Dear NATOA Members and Friends:
On behalf of the 2007-2008 NATOA Board of Directors, it is my pleasure to invite you to join us for our 28th Annual Conference. Set in the heart of the South – Atlanta, Georgia – this year’s program will be as vital and resilient as this extraordinary city.
This year’s conference theme – “Putting the Public Interest Back Into Communications” – emphasizes the key decision-making role our local governments play in the dynamic communications policy and technology environments. Our General Sessions will explore “hot topics” including: the need to expand America’s broadband infrastructure, to adapt local programming to new Internet media, and to examine the effects of a new administration on our nation’s communications future.
As always, our program is customized to meet and exceed attendee needs. Concurrent educational tracks with Community Networks, Policy/Legal and Programming sessions provide attendees with expert advice on a wide array of content. The Primer sessions provide introductory materials, while the Masters sessions provide a higher level of expertise. Track sessions review key developments on communications issues influencing our local governments, as well as case studies that evidence the most advantageous policies and technologies to address today’s challenges.
Continuing to recognize the success of local governments in meeting the needs of our citizens, the NATOA Community Broadband Awards will again highlight the outstanding efforts of local governments to provide broadband services within and to their communities. Join us to learn which “pioneers” will receive the 2008 Community Broadband Awards.
The 23rd Annual Government Programming Awards Gala, being held on Saturday, September 21st celebrates the finest in local government programming. This formal banquet and the accompanying video presentation recognize the marvelous achievements of our local government programmers. With an exceptional number of high-caliber entries, this event promises to be something you won’t want to miss!
Our Conference Planning Committee and staff have been hard at work for months developing a conference agenda to educate and inform our membership and colleagues. This year’s conference will offer opportunities for everyone to take advantage of networking, experience new technologies, and learn about key policy and legal issues in media and communications.
Plan to join us in the big city with a flare for southern hospitality — see ya’ll September 17th-21st at the Hilton in Atlanta, GA.
Doris Jo Boris
President