Preconference Director Session

Introduction to Broadband for Board Members

With broadband adoption rates at an all-time high, you need to know all you can about your company’s flagship product. In an acronym-free zone for those new to the industry or those who want a refresher, you’ll get an introduction on broadband technologies and services that are at the heart of every telco. While sharing with your peers, you’ll learn about the latest technology services and trends of today. Bring your questions on broadband and related services for a no-nonsense discussion in terms that you can understand.

Certificate Course Code: T102

Additional Fee Applies: $99*

Preconference Director Session

The Big Revenue Picture a High-Level Overview of Revenue and Funding in the Industry

Telecommunications industry revenues are complex but they don’t need to be. Learn the basic components of the Universal Service Fund, today’s revenue models, and how funding works in the industry. Discover the difference between Alternative Connect America Cost Model and the traditional high-cost universal service model. Review nonregulated revenues part in an ever-more important role towards the bottom line of any telco. Plus, take in the basics of funding programs and lending available to telcos today.

Certificate Course Code: B101

Additional Fee Applies: $99*

*Register for both preconference sessions at a discounted price of $189 by the early-bird deadline.

Social Hour

Stop by for a drink and snacks and to network with your peers. One drink ticket per person will be supplied at registration.

Continental Breakfast
Sponsored by Telcom Insurance Group (TIG)

Cybersecurity: Understanding the Risks

Telcom Insurance Group has long been an NTCA membership benefit. Learn what you should be doing now to reduce your risk and help protect your company from the threats of cyberattacks, including the combination of insurance and risk management solutions. 

8:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

Opening General Session

Welcome Address
Regional Directors

Chief Executive Officer Address

Shirley Bloomfield

Keynote Presentation: Being a Human Brand in Small-Town America
Justin Foster, Co-Founder, Root + River

A blend of understanding modern trends (like tech and millennials) along with the power of trust in building a brand and how each leader's mission is a stewardship for the next generation. Weaving in his journey from growing up on a rural cattle ranch to becoming a brand marketer and consultant, Justin shares how small companies can best live and communicate their brands in their communities. 

Managing Change, Disrupting the Norm

A discussion surrounding the disruptive factors that have impacted many industries from community banks and credit unions to rental cars and taxi cabs. What kinds of disruption could be coming to the rural communities and rural broadband?

Trend Watching 2017

Join a rigorous and enlightening facilitated discussion on emerging trends and how
to leverage them to benefit your telco.

Open Forum: What's on Your Mind?

Seeking all engaged members! This is open microphone time just for you to communicate with your peers and NTCA leadership. What's on your mind?

The Coffee Stop

Lunch on Your Own

Seminars

Seminar 1: The Double-Edged Sword of Regulation

While regulation is often associated with burdens and roadblocks, “clear rules of the road” can also be very important as small companies work and contemplate significant network investments in a complex telecom marketplace. Issues like call completion failures and disputes over cost recovery show what can happen in the absence of rules that provide simple, straightforward guidance and defined boundaries for conduct. Discover and talk through how regulations can both help and hinder businesses, and what sorts of opportunities and challenges arise out of regulated marketplaces.

Certificate Course Code: P101

Seminar 2: Board Policy Manuals, Effective Board Policies, and Contemporary Governance

Developing and implementing appropriate policies is a critical component to effective governance. In this session for any executive or board member (from commercial companies or coops) participants will learn about current trends on how to proactively ensure your board policies are up to date and serve your organization well.

Certificate Course Code: G104

Seminar 3: Advances Abound in Wi-Fi and Wireless

The power is in their hands. Recent research confirms that a large portion of subscribers get their Broadband from one place—their handheld device. In fact, that number is at an all-time high. This session will cover all things wireless, handheld and fixed, including sales and marketing trends; 5G and how it may or may not play out in rural areas; and how wide area Wi-Fi points of access are being rolled out.

Certificate Course Code: T104

Your Workplace Benefits—Get Ahead and Stay Ahead

Join your member relations managers for an enlightening discussion of policies, plans, and practices to continue and ones that may keep your company from growing and moving forward. Learn strategies to help your employees understand the value of your workplace benefits. Also, hear the latest updates on the NTCA benefit plans and the Affordable Care Act.

Tech Talk: The Revenue of Tech

Technology surrounds us but how are broadband providers making money at all the offerings? Learn about recurring revenue models that telcos are practicing now and hear the latest on video options, in-home network maintenance, consumer trends, devices and more.

Networking Reception

Enjoy drinks and hors d'oeuvres while networking with your peers.

Regional Breakfast and NTCA Business Session

The business session includes regional director, SMC, NTCA Rural Broadband PAC and FRS reports.

Business Session

Critical Considerations by AMAC: Cyber Risk Management

Cyber-related threats to tangible assets are on the rise. Computer and network risks, including hacking, data theft, viruses, malware, financial loss and loss of consumer trust threaten all companies. Learn what rural carriers are doing to manage cyber risk and the solutions that are readily available to assess your company. This panel will discuss their perspectives on cyber risks, disclose the issues that most concern them and explain how cyber solutions fit into their overall strategic vision.

This session is brought to you by the NTCA Associate Member Advisory Council.

The Coffee Stop

Break

Federal Update: New Developments, Responsive Strategies

Take a seat and hear how the early months of a significant transition in Washington are translating into telecom policies that affect rural America and smaller providers.

Executive Forum
For telco executives and senior telco staff only

This interactive roundtable discussion will focus on pressing industry and management issues facing telecommunications C–level managers and owners. Discover management best practices and techniques from peers to move your business forward.

Directors Forum
For telco directors only

Join directors from companies of all sizes and engage in a lively discussion on challenges and important issues facing their telcos today. Get strategies on how you can solve your most pressing challenges and how they are being handled.

Noon. – 2:00 p.m.

Recognition Luncheon

Enjoy lunch and entertainment while honoring this year's NTCA certificate awardees, along with those companies that have been NTCA members for 25 or 50 years.

Closing Presentation
Billy Riggs, Master of Enchantment, Entertainment and Empowerment

Voted one of America’s top five most entertaining speakers in 2014, Billy Riggs has been called “The Dr. Phil of Magic,” and “a psychologist masquerading as a comedian and magician.” He uses his illusions and comedy to grip audiences, move them to action, improve attitudes, turbocharge service and sales, and change lives. Perhaps the only entertainer in America who can also be described as a true orator.

He has been impacting audiences—with or without his magic—through his speeches from the age of 18. Through television, radio, books, videos, and live keynote speeches Riggs has used an unusual blend of comedy, music, magic, training and motivation to spread his positive attitude to more than a million people on five continents. In 2002, Mr. Riggs was presented the highest earned award of the National Speakers Association: the Certified Speaking Professional.

Conference Adjourns