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2026 NATOA Annual Conference, Kansas City, MO

September 14-17, 2026

Monday, September 14, 2026 at 2:00 PM (EDT) to Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 8:30 PM (EDT)
Register Now Employer Justification Letter Sponsor or Exhibit @ NATOA2026 Current Conference Agenda
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VISIT THE TABS ABOVE FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION

Get a sneak peek of #NATOA26 in our new promo video!

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.

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

** NATOA's room block has been extended until August 20th and we do have a few rooms remaining. Make your reservation soon before the block fills!

NATOA has reserved a block of rooms at the InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza at the special rate of $135 plus tax. The discounted NATOA rate is available until August 20, 2026 or until the block is full. Visit this page to make a reservation, or contact Reservations at (816) 756-1500. 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 reservation early to ensure you receive the discounted rate. 

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

TRANSPORTATION

The InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza Hotel is located 24 miles from the Kansas City International Airport (MCI).  The airport offers ride sharing, taxi and shuttle options, and rental car options.

Parking: Self parking is currently $30 per day. NATOA attendees receive 50% off overnight self-parking rates.

Kansas City Streetcar: The RideKC Streetcar is a free and a fun way to explore the city. Visit RideKC for more info on routes and schedules.

Download a current copy of the conference agenda here.
Credits Price
NATOA Member Registration - ON SITE
Full conference registration includes admission to all educational sessions, exhibits, luncheons, refreshment breaks, receptions and handout materials. It does not include optional activities or meals for guests. Registration Ends 9/17/26 at 8:30 PM EDT
$1,475.00
Government Non-Member Registration - ON SITE
Full conference registration includes admission to all educational sessions, exhibits, luncheons, refreshment breaks, receptions and handout materials. It does not include optional activities or meals for guests. Registration Ends 9/17/26 at 8:30 PM EDT
$1,925.00
Private Sector Non-Member Registration - ON SITE
Full conference registration includes admission to all educational sessions, exhibits, luncheons, refreshment breaks, receptions and handout materials. It does not include optional activities or meals for guests. Registration Ends 9/17/26 at 8:30 PM EDT
$2,175.00
Credits Price
NATOA Member Registration - One Day
One day registration includes that day’s concurrent educational sessions, refreshment breaks, any meals and handout materials. Optional activities and guest meals are not included. You may register for one or two days, otherwise you must register for the entire conference. Registration Ends 9/17/26 at 12:00 AM EDT
$550.00
Government Non-Member Registration - One Day
One day registration includes that day’s concurrent educational sessions, refreshment breaks, any meals and handout materials. Optional activities and guest meals are not included. You may register for one or two days, otherwise you must register for the entire conference. Registration Ends 9/17/26 at 12:00 AM EDT
$700.00
Non-Member Private Sector Registration - One Day
One day registration includes that day’s concurrent educational sessions, refreshment breaks, any meals and handout materials. Optional activities and guest meals are not included. You may register for one or two days, otherwise you must register for the entire conference. Registration Ends 9/17/26 at 12:00 AM EDT
$850.00
NATOA Member Registration - Two Days
Two-day registration includes that day’s concurrent educational sessions, refreshment breaks, any meals and handout materials. Optional activities and guest meals are not included. Registration Ends 9/17/26 at 12:00 AM EDT
$1,100.00
Government Non-Member Registration - Two Days
Two-day registration includes that day’s concurrent educational sessions, refreshment breaks, any meals and handout materials. Optional activities and guest meals are not included. Registration Ends 9/17/26 at 12:00 AM EDT
$1,400.00
Non-Member Private Sector Registration - Two Days
Two-day registration includes that day’s concurrent educational sessions, refreshment breaks, any meals and handout materials. Optional activities and guest meals are not included. Registration Ends 9/17/26 at 12:00 AM EDT
$1,700.00
Credits Price
Tour of Kansas City PBS - Monday, September 14th
Monday, September 14th, 3:00 - 4:00 pm
No cost to attend but advance registration is required.
Transportation is not provided.
Kansas City PBS is easily accessible via the KC Streetcar line.
FREE
Storytelling Workshop with Alanna Delfino-Kopania
Wednesday, September 16th, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Included in Full and Wednesday registrations. 
Featuring Alanna Delfino-Kopania, Lecturer, Philip Merrill College of Journalism, and Freelance Videographer, Editor and Photographer 
FREE
Adobe Creative CoLabs Training Seminar
Thursday, September 17th, 1:00 - 5:00 pm
Included in Full and Thursday registrations 
Collaborative, in-person, workshop. Programs covered include products like Premiere, Photoshop, Lightroom, Illustrator, Frame.io, Firefly and Express. Bring your device and join us for this deep-dive training into everything Adobe.
Speaker: Ken Raimondi
FREE
Credits Price
Tuesday Luncheon featuring Erik Berg, Microsoft
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 & CBDE Awards Presentation
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
Thursday Luncheon
For those attending only the lunch, or purchasing guest tickets. If registered for the full conference or for Thursday only, this event is already included with your registration. 
$50.00
Thursday GPA Awards Banquet
For those attending only the awards banquet, or purchasing guest tickets. If registered for the full conference or for Thursday only, this event is already included with your registration. 
$100.00

