2009 Spring Conference

News
Overview
Agenda
Speakers
Register
Be A Sponsor

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

News

NATOA 2009 SPRING CONFERENCE AN INDUSTRY SUCCESS

Alexandria, VA. (May 21, 2009) — The National Association of Telecommunications Officers & Advisors (NATOA) hosted its 2009 Spring Conference May 18 – 19 at the Liaison Capitol Hill Hotel in Washington, DC. The two-day event was met with great enthusiasm by the more than 100 NATOA members, sponsors and friends attending this year’s event.

The conference featured a diverse group of exceptional speakers who shared a wealth of information and industry forecasting on key issues facing today’s local governments. Informative sessions on topics ranging from broadband stimulus funds, the new administration, local emergency communications, PEG and new media, regulatory and legal issues, and government 2.0 were well-attended. Event highlights included a keynote presentation by Terry Huval, Director of Lafayette Utilities System (LUS) located in Lafayette, Louisiana; an Opening General Session on the future of communications under a new administration and a Closing General Session on demonstrating broadband as an economic development and job creation tool. In conjunction with the conference, NATOA hosted a well-attended Lobby Day on Capitol Hill, providing attendees with the opportunity, education and materials to meet with their Members of Congress.

“We were delighted with the enthusiasm of NATOA’s members, sponsors and friends,” noted Libby Beaty, NATOA Executive Director. “We are receiving overwhelming feedback on the high quality of content, progressive speakers and networking opportunities presented at this year’s Spring Conference. The extraordinary level of interaction with speakers and amongst participants provided an ideal forum for education and exchange of ideas.”

Sponsors of NATOA’s 2009 Spring Conference included Afterimage GIS, Alcatel-Lucent, Columbia Telecommunications Corporation, Comcast, Digital Village Associates/Fiber to the Library, Kissinger & Fellman, P.C. and Kathy Wallman. The 2009 Annual Conference will be held September 30 – October 2 in New Orleans. For more information on this and other NATOA news, visit www.natoa.org.

###

NATOA promotes community interests in communications. A national trade association based in Alexandria, VA, NATOA represents local government jurisdictions and consortiums, including elected and appointed officials and staff, who oversee communications and cable television franchising. Visit NATOA on the web at www.natoa.org.

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

Overview

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
Public Safety Communications Officials
Budget and Finance Directors
Government Programmers
Government CIOs and Website Managers
IT & Network Managers
Cable and Communications Industry Representatives

Why You Should Attend

Our nation’s economic situation is bringing new challenges to local governments. With the arrival of a new administration and new leadership within the federal government, we must all work together to assist our communities in dealing with their unique issues. Federal, state and local initiatives for the coming year will demand the honing of existing skills, development of new skills and creative solutions to meet these challenges. In its continuing tradition of providing excellent educational opportunities to local governments, the 2009 NATOA Spring Conference, in addition to addressing policy and legal issues of import, will also include programming and related areas of interest to NATOA’s members. We will also provide opportunities to meet and work with your new and existing members of Congress to ensure that your communities’ voice and story are heard.

We continue to host the NATOA Spring Conference in the Washington, DC area, to permit and encourage the ability of our participants to use their time in our nation’s capital to develop or enhance their relationship with members of Congress, but also to meet with or advise members of federal agencies with whom local governments interact on behalf of our citizens. Whether you want to visit a member of the Senate, a Commissioner with the Federal Communications Commission or leadership within the Department of Commerce, NATOA’s Spring Conference location on Capitol Hill makes all of these venues convenient and accessible. The Conference is also designed to provide for a high degree of interaction amongst speakers and participants to enhance the educational opportunity for all attendees. Join us at the 2009 Spring Conference to learn, to share, and to take home the tools you need to ensure success for your community.

CLE Information

CLE Accreditation is being sought for those who register and request CLE accreditation in their state no later than Monday, March 16, 2009. Requests after March 16, 2009 will be considered “late filed” and will require a separate payment of $25.00. Please note that some states may not approve late-filed CLE applications.

Lobby Day

In conjunction with this year’s conference, NATOA will host a Lobby Day on Capitol Hill for conference attendees. Lobby Day participants will have the opportunity to visit with Members of Congress and their staff to discuss key issues of importance to local governments and to put a face to those issues. Legislators need to hear from constituents to reinforce local government messages. It is our job to ensure our voices are heard by our elected leaders.

