2025 NATOA Annual Conference, New Orleans, LA

NATOA ROOM BLOCK

NATOA has reserved a block of rooms at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel at the special rate of $149 plus tax. The discounted NATOA rate is available until July 21, 2025 or until the block is full. Visit this page to make a reservation, or contact Reservations at (504) 525-2500. NATOA's room block has filled to capacity in the past and we cannot guarantee that additional rooms can be added to the block. Rooms at the Sheraton outside of our block are currently $680 per night. We encourage you to make your reservation early to ensure you receive the discounted rate. 

* The NATOA Conference room rate includes complimentary basic internet access in the sleeping rooms. The discounted room rate is available 3 days before/after the conference dates, based on availability. Contact the Sheraton to inquire about availability. 

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.

The Sheraton New Orleans Hotel is located 15 miles from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY).  The airport offers ride sharing, taxi and shuttle options, and rental car options.

Parking: Onsite parking is currently $42 per day and Valet parking is $52 per day.

New Orleans Streetcar: New Orleans Streetcars are very inexpensive and a fun way to explore the city. Visit the New Orleans Streetcar page for more info on routes and fares.

Delta Air Lines is pleased to offer special discounts for NATOA attendees. Please click here to book your flights.

You may also call Conferences and Events® at (800) 328-1111* Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (EST) and refer to Meeting Event Code NY3TE
*Please note there is not a service fee for reservations booked and ticketed via our reservation 800 number.

We are pleased to partner with United Airlines for air travel to our upcoming event. To make flight reservations online please click on discount code ZR49418960.
MileagePlus members earn valuable miles for their travel when using the Meetings discount code.

You may also call United Meetings Reservation Desk Monday – Friday at (800) 426-1122 for booking assistance. Booking fees are waived for Meeting reservations.
International customers may contact their local United Reservation Desk.

Monday, August 18, 2025

2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.                Optional Tour: Steamboat NATCHEZ Sightseeing Tour w/    
                                                    Lunch

3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.                Registration Open

5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.                First Time Attendees Networking Happy Hour 

6:00 p.m.                                    Social Hour

Tuesday, August 19, 2025

8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.                Registration Open

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.                Continental Breakfast 

9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.                General Conference Welcome and Keynote

9:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.              CONCURRENT SESSIONS

Policy Rapid Fire with the Experts
A conference favorite! Our experts will break down the most pressing legislative, regulatory, and legal developments across key issue areas in this high-energy, beat-the-buzzer session where nothing is off the table.

Organizational Pre-Production & Scripting
Whether it’s a script, a storyboard or a meeting agenda, pre-production remains a crucial step in the video process. Learn more about how other stations organize staff and projects before grabbing the camera and how pre-production can benefit your clients as well.

10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.           Refreshment Break 

11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.           CONCURRENT SESSIONS

Changes at the Federal Level: PEG & Cable Preemption
Join us for an insightful look at key actions shaping the year so far within the Courts, the Hill and the FCC. Our experts will unpack what’s happening, why it matters, and the potential impacts – giving you the context and clarity to stay ahead of the curve.

Top Tips for Vertical Videography
Learn the top tips and creative tactics for producing standout vertical content. See what’s working for others, how it’s built into existing workflows, and where the content is going. Sharpen your strategy and discover the latest tools that streamline vertical production.

12:45 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.             KEYNOTE LUNCHEON

1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.                Exhibitor Set-up

2:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.               CONCURRENT SESSIONS

Cable & Streaming Video: Is There a Technical Difference?
Are there technical differences between traditional cable service and streaming video, and do they matter?  Technical experts will explain how modern cable systems transmit video programming, and discuss the legal and policy differences.  Learn about QAM and IP-based video, how PEG programming is handled by cable systems, and how program information appears on channel guides. 

2025 Gear & Equipment Trends
Description coming soon.

4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.               Welcome Reception in the Exhibit Hall

6:00 p.m.                                   Chapter Meetings

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.                Registration Open

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.                Continental Breakfast in the Exhibit Hall

9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.                STORYTELLING WORKSHOP

9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.              POLICY SESSION

AI for Municipalities
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming how local governments serve their communities—starting with chatbots that deliver 24/7 support, streamline operations, and reduce costs. This session breaks down what AI means for municipalities and showcases long-term strategies that improve efficiency and citizen engagement. Learn how forward-thinking cities are using AI to do more with less—and how you can, too.

10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.           Refreshment Break in the Exhibit Hall

10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.           POLICY SESSION

Working with Today’s FCC: Possibilities & Perils
Recent court decisions indicate that courts may give less deference to FCC actions than under the previous Chevron doctrine and new Commission leadership may be changing the FCC’s traditional priorities.  Join a panel of experts to discuss what may arise under the new regime.

