2011 NTCA Fall Conference by NTCA Meetings

NTCA 2011 Fall Conference September 25â&#x20AC;&#x201C;28 Sheraton Seattle Hotel Seattle, Wash.

www.ntca.org/fallconference

NTCA 2011 Fall Conference Top Five Reasons You Should Attend the Fall Conference in Seattle: 1.

Make your telco a competitive industry force.

Maximize your revenue with the latest business innovations.

Create a fresh outlook with insight from influential leaders.

Stimulate your thinking with educational sessions and roundtables.

5. Broaden your economic development opportunities with ideas from other organizations. Make plans now to experience great education and networking opportunities in Seattle.

www.ntca.org/fallconference

September 25–28 Sheraton Seattle Hotel Seattle, Wash.

Conference Highlights Concurrent sessions will cover topics such as: • The Smart Grid Opportunity • Revenue Challenges and Opportunities in an “All-IP” World • Is the Tail Wagging the Dog? • Top-to-Bottom Organizational Reviews: What Do They Mean for You? • Partnerships: Where Are They Now? • The Digital Revolution Includes the Entire Nation! • Understanding the New Marketing Mix

Fun things to do in Seattle: • Take an elevator ride to the 250-foot high observation deck in the Space Needle. • Explore the Experience Music Project, a unique museum inside and out. • Wander through the Pike Place Market and see the famous fish throwers at Pike Place Fish Co.

The roundtable discussions will address timely industry issues and provide a conducive setting for sharing ideas and learning from colleagues. Stimulus funding recipients will discuss their projects and progress, and other roundtables will explore the ongoing revenue challenges facing the telecom industry.

• Visit the Woodland Park Zoo, where you can see a chuckwalla, a wallaroo and a kookaburra. • Wander through Olympic Sculpture Park, one of the best free attractions in Seattle featuring 20-plus groundbreaking, large-scale sculptures in an awe-inspiring outdoor setting.

Roundtable topics include: Mergers and Acquisitions What’s on Your Mind? Stimulus Recipients Leadership Development Marketing Solutions Revenue Challenges Succession Planning Competitive Realities of Co-Ops Today General Managers/Owners–Policy and Industry Issues

• Relax on a sunset cruise along Puget Sound with views of downtown Seattle’s twinkling lights.

Other conference highlights include: The NTCA welcome reception and Dinner, Dancing and a Show on Tuesday night.

See the Schedule-At-A-Glance on page 8 for specific information on the conference program. Future meetings updates will keep you informed about the latest program enhancements and additions.

General Sessions Monday, September 26

Wednesday, September 28

Opening General Session

Closing General Session

• NTCA CEO Address Shirley Bloomfield

• Telecom Today in Your Community

8:00–10:15 a.m.

• Give Your Business the Mirror Test: Is Your Company Really Breathing? Here’s How You and Your Company Must Adapt—Now Jeffrey Hayzlett Hailed as a “celebrity CMO” by Forbes magazine and famous for his outspoken appearances on numerous television networks, Jeffrey Hayzlett, author and former chief marketing officer (CMO) of the Eastman Kodak Co., is widely recognized as one of the most influential marketers of our time. Having just led one of the biggest iconic turnarounds of Kodak, he will share with you how you can do the same for your business. No stranger to presenting to and providing marketing services to telephone cooperatives, Hayzlett will share some of the newest ways to win with social media and help you transform your business. He’ll talk to you about what he calls “The Mirror Test,” the title of his new book and a new way to look at your company’s marketing and sales strategy. Will your business be positioned to fog the mirror and grow in today’s new economy? • Washington Update Former Senator Byron Dorgan Former United States Senator Byron Dorgan from North Dakota will share perspectives on the political climate in Washington and how it will impact rural telecom policy on legislative and regulatory fronts. Dorgan’s 30 years of congressional experience gives him a keen knowledge of how politics and policymaking will influence the outcomes for rural telecom. His dedication to rural communities was an asset to rural telcos in the past, and he remains committed to our efforts. Following his address, Former Senator Dorgan will continue the dialogue with Shirley Bloomfield of NTCA, John Rose from OPASTCO and Kelly Worthington of WTA to discuss what these updates mean for rural telcos. 4

8:00–11:15 a.m.

