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AGENDA

Concurrent Sessions Tracks

OA = Office Administrator      TT = Telco Track     DT = Director Track     

Click on date to expand for more information

Saturday, September 21

8:00 a.m.  –  Noon
CSSA Board Meeting

4:00 p.m.  –  6:00 p.m.
CONFERENCE CENTRAL

Sunday, September 22

9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Welcome to Denver

11:00 a.m. – Noon
NTCA Meetings and Education Committee Meeting

11:00 a.m. – Noon
NTCA Membership Committee Meeting

Noon – 1:00 p.m.
NTCA COMMITTEE MEMBERS' LUNCHEON
This luncheon is for the members of the NTCA Membership Committee, Meetings and Education Committee, and Awards Committee.

1:00 p.m.  –  2:00 p.m.
NTCA Awards Committee Meeting

1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Denver City Tour

1:00 p.m.  –  5:00 p.m.
NTCA Government Affairs Committee Meeting

1:00 p.m.  –  6:30 p.m.
CONFERENCE CENTRAL

2:00 p.m.  –  4:00 p.m.
NTCA Associate Member Advisory Council Meeting

2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.  
ROUNDTABLES

Director Peer-to-Peer Roundtables 
During this popular highlight of the conference, board directors network and share their challenges with peers of similar company size. Be prepared for a rigorous discussion of issues. 

Office Administrator Roundtable
Make connections and be prepared to share ideas with your peers. 

3:00 p.m. – 4 :00 p.m.
CONCURRENT SESSION

TT

Serving Local Businesses and Leading Them into the Future
Business-to-business sales are dependable sources of new revenue, and your business customers are increasingly looking to you for solutions. From hosted data centers to international phone communication networks, you are perfectly poised to take the lead and guide the businesses in your community through the many technology solutions available today. Join the discussion that will leave you with ideas for how to grow B2B sales. 

This session is brought to you by the NTCA Marketing Committee 

NTCA certificate code: B110 
For: telco executives, key employees, marketing team members 

4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
FIRST-TIME ATTENDEE RECEPTION

5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
WELCOME RECEPTION + SOLUTIONS EXCHANGE

7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
DINE-AROUND WITH NTCA
Connect with your peers and NTCA staff while you enjoy one of Denver's famed restaurants.

Monday, September 23

7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST + SOLUTIONS EXCHANGE

7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
CONFERENCE CENTRAL

8:00 a.m. – Noon    
Consulting Rooms
CoBank and RUS

8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.    
Consulting Room
RTFC

8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.    
Consulting Rooms
NTCA Benefits, NISC

8:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
OPENING GENERAL SESSION

Special Guest
Sonny Perdue, Secretary of Agriculture, USDA

 

 

 

NTCA CEO Address 
Shirley Bloomfield, Chief Executive Officer, NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association
Hear insights on the political climate and policy initiatives, as well as overall industry and organizational perspectives.

 

 

 

Smart Rural Community Awards Presentations
SRC Showcase Awards are presented to the winners. 

An Innovative Model for Policy Solutions
Stephanie Copeland, Chief Executive Officer, The Governance Project 

 

Non-Obvious 2020 
Rohit Bhargava, Innovation and Marketing Expert, and Founder of the Non-Obvious Co.
In this exclusive presentation, you will learn five “non-obvious” habits to curate ideas and see what others miss. Based on his number one best-selling annual trend series read by more than a million people online, Rohit Bhargava will also share some specific trends from his many years of research that matter for the rural telecom industry along with highly actionable ideas for how to use them. Predicting the future is a learnable skill—and this keynote will reveal exactly how to do it.

 

Working with Gen Z—A Panel of Your Youngest Peers
Working with millennials is old news by now. These 23 to 38-year-olds are well-established in the workforce. Employees under the age of 23 represent an entirely new generation of perspectives on leadership, company culture, work-life balance and a whole lot more. Hear from early career telco employees about where they are coming from, both figuratively and literally. 

