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2024 NATOA Annual Conference, Charleston, SC

2024 NATOA Annual Conference, Charleston, SC

August 25 - 28, 2024

Sunday, August 25, 2024 at 2:00 PM (EDT) to Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at 8:00 PM (EDT)

* Registration open until 8/28/24 at 3:00 PM (EST)

VISIT THE TABS ABOVE FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION

NATOA’s Conference is the premiere educational event for local government telecommunications professionals working on communications, multimedia, programming, wireless, broadband, franchising and siting issues in today’s ever-changing landscape. Join hundreds of local government professionals from across the country and learn the latest on emerging issues and cutting edge technology in your career.

Experts from all facets of telecommunications will be sharing case studies, solutions and proven strategies to enhance your skills, your profession and your community. Get practical insights on the latest trends while participating in interactive panel discussions, immersive conference workshops and peer networking in beautiful Charleston, SC.

From the Government Programming Awards to the Community Broadband Awards to many other conference honors get your work nationally recognized and meet other individuals and organizations of distinction.

NATOA brings you keynote speakers, hands-on tech demos, tours and interactive exhibits relevant to your planning and decision-making process when you return home.

   

Event Solicitation & Photography Disclaimer

* The opinions expressed are those of the presenter(s) and do not necessarily reflect the policies or views of NATOA. NATOA endeavors to provide a robust discussion of the topic so differences in opinions may occur.

NATOA ROOM BLOCK

The reservation period for NATOA's room block has closed. Contact the Charleston Marriott at 843-723-3000 to make a reservation.

NATOA has reserved a block of rooms at the Charleston Marriott Hotel at the special rate of $227 plus tax. The discounted NATOA rate is available until July 24, 2024 or until the block is full. NATOA's room block has filled to capacity in the past and we cannot guarantee that additional rooms can be added to the block. We encourage you to make your reservations early to ensure you receive the discounted rate. 

* The NATOA Conference room rate includes complimentary WiFi internet access in the sleeping rooms.  

NOTE: NATOA does not contract with travel agencies, housing bureaus or room representatives. If someone other than NATOA staff or the hotel reach out regarding your reservation, please consider it a scam and notify NATOA immediately.

TRANSPORTATION

The Charleston Marriott is located 12 miles from Charleston International Airport (CHS).  The airport offers ride sharing, taxi and shuttle options, and rental car options.

Parking: Daily self-parking rates are $15 per day and Valet parking is $22 per day.

Free Shuttle: The City offers a free shuttle that travels through the downtown area. There is a stop directly across from the Charleston Marriott. See schedule and details here.

View the most recent Conference Agenda here. 

Important Program Updates:

Sunday, August 25th, 2:30 - 5:30 pm - Bus Tour of Historic District, Tour of Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon - additional ticket required - see Optional Activities tab for more info

Sunday, August 25th, 7:00 - 8:00 pm - Welcome Happy Hour for all attendees. Join us for a light dinner, hosted by NATOA. We will provide the food, a cash bar will be available and attendees are responsible for their drink costs. 

Monday, August 26th, 4:00 - 7:00 pm - Taste of Charleston Reception in the Exhibit Hall - included for all attendees - featuring a low country boil and live band karaoke. 

Tuesday, August 27th, 5:30 pm - Charleston RiverDogs Baseball Game and Picnic - additional ticket required - see Optional Activities tab for more info

Nonfiction Storytelling for Impact Featuring Amy DeLouise

Storytelling with non-actors in a real world environment can be a challenge. How do you craft compelling short videos while meeting your deadlines and organizational objectives? How do you “scout” and film in a not-so-exciting location? Or draw compelling, authentic soundbites from your not-so-camera-experienced subject? In this workshop, you’ll be guided by an expert digital storyteller revealing proven strategies to overcome these challenges and make your nonfiction videos deliver impact. From crafting a story arc to designing your creative and technical briefs, from shot coverage planning to the underutilized role of audio in story, this case-study filled workshop will bring you many aha moments. And you’ll leave with tips like ways to get better interview answers to make your edit easier.  Join this engaging workshop and enjoy new ways to improve your craft.

  • Crafting a Nonfiction Story (Motivating Viewers, Story Arc and Why It Matters, Ideation, Creative & Technical Briefs)
  • Scripting & Preparation for Interview/Soundbite-Driven Stories (Shot Planning, Location Scouting Strategies, Audio Storytelling, Shot Coverage, Thinking Ahead to the Edit)
  • The Art of the Interview (Preparing for an interview, Authenticity tips, Introduction to Learning Styles and Interview Practice)
  • Interview Tips & Tricks (Question Techniques, Getting the Answers You Need in the Time You Have, Handling Challenging Interviewees)

Credits Price
RiverDogs Baseball Game - Tuesday 8/27
The Charleston RiverDogs vs the Fayetteville Woodpeckers. Includes access to a covered deck area prior to the game with hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, watermelon, soda and water. Game seats are in a shaded area below the deck. 