With continued budget cuts and policy changes on the horizon, there has never been a more critical time for rural telcos to reach out and establish allies within rural America. This diverse outreach panel will feature leaders representing agriculture, education, community leadership and finance organizations who will explore the issues they are facing and how telecom affects them on a daily basis. • Consumer Electronics Trends for Youth and Seniors Looking forward to the latest announcements in consumer electronics, we’ll focus on emerging telecom technologies that are designed for senior citizens and youth. We’ll cover technology trends in telemedicine, entertainment, smartphones, tablets and more. You’ll hear directly from rural youth about what technologies they can’t live without today so you know what to sell tomorrow. • Insights From State Policy-Makers Leading state regulators will discuss the movement to a broadband world and its impact on federal-state relations, carriers and consumers. • Building a Better Business: It’s the Peoplework—Not the Paperwork! Bruce Wilkinson, CSP Economic downturns, customer expectations, employment issues, technology challenges, expanding regulatory compliance and multigeneration employee communication concerns can take their toll on a sometimes overworked workforce, especially managers and team leaders. As a result, many organizations have implemented a positive and consistent workplace culture through their mission, values and strategic objectives. This highly engaging, informative session will demonstrate how to build a better business by implementing an inspired first-line leadership and value-based employee accountability culture and climate of trust. Remember, it’s the peoplework—not the paperwork.

Special Events

Sunday, September 25, 2011 8:00 a.m. Shotgun Start FRS Fund-Raising Golf Outing The Harbour Pointe Golf Club

The Foundation for Rural Service is hosting a fund-raising golf outing at the Harbour Pointe Golf Club in Mukilteo, Wash. Harbour Pointe is one of the most picturesque golf courses in the Pacific Northwest. With beautiful views of Puget Sound and water that comes into play on the first 10 holes, Harbour Pointe is truly a special place to play. Join your fellow golf enthusiasts and support FRS by participating in this enjoyable outing. The cost is $185 per player. Clubs may be rented for an additional $50. Your tax deduction allowable for this package is $11. See the enclosed brochure for additional information and the registration form, or visit the FRS website at www.frs.org. The Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization. All proceeds from the golf outing will benefit the foundation’s college scholarship program, endowment fund, or other FRS programs and initiatives.

Sunday, September 25

11:00 a.m.– 4:00 p.m. Northwest Native Culture Experience at Tillicum Village Join TECO/RTAF for a trip to Tillicum Village, Seattle’s premier native cultural experience. The event begins with a scenic 60-minute cruise to Blake Island, which includes a narrated tour of Seattle’s Elliott Bay. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed with an appetizer of freshly steamed clams. Lunch then takes place in an authentic cedar longhouse featuring artifacts and totem poles in the fashion

of the ancient communal dwellings of the Northwest Coast First Nations. Watch as whole salmon are cooked over an alder-wood fire on cedar stakes in traditional Indian style. The menu also includes signature northwest stew with venison, beef and bison, a variety of salads, breads and dessert. After dining, experience an exciting program of Native American songs and dances from various Northwest tribes. The perfect ending to this memorable day is the magnificent view of the Seattle skyline from the water on your return cruise. Note: Please let us know of any dietary needs at time of registration. Tickets: $115/person. Purchase tickets when you register for the Fall Conference. Company checks are accepted. This event benefits the Telecommunications Education Committee Organization’s (TECO) administrative fund, the Rural Telecommunications Administrative Fund (RTAF). For questions or information on sponsorship opportunities, call 703-351-2033.

Sunday, September 25 5:30–6:30 p.m. Welcome Reception

Entertainment—The Darren Motamedy Duo Soulful, passionate and smooth are three words describing local jazz artist Darren Motamedy. As the leading saxophonist in Seattle, he continues to thrill audiences with his blend of jazz, pop, blues and world beat. His credits include opening for such acts as Tower of Power, Ce Ce Penniston, Deniece Williams and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. He also has performed with Kenny G. We invite you to enjoy one of the best saxophonists in the smooth jazz world.

Monday, September 26 7:25–7:55 a.m. Opening General Session

Entertainment— Blue Thunder Start out this conference with a bang! Blue Thunder is the heartbeat of Seattle Seahawks fans. This high-energy drumline was established in 2004 at Qwest Field, performing throughout the stadium before, during and after games. Not your typical drumline, Blue Thunder uses a variety of rhythms and visuals, incorporating rock-and-roll drumming, alongside drum corps style, endearing them to fans of all ages.

Monday, September 26

6:30–9:30 p.m. “An Evening at the Museum of Flight” The Museum of Flight is a worldclass museum that chronicles the history of aviation. Guests will have cocktails and a wonderful dinner buffet in the Great Hall among 150 historic air and spacecraft. Take to the air in the museum’s flight simulators, where you can try your hand at World War II dogfights, hang gliding or even landing on the moon. During the evening, enjoy special docent tours and visits from famous aviators of the past. Don’t miss out on this special Foundation for Rural Service fund-raising event. The ticket price is $135/adult and $95/child (under 12). Twenty-six dollars of the ticket price is tax deductible.

See the enclosed brochure for additional information, or visit the FRS website at www.frs.org. The Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization. All proceeds from the event will benefit the foundation’s college scholarship program, endowment fund, or other FRS programs and initiatives.

