband network is on the way. And with it come many challenges that local governments will have to face. How will new technologies change the game? What about Next Gen 911 services like text, photos, and data? How do we solve continuing problems with interoperability? And who's going to pay for it? Find out everything you need to know about the new network and what local governments must do to prepare for it.
Moderators: [tba]
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Digital Conversion
During this informative session NATOA colleagues from around the nation will share their recent experiences on studio upgrades focusing on the transition from analog to digital, standard definition to high definition, cameras, and editing systems. The presentations will focus on what aspects went into the decision-making process, what steps they took to accomplish a successful outcome, and the reasons behind what features were deemed necessary during the equipment selection.
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5:30 pm - 7:30 pm - Welcome Reception/Exhibit Hall Open
09/28/2012 - Friday, September 28, 2012
8:00 am - 4:30 pm - Registration Open
8:00 am - 8:45 am - Board/Chapter President Breakfast
8:00 am - 9:00 am - Breakfast
9:00 am - 10:15 am - General Session
Privacy: Is Technology Making Us Safer or Has Big Brother Arrived?
Since 9/11 federal, state and local governments have made enormous investments in technology to forestall future terrorist attacks. Law enforcement agencies believe that the nature of the terrorist threat requires extensive electronic surveillance. Use of surveillance cameras; facial recognition technology; GPS tracking devices and biometric data systems are creating a mind-boggling trove of data about all aspects of our daily lives and as technology advances, the ability to track us will become formidable. But have we gone too far in our quest for security? Can our security and our privacy coexist? What safeguards are needed to preserve our civil liberties and constitutional protections in a post 9/11 world? Our distinguished panel will explore these and other questions.
Moderators: [tba]
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10:45 am - 12:00 pm - Concurrent Sessions
State Telecom Legislation: Broken Promises
Increased competition and lower prices. Levels the playing field for everyone. Broadens the tax base and produces higher revenues. These are just a few of the broken promises resulting from state legislation that has taken away local franchising authority, restricted the deployment of community broadband networks, decimated PEG operations, and stolen local tax revenues. Find out what's really happening with statewide franchising, community broadband network, and tax reform initiatives and what you can do when they come to your neighborhood.
Moderators: [tba]
Speakers: [tba]
Flying Solo Video Journalism
What small town stations used to deride as the "One-Man-Band" is now celebrated as "The VJ Model" in Top Ten markets. This session looks at helping your reporters learn to find the record button, and encouraging your technicians to find their voice. Panelists from both sides of the change will speak about their humbling experiences and their triumphs. Supplemental material from the RTDNA and The Poynter Institute will be available.
Moderators: [tba]
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12:30 pm - 2:00 pm - Keynote Luncheon featuring Dr. Vinton G. Cerf

Vinton G. Cerf has served as vice president and chief Internet evangelist for Google since October 2005. In this role, he is responsible for identifying new enabling technologies to support the development of advanced, Internet-based products and services from Google. He is also an active public face for Google in the Internet world.

Cerf is the former senior vice president of Technology Strategy for MCI. In this role, Cerf was responsible for helping to guide corporate strategy development from the technical perspective.

Widely known as one of the "Fathers of the Internet," Cerf is the co-designer of the TCP/IP protocols and the architecture of the Internet. His contributions have been acknowledged and lauded repeatedly, with honorary degrees and awards that include the National Medal of Technology, the Turing Award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom and membership in the National Academy of Engineering.