NATOA will set up meetings with your Congressional leaders for you. Please plan to be in Congressional meetings from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM on Tuesday, May 19th. We will provide you with background information on the issues as well as printed material to leave with your members of Congress. There is no additional charge to participate in Lobby Day. We hope to see you on May 19th!

To register for Lobby Day, simply select this option on your online registration form. We will follow-up with you via email to determine which Members of Congress you would like to visit and schedule those visits accordingly. Additional preparation materials will be provided to participants approximately two weeks before Lobby Day and a complete packet will be provided onsite. NATOA will conduct a mandatory Lobby Day preparatory meeting on Tuesday morning to prepare you to effectively share your issues and experiences with your legislators.

Hotel and Transportation

The Spring Conference will be held at the Liaison Capitol Hill Hotel, located within steps of the U.S. Capitol, Library of Congress, Supreme Court, Smithsonian Museums, Washington Mall and Amtrak’s Union Station. The Hotel has just completed an extensive renovation. All guestrooms, suites and public spaces have been transformed into classic modern accommodations, appealing to convention and business travelers alike. The decor is sophisticated, yet inviting, and is designed to offer a warm welcome to all guests. The Liaison Capitol Hill is a great location for the Spring Conference and your visit to the nation’s capital.

NATOA has reserved a block of rooms for conference attendees at the Liaison Capitol Hill Hotel at the special conference rate of $209 single/double per night plus tax. There is a small number of rooms left at this discounted rate. To reserve a room, contact NATOA Headquarters at (703) 519-8035. The Liaison Capitol Hill is located at 415 New Jersey Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20001; Tel. (202) 638-1616.

TRANSPORTATION: The Liaison Hotel is located 5 miles from Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Taxi service to the hotel from Reagan Washington National Airport is approximately $15-20 each way, Super Shuttle is approximately $12 each way, and the Metro subway is approximately $2 each way.

The Hotel is located 28 miles from Dulles International Airport (IAD). Taxi service to the hotel is approximately $50 each way and Super Shuttle is $25 each way.

The Hotel is located 32 miles from Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI). Taxi service is approximately $63 each way and Super Shuttle is $31 each way. The Amtrak train also runs from BWI Airport to Union Station, which is located 2 blocks from the Hotel. Visit www.amtrak.com for details.

The Metro subway stop closest to the Hotel is the Union Station stop, which is approximately 2 blocks walking distance from the Hotel. The Metro Web site www.wmata.com offers a convenient trip planner and rate calculator to help you plan your travel via the subway system.

Amtrak train also runs to Union Station. Visit www.amtrak.com for details and a rate finder to help you plan your travel.

Super Shuttle encourages round trip reservations be made in advance and can be reached at 1-800-BLUEVAN or go to www.supershuttle.com.

Cancellation Policies

Any cancellation prior to Friday, May 1, 2009 will be charged 50% of the total registration fee if cancellation is received in writing at NATOA Headquarters no later than Friday, May 1, 2009. No refunds will be made for cancellations received after Friday, May 1, 2009. Substitutions are permitted and encouraged in lieu of cancellation. You may email info@natoa.org or fax your cancellation or substitution request to (703) 519-8036.

A Special Note to the Disabled

NATOA seeks to ensure that no individual with a disability is excluded, denied services, segregated, or otherwise treated differently from other individuals because of the absence of an auxiliary aid or service. If any auxiliary aid or service identified with the Americans with Disabilities Act is required, please contact NATOA Headquarters at (703) 519-8035 to advise us of services needed.

Special Dietary Needs

If you have special dietary requirements, please contact NATOA Headquarters at (703) 519-8035 so necessary arrangements can be made.

Registration and Payment

Please visit www.natoa.org to register online. You may pay for your registration by credit card, or you may print off an invoice for processing a check payment. Payments by check must be mailed to P.O. Box 826127, Philadelphia, PA 19182-6127. Purchase Order does not constitute payment. Payment must be received in full prior to the start of the Conference.

Sponsorship Opportunities

A limited number of Sponsorships are available for those interested in supporting NATOA’s Spring Conference. Contact info@natoa.org or call 703-519-8035 for more information.