Tuesday, September 27

6:00–10:30 p.m. Dinner, Dancing and a Show Entertainment—The Fab Four Enjoy an elegant sit-down dinner, followed by entertainment by The Fab Four. The Fab Four is elevated far above every other Beatles tribute band due to their precise attention to detail. With uncanny, note-for-note live renditions of Beatles’ songs, The Fab Four will make you think you are watching the real thing. This incredible stage show includes three costume changes representing every era of the Beatles ever-changing career. After the show, put on your dancing shoes as we open up the dance floor to a deejay playing a mix of oldies, rock and country. The cost is $130/adult and $75/child (under 12).

Tuesday, September 27 9:30–10:30 a.m.

Spouse Session Starbucks Coffee Demonstration Experience Seattle’s worldfamous coffee culture with a Starbucks education specialist. The caffeine-driven lifestyle that Seattleites crave is attributed to the Starbucks Coffee Co. Founded in Seattle in 1971, Starbucks is an essential experience for any local visitor. Learn about the Starbucks Co. and the proper way to “taste” coffee.

THANK YOU

2011 Fall Conference Sponsors Platinum-Level Sponsors

Associated Network Partners, Inc. (ANPI) CoBank John Staurulakis, Inc. (JSI) National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC) Rural Telephone Finance Cooperative (RTFC) Telcom Insurance Group Gold-Level Sponsors

GVNW Consulting, Inc. National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative (NRTC) National Exchange Carrier Association (NECA) Silver-Level Sponsors

CHR Solutions Consortia Consulting FairPoint Carrier Services Finley Engineering Co. Interstate Telcom Consulting, Inc. (ITCI) Mid America Computer Corp. (MACC) Olsen Thielen & Co., Ltd. Power & Telephone Supply Co. Quintrex Data Systems Corp. TCA

Seattle Special Sponsors

Communications Data Group (CDG) Finley Engineering Co. Interstate Telcom Consulting, Inc. (ITCI) Media Sponsors

Billing OSS IPTV Magazine Mobile Video MobileWirelessJobs.com New Edge Outside Plant Rural Telecommunications Screenplays Telecompetitor TVover.net Vision2Mobile Web Host Industry Review

Schedule-At-A-Glance

Sheraton Seattle Hotel

Registration badges are required to attend all NTCA Fall Conference events.

Saturday, September 24 7:00 a.m.–Noon CSSA Board Meeting 4:00–6:00 p.m. NTCA Registration If you cannot pick up your badges on Saturday afternoon and you have Sunday morning tours, proceed to the tour departure area in the Sheraton lobby.

2:00–4:00 p.m. Video Task Force Meeting 2:00–6:30 p.m. NTCA Registration 5:30–6:30 p.m. Welcome Reception

Sunday, September 25

Monday, September 26

7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Tour 1: Mount Rainier Day Trip

7:00–8:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast

7:30–8:30 a.m. Church Service

7:25–7:55 a.m. Opening General Session Entertainment—Blue Thunder

8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. FRS Golf Outing (Reservation required)

7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. NTCA Registration

9:45 a.m.–4:45 p.m. Tour 2: Sky and Soil

8:00–10:15 a.m. Opening General Session

10:00–10:30 a.m. Welcome to Seattle

• NTCA CEO Address • Jeffrey Hayzlett: Give Your Business the Mirror Test: Is Your Company Really Breathing? Here’s How You and Your Company Must Adapt—Now • Washington Update: Former Senator Byron Dorgan

11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. TECO/RTAF Present: Northwest Native Culture Experience at Tillicum Village (Advance purchase required) Noon–2:30 p.m. Association Services Committee Meeting

2:00–4:00 p.m. New Managers/Directors Orientation

9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Tour 3: Seattle City Highlights

9:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. The Coffee Stop/Cyber Café 10:30 a.m.–Noon Concurrent Sessions: (All sessions repeat at 1:30 p.m.) • Forecast: Cloudy With a 90% Chance of Video • Peer-to-Peer Directors Panel • The Smart Grid Opportunity • Revenue Challenges and Opportunities in an “All-IP” World • Understanding the New Marketing Mix Noon–5:00 p.m. Joint meeting of the Industry and Wireless and Government Affairs Committees 12:45–4:45 p.m. Tour 4: Taste of the Northwest 1:00–3:00 p.m. TIG Strategic Planning Committee Meeting 1:00–4:00 p.m. Innovation and Technology Committee Meeting 1:30–3:00 p.m. Concurrent Sessions Repeat 3:00–5:00 p.m. TIG Budget and Finance Committee Meeting 3:30–5:00 p.m. NISC Membership Meeting

