Cable's Rite of Spring

Cable's “Spring Break” is looking more and more like what's unofficially called “Hell Week,” that week every September in New York where cable executives gather for event after event. In the past, Spring Break has always been an ad hoc series of events giving members of the industry a chance to learn, celebrate and schmooze. But this year, four groups got together to make Spring Break more compelling and coordinated. Those groups include Women in Cable and Telecommunications, WICT's New York chapter, Howard Horowitz & Associates and Cable Positive.

For extra lift, the WICT Forum became part of the New York mix. When you add in NAMIC's cocktail reception in New York and the SkiTAM playfest in Vail, Colo., you've got a heck of a constellation of happenings. Below is a chronological listing of events.

NEW YORK

Monday, March 29

WICT Forum 2004
Presented by Women in Cable & Telecommunications (WICT)
LOCATION: Marriott Marquis Hotel
1535 Broadway at 45th St.
SPONSORS: Cox, Comcast, Multichannel News, Broadcasting & Cable, Showtime, Rainbow, Lifetime, MTV Networks, Time Warner Cable, ESPN and Women in Cable & Telecommunications
7 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Registration/Information desk open
1:15 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Facilitator Orientation
Advisor Orientation
6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
NAMIC Cable Spring Break
Executive Cocktail Reception
Presented by National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Communications Inc.

LOCATION: HBO
1100 Avenue of the Americas at 42nd St., 15th floor
7 p.m.
WICT Forum
Facilitator/Advisor Reception
LOCATION: Marriott Marquis Hotel
1535 Broadway at 45th St.

Tuesday, March 30

Horowitz Associates Inc.
4th Annual State of Cable and Broadband Forum
Presented by Horowitz Associates Inc. Market Research & Consulting
LOCATION: New York Marriott Marquis
1535 Broadway at 45th St.
SPONSORS: ESPN, Comcast, Cablevision, BET, NBC Cable Networks, mun2, International Channel Networks, Ember Media, Multichannel News, Broadcasting & Cable. With the support of Schramm Sports and Entertainment, Cable Positive, WICT, NAMIC, Rasenberger Media and the American Marketing Association
OVERVIEW TOPIC: “Multicultural Media for Multicultural America”
7 a.m. – 8 a.m.
Registration and Continental Breakfast
8 a.m. - 8:05 a.m.
Forum Welcome:
Howard Horowitz, President
Horowitz Associates Inc. Market Research & Consulting
8:05 a.m. - 8:50 a.m.
Keynote Remarks:
“Navigating the New Multicultural Landscape”
SPEAKER: Gilbert Dávila, Vice President, Multicultural Marketing, Walt Disney, Co., with an introduction by Lino García, General Manager, ESPN Deportes
The Walt Disney Co. has been entertaining American consumers with everything from motion pictures to theme parks to consumer products, and of course with media networks -- including ESPN, ABC, Disney Channel, Lifetime Television and A & E Networks.
What have been the implications of America's shifting demographics on Disney's business strategies? How has corporate America as a whole responded to major changes in both the demographic composition and the cultural character of this country, from planning, research, marketing and management points of view?
Gilbert Dávila, Walt Disney Co.'s new VP of Multicultural Marketing, will analyze the tremendous impact of multiculturalism on American life, review the launch of ESPN Deportes as well as provide the audience with a roadmap for success in navigating the transition to Multicultural America.
8:50 a.m. - 8:55 a.m.
Multimedia Presentation: “Connecting With Multicultural Youth -- A Case Study Presentation”
PRESENTER: Clayton Banks, President, Ember Media
8:55 a.m. - 9:35 a.m.
Research Presentation: “Five Years of Multicultural Media for Multicultural America”
PARTICIPANTS: Howard Horowitz, President, Horowitz Associates Inc, and Adriana Waterston, Director of Marketing, Horowitz Associates Inc.
Veteran industry researcher Horowitz and Waterston present data from the fifth anniversary edition of the “State of Broadband Urban Markets” study series.
Learn how the market for television programming, cable, satellite and broadband services has grown and changed in the dynamic, urban, multicultural marketplace. This research will shed light on the who, what, where, and how -- of media consumption among America's diverse, multicultural audiences.
9:35 a.m. - 9:50 a.m.
New Programming Showcase, featuring new programming from new networks such as TV One, MGM Latino, LATV and others.
9:50 a.m. -10:15 a.m.
Break and Networking Session
10:15 a.m. - 11:55 a.m.
Panel Session and Discussion: “Are You Ready for the New General Market?”
MODERATOR: Joe Schramm, President, Schramm Sports and Entertainment
A panel of programmers and operators share their insights about how their companies — and how the media industry in general — is responding to current and future demographic shifts. How has their business changed over the past five years? What has worked, and what doesn't — when it comes to programming, branding, advertising and marketing to Latino, African-American and Asian consumers? Are multicultural audiences really all that different than mainstream consumers? How?
With a focus on consumer demand and interest, as well as competition and business issues, the panel will discuss major forces driving their decisions. How do these key players decide which consumer segments are most “valuable” and which segments are less important for their products and services?
PANELISTS: Mauro Panzera, Senior Director of Multicultural Marketing, Comcast; Cesar Cruz, Director of Multicultural Marketing, Cox Communications; Lynette Pinto, VP of Marketing, NBC Cable; Jim Honiotes, VP, Marketing & Communications, International Channel Networks and Michael Lewellen, VP of Corporate Communications, Black Entertainment Television (BET).
11:55 a.m. - noon
Closing: audience questions
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Wonder Women Luncheon 2004
Celebrating 13 of the most influential women in cable and broadband
Presented by Multichannel News and the New York Chapter of WICT.