The Following Conference Program Details Are Subject To Change

Monday, May 18, 2009

8:00 AM — Registration Opens

8:00 AM — Continental Breakfast

9:00 AM — General Session

FRESH PERSPECTIVES - BEYOND THE FIRST 100 DAYS
In the first 100 days, we will have seen monumental change in the communications world, but what will it mean going forward? How will the policies of the Obama administration, Congress' legislative agenda, and a freshly minted slate of commissioners at the FCC all work to impact the communications landscape? Our panel of experts weighs in on what we can expect to encounter in the future and how these changes will impact communications at the local government level.
Moderators:Kathleen Wallman |
Speakers: Parul Desai | Markham Erickson | Ben Scott |

10:15 AM — Refreshment Break

10:30 AM — Concurrent Sessions #1

Track: Policy and Legal
CONGRESSIONAL, REGULATORY AND LEGAL UPDATE
An annual tradition, this session focuses on how the federal government has, and will continue, to shape communications law and policy in 2009 – especially with the unprecedented change already seen. How will an overhauled FCC approach policy matters? What effect will ongoing and pending litigation have on local governments and how they handle communications issues? How will the Obama Administration's own communications priorities impact our communities? This session looks at early indicators and tries to provide a sense of where the communications world is headed for the rest of 2009.
Moderators:Tillman Lay |
Speakers: Rick Chessen | Amy Levine | Brian Rice |

Track: Programming
COMMUNICATING IN AN EMERGENCY
Emergency planners increasingly look to a widening range of communications technologies to enable communications with the public in event of emergency. From targeted text messaging to social networking, reaching the public is a crucial element of emergency response. And planners are looking anew to old forms of communications—AM radio, cable television, and public address systems are all part of the tool-kit of reaching the public with critical information. In this session, leaders in emergency communications will share their strategies and successes in deploying multiple layers and multiple forms of technology to ensure that their citizens can be reached when necessary.
Moderators:Tim Peterson |
Speakers: Jeff Goldthorp | David Jordan | Pete Piringer |

12:15 PM — Keynote Luncheon

KEYNOTE LUNCHEON

Moderators:[tba]
Speakers: Terry Huval |

1:30 PM — Concurrent Sessions #2

Track: Policy and Legal
GOVERNMENT 2.0: HOW LOCAL GOVERNMENTS CAN USE WEB 2.0 TOOLS TO MEET GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC NEEDS
As Web 2.0 transforms how Americans communicate, should government attempt to use Web 2.0 tools to communicate with and among employees, citizens, and other stakeholders? How can the appeal of social networking, blogs, wikis, user-generated video, and virtual worlds improve government communications and open up a new era in Public, Educational, and Government Programming (PEG)? And what risks arise from such efforts? Are there security concerns? Privacy? Are the outcomes worth the investment? This session offers the perspective of leaders in the field of government technology, and points the way to the future of government communications.
Moderators:Lee Banville |
Speakers: Joaquin Alvarado | Bill Greeves | Todd Sander |

Track: Programming
DIGITAL CINEMATOGRAPHY
How has non-linear editing and digital capture changed the way we shoot pieces for PEG? Should we change our ways from the days of linear edits and tape-based acquisition? Come discover how digital tapeless acquisition and editing can alter your channel, along with tips for ensuring your content creators can fully utilize the tools at their disposal.
Moderators:Sally Heldrich |
Speakers: Michael Dolan | Dick Lipsky | Eric Richardson |

2:45 PM — Refreshment Break

3:15 PM — Concurrent Sessions #3

Track: Policy and Legal
21st CENTURY INFRASTRUCTURE: MEETING PUBLIC SAFETY AND OTHER GOVERNMENT NEEDS THROUGH FIBER NETWORKS
Communications networks are the infrastructure of the 21st Century, and America's cities, towns, and counties are increasing choosing to build their own networks to meet institutional and e-government needs. Private government fiber optic networks, such as Institutional Networks, enable state-of-the-art services while creating cost and efficiency savings for government, schools, libraries, and first responders. In this session, three leaders in deploying government fiber networks will discuss how and why fiber networks are a key part of government communications planning.
Moderators:[tba]
Speakers: Jack Belcher, Ph.D. | Kyle Hollifield | Chris Vein |