3:30–5:00 p.m. Awards Committee Meeting 6:30–9:30 p.m. “An Evening at the Museum of Flight” FRS Fund-Raising Event (Ticket required)

Tuesday, September 27 7:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. NTCA Registration 8:30–10:00 a.m. Concurrent Sessions: (All sessions repeat at 10:15 a.m.) • The Digital Revolution Includes the Entire Nation! • Is the Tail Wagging the Dog? • Top-to-Bottom Organizational Reviews: What Do They Mean for You? • Partnerships: Where Are They Now? 9:30–10:30 a.m. Spouse Session Starbucks Demonstration 9:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. The Coffee Stop/Cyber Café 10:15–11:45 a.m. Concurrent Sessions Repeat 11:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Tour 5: Eastside Highlights

Noon–1:30 p.m. Commercial Company Luncheon

5:30–6:00 p.m. Cash Bar

12:30–5:00 p.m. FRS Board of Directors Meeting 1:30–2:15 p.m. Roundtable Discussions (All sessions repeat at 2:30 p.m. with the exception of What’s on Your Mind?) • Mergers and Acquisitions • What’s on Your Mind? (Does not repeat) • Stimulus Recipients • Leadership Development • Marketing Solutions • Revenue Challenges • Succession Planning • Competitive Realities of Co-Ops Today 1:30–3:00 p.m. EXPO Advisory Subcouncil Meeting 2:30–3:15 p.m. Roundtable Discussions Repeat 2:30–3:15 p.m. General Managers/Owners– Policy and Industry Issues Roundtable

6:00–10:30 p.m. Dinner, Dancing and a Show

Wednesday, September 28 8:00–10:00 a.m. NTCA Registration 8:00–11:15 a.m. Closing General Session • Telecom Today in Your Community • NTCA Associate Member Outstanding Achievement Award • FRS Update and Presentation of FRS Community Development Award • Consumer Electronics Trends for Youth and Seniors • Insights from State PolicyMakers • Bruce Wilkinson: Building a Better Business: It’s the Peoplework—Not the Paperwork! NTCA Fall Conference adjourns.

3:30–5:00 p.m. Associate Member Advisory Council Meeting

Concurrent Sessions Monday Concurrent Sessions Concurrent Session 1 Forecast: Cloudy With a 90% Chance of Video 10:30–Noon Repeats: 1:30–3:00 p.m. For: General Managers/Owners/Key Employees/ Directors We’re witnessing an explosion in Internet video and applications development. Video will represent 90% of Internet traffic by 2012, and it’s anticipated that more than 500 billion hours of “over-the-top” video content will be available to consumers by 2015. The video explosion represents both threat and opportunity for today’s service provider, and the cloud is much more than a simple hosting service. It’s an entirely new business model, and a key component in capitalizing on video service offerings. This discussion will address these developments, how they affect communications service providers, and how service providers can exploit them to their advantage in the face of ever-increasing competition. Level: Intermediate This session coordinated by the Associate Member Advisory Council (AMAC). Concurrent Session 2 Peer-to-Peer Directors Panel 10:30–Noon Repeats: 1:30–3:00 p.m. For: General Managers/Directors Today’s economic landscape requires savvy decision-making and forward-thinking leadership. Forward-thinking directors will share secrets to their success during this peer-to-peer session. Level: Intermediate

Concurrent Session 3 The Smart Grid Opportunity 10:30–Noon Repeats: 1:30–3:00 p.m. For: All Smart grids enable electric utilities to gain real-time power consumption and analysis communications between the source, substations and users. Telecom is the answer, but how do we fit into that picture? How are the power companies using wireless and wireline services to get the data they need? Level: General Concurrent Session 4 Revenue Challenges and Opportunities in an “All-IP” World 10:30–Noon Repeats: 1:30–3:00 p.m. For: General Managers/Owners/Key Employees Given the never-ending changes this industry is experiencing, focusing on the expansion and diversification of your business is always a hot topic. Services such as security systems and wireless broadband should be included in your business plan and considered for new revenue opportunities. This session will highlight the importance of including nonregulated income avenues as you look toward your future goals for 2012 and beyond. Level: Intermediate Concurrent Session 5 Understanding the New Marketing Mix 10:30–Noon Repeats: 1:30–3:00 p.m. For: All Out with the old, in with the new? Actually, you need both when it comes to marketing. Today’s customers are a varied group of individuals making their purchasing choices based on an everincreasing number of marketing avenues, from social media like blogging and Facebook to more traditional methods like local media advertising. Your telco must utilize a variety of marketing techniques to attract and maintain customers, all while ensuring that your employees are embracing the new

marketing methods required to stay ahead of your competitors. In this session, you will hear from other telco representatives about how marketing is more important than ever in our industry, and how other companies are balancing their marketing approaches to gain the best possible advantage in today’s evolving industry. Level: General This session coordinated by the NTCA Marketing Committee.