 

Finding The Story: How to Hook Your Audience with Strong Visual Storytelling
Featuring Alanna Kopania
Wednesday, September 16th, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Breakfast, lunch and refreshments provided
No charge but ticket required, included in Full and Wednesday registrations

Stories are everywhere — in every person, every moment, every frame. As visual storytellers, we have the privilege of capturing those moments and sharing them in ways that resonate. Whether you're covering a public meeting, a ribbon-cutting, or creating content for constituents, great storytelling starts with the same fundamentals: editing inside the camera, building scenes with strong sequences, hunting for crisp natural sound, and finding the organizational structure to bring it all together in the edit.

This session will give you a storytelling system you can use immediately.

What you'll learn:

  • Finding your visual eye — sharpening fundamental shooting skills to build stronger, more compelling video scenes
  • Sound hunting — exploring budget-friendly audio tools and choosing the right equipment for your project
  • Covering events — techniques for turning routine coverage into something memorable
  • Editing — crafting strong opens and using sound editing to make any piece stand out

In the second half of the day, we'll shift into hands-on practice — gear tips, technique drills, and live feedback on your work.

About Alanna Kopania

Alanna Kopania is a professional visual storyteller and editor based in the Baltimore–Washington, D.C. region. A proud Baltimore native, she's built an award-winning career rooted in stories that reflect and uplift her community — work that spans local and national platforms.

Alanna teaches the next generation of storytellers at the University of Maryland's Philip Merrill College of Journalism, where she leads News Videography and plays a key role in shaping the college's visual journalism curriculum. In fall 2024, she launched a cinematography and video production course for Merrill's new Documentary Master's program, followed by "Zooming In: Advanced Visual Storytelling," a Capitol News Service capstone course for upperclassmen and graduate students.

She also serves as faculty advisor for UMD's Video Consortium chapter, community organizer for VC's Baltimore Chapter, and co-director of NPPA's News Video Workshop.

Outside the classroom, Alanna is busy documenting her favorite new subject: her son Thomas, born last August — every magical, messy, unforgettable moment.

  

Adobe Creative CoLabs Training Seminar
Thursday, September 17th, 1:00 - 5:00 pm
No charge but ticket required, included in Full and Thursday registrations

The Adobe Creative CoLab is a collaborative, in-person, hands-on workshop where experts will facilitate discussions on the latest trends in developing digital content, Adobe's approach to responsible AI, and demonstrate tips and tricks to make the most of the creative applications you already use. Programs covered include products like Premiere, Photoshop, Lightroom, Illustrator, Frame.io, Firefly and Express. Bring your device and join us for this deep-dive training into everything Adobe.


Presenters: Ken Raimondi and Stephen Clowes

Thank you to our 2026 Conference Speakers!  

Click here for a listing

Thank you to our 2026 Conference Sponsors!  

Click here for a listing

Thank you to our 2026 Conference Exhibitors!  

Click here for a listing

QUESTIONS?

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