NTCA RTIME 2024 Conference Preview

by Neil McDonald | January 30, 2024 | Events, Networking

RTIME 2024

Hosted by NTCA—The Rural Broadband Association, this year’s annual RTIME 2024 conference will be held at the Tampa Convention Center on the Florida Gulf Coast from Sunday, February 11th to Wednesday, February 14th.

Kicking off on Superbowl Sunday, the theme for this year’s conference is “Leading the Fight for a Bright Broadband Future.” If you’ll be joining 120 exhibitors and hundreds of attendees at this year’s event, we’ve got you covered on the sessions and events you won’t want to miss. And don’t forget to visit the Preseem team at booth #116 during Expo hours.

Sessions and Events to Attend at RTIME 2024

Sunday, February 11th

Welcome to Tampa/First-Time Attendee Session: 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. – Get oriented to the conference and the city with a welcome session hosted by Darcie Milfort of Visit Tampa Bay. If you’re a first-time RTIME attendee, there’s a 30-minute follow-up session just for you, hosted by NTCA staff.
The Life Cycle of a Network: 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. – Part of the Director Track on the RTIME 2024 agenda, this session will take you through the lifespan of a typical network from the planning stage to deployment and ongoing network management, all the way to the final phase.
Welcome Reception and Game-Day Party: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. – Even though the Buccaneers won’t be playing, you’ll still have a chance to watch the big game and count Taylor Swift cameos with your fellow attendees 🏈

Monday, February 12th

NTCA Rural Broadband PAC Awards Breakfast: 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. – Get an early start to the morning after the Superbowl party with this special breakfast that includes presentations of the annual Rural Broadband PAC awards.
Opening General Session: 8:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. – After breakfast, head to the opening session of RTIME 2024, which will include opening remarks from the NTCA board chairman and CEO, along with a keynote address from Shawn Kanungo titled Bold Ones: How to Innovate and Disrupt Ourselves
Expo Welcome and Open House: 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Next up is the opening of the Expo floor, where you can get a first look at this year’s 120 exhibitors, including the Preseem team at booth #116. More on Expo Hall hours below.
Incorporating Fixed Wireless as Part of Enhanced A-CAM: 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. – Join this session to learn how fixed wireless and fiber hybrid networks can boost growth for broadband service providers. Panelists will discuss how to integrate access technologies for happier customers and healthier networks.

Tuesday, February 13th

What Comes After BEAD?: 8:15 a.m. to 9 a.m. – As the BEAD program continues to roll out, listen in on this Executive Track session as rural broadband industry leaders and policymakers discuss the progress so far and what to expect next.
Reaching New Audiences: 9:15 a.m. to 10 a.m. – If you’re on the Director Track, check out this session on how to use social media, targeted ads, and other marketing channels to reach and acquire new subscribers.
Broadband Regulatory Issues for 2024: 9:15 a.m. to 10 a.m. – For those on the Executive Track, this session will look at hot-button topics like digital discrimination and the return of net neutrality. Sure to be a lively discussion!
Cultivating a Workplace Culture of Men Supporting Women: 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. – In this Women in Telecom session, a diverse panel will look at how men in leadership positions can advocate for equality in the workplace. For specific examples, representatives from Big Bend Telephone and JSI will be on hand to discuss their success in fostering inclusive work environments.

Wednesday, February 14th

eXcellence Awards Ceremony and Breakfast Buffet: 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. – Grab some breakfast and celebrate with the winners of NTCA’s eXcellence awards at this early morning gathering.
Closing General Session: 9:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. – Don’t miss the closing session at RTIME 2024, which will include a discussion on Managing the Big 3 of Broadband Deployment (supply chain, workforce, and permitting), and a closing keynote from motivational mentalist Keith Barry.

Visit the RTIME Expo Hall

With 120 vendors to check out, you’ll want to maximize your time in the Expo Hall at RTIME 2024. The hall is only open during designated times, so plan your days accordingly to optimize your time with vendors. Make sure to visit the Preseem team at booth #116!