Tuesday Concurrent Sessions Concurrent Session 6 The Digital Revolution Includes the Entire Nation! 8:30–10:00 a.m. Repeats: 10:15–11:45 a.m. For: All Including everyone in the digital revolution is an acknowledged goal of many telcos. Sometimes called “digital inclusion,” the goal is to increase awareness and adoption of IP technologies in all communities in all regions. Learn how some telcos are helping their communities by educating customers and prospects on Internet, email and social media. Level: General Concurrent Session 7 Is the Tail Wagging the Dog? 8:30–10:00 a.m. Repeats: 10:15–11:45 a.m. For: General Managers/Owners/Directors/Key Employees Who’s leading whom? There’s a transformation underway. People are stretching the old boundaries of how technology is woven into daily life. Societal adoption, adaptation and appetite for technology that enhances the life experience

is transforming the “build it and they will come” business model. This session will explore the market demands and creativity driving change, the technology planning and development process to meet market demand, and a case study in how to capitalize on it all at your telco. You’ll leave this session prepared to be the lead dog. Level: Intermediate This session coordinated by the Associate Member Advisory Council (AMAC). Concurrent Session 8 Top-to-Bottom Organizational Reviews: What Do They Mean For You? 8:30–10:00 a.m. Repeats: 10:15–11:45 a.m. For: General Managers/Owners/Directors/Key Employees An organizational review is an extremely powerful tool in strategic planning. If you do not understand how every process and position at your telco fits in and contributes to the bottom line, you are missing an opportunity to maximize efficiency. In today’s economy, you can’t afford to keep doing things the same old way. Lean how other telcos are benefiting from top-to-bottom organizational reviews. Level: Intermediate Concurrent Session 9 Partnerships: Where Are They Now? 8:30–10:00 a.m. Repeats: 10:15–11:45 a.m. For: General Managers/Owners/Directors/Key Employees Examine recent telco partnerships, federations and activities and get an update on where they stand today. We’ll cover everything from regulatory and requisitioning materials to staffing and everything in between. Level: Intermediate

Roundtables Tuesday, September 27 1:30–2:15 p.m. All sessions repeat at 2:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Roundtable 1 Mergers and Acquisitions Mergers and acquisitions are the buzz of the industry and will continue to be for some time. At this session, be ready to share how you have structured deals, positioned your company for growth, bought out competitors, optimized staff and taken advantage of newfound resources. This is your session—we want to hear how you have done it. Roundtable 2 (Does not repeat) What’s on Your Mind? NTCA leadership wants to know what’s on your mind. This roundtable will provide a forum where you can share anything that you would like. What would you like to discuss with NTCA and your peers? Anything is fair game. Please come ready to share what is on your mind. Roundtable 3 Stimulus Recipients How are other stimulus money recipients using their funds? Are they producing new fiber buildouts or enhancing existing networks? What is the status of their projects? At this roundtable, we’ll discuss projects, how funds are being spent and how the status updates are being provided. Are recipients looking for additional grant money? Roundtable 4 Leadership Development Being a board member takes time and commitment. Being a great board member takes time, commitment and a thirst for knowledge. How are new and experienced boards being developed and educated? During this discussion, be prepared to share experiences on how you think board members can become better leaders. How can they become equipped with the skills to make huge decisions in a time of constant change? Roundtable 5 Marketing Solutions Bring your latest marketing challenge to the table! This is your chance to do a show and tell while seeing and 12

listening to other great ideas. How are you using social media? How are you attracting new customers and a younger audience? Roundtable 6 Revenue Challenges One of the dominant discussions of the year is future sources of telco revenue, and where it is going to come from. How will USF reform change the way we do business? How will USF be structured in the near future? Learn how your peers are facing the uncertainty of a shrinking USF, and what they are doing to bolster revenues in other areas. What kinds of nonregulated income are they banking on? Roundtable 7 Succession Planning Succession planning is a process for identifying and developing internal people with the potential to fill key leadership positions in the company. Today’s telco challenges require a thoughtful course of action that leaves no room for error and ensures the company is in good hands moving forward. Take a fresh look at how others have approached the succession planning process, share your experience and learn how your peers have evolved their boards and management. Roundtable 8 Competitive Realities of Co-Ops Today How did your last price increase go over with your community? How do you share not-so-good news while at the same time demonstrating that you are a community-based company that cares deeply about your “family” of customers? Today’s reality is that you need to make tough decisions that may not be popular. Your peers will discuss how they continue to be fiercely competitive, while being a responsible and friendly corporate citizen. 2:30–3:15 p.m. Roundtable 9 (Does not repeat) General Managers/Owners—Policy and Industry Issues This roundtable will focus on management and policy issues affecting the telecom industry today. General managers and owners will have an opportunity to discuss the latest policy focus from NTCA and hear what’s on deck for 2012.