Join us for this amazing opportunity to hear from Dr. Vint Cerf.
Moderators: [tba]
Speakers: [tba]
2:30 pm - 3:45 pm - Concurrent Sessions
PEG: Now and in the Future -- A Frank Discussion
Statewide franchising, decreased funding, evolving technologies, and Congressional lack of interest are just a few of the hurdles facing PEG operators across the nation. In this session, find out why some PEG channels are thriving, why some are going dark, and what future PEG operations may look like.
Moderators: [tba]
Speakers: [tba]
Editing Tips and Tricks
Join us for a crowd-sourced showcase of GPA-winning magic and revelations about the sleight-of-hand that made it all happen. We'll name the hardware and software. We'll discuss the specific amounts of money and time that members invested in their on-screen results. We'll share free resources from Digital Juice, Avid, and Creative Cow that keep your gears turning even after you've left New Orleans.
Moderators: [tba]
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4:15 pm - 5:30 pm - Concurrent Sessions
Reaching the Win-Win With Wireless Infrastructure Companies
With the ever-increasing demand for mobile connectivity, how can local governments effectively partner with the wireless infrastructure companies that are playing a key role in augmenting mobile broadband and wireless services nationwide? What strategies can we use to ensure that wireless tower and DAS siting processes are a win-win proposition? How can we better understand each other and how can we meet both our citizens' needs for better service and our need for respect of local processes and concerns in deploying wireless infrastructure? This session is a continuation of an ongoing dialogue between the industry and local government, which began with a February workshop sponsored by the FCC in cooperation with NATOA.
Moderators: [tba]
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Local Government Websites and Social Media
Learn how to engage citizens, enhance transparency, and foster collaboration using the latest Web 2.0 technologies. Get practical advice on using new media tools, including social media avenues, such as Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, blogs, Real Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds, podcasts, and much more. Deliver the information that citizens want, when they want it, via the channel they prefer, and integrate social media tools into your external communications practices while maximizing awareness of your agency's mission to the public.
Moderators: [tba]
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6:00 pm - 7:00 pm - Chapter Meetings
09/29/2012 - Saturday, September 29, 2012
8:30 am - 1:30 pm - Registration Open
9:00 am - 10:25 am - Franchising Roundtable (Closed Session)
9:00 am - 10:25 am - Programming Roundtable
10:30 am - 11:45 am - General Session
The View from Washington and the State Capitals
If nothing happens in Congress during a presidential election year, why are we so busy? Despite conventional wisdom, local governments must pay attention to a variety of legislative and regulatory actions - public safety communications, rights of way authority, local taxing authority, protecting PEG - all are in play in Washington. State franchising and community broadband networks are on the front burner in many state capitals. Hear from the experts advocating the local government positions on the front lines, and become better equipped to address these issues in your jurisdiction.
Moderators: [tba]
Speakers: [tba]
12:00 pm - 1:15 pm - Luncheon Concurrent Sessions
Rights of Way Management: Balancing Local Authority, Access, and Faster Deployment
More and more companies want access to the public rights of way and they want it faster, cheaper, and with as little local government oversight as possible. But local governments must protect public resources, ensure reasonable compensation, and protect the community health and safety. Hear from experts on how they manage to balance these competing needs as they discuss key negotiation topics, tactical outcomes, and lessons learned from recent negotiations.
Moderators: [tba]
Speakers: [tba]
Uploading Video to Social Media: How To and Why
The client expects to see their video on YouTube, but what about Vimeo, MetaCafe or 5min? How will multiple uploads affect Google results? Should you pay for TubeMogul or stick with BlipTV? And how do we let people see our work now that Facebook is on the way out?
Moderators: [tba]
Speakers: [tba]
1:30 pm - 2:45 pm - Concurrent Sessions
Broadband's Role in Your Community
A community's current and future communications needs must take into account the vital role that broadband plays in our daily lives. Whether it be services to schools and other anchor institutions, Wi-Fi connectivity, low-income subscriber programs, or digital literacy initiatives, identifying these needs will lay the ground work for the strategic thinking and planning necessary to take control of your community's broadband future. It also signals to operators that your community may have unmet needs. Our panel of experts will discuss strategies in addressing these needs and the various means by which communities can obtain these services.
Moderators: [tba]
Speakers: [tba]
Sponsorships for PEG Programming
In this educational and informative session, learn how to approach businesses in your community for sponsorships. Speakers will share their experiences, educate us on how to complete sponsorships without violating our franchise agreements, and show us a variety of win/win situations that will allow community businesses to provide sponsorships while offering the PEG facility an alternative revenue source.
Moderators: [tba]
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2:45 pm - 3:00 pm - Annual Business Meeting Voting Credentials Issued
3:00 pm - 4:30 pm - Annual Business Meeting
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm - GPA Ticket Table Open
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Annual Government Programming Awards Gala

Who Should Attend?

  • City and County Telecommunications Administrators
  • Elected and Appointed Officials
  • City and County Managers
  • City and County Attorneys
  • Planning and Public Works Directors
  • Budget and Finance Directors
  • Cable and Communications Industry Representatives
  • Government Programmers
  • Government CIOs and Web site Managers
  • IT & Network Managers

Offline Registration Form

To register offline for the 2012 Annual Conference, please select the link below. It is in Adobe Acrobat format.

Download Form




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Letter From The President

A special invitation from the NATOA President

View Invitation


Who Should Attend?

  • City and County Telecommunications Administrators
  • Elected and Appointed Officials
  • City and County Managers
  • City and County Attorneys
  • Planning and Public Works Directors
  • Budget and Finance Directors
  • Cable and Communications Industry Representatives
  • Government Programmers
  • Government CIOs and Web site Managers
  • IT & Network Managers



NATOA 2012 Annual Conference
Sponsorship Opportunities

NATOA invites your company to take advantage of a vast array of high-visibility sponsorship opportunities at NATOA’s 32nd Annual Conference, September 27 - 29, 2012 at the Sheraton New Orleans in New Orleans, LA. Whether you plan to unveil new products and services, network with established clients or contact new prospects, NATOA’s Annual Conference should be an essential part of your marketing plan. Interact with the most influential and knowledgeable people working on broadband, communications and programming issues in local government. For each listed opportunity, you will be given exclusivity at the selected event.

To guarantee maximum exposure, NATOA strongly recommends that sponsorships be purchased as early as possible.