12:15 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.             KEYNOTE LUNCHEON celebrating NATOA’s Community
                                                   Broadband & Digital Equity Award Winners        

2:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.               CONCURRENT SESSIONS

Policy Hot Topic

Smart Solutions for PEG Organizational Challenges
When resources shrink, how do PEG organizations adapt and thrive? This session offers practical, no-nonsense guidance for navigating today’s toughest organizational challenges—from rising operational costs and shrinking budgets to staff shortages and leadership transitions. Learn how to evaluate capital vs. operational spending, uncover hidden efficiencies, and build resilience through thoughtful planning and smart prioritization.

3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.                Refreshment Break in the Exhibit Hall

4:00 p.m.                                    Exhibit Teardown

 5:00 p.m.                                   Optional Tour: Cooking Demo and Dinner

Thursday, August 21, 2025

8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.                Registration Open

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.                Continental Breakfast                                                          

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.                Chapter Presidents/Board Breakfast

9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.              CONCURRENT SESSIONS

Hot Topics in Broadband
In this timely session, experts will break down the latest broadband developments impacting municipalities—what’s changing, what’s at stake, and how you can position your community to benefit. Learn the opportunities, obstacles, and actions local leaders should be watching right now.

Social Media Speed Dating
Are you ready to break up with your old social platform? Find out which platforms are best for video (and governments) in 2025. Not seeing the engagement? Learn what video performs best on which platforms. 

10:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.           Refreshment Break

10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.           CONCURRENT SESSIONS

Roundtable Discussion: Connecting Constituents in the end of DEI, E-Rate, ACP and more 
This roundtable offers a platform to share experiences, explore alternative resources, and discuss strategies for sustaining constituent engagement and service delivery amidst these changes.

Programming Showcase: Lemons to Lemonade
Every programmer has a war story—a project that just didn’t go as planned. But sometimes, those missteps lead to better solutions, surprising innovations, or important lessons. Share your “lemons to lemonade” and leave with a fresh perspective on how mistakes can fuel growth.
Moderator: Suzanne Bartole

12:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.             CLOSING GENERAL SESSION LUNCHEON
Will My PEG Channel Survive?

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.                Roundtables  

Franchise Enforcement (Closed session)

Programming Topic TBD

2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.              Annual Business Meeting Voting Credentials Issued

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.              45^th Annual Business Meeting 

3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.              GPA Set Up 

4:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.              Board Meeting 

6:00 p.m.                                  GPA Ticket Table Open

6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.               Annual GPA Dinner

Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise, Lunch and Sightseeing Tour

Monday, August 18th 
$59 per person
1:45 - 4:30 pm
0.5 miles from Sheraton

Experience a spirit of adventure aboard the newest vessel to the French Quarter riverfront, the Steamboat NATCHEZ, as she takes you on a journey down the mighty Mississippi.  See captivating views of the French Quarter fade into the distance as the joyful tunes of traditional jazz carries you down the river.  Stroll the multiple decks, explore the beautiful refinished interiors and savor the leisurely two-hour cruise that will give you panoramic views of the Mississippi River and the many unique sites along the way, with live narration. Fun and scenic, the cruise features live jazz music, New Orleans style cuisine, and a cash bar for cocktails. 
The boat features indoor and covered outdoor seating. The group will sit together for the lunch portion of the cruise. 

Calliope Concert at Dock: 1:45pm – 2:00pm
Boarding Time: 2:00pm
Dockside: 2:00pm – 2:30pm
Lunch Seating: 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Cruising: 2:30pm – 4:30pm
 
Lunch Buffet Menu
Gulf Coast Catfish
Red Beans and Rice
Jambalaya
Southern Spoon Bread
Salad du jour
Bread Pudding
Coffee and Iced Tea Included

Alcoholic beverages available for purchase

* 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. 

Cooking Demo and Dinner at the New Orleans School of Cooking

Wednesday, August 20th
$55 per person
5:00 - 7:00 pm
0.4 miles from Sheraton

Sponsored by Ashpaugh & Sculco CPAs PLC

Since 1980, the New Orleans School of Cooking has introduced countless visitors from around the world to the delicious food and rich culture of New Orleans. Learn the basics of Louisiana cooking in a way you’ll never forget! This two-hour event includes a private cooking demonstration with dinner to follow. You’ll also receive recipe cards for the items prepared so you can prepare these same dishes at home!

Menu:
Chicken & Andouille Sausage Gumbo (lactose free)
Chicken & Smoked Sausage Jambalaya (lactose free)
Bread Pudding (vegetarian)
Original Pralines (vegetarian, gluten free)

Includes private cooking demo, recipe cards, and 3-course meal with iced tea, lemonade and 1 Abita Amber Beer per guest

* 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. 

** If you have any dietary concerns or food allergies, contact Jennifer Harman as soon as possible. Dietary modifications must be provided to the event venue in advance.