NTCA would like to thank our Star Partners for their generous support throughout 2011.

Super Star Partners Calix CHR Solutions, Inc. John Staurulakis, Inc. (JSI) National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC) National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative (NRTC) Rural Telephone Finance Cooperative (RTFC) Telcom Insurance Group

Shooting Star Partner CoBank

Rising Star Partners Associated Network Partners Inc. Consortia Consulting, Inc. Finley Engineering, Inc. GVNW Consulting, Inc. Mid America Computer Corp. (MACC) Power & Telephone Supply Co. Quintrex Data Systems Corp.

Tours Register early for these popular tours to be assured of availability, as reservations will be taken on a firstcome, first-serve basis. If you need special accommodations to enjoy these tours, please inform NTCA’s meetings department when you register. Please note: If a minimum number of tour participants is not reached, the tour may be canceled. All fees for a tour canceled by NTCA will be refunded. Tour registrations are nonrefundable for cancellations after Friday, August 12, and for onsite no-shows.

Sunday, September 25 Tour 1: Mount Rainier Day Trip 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Cost: $106/person **A jacket and sturdy walking shoes are advised** Mount Rainier National Park encompasses over 235,000 acres, ranging in elevation from 1,610 to 14,410 feet above sea level. The park contains pristine old-growth forests, sub-alpine flower meadows, spectacular alpine scenery and great opportunities for outdoor activities. It also features the greatest singlepeak glacial system in the United States.

teractive stations. Guests will have the opportunity to digitally design their own jet, try out the next generation of in-flight entertainment systems, and touch the high-tech “skin” of the new Boeing 787. Following your tour of the aviation center, visit the Boeing assembly plant for a tour that offers an indepth view into the many facets of the airplane industry. Guests will see airplanes, including the new 777 and 787 Dreamliner, in various stages of assembly. Later, you will tour one of Washington’s most notable wineries, Novelty Hill| • Januik Winery in Woodinville. With the perfect climate for wine, ideal growing conditions, quality wines, business innovation and social responsibility, Novelty Hill and family owned Januik are two independent wineries that share a tasting room and production facility. Winemaker Mike Januik, recently named one of the world’s 10 “Masters of Merlot” by Wine Enthusiast magazine, has had numerous wines appear on Wine Spectator’s prestigious “Top 100” list. There will be time at Januik Winery to enjoy a delicious boxed lunch. After lunch, enjoy a private tour and tasting at Red Hook Brewery.

The day will begin by entering Mount Rainier National Park. The first stop will be the Longmire Hotel, where you can peruse a museum and gift shop. At the Longmire Hotel lies the entrance to the Shadow Trail. This 25-minute trail hike is flat and relaxing. You will then travel to the Paradise Visitor Center boasting panoramic views and a movie presentation on the park and its history. The final stop on the tour is Box Canyon, where you will be given time to explore before traveling back to Seattle.

Monday, September 26

Tour 2: Sky and Soil 9:45 a.m.–4:45 p.m.; Cost: $104/person

Tour 3: Seattle City Highlights 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.; Cost: $65/person

Soar into the new world of commercial aviation by exploring Boeing’s newest high-tech facility, the Future of Flight Aviation Center. This 73,000-squarefoot center in Everett is a unique, interpretive facility featuring hands-on exhibits, videos, graphics and in-

Sit back in a comfortable motorcoach as an expert Seattleite guides you through the city’s must-see attractions, including famous landmarks and beautiful sights. Learn about Seattle’s history and culture, and get insider tips on special shopping and sightseeing

areas. Drive by Seattle’s waterfront en route to historic Pioneer Square, Seattle’s oldest residential area and now a major visitor attraction with restaurants, galleries and lively clubs. Alongside Seattle’s bustling Elliott Bay waterfront, view the exciting maritime activities, piers, ferry docks, souvenir shops, restaurants, boat cruises, the Seattle Aquarium and other Puget Sound attractions. The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, commonly called the Ballard Locks, are a must-see for every Seattle visitor. In addition to the botanical garden, a highlight of this stop is the fish ladder, built to allow salmon to pass between fresh water and saltwater. This tour wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Space Needle. Created for the 1962 World’s Fair, the Space Needle stands 605 feet tall and boasts fabulous 360-degree views of Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges. The final stop: Pike Place Market, a celebrated 9-acre historic district home of farmers, merchants, vendors, cafés, restaurants, and even the original Starbucks. There will be time to shop, eat and explore this fun area. Tour 4: Taste of the Northwest 12:45–4:45 p.m.; Cost: $100/person Savor a day in Seattle sampling the best of northwest chocolate, coffee and wine. Travel to the eclectic neighborhood of Fremont for a private tour of Theo Chocolate, one of the area’s hidden treasures. Be entertained with the story of cacao, learning about the extraordinary transformation of the cacao fruit into what we know and love as chocolate and the social and environmental issues relating to cocoa and cocoa farmers. Thanks to coffee companies such as Starbucks, Seattle’s Best and Tully’s many consider Seattle the coffee capital of the world. Gain insight into our unique coffee culture at this exclusive tasting experience. Then it’s curtain time at Roy Street Coffee & Tea, where great

