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: 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 

6:30 p.m.                                    Networking Dinners/Reception

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 cover the range of telecom-related topics in this fast-paced, 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
Mid-year status report on Courts, Hill & FCC.

Top Tips for Vertical Videography
Find out what vertical content others are creating, the best production tools they’re using, how it’s built into existing workflows, and where the content is going.

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

End of Federal Funding: Impact on the States

2025 Gear & Equipment Trends: Show & Share

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) chatbots are providing citizens with 24/7 assistance and information. Explore AI concepts and practices for local governments to cut costs and improve service levels.

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.             COMMUNITY BROADBAND AWARDS LUNCHEON

2:15 p.m. – 3:30 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, followed by discussion of 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.

Organizational Challenges in PEG
Your guide to successfully navigating tough times. Ballooning costs? Learn tips for evaluating your capital vs. operations spending. Less funding, less staff? Discover how to find savings, handle budget cuts and approach succession planning.

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

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: How Can Communities Serve all Constituents with the End of DEI and Other Programs 

Programming Showcase: Lemons to Lemonade

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

Wednesday, August 20 - Cooking Demo and Dinner at the New Orleans School of Cooking
$55 per person
5:00 - 7:00 pm
0.4 miles from the Sheraton New Orleans

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.