9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
NETWORKING CENTRAL

11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
NTCA Rural Broadband PAC Board Meeting

11:45 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR LUNCHEON

12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Denver Mountain Parks Tour

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
CONCURRENT SESSIONS

OA

Events Planning 101
Community events, product announcements, annual meetings, and town halls—planning for events both large and small require you to wear many hats and coordinate on many fronts. An events professional will guide you through a step-by-step process of event planning and execution to ensure you make the company shine.

NTCA certificate code: B110

TT

Let Your Data Be Your Guide 
There are so many data points available today regarding customers it can be an overwhelming paradox of choice on where to focus. Combining your data with widely available market data, you have the ability to paint a strategic, focused, and measurable business development masterpiece to upgrade and capture customers. Learn what data you should analyze and who is best suited to take the lead on these types of projects.

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

NTCA certificate code: B108
For: marketing professionals, telco management

TT

Futureproof Your Workforce
By next year, a third of your workforce will have been born after 1997. Within five years we will begin to see a decrease in the median age of employees. Trend analysts recommend preparing for employees that are internet centric and technology driven, hold nanodegrees and will live much longer than previous generations. Join a lively discussion on how to engage employees, provide progressive opportunities and demonstrate value for the workforce of the future. 

NTCA certificate code: B105
For: telco management, HR Staff

DT

Making the Most of Your NTCA Membership
Beginning with an orientation to Fall Conference, learn how to utilize the resources available through NTCA to maximize your personal and organizational results. We’ll cover everything you need to navigate the many NTCA events and director-focused resources on the NTCA website. The tools are there for you to use, we’ll make sure you know where to find them.

NTCA certificate code: G106
For: new directors, all attendees

DT

A Director’s Guide to Legal Liabilities
As an individual director and collectively as a board, the fiduciary responsibility you assume comes with liabilities. Gain a better understanding of your liabilities and how to mitigate risk both individually and as an organization.

NTCA certificate code: G102
For: directors, board officers, telco management

1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
TIG Board Meeting

1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
NTCA Technical Committee Meeting

1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
NTCA Industry and Regulatory Policy Committee and Competitive and Advanced Services Committee Joint Meeting

2:15 p.m.–3:15 p.m.
CONCURRENT SESSIONS REPEAT

3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Rural Trust Insurance Co. Board Meeting

3:15 p.m.–4:45 p.m.
NTCA Innovation and Business Opportunity Committee Meeting

3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
CONCURRENT SESSIONS

OA

Office Administrator, Meet Office®
Automated tools baked right into the Microsoft Office suite offer many hidden opportunities to simplify your day. Learn tips for managing multiple calendars, maximizing email efficiency and increasing productivity using tools already on your computer.

NTCA certificate code: B110

TT

Realities of Robocalls for Small Operators
A panel of experts will discuss real solutions for rural carriers to address a growing customer complaint—unwanted robocalls. If operators do not demonstrate effective ways of fighting this scourge, regulatory actions may force them to do so. Learn about new tools and strategies to block or screen calls, and find out more about the landscape of new call authentication technologies.

NTCA certificate code: T109
For: telco management, staff, regulatory staff

TT

Cybersecurity Steps to Take
As a rural broadband provider, your company is an attractive target for bad actors. And in an increasingly digital world where social media and phishing attacks abound, every staff member has a responsibility to keep the company’s networks and data secure. Know what you need to do to assist and how to recognize the warning signs. Attend this session to learn more about your role in company security and how to spot suspicious activity.

NTCA certificate code: T110
For: telco management, staff

DT

More Eggs in More Baskets: The Benefit of Diversifying Product Lines
Companies are diversifying their offerings more than you think. Learn how some telcos are expanding into new product lines more creatively than ever before. You’ve got the broadband; now make use of it.

NTCA certificate code: B106
For: directors, board officers, telco management

DT

Hard Truths About Pulling the Plug on Video
Hear from some telcos that have made the decision to stop offering their traditional video service. With all roads seeming to point to an all app-based TV future, find out what the board should consider. Learn from other directors about contracts, timelines and unexpected developments faced by your peers.