coffees, teas, food, wines and beers are presented in a setting that invokes the feel of the theater and the character of Seattle’s eclectic Capitol Hill neighborhood. Guests will experience a private tasting of selected coffee blends and learn more about different coffee varieties and the work that goes into sourcing the finest coffee from around the world. Following the tasting experience, enjoy a private lunch featuring local specialties. Lastly, guests will travel to The Tasting Room, the state’s first cooperative tasting cellar that features some of the best artisan and hard‐to find wines.

Tuesday, September 27 Tour 5: Eastside Highlights 11:30 a.m.– 3:30 p.m.; Cost: $65/person Just 2.5 miles east of Seattle, you will discover one of Washington’s most popular scenic attractions, Snoqualmie Falls. Here, the Snoqualmie River cascades 270 feet through a spectacular rock gorge into a 65-foot deep pool. On top of the falls sits one of Seattle’s most romantic getaways, the Salish Lodge & Spa. The exterior of the Salish may look familiar as it was the lodge used to film the quirky TV hit “Twin Peaks.” Next, guests will travel to Kirkland for a public cruise of Lake Washington. This one-and-a-half-hour cruise will provide guests with beautiful vistas of Mt. Rainier, the University of Washington Husky Stadium and homes of the area’s rich and famous. During the cruise, guests can sit back and relax while being entertained with fun, interesting facts about Seattle. Guests will be given time while on board to enjoy a delicious boxed lunch.

Hotel & Housing Information Making Hotel Reservations Housing opens Monday, June 13, 2011. The reservations cut-off date is Wednesday, August 24. NTCA’s housing bureau J. Spargo & Associates (https://show.jspargo.com/ntca/housing/default. asp) will handle all hotel reservations for the 2011 Fall Conference. Reservations will be accepted online or by phone beginning at noon ET on Monday, June 13. We are pleased to offer one hotel for the 2011 Fall Conference. Sheraton Seattle Hotel 1400 6th Ave. Seattle, WA 98101 206-621-9000 www.sheraton.com/Seattle Check in: 3:00 p.m. Check out: Noon Room Rate: $228 single/double; $25 for each additional person over double occupancy. NTCA’s housing bureau J. Spargo & Associates (https://show.jspargo.com/ntca/housing/default.asp) will handle all hotel reservations for the 2011 Fall Conference.

Dining The Daily Grill offers classic American fare at affordable prices. Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner in a comfortable atmosphere modeled after the Great American Grill of the 1930s. Climate Average high temperature in Seattle in September is 70 degrees. Online Reservations Visit https://show.jspargo.com/ntca/housing/default.asp to make your reservations online. To register: 1) Enter the number of rooms needed. 2) Choose your hotel. 3) Fill in your contact information. 4) Click the “request rooms” button to pull the number of rooms from live inventory. 16

5) You will receive an email with your reservation ID number(s). If you need to make changes to your reservation at a later date, J. Spargo will require this reservation ID number and the contact email you provided. If the hotel is sold out when you try to make your reservations, you will be offered a waiting list option and will be contacted as soon as rooms become available. Past experience has shown that rooms eventually become available for all registrants. If you go to the website a few minutes before noon, be sure to hit the “refresh” or “reload” button at noon to access the live inventory of rooms for the NTCA Fall Conference.

PHONE RESERVATIONS If you do not have Internet access, call the NTCA housing bureau at 703-654-6938 to make your reservations. RESERVATIONS POLICY—PLEASE READ CAREFULLY We ask that you only make reservations for the actual number of rooms needed. History shows that NTCA has blocked enough rooms to hold all NTCA attendees within the hotel, so if you only make reservations for the actual number of rooms needed, NTCA should not need to add additional hotels. Please make your reservations within the NTCA room block so that registration fees continue to remain affordable. The reservations cut-off date is Wednesday, August 24. You may contact J. Spargo up until August 24 to make adjustments to your reservations. After this deadline, reservations must be made directly with the hotel and are subject to space and rate availability. After Wednesday, August 24, all members become responsible for their entire reservation(s), and all reservations are final. Any cancellations, including reductions in stay, may be charged in full directly if NTCA is in an attrition situation. This policy has been established to cover NTCA from possible attrition costs and to maximize NTCA’s usage of the conference hotel. Determination of attrition charges may not be known until after the meeting. NTCA’s policy overrides any hotel policies concerning the cancellation of rooms.

