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Archives
 August 1999 Issue
Columns
Presidents Message: "Expo Rocks Orlando"
Sound Familiar?
By John Clark
Upon returning from Cable-Tec Expo, I read the above headline on CT and found that I couldnt agree with the author more. Expo 99 was a rocking event!
Expo serves many purposeseducation, business, networking and recognition, to name a few. But I was most struck by the interaction and energy level on the exhibit floor. Expo has indeed found "magic in a bottle" for what transpires there. The direct interaction between hardware buyers and vendors, in a focused, professional environment without distractions, is a unique niche that Expo offers our members, vendors and our industry overall.
Feedback from exhibitors and attendees shows that Expo 99 was an overwhelming success. For the nearly 11,000 attendees and 460 exhibiting companies, networking opportunities abounded. Many exhibitors commented on the high traffic volume on the exhibit floor. One of our Board members commented that at some times he had difficulty getting the attention of a vendor representative because the booths were so crowded. These are problems we like to have.
Charter members
As this is the Societys 30th anniversary, it was only fitting that its founders take part in the celebration. The Charter members kicked off the show and the Engineering Conference by re-enacting the meeting that formed the Society. It went something like this ... Charlie Tepfer made a motion to form the Society of Cable Television Engineers (as it was called then), which was seconded by Bill Karnes. Ron Cotten called for a roll call vote, at which time each of the Charter members present (Austin Coryell, Jake Landrum, Wayne McKinney, Rex Porter, Herb Timberlake, Al Williams, Bill Karnes and Ron Cotten) all voted "aye" as their names were called. What a visual reminder of how far the Society has come!
Later on in the week, I attended the annual charter members dinner to pay special tribute to those who had the foresight to found such an organization as ours. My fiancée, Cynthia, and I enjoyed hearing the stories about how each of our Charter members came into cable. (I also learned why Roswell, N.M., is the site of strange occurrencesfour of our Charter members have worked on the cable plant there.) In an ongoing effort to recognize those who have laid such groundwork, it was proposed to start a "Circle of Eagles" group. Watch for more details later.
Cable-Tec Games
The Cable-Tec Games drew a cross-section of cable professionals from across the country on May 25. I enjoyed meeting Dennis Majors, the overall winner of the Cable-Tec Games. It was inspiring to learn that Dennis had only been in Orlando for four hours before the games began, and this was his first-ever trip to Florida.
The games were just a part of the excitement that was played out during Expo Evening. Disneys Pleasure Island was packed with more than 4,600 attendees, who had the opportunity to sample music clubs from disco to country and western to jazz. Thanks to our Expo Evening sponsorsAntec, CommScope, General Instrument, Scientific-Atlanta and Philips Broadband Networksfor making our 30th Anniversary one to remember.
Engineering Conference
The opening panel for the Engineering Conference, which included Stephen Burke of Comcast, Barry Babcock of Charter Communications, Jim Robbins of Cox Cable Communications, Jan Peters of MediaOne and Bill Fitzgerald of AT&T B&IS, met with instant success. The fact that the leaders of five multiple system operators (MSOs) were all in one place at Expo 99 speaks volumes on the growing importance of this show.
Throughout the session, all the panelists stressed the importance of technical staff in making and keeping the industry strong. For most of the systems represented, programs to enhance technical knowledge are under consideration or in place.
Our industry is fortunate to have high-caliber chief technical officers Tom Jokerst of Charter Communications, Alex Best of Cox Communications, Tony Werner of AT&T B&IS and Bud Wonsiewicz of MediaOne during this critical time. The CTO position is one in which vision complements technical skill and knowledge.
Golf Tournament
The show not only ended on a high note, but the enthusiasm of the Exhibit Hall spilled over to the golf course for the Eighth Annual SCTE Golf Tournament. One great thing about Floridatheres no shortage of golf courses. I enjoyed meeting so many of our members in a nonbusiness setting.
The last word
All of these events, as well as many others like the technical workshops, Annual Awards Luncheon and training centers, are reasons that this was one of the best shows the Society has ever held. Join us next year in Las Vegas to continue the tradition of excellence.CT
John Clark is president of the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers.
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