Track: Programming
THE STATE OF PEG ACCESS IN 2009
Channels being moved from analog to digital, the Channel 99 product, and channels being taken off the air entirely – uncertainty abounds over what will happen to PEG channel access in 2009. Need answers on what to expect? Sit in as our panel discusses what's happened, what will happen, and how your channel can be ready to react in the face of change.
Moderators:Kelzie Beebe |
Speakers: Nantz Rickard | Helen Soule | Joseph Van Eaton, Esq. |

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

8:00 AM — Registration Opens

8:00 AM — Lobby Day Prep / Networking Coffee

Moderators:[tba]
Speakers: Gerard Lavery Lederer | John Russell |

9:00 AM — Concurrent Session #4

Track: Programming
LOCAL EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS AND IT: TRANSPORT & APPLICATIONS
The FCC has traditionally thought of public safety communications as a wireless/spectrum issue, but many observers contend that single focus has led to poor planning and excessive cost. This session takes a different approach, looking at emergency communications as a range of platforms and applications, including all forms of wired and wireless, public and private communications, as well as all organizations that are involved in responding to emergencies (public and private). Should agencies share data over existing fiber pipes (public and private)?, What role should I-Nets play? Should different agencies and users work to share communications technologies rather than building stovepiped systems? This session offers an update on new developments in public safety policy and also offers a broad vision for the future of public safety communications.
Moderators:Nancy Jesuale |
Speakers: David Aylward, Esq. | Robert Gurss | Skip Munster |

Track: Policy and Legal
FRANCHISE RENEWAL - KEEPING TECHNOLOGY ON THE FRONT BURNER
Are you beginning to prepare for the renewal of your franchise agreement? What should you do as you prepare for a review of your current public, education and government access channel equipment, facilities and services? Are you interested in HD technology or interactive services such as VOD for your residents? Join us as we offer some concrete suggestions for negotiating your franchise to keep your access channels on the forefront of technology.
Moderators:Darryn Zuehlke |
Speakers: Brian Grogan, Esq. | Bunnie Riedel | Thomas Robinson |

10:15 AM — Refreshment Break

10:30 AM — Concurrent Session #5

Track: Policy and Legal
AN INSIDE WASHINGTON VIEW OF HOW TO BENEFIT FROM BROADBAND STIMULUS FUNDS
The new stimulus bill includes an unprecedented $7.2 billion for broadband projects—and specifically contemplates local community participation. This session features a panel of Washington insiders who will offer their perspectives of the law and how it is likely to be implemented. Come learn what kinds of projects are likely to be funded, how to plan and prepare successful grant applications, and how to work with public, non-profit, and private partners in your community to maximize your chances of having your project funded.
Moderators:Sascha Meinrath |
Speakers: Larry Atlas | James Baller | Harold Feld |

Track: Programming
PEG 2.0: Using New Media to Maximize Content
In an online world, presence is everything – especially if you want to make the most out of your PEG content. By using social networking tools, online video applications, podcasting, blogging and more, you can help maximize the reach of your channel into your community. Discover the ways in which you can enhance visibility, even on a budget, with PEG 2.0 tools.
Moderators:Jacob Colker |
Speakers: Jacob Colker | Marion Ware |

12:15 PM — Luncheon

USING STIMULUS FUNDS TO DEMONSTRATE BROADBAND AS AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND JOB CREATION TOOL
A key component of the economic stimulus package, broadband infrastructure and connectivity, has the ability to create jobs, reinvigorate local communities, and provide opportunities once unavailable to citizens. Some communities have already leveraged the transformative power of broadband, so why not yours? Hear how broadband is impacting communities nationwide, along with how to prepare your community for bringing broadband to bear through a broadband stimulus grant.
Moderators:Karen Archer Perry |
Speakers: Charles Benton | Michael Calabrese | Joseph Savage |

1:30 PM — Lobby Day on Capitol Hill

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

The following is a list of all speakers in alphabetical order.