All Sponsorships include the following benefits:

  • Recognition as a conference sponsor on special signage throughout the conference
  • Recognition at General Sessions
  • Recognition in the onsite program
  • Recognition on the NATOA website
  • Sponsor ribbons for badges for all registered staff from sponsoring company
  • Opportunity to provide marketing materials at conference registration
  • Premium booth space in the exhibit area with Two (2) exhibit-only passes

Sponsorship Opportunities:
 
 Government Programming Awards Dinner & Gala Sponsor – $20,000
The NATOA Government Programming Awards (GPAs) recognize excellence in programming developed by municipal agencies. This event is the culmination of the conference and is attended by both registrants and award finalists. The program is a video presentation with awards being announced throughout the event with dinner and dancing.
Additional Benefits: Five (5) full conference registrations; Opportunity to offer remarks during the event VIP table at the Gala; Recognition from the podium and on screen during the dinner; Signage with your corporate logo displayed prominently; Full-page ad in the NATOA onsite program; Sponsorship of one (1) eNATOA webinar

Welcome Reception Sponsor – $15,000
This premier event welcomes all attendees to the conference. It is also your opportunity to make a first impression with the conference attendees.
Additional Benefits: Four (4) full conference registrations; Opportunity to offer remarks during the event; Recognition during the reception; Signage with your corporate logo displayed prominently; Full-page ad in the NATOA onsite program; Sponsorship of one (1) eNATOA webinar

WiFi Hotspot – $12,000
As the sole WiFi Hotspot sponsor, you will be providing complimentary wireless internet access for meeting attendees in all meeting rooms for the duration of the conference. Don’t miss this opportunity to give attendees something they value most at a conference.
Additional Benefits: Three (3) full conference registrations; Recognition as WiFi sponsor in all meeting rooms ; Signage with your corporate logo displayed prominently; Half-page ad in the NATOA onsite program; Sponsorship of one (1) eNATOA webinar

Keynote Luncheon – $10,000
The Keynote Luncheon is a terrific opportunity for your company to gain exposure at the Annual Conference. Luncheons are included with the full conference package guaranteeing participants will be at this event.
Additional Benefits: Three (3) full conference registrations; Recognition from the podium and on screen during the luncheon; Signage with your corporate logo displayed prominently; Half-page ad in the NATOA onsite program; Sponsorship of one (1) eNATOA webinar

Continental Breakfast Sponsorships – $6,000
Continental Breakfasts are held each morning and provide a great opportunity for companies to gain exposure among attendees. These sponsorships go quickly, so don’t delay in taking advantage of this opportunity before they are gone!
Additional Benefits: Two (2) full conference registrations; Signage with your corporate logo displayed prominently; Quarter-page ad in the NATOA onsite program

Refreshment Breaks — Morning $3,000; Afternoon $4,000
Refreshment Breaks are scheduled in the morning or afternoon and provide a great opportunity for companies to gain exposure among attendees. There are a limited number of Breaks available, so don’t delay in taking advantage of this opportunity before they are gone!
Additional Benefits: One (1) full conference registration; Signage with your corporate logo displayed prominently

Exhibit Space
Members: Before July 16 $1,500/After July 16 $2,500
Non-Members: Before July 16 $2,500/After July 16 $3,500
Exhibitors receive excellent ROI when they attend our conference. We have scheduled our exhibit hall hours to include unopposed hall hours and activities, which provide the only scheduled networking opportunity during that time period. Among the activities are breakfasts and refreshment breaks held exclusively in the exhibit hall, bringing the decision-makers to you.

Booth reservations must be received by July 16, 2011 in order to receive the Earlybird Exhibit rates. Exhibit fees will go up after July 16. All reservations must be submitted by August 31, 2012. Payment is due at the time of purchase. Booths will be assigned by NATOA on a first-come, first-served basis, and close consideration will be given to ensure that competing companies are not placed in near proximity to each other. Booth assignments will not be released until reservations are confirmed and payment is received in full. All booth personnel must be registered and wear name tags throughout the conference.

Your investment includes the following: One (1) full conference registration with meals; Two (2) exhibit-only passes with meals; 8’ x 10’ booth with identification sign; Recognition on the NATOA website; Recognition in the NATOA on-site program

On-Site Program Advertising
Complete your marketing campaign with ads targeted to reinforce your message and improve the effectiveness of your sponsorship. Distributed to every attendee, the program contains the official schedule of the educational program, special event details, as well as exhibit hall information. Your ad in the on-site program will provide you with a tangible presence at minimal cost. Advertising opportunities are available on a first-come, first-served basis. See opportunities contract for size and rate information.

Sponsorship by Design
Other opportunities are available, including opportunities to provide handouts at registration, have your company logo placed on the Hotel room keys, or host a wine tasting for attendees. NATOA will work with you to find the right fit for your message and your budget. Call NATOA Headquarters at (703) 519-8035 to discuss ways we can assist you in creating an integrated marketing effort to help your company achieve its sales objectives.

Download the 2012 Sponsor Opportunities Brochure and contract page here