SPONSORS: Lifetime, NBC Cable Networks, Scientific Atlanta Inc., Cox, GSN, Oxygen, Rainbow, NFL Network, MTV Networks, A&E Networks, ESPN, The Weather Channel, Turner, Showtime, Insight, Cablevision, Time Warner Cable, Mediacom, Horowitz Associates Inc., Court TV, Universal.
LOCATION: Marriott Marquis Hotel
535 Broadway at 45th St.
Honorees: Jenny Alonzo, Lifetime Television; Bridget Baker, NBC Cable; Italia Commisso Weinand, Mediacom Communications Corp., Lynne Costantini, Time Warner Cable; Lee Ann Daly, ESPN; Kristin Dolan, Cablevision Systems Corp.; Ellen East, Cox Communications Inc.; Betsy Frank, MTV Networks; Andrea Greenberg, Rainbow Media Holdings LLC; Dena Kaplan, GSN; Lynn Picard, Lifetime Television; Jessica Reif Cohen, Merrill Lynch; Debora Wilson, The Weather Channel.
CELEBRITY PRESENTERS: Bill Hemmer, CNN Anchor; Kennedy, GSN; Renee Syler, ABC.
WICT Forum 2004
Presented by Women in Cable & Telecommunications (WICT)

LOCATION: New York Marriott Marquis
1535 Broadway at 45th St.
2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Registration/Information desk open
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
“Getting the Most Out of Your WICT Forum
Experience: Implementing the Personal Leadership Plan”
6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Positively -----; An Evening to Benefit Cable Positive
Reception and Dinner
Honoring Showtime's Chairman & CEO Matt Blank, recipient of Cable Positive's 2004 Joel A. Berger Memorial Award for his outstanding contribution to the fight against AIDS. (Business attire)
LOCATION: Marriott Marquis
1535 Broadway at 45th St.
6 p.m.: Reception, 6th floor, Marriott Marquis
7 p.m. – 10 p.m.: Dinner and Program, hosted by Penn & Teller 6th floor, Marriott Marquis
10 on --
Post Dinner Reception, 6th floor

Wednesday, March 31

WICT Forum 2004
Presented by Women in Cable & Telecommunications (WICT)
LOCATION: New York Marriott Marquis
1535 Broadway at 45th St.
7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Registration/Information Desk open
7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Facilitator Training
7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Continental Breakfast
8:30 a.m. –10 a.m.
Opening Session: Future Focus
“Cable Leaders Chart the Course Ahead: What Becomes a Leader Most?”
MODERATOR: Alison Stewart, political commentator, MSNBC
Panelists: Glenn A. Britt, Chairman & CEO, Time Warner Cable; Judy McGrath, President, MTV Networks; Jim Robbins, President & CEO, Cox Communications Inc.; Tom Rutledge, President, cable & communications, Cablevision Systems Corp.; Anne Sweeney, President, ABC Cable Networks Group and Disney Channel Worldwide; and Dave Watson, Executive VP, sales, marketing & customer service, Comcast Cable Communications
10 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Break
10:15 a.m. –11:30 a.m.
Case Study Teams Meet
Noon –1:30 p.m.
Pacesetters Luncheon
Presented by Rainbow Entertainment Services
FEATURED SPEAKER: Kathleen Dore, President, Rainbow Media Holdings Inc.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Jackie Kallen, “First Lady of Boxing” (who inspired by Paramount's Meg Ryan-starrer Against the Ropes.)
1:30 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Break
2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
General Session
The Lead Story: Women Who Anchor the News Desk
In the increasingly competitive television reporting market, how do you remain fresh and viable? A panel of renowned news and current-affairs anchors discuss their perspectives on striving for and achieving success while reporting on the events that shape our view of the world.
PANELISTS: Michelle Caruso-Cabrera, anchor, CNBC; Catherine Crier, anchor, CourtTV; Soledad O'Brien, anchor, CNN; and Deborah Roberts, correspondent, ABC News.
3:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Break
4 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Case Study Teams Meet
6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Welcome Reception

