Cable's largest annual state convention will step up to regional status early
next year.
The Texas Show, organized by the Texas Cable and Telecommunications
Association, will turn into CableConnects 2003 Feb. 19 through 21 in San
Antonio.
In past years, the Texas event has drawn a steady turnout from neighbor
states Arkansas and Louisiana. With this move, operators and equipment vendors
based in both states, along with Arizona and New Mexico, will get formal
invitations. Show officials will also pitch cable companies in Mexico and
perhaps Latin America.
The association's board "wanted to look at a multistate approach and move
from a trade show to a more comprehensive conference and exposition," TCTA
president and chief operating officer Amanda Batson said.
The expanded agenda will include training sessions on customer care, tech
training and Latino marketing.
About 1,900 people attended this year's event in San Antonio, which will
remain host city for 2003. Batson expects the same crowd size or slightly higher
in two months.
More than 100 exhibitors have reserved space for CableConnects 2003. The
Cable & Telecommunications Association for Marketing, Cable Television
Laboratories Inc., the Cable Television Public Affairs Association and the
American Cable Association will hold special sessions there.
