THE CABLE PIPELINE

Since the economy continues to reside in the doldrums, most cable companies have cut back on non-essential projects, however do those reductions include conferences and expos? We will have the answer as the Cable Connection – Fall 2009 Partners & Events kicks off in Denver October 25-28 with a myriad of forums, conferences, and awards. There is a lot on the attendee plate scheduled within the six-day conference including, ACC’s General Session with NCTA’s James Assey; CEO Roundtable with Starz’s Bob Clasen, Jerald Kent, CEO Suddenlink, Paul Liao, CEO CableLabs, and Josh Sapan, CEO Rainbow Media.

This is just a small sample of the “fare” in store for registered attendees with the budgets and wisdom to both collaborate and take advantage of the knowledge offered by Cable Industry veterans. What are the perceptions of Cable Connection organizers?

Per Steve Jones, Executive Director of the Association of Cable Communicators, “We are projecting attendance of about 200 – 250, down about 30% from 2008. This is due to the economy; cable industry companies cutting back on travel and being outside the major populations centers on the East Coast. Additionally, for our folks in the past, Washington, D.C. has been a good draw since individuals also use the time in DC to visit with their national elected representatives and speak with the FCC.”

Melissa Lee commenting on CTAM Summit reveals; “We are expecting a good turnout; two weeks ago we met our attendance goal of 1,600, and now we are expecting over 1,850. All of the MSO’s have groups of executives registered, and every major content provider is well represented.”  

From Cable Digital News, Down in Denver?, “SCTE organizers are now saying that they indeed expect lower attendance at the Cable Tech Expo, and that the rise in first-time exhibitors won’t be enough to avoid a drop in overall exhibitors, with those numbers down already by six.”

 Although the event is combining various organizations and sessions including ACC, CableLabs, NAMIC, Walter Kaitz Foundation, CABLECENTER, CTAM, SCTE Cable-Tec Expo, and WICT Tech It Out Breakfast; there seems to be a mixed bag of attendance numbers, both up and down, of industry professionals planning to attend the Denver, CO Expo. This could be reflecting probable concerns over a continued tight economy. It is my opinion that now is the time to spend the money to both educate and update employees on critical factors facing the industry, in a time of increased competition. Unfortunately, it is always training and collaboration that takes the hit when times are tough. Will this reflect on attendance numbers at Cable Connection – Fall 2009; stay tuned?