• Alvarado, Joaquin
    Senior Vice-President - American Public Media
• Archer Perry, Karen
    Director of Community Outreach & Programs - Knight Center of Digital Excellence
• Atlas, Larry
    Senior Advisor - National Telecommunications & Information Administration
• Aylward, Esq., David
    Director and Founder - COMCARE Emergency Response Alliance
• Baller, James
    Senior Principal - The Baller Herbst Law Group, P.C.
• Banville, Lee
    Editor-in-Chief - Online NewsHour
• Beebe, Kelzie
    Telecomm LA - Representative Tammy Baldwin's Office
• Belcher, Ph.D., Jack
    Chief Information Officer - Arlington County, VA
• Benton, Charles
    Chairman, CEO & Trustee - The Benton Foundation
• Calabrese, Michael
    Vice President; Director, Wireless Future Program - New America Foundation
• Chessen, Rick
    Sr. Legal Advisor/Media Advisor, Office of Commissioner Michael Copps - Federal Communications Commission
• Colker, Jacob
    Co-Founder - The Extraordinaries
• Desai, Parul
    Assistant Director - Media Access Project
• Dolan, Michael
    Freelance TV Producer & Scriptwriter -
• Erickson, Markham
    CEO - NetCoalition
• Feld, Harold
    Legal Director - Public Knowledge
• Goldthorp, Jeff
     - FCC
• Greeves, Bill
    Director of Communications and IT - Roanoke County, Virginia
• Grogan, Esq., Brian
    Shareholder - Moss & Barnett, PA
• Gurss, Robert
    Director of Legal and Government Affairs - Association of Public Safety Communications (APCO)
• Heldrich, Sally
     - Westat, Inc
• Hollifield, Kyle
    Vice President of Marketing and Business Development - Bristol Virginia Utilities
• Huval, Terry
    Director of Utilities - Lafayette City Parish Consolidated Government
• Jesuale, Nancy
    President - NetCity Engineering Inc.
• Jordan, David
    Chief Information Security Officer - Arlington County, VA
• Lay, Tillman
    Partner - Spiegel & McDiarmid, LLP
• Lederer, Gerard Lavery
    Of Counsel - Best Best & Krieger, LLP
• Levine, Amy
    Senior Counsel - U.S. House of Representatives
• Lipsky, Dick
    ITV Supervisor - Montgomery County Public Schools
• Meinrath, Sascha
    Research Director, Wireless Future Program - New America Foundation
• Munster, Skip
    Public Safety Communications Consultant - Fairfax County Government
• Peterson, Tim
    Chief of Staff, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau - Federal Communications Commission
• Piringer, Pete
    Spokesman, Fire Department - Montgomery County Maryland
• Rice, Brian
     - Office of Senator John Kerry
• Richardson, Eric
    Director - DC Office of Cable Television
• Rickard, Nantz
    Executive Director - Public Access Corporation of D.C.
• Riedel, Bunnie
    President - Riedel Communications
• Robinson, Thomas
    President - CBG Communications, Inc.
• Russell, John
    Government Relations Advisor - NATOA
• Sander, Todd
    Deputy Director - Center for Digital Government
• Savage, Joseph
    President - FTTH Council
• Scott, Ben
    Policy Director - Free Press
• Soule, Helen
     - Alliance for Community Media
• Van Eaton, Esq., Joseph
    Partner - Best Best & Krieger LLP
• Vein, Chris
    Deputy CTO for Government Innovation - White House
• Wallman, Kathleen
    President - Kathy Wallman
• Ware, Marion
    Executive Director - Community Media Center of Carroll County
• Zuehlke, Darryn
    Director - City and County of Denver

Online registration for 2009 Spring Conference is now closed. You may register on-site until the last day of the event.

Full Two-Day Registration: (Monday and Tuesday)
NATOA Member NLC Direct Member Non-member Gov't/Non-Profit Non-member Private Sector	$450.00 $450.00 $500.00 $575.00

One-Day Registration: (Monday or Tuesday)
NATOA Member NLC Direct Member Non-member Gov't/Non-Profit Non-member Private Sector	$250.00 $250.00 $300.00 $315.00

Extras
Monday Lunch - Free with registration for that day Tuesday Lunch - Free with registration for that day Tuesday Lobby Day on Capitol Hill - Free with registration for that day CLE Accreditation - Until March 16 - Free After March 16 - $25.00

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

Be A Sponsor

NATOA Thanks our 2009 Spring Conference Sponsors:

Afterimage GIS

Alcatel-Lucent

Columbia Telecommunications Corporation

Comcast

Digital Village Associates/Fiber to the Library

Kissinger & Fellman, P.C.

Kathy Wallman