Dear Member,
I have worked in this industry for many years, and there has never been more momentum to get the job done and connect all Americans to broadband. I have also never been prouder of our membership and our own team. The work you do every day inspires us here at NTCA to do what we do every day, as well.
As we are now weeks away from hosting our first in-person annual meeting since 2020 with RTIME 2022 February 13–16 in Dallas, I would like to share with you our strong commitment to producing a meaningful, enjoyable and productive meeting while retaining many of the measures we introduced in 2021 to help safeguard the health and safety of our attendees, members and speakers.
While transmission of the COVID-19 virus continues to pose significant challenges to gathering under the same roof, the NTCA Board of Directors and staff are committed to hosting effective meetings, and we believe now is a key time for our industry to convene, with a special RTIME Broadband Funding Workshop designed to give you a clear understanding of the opportunities coming your way through The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. We have also continued our online-only participation option started last year, which includes access to all RTIME general and concurrent sessions during the event, on-demand viewing following the live sessions, and exhibitor listings. Whether you join us in Dallas or online, you truly cannot afford to miss this.
If you choose to join us in person, in many instances you may find that our safety protocols go a step further than those of other retail and hospitality operations in Dallas, including elements to ensure physical distancing and the safety and sanitation of conference spaces in ways that will help the most attendees feel comfortable and help us execute a safe meeting. NTCA continues to follow updated guidance by the Centers for Disease Control recommending vaccination and that masks be worn inside regardless of vaccination status, and we will continue to encourage, but not require, RTIME attendees wear face coverings while in conference and special event spaces when not eating or drinking.
Please know that there is no political motive as we make these decisions. These measures are being implemented solely for the benefit of the health and welfare of our attendees, and we feel it is a sensible and prudent path to promote gathering safely at this moment in time. We continue to monitor the situation and these requirements may change.
We are also committed to working with our members as this is a fluid situation. If you are registered and between now and the conference are not able to attend RTIME in person because of a COVID-19 related reason, your registration may be changed to online-only attendance, and NTCA will refund the difference in price.
Our team is so grateful for the work you are doing and that you have chosen us to be your partner. As we look to move beyond this pandemic, I know that if we work together, we will overcome any challenges we face. I encourage you to review our complete Health and Safety Protocols for In-Person Events available on our website. If you have questions, please contact [email protected] or 703-351-2118.
Sincerely,
Shirley Bloomfield
Chief Executive Officer, NTCA