Thursday, April 1

WICT Forum 2004
Presented by Women in Cable & Telecommunications (WICT)
LOCATION: New York Marriott Marquis
1535 Broadway at 45th St.
7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Information desk open
7 a.m. -- 8 a.m.
Continental Breakfast
8 a.m. – 9 a.m.
Keynote Presentation: “She Wins, You Win”
Speaker: Gail Evans, former CNN Executive VP and best-selling author
9 a.m. – Noon
Case Study Teams Meet
10 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Break
Noon – 1:30 p.m.
“Go for the Gold” Mentoring Luncheon
SPEAKER: Benita Fitzgerald Mosley, President and CEO, WICT, and Olympic Gold Medalist
1:30 p.m..–2 p.m.
Break
2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Breakout Sessions
Session 1: “The New 3 Rs: Risk, Reward & Resilience”
Accomplished industry veterans discuss their personal experiences and the rewards of taking risks and achieving for resilience. Examine why and how you should implement these leadership traits when mapping out your own career path.
MODERATOR: Susan Scott, Senior Vice President, Distribution, The Weather Channel
SPEAKERS: Kay Koplovitz, Board Chair, Reality Central; Curtis Symonds, President, T. Howard Foundation; Vanessa Whitman, Senior Vice President of Finance, Adelphia Communications; and Lauren Zalaznick, President, TRIO & Executive Vice President, Network Enterprises, Universal Television Networks
Session No. 2: “Razor Sharp: The Edge and How to Keep It”
Top programming executives from major MSOs explore how relationship/alliance building and negotiating are among the must-have tools you'll need to keep sharp.
MODERATOR: Seth Arenstein, Assistant Vice President and Editor, CableFAX Daily and CableFAX Cable World
SPEAKERS: Lynn Constantini, VP, Programming, Time Warner Cable; Jen Gaiski, Vice President, Programming, Comcast; Kathy Payne, Vice President, Programming, Cox Communications; and Italia Commisso Weinand, SVP, Programming, Mediacom.
3 p.m.– 3:30 p.m.
Break
3:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
Case Study Teams Meet

Friday, April 2, 2004

WICT Forum 2004
Presented by Women in Cable & Telecommunications (WICT)
LOCATION: New York Marriott Marquis
1535 Broadway at 45th St.
7 a.m. – Noon
Registration/Information desk open
7 a.m. – 8 a.m.
Continental Breakfast
8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Case Study Teams Present to Judges
9:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Break
10 a.m. – 10:45
Selected Case Study Teams Present to Forum Attendees
10:45 a.m. –11:15 a.m.
Break
11:15 a.m. – Noon
Awards Presentation

COLORADO

Wednesday, March 31

SkiTAM 2004
Presented by: CTAMRM (CTAM Rocky Mountain Chapter)
LOCATION: SkiTAM Headquarters
Vail Marriott
3 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Check-in at Mountain View Board Room

Thursday, April 1, 2004

8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Registration – SkiTAM HQ
5 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Team Captain Meeting, Colorado Ballroom,
Salon 1
6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Opening Night Reception, Grand Ballroom

FRIDAY, APRIL 2

8 a.m. –7 p.m.
Registration, SkiTAM HQ
10 a.m.
Race Clinic (racers only) -- Golden Peak
11:30 a.m. –1 p.m.
Lunch -- Look Ma Level at Mid Vail (non-skier accessible)
1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Youth Race – Black Forest Race Arena
SPONSOR:Universal Remote Control
3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
“Chuck & Trygve's Excellent Adventure -- Tubing Hill at Eagle's Nest”
SPONSOR: BusinessEdge Solutions
3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Apres Ski Party – Garfinkel's
SPONSOR: ICTV
6:30 p.m. –10:30 p.m.
“SkiTAM Film Fest for Kids” -- Colorado Ballroom, Salon 1
SPONSOR: N2 Broadband and iN DEMAND
9 p.m. on —
“SkiTAM Night on the Town” – Sanctuary
SPONSOR: Samsung Electronics and Scripps Networks

SATURDAY, APRIL 3

8 a.m. –10 a.m.
Registration, Great Room at Golden Peak
10 a.m.–1 p.m. Race – Golden Peak
11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Lunch, Larkspur Restaurant at Golden Peak
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Silent Auction/Reception, Grand Ballroom Foyer
6:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
“Kids Party,” Colorado Ballroom
SPONSOR: ABC Cable Networks
7:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Awards Banquet, Grand Ballroom