Please notify jharman@natoa.org in advance if you require a vegetarian black bean burger. 

5:30 pm: early gate access
6:00 - 7:15 pm: Food on Doby's Deck
7:05 pm: Game begins 
$45.00
Charleston History Tour, Sunday, August 25
Sunday, August 25 - 2:30 - 5:30 pm
$64 per person, includes round-trip transportation from Charleston Marriott
Bus tour of Historic District, tour of Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon
$64.00
Credits Price
Monday Luncheon featuring Mignon Clyburn
For those attending only the lunch, or purchasing guest tickets. If registered for the full conference or for Monday only, this event is already included with your registration. 
$50.00
Guest Ticket-Monday Taste of Charleston Reception
Join us for an evening of fun, music, and delicious food. Featuring a low country boil and live band karaoke! 
Monday, August 26th, 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

For those attending only the reception, or purchasing guest tickets. If registered for the full conference or for Monday only, this event is already included with your registration.  


$70.00
Tuesday Luncheon & CBDE Awards Presentation
For those attending only the lunch, or purchasing guest tickets. If registered for the full conference or for Tuesday only, this event is already included with your registration. 
$50.00
Wednesday Luncheon
For those attending only the lunch, or purchasing guest tickets. If registered for the full conference or for Wednesday only, this event is already included with your registration. 
$50.00
Wednesday GPA Awards Banquet
For those attending only the awards banquet, or purchasing guest tickets. If registered for the full conference or for Wednesday only, this event is already included with your registration. 
$80.00
Credits Price
Additional Exhibitor Pass
Additional exhibitor staff pass - includes the Happy Hour Reception on Monday, August 26th and all events on Tuesday, August 27th. Does not include offsite networking events that require a separate ticket.

If you plan to attend other portions of the conference, you may also purchase a single-day or full conference pass. Contact Karen at kanderson@natoa.org with questions. 
$250.00

Sunday, August 25 - Bus Tour of Historic District, Tour of Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon
$64 per person, includes round-trip transportation from Charleston Marriott
2:30 - 5:30 pm

Tour Charleston, SC, one of the most beautiful and historic cities in the south. Your tour will begin at the Charleston Marriott, where you will board your motor coach for a privately guided drive through the city’s historic district. Throughout the tour, your licensed guide will recount over 300 years of Charleston’s long and colorful history from 1670 to present day with a blend of knowledge, wit, and humor. Topics discussed will include Charleston’s role in Colonial America, the American Revolution, the southern Antebellum Era, the Civil War, and its current day status as one of top travel destinations in the World.

Some of the landmarks you will see include the Battery, Rainbow Row, St. Michael's Church, the College of Charleston, and South Carolina’s famed military academy the Citadel. Your guide will also point out early period houses in Mazyck-Wraggborough and Harleston Village, as well as magnificent public buildings like The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon and the famous “Four Corners of Law” at the intersection of Meeting and Broad Street.

Included will be a tour of the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon. The Old Exchange stands on the site of the Court of Guard which was a part of the original Walled City of Charleston. In the Dungeon where pirates and Revolutionary War heroes were held captive, you can see a section of the original wall. In the Great Hall where President George Washington was entertained at a ball during his state visit to Charleston in 1791, delegates were elected to the convention in Philadelphia which resulted in the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration was first publicly read here five weeks after it was ratified in Philadelphia.

** Tickets are not included with registration and must be purchased separately. See the Registration tab for details. You may purchase a ticket as a separate transaction even if you have already registered for the conference. 

Tuesday, August 27 - The Charleston RiverDogs vs the Fayetteville Woodpeckers - $45 each

Join NATOA for an evening of baseball and fun! Tickets include access to a covered deck area prior to the game with hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, watermelon, soda and water. Game seats are in a shaded area below the deck. The stadium is 2 blocks from the Charleston Marriott.

Please notify jharman@natoa.org in advance if you require a vegetarian black bean burger. 

Schedule:
5:30 pm - early gate access
6:00 - 7:15 pm - Food on Doby's Deck
7:05 pm - Game begins 

** Tickets are not included with registration and must be purchased separately. See the Registration tab for details. You may purchase a ticket to the game as a separate transaction even if you have already registered for the conference. 

QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Karen Anderson at kanderson@natoa.org