NTCA certificate code: B106
For: directors, board officers, telco management

3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
NTCA Tribal Affairs Committee Meeting

6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Foundation for Rural Service Event: Backyard BBQ

Tuesday, September 24

7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.    
WOMEN IN TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY BREAKFAST

7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.    
CONFERENCE CENTRAL

8:00 a.m. – Noon    
Consulting Rooms
RTFC, CoBank, RUS and TIG

8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.    
Consulting Rooms
NTCA Benefits

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
CONCURRENT SESSIONS REPEAT

9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
SPOUSE SESSION

Practicing Playful Presence 
Nancy Norton, Comedian and Boston Comedy Festival Winner
Experience the joy of being in the present moment with fun and easy improv games anyone can play. In this interactive session, you will play games that bring out the laughter and learn how being in the present moment naturally increases humorous interactions which reduces stress and anxiety, moves stuck energy, lightens moods and bonds us with our peers.
 

9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
NETWORKING CENTRAL

10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
CONCURRENT SESSIONS

OA

Getting the Best from Yourself (and Others)
Successful employees don’t sit around and wait for things to happen. They step up and get things done. Sometimes that means doing the things that others just don’t; other times it means seeing the things that need to be done before anyone else. At this session, learn how to be your best and inspire those around you to do the same.

NTCA certificate code: B109

TT

The Clarity and Questions of Cost-Based Support (does not repeat) 
There is increased stability for cost-based support, but open questions remain. Join us to explore outstanding issues in the wake of recent FCC rulings and how best to plan for the future. 

NTCA certificate code: P101 
For: telco management, staff 

TT

The Clarity and Questions of ACAM Support (does not repeat) 
There is greater predictability after ACAM elections, but open questions remain. Join the discussion on what issues ACAM support takers are working through as they begin buildouts and plan for the future. 

NTCA certificate code: P101 
For: telco management, staff 

DT

Service Provider of the Future  
Each company must choose its path toward the future, now you need to navigate toward success. The time for innovation and setting a shared vision for the future is now. This session will help you prototype potential outcomes as the markets for broadband become more saturated and rural carriers find themselves facing more competition than ever before.  

NTCA certificate code: T106 
For: directors, board officers, telco management 

DT

Business Combinations in Telecom  
The rural broadband industry has experienced a noticeable uptick in merger and acquisition activity over the past several years, and there is reason to believe this trend will continue. In this session, you’ll receive a crash course in the key considerations for your organization, your employees and your communities when opportunities for business combinations are on the table, from the buy-side and sell-side.  

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

NTCA certificate code: B103 
For: directors, board officers, telco management 

1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.  
Denver Botanical Garden Tour  

1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.  
Foundation for Rural Service Board of Directors Meeting

1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. 
CONCURRENT SESSIONS REPEAT

1:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. 
What’s on Your Mind?  A Session With Shirley Bloomfield 

2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. 
RWA Public Join Committee Meeting

4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. 
RWA Annual Meeting

5:00 p.m. – 6 :30 p.m.
NETWORKING RECEPTION + SOLUTIONS EXCHANGE

6:45 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.  
NTCA Rural Broadband PAC/RTAF Present: A Night at Coors Field 

Wednesday, September 25

8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. 
CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST

8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. 
CONFERENCE CENTRAL

8:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. 
CLOSING GENERAL SESSION

Foundation for Rural Service Update 
Carri Bennet, Chair, FRS 
Pamela Becker, Executive Director, FRS
FRS board chair will discuss foundation happenings for the upcoming year. 

Industry Insights 
This candid panel discussion will cover a SWOT analysis for broadband and electric businesses for the next few years. 

Vision 20/20 
Join us for a quick-hitting conversation as an engineer, regulatory expert, financial analyst and service provider survey the market and opportunities ahead. 

 

The Next Wave of Consumer Tech & How It Will Affect Business 
David Pogue, Disruptive and Future Technology Columnist, New York Times Columnist, CBS Tech Contributor and NOVA Host 
It’s expected that consumers will adopt new technologies before institutions do. But it’s also expected that these technologies will seep into the workplace through the backdoor, because consumers are also employees. In this light-hearted look at serious tech topics, hear how advances in voice control, Internet of Things, automated vehicles, the sharing economy, and TV cord-cutting will affect the businesses of designing, building, and marketing goods and services in our new, hyper-connected society.  

11:15 a.m.
NTCA Fall Conference Adjourns