Annual Meeting roundup.

Opportunities for learning, networking and plenty of down-home, Texas-sized fun were in abundance at NTCA's Annual Meeting and EXPO '05 in San Antonio, February 13-16. More than 2,800 attendees experienced interactive sessions on important telecom issues and heard from some of the industry's most prominent figures, all the while enveloped by the beauty and culture of the southwestern setting.

NTCA Chief Executive Officer Michael E. Brunner got the event off to a rousing start at the opening general session, where he delivered his state of the association address. In his speech he highlighted the past year's many legislative and regulatory successes, which he credited in large part to the support of NTCA's members.

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Brunner also outlined the challenges facing the industry and called on the membership to get involved and play an active role in helping the association shape the policies that will govern the industry in the years to come.

Two keynote addresses marked the opening general session as well: a lighthearted look at the importance of market branding by Jim Davis, creator of Garfield the Cat, and an introspective look at the FCC's activities and priorities by Jeffrey Carlisle, chief of the FCC's Wireless Competition Bureau.

Davis' lively presentation focused on the importance of "taking care of your company brand," and how branding can bring familiarity and recognition to telcos. A native of rural Indiana, Davis spoke about the evolution of the Garfield franchise and how the loveable cat emerged from a comic strip character to become a multimillion-dollar brand.

That brand's roots still lie in central Indiana, where the Paws Inc. studio is located. During his presentation, Davis delighted the audience by drawing several cartoons that later commanded quite a bit of attention during a live auction benefiting the Telecommunications Education Committee Organization (TECO).

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Carlisle opened his comments by noting that the past year was filled with "speculation, excitement and anxiety." He read a passage from a recent business article that stated that the "Wal-Mart phenomenon" has created "the rise of the consumer" and their right to access a wide array of products. He related this to the telecommunications sector, noting that a similar phenomenon is occurring with consumers and their access to connectivity.

Carlisle went on to say that the "triple play" is an illusion; the services commonly referred to as the triple play--voice, video and data--are not three services, but one: data. Carlisle noted that teenagers will drive the development of broadband, and the industry should pay attention to the types of electronic products that teenagers will buy in the next three, five and 10 years. In closing, Carlisle said the goal of the commission is to create intercarrier compensation and universal service regimes that are equitable and sustainable.

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A compelling panel discussion entreating members to recognize, "There is More to Life than DSL," rounded out the opening general session. Amperion CEO Phil Hunt and Tom Moore, CEO of Wildblue, shared their thoughts on alternatives to digital subscriber line (DSL) and discussed their implications for rural telecom.

Hunt discussed the importance of personalized service--the type provided by NTCA members--and projected that incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs) will enjoy continued success as the industry moves toward more personalized service. He added that broadband is an unstoppable force and provides a necessary service to society.

Moore predicted that ILECs would remain competitive in the marketplace by continuing to transition and grow as new technologies become available and consumers demand advanced services.

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FCC Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein, an advocate for independent rural carriers, participated in a question-and-answer session in which he candidly said that, while the commission hasn't always been successful in balancing the needs of rural carriers with those of larger carriers, he believes they are making progress. Adelstein joked that it was fitting that the NTCA annual meeting was held in San Antonio--where the famous battle of the Alamo was waged--because, like the Alamo's defenders, rural telecom providers are being attacked from all sides on universal service and voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) issues, as well as increased competition from wireless and cable providers.

He discussed what the new leadership of the FCC may mean for rural carriers [FCC Chairman Michael Powell has announced that he will be stepping down in March], reflecting that the commission has a heightened sensitivity to rural issues as a result of rural carriers' continued participation and involvement in both the legislative and regulatory rulemaking processes, especially on such a vital issue as intercarrier compensation reform.

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Adelstein also noted that the commission must be careful not to take universal service for granted as it moves forward with forming rules and regulations addressing new technologies. "VoIP doesn't make universal service unnecessary; it makes universal service more important," he said.

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A keynote speech by former actor and Congressman Fred Grandy concluded the general sessions. Grandy's humorous and poignant look at the motivation behind public service and volunteerism was well received by the packed house.

Expounding on his theme of "doing well and doing good," Grandy explained his view of the true nature of public service and how it links to community wealth. Grandy also spoke about how personal tragedy launched him from an acting career to a career in Congress, and then the nonprofit sector, illustrating his point that the path to public service is a uniquely personal journey. He noted that many cooperative leaders already contribute to their communities.

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The annual meeting was filled with educational seminars and workshops on a wide range of topics, from marketing techniques to VoIP to board governance to an exploratory look at the "Telco of the Future." And the sold-out EXPO packed with exhibitors gave attendees an up-close look at resources available to their operations (see page 38).

Following a delicious banquet, an awards presentation honored several member companies and their employees for distinguished service and outstanding citizenship (see page 44). The meeting ended on a high note, as attendees danced the evening away to the energetic sounds of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.

Caitlin Colligan is public relations manager for NTCA. She can be reached at [e-mail].