For information on Seattle, visit www.visitseattle.org/NTCA.

Transportation American Airlines is offering a 5% discount off coach and first-class fares for all eligible fares that are available for your dates and times of travel. Purchase discount tickets at www.AA.com for American Airlines and American Eagle flights only. Please refer to the multi-index number 5891AF. Reservations also can be made by calling American Airlines Meeting Services at 800-433-1790 between 6:00 a.m. and midnight, central time, seven days a week. There will be a separate ticketing charge of $20 per ticket for tickets purchased over the phone. There is currently no ticketing fee for reservations made online.

Car Rental Hertz has been selected as the official car rental agency for the 2011 NTCA Fall Conference. Special discounted rates are guaranteed one week before through one week after the meeting dates, subject to car availability; unlimited mileage is included. When a reservation is made, Hertz will compare NTCA’s meeting rates to other Hertz published rates, ensuring you the best rate available. Reservations may be made online at www.hertz.com, or by calling Hertz at 800-654-2240. Refer to code CV# 02U60014. Advance reservations are recommended.

Questions? Delta Air Lines is offering a discount on all fares. Call Delta Meeting Network reservations at 1-800-328-1111, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m., central time. Refer to File Meeting Code NM7D4. Ground Transportation For those traveling by air, Seattle/Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is 26 miles from downtown and the Sheraton Seattle. There are several ground transportation options from the airport. Taxis – The average taxi fare between the airport and the Sheraton Seattle is $40 one way. Sound Transit Light Link – Take the light rail from the airport to downtown for $2.50 each way. Travel time is approximately 35 minutes. Hotel Parking – Parking is available at the hotel for $41 valet or $30 self parking per day.

Send an email to meetings@ntca.org, or call the NTCA meetings department at 703-351-2104. Questions regarding transportation? Contact Kira Colvin in the meetings department at kcolvin@ntca.org or 703-351-2101. Interested in sponsorship or advertising opportunities? Contact Lisa Freedman, NTCA marketing representative, at 703-351-2089 or lfreedman@ntca.org. Need further information on Seattle? Visit www.visitseattle.org.

Registration Information To register, go to www.ntca.org/events. Onsite registration rates will go into effect on Wednesday, September 21. To avoid additional fees, please register by Tuesday, September 20. If you are unable to register online, please contact NTCA’s meetings department at meetings@ntca.org or 703–351–2104 for further information. NTCA requires payment to be submitted at the time of registration. Registrations will not be considered valid until payment is received by NTCA. You may pay for your registration by check, credit card or ACH option. Please note: to receive early-bird rates, payment must be received by Friday, August 12. If paying by credit card, please check your credit card maximums prior to paying for your meeting fees. If charges do not go through prior to the earlybird deadline, the regular registration fee may be applied. Payments to NTCA are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes.

Change Policy • All registration changes must be submitted in writing by email to meetings@ntca.org, or by fax to 703-351-2090. • After September 7, tour, banquet and special events changes/additions will be made based on availability. Cancellation/Refund Policy • Cancellations made in writing by Friday, August 12, will receive a full refund. • Cancellations made in writing between August 13 and August 26 will be charged 50% of the registration fee. • Cancellations made after August 26, as well as no-shows, will be charged in full. • After Friday, August 12, tickets for special events and tours are 100% nonrefundable. • Refunds will be issued after the conference. Additional Accommodations If you need additional accommodations to have full and equal enjoyment of this meeting, please inform the NTCA meetings department when you register.

Conference Registration Fees Early-Bird

Regular

On-site

(paid by Friday, August 12) (paid after Friday, August 12) (registered after Tuesday, September 20) NTCA Member Delegate

$550

$600

$650

Not-Yet Member Delegate

$650

$675

$725

Spouse/Guest

$200

$225

$250

Dinner, Dancing and a Show Ticket

$130/$75 child (under 12) $130/$75 child (under 12)

$130/$75 child (under 12)

FRS Fund-Raising Golf Outing

$185

TECO/RTAF Presents: “Northwest Native Culture Experience At Tillicum Village”

$115

FRS “An Evening at the Museum of Flight”

$135/$95 child (under 12) $135/$95 child (under 12)

$135/$95 child (under 12)

The registration fee includes admittance to all general sessions, concurrent sessions, roundtable discussions, the spouse session, Monday’s continental breakfast and the welcome reception. Additional charges apply for the banquet and entertainment, tours, and the FRS and RTAF/TECO events. All conference attendees must register in order to attend conference events. Badges are required for all events. Register at www.ntca.org/fallconference

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