2008 RICA- RTG Fall Forum Meeting Agenda

Registration | Agenda | Hotel Information | Sponsors/Exhibitors

Wednesday, November 19

8am                 Breakfast

9am                 Welcome

Keynote Speaker: Michael Greeson, The Diffusion Group
Since co-founding TDG in April 2004, Mr. Greeson has served as President and Principal Analyst, directing the research and consulting efforts of this "virtual think tank." Mr. Greeson has active consulting relationships with many of the world's most innovative technology, consumer electronic, and "new media" companies on subjects ranging from broadband-enabled media to "connected consumer" platform and services.

10:15am          Break

10:30 am         Legislative and Regulatory Overview
Carrie Bennet, RTG General Counsel
Steve Kraskin, RICA Legal Counsel
Tom Smith, RICA Legislative Counsel
                                   
12 pm              Lunch (exhibits open)

1:15 pm           Breakout Sessions
           
Flat IP Architectures for Mobile Broadband Services – Options for Wireless Providers
This session will discuss the exploding demand for mobile broadband services and the technology choices wireless service providers must consider in delivering cost-effective 3G voice and data services.  Discussions will include deploying flat, convergent, all-IP network architectures that simultaneously provide lower costs, lower latency, and greater flexibility. 

Competing in the Video Marketplace – Cable vs. Everyone Else
Providing video services to the marketplace is becoming more competitive and finding ways to compete against the satellite and “over the top” providers is an important issue.  So, how do you do it?  This session will look into the marketing side of putting your video services out in front of the competition.

MPLS vs. PBT – A Comparison of Two IP/Ethernet Transport Protocols
As independent telephone companies migrate towards an all IP/Ethernet transport network, designing and building the next generation network for future services while maintaining reliability and fast protection switching is critical and challenging.  Two protocols – Multi Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) and Provider Backbone Transport (PBT) – have emerged as two leading technologies.  This session will compare the pros and cons of each protocol for implementation in rural networks.

2:30 pm           Break

2:45 pm           Breakout Sessions

Internet Content Providers and You
How will the emergence of Internet and OTT video technologies and services affect your business plan for IPTV services? Are Internet and OTT video providers a serious competitive threat to telco IPTV, or can they be valuable strategic partners?  This session may give you some answers.

Going Green
“Green” is a buzzword these days. But what can it mean to companies in a competitive market? Learn how a green initiative can impact your marketing efforts and streamline your costs, as well as providing a positive public relations speaking point that demonstrates your company’s commitment to the environment and the future.
                       
Protecting Your Spectrum Investment
This session will provide a practical guide to spectrum conditioning, utilization challenges and solutions.

4 pm                General Session: Converged IP Networks for Wireless and Wireline
This session will present the business case for converged operations for wireless and wireline providers today.

6 pm                Welcome Reception (exhibits open)

Thursday, November 20

8 am                Breakfast

9 am                Keynote Speaker: Chris Sacca, former head of Google Strategic Initiatives
As the original architect of Google's open wireless initiatives, and now in his role as a private investor, Chris Sacca will join us to discuss the precarious state of the US wireless market and what can be done to ensure a more competitive environment for consumers and a more level playing field for carriers.

10:15 am         Break

10:30 am         Roundtable Discussions
Marketing * Management * Technology
Here’s your opportunity to converge with others in your profession to talk about concerns, ideas, theories affecting your company. Discuss what works and what doesn’t. Take advantage of this time to interact with your counterparts from other companies. 

11:45 am         Lunch (exhibits open)

1:15 pm           Breakout Sessions

Hurricanes, Tornados, Flooding… Are You Prepared?
Whether or not you believe climate change is real, natural disasters appear to be on the rise. The insurance industry faced $75 billion of losses from natural catastrophes during 2007. Hear a Wisconsin telco’s real life experience with disaster and learn from a leading industry professional on planning strategies to ensure you and your customers are prepared for a natural disaster in your area. 

Marketing Wireless Data Services to Rural Customers
Providing real compelling business drivers for offering data services in today’s rural markets. This session will cover the multiple ways to capitalize on your wireless network selling data services and cutting edge local content.

IPTV Middleware – Update on Future Services
IPTV operators are continually seeking ways to differentiate their service from satellite and cable TV providers.  While the early implementation of IPTV were focused on reaching parity with the competition, it is time IPTV start leveraging the two way broadband network the service is built upon to provide service differentiation.  This session will provide an update on the future of IPTV middleware to examine how IPTV will better position operators against competition, including discussions about the role of over the top Internet video services.

2:30 pm           Break

2:45 pm           General Session: Convergence and the Network
U.S. Industry Internet Association President Dave McClure examines the trends in convergence as they are emerging today – and what we expect tomorrow.  He outlines the opportunities for network operators and their partners in crucial areas that include “Last-30-Feet” technologies, mobile applications, video applications, the shrinking PC, and gaming systems.  The convergence field is littered with what’s left of failed convergence efforts, from Web TV and radio tuners for PCs to the ever-dying VoIP.  The key is to follow consumers, not technologies.

5 pm                Chairman’s Reception (exhibits open)

For additional information relative to the RICA-RTG Fall Forum, please contact the RICA office at (866) 472-1209 or email RICA at info@ricalliance.org.