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2011 Annual Convention Notes . . .
Thank you GTA members for supporting this year’s 89th Annual Convention, June 18-21, at The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa in Asheville, North Carolina. It was GTA’s goal to provide participants with an informative and fun program with abundant opportunities for fellowship. Once again, you made it a successful event with your continued involvement.
Informative programs focusing on the convention’s theme, "Broadband Network Optimization," included Robert McIntyre’s Opening Keynote Address titled "What’s Next - For ‘Experienced Providers’ An Architectural Approach" followed by Ray Hodges’ Keynote Address titled "Assessment of Wireless Broadband as a Competitor to Wireline Broadband," and roundtables held the next morning. In response to many requests, we have posted keynote PRESENTATIONS on our Web site along with the "IP Convergence: When & Why?" roundtable presentation by Robin Meier. GTA’s counsel, Steve Kraskin, facilitated a "National Public Policy Forum" to keep GTA’s members abreast of the many issues associated with the National Broadband Plan. Other presenters included John Jones, Vice President Policy and Federal Government Affairs, CenturyLink; Diane Smith, Rural Broadband Alliance; and Manny Staurulakis, President, John Staurulakis, Inc.
Fun and familiar formats included our receptions, banquets and special events. We managed to have a few firsts this year. The format literally "branched" out to include new events. On Tuesday afternoon, the Canopy Adventure provided participants with an afternoon of zipping through Asheville’s trees! Early Sunday morning, folks headed out for the Fly Fishing for Trout event with threatening skies, but fishing guides kept them dry by going south. Morning storms dampened the golfers’ spirits; for the first time in over twenty-five years, the annual charity golf tournament was cancelled! Rain checks were provided as requested, with registration proceeds and golf hole/team sponsorships going to the charity. Thank you golfers for your understanding and generosity; you helped brighten the spirits of Georgia’s tornado victims.
We did have a twig on the branch to weaken and snap; there were no good reviews on the North Carolina Wine Tasting event, however, our folks didn’t complain. We’ll definitely do more research when offering this type of event again. But it was a "hooray" for rafting, shopping and touring Biltmore Estate. We welcome your comments so we can enhance convention events.
Please take the time to view this year’s many SPONSORS. They make fellowship moments extra special. THANK YOU! Make sure you check out GTA’s Album under the Members Only section. Thanks to Dennis Cobb of Hart Telephone Company and his daughter, Meagan, for capturing convention faces. Please don’t hesitate to send your favorite pictures to add to our album.
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