CTIA's Wireless 1999

Every year thousands of people flock to New Orleans for the annual Mardi Gras festivities. But next month, thousands of people will flock to the city for another reason. CTIA will host its annual conference and exposition Feb. 8-10 in New Orleans at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Because you won't want to miss the 700+ exhibitors and numerous educational sessions, you should get a head start on your planning.

PREPARATIONSFirst, you will need to register for the show. You can do that by calling 800-421-6338 to request a registration form or register on line at www.ctiashow.com. You can choose from three registration packages. For $675, CTIA members can purchase the convention and exposition registration, which gives you access to general sessions, panel sessions and exhibits. The same package is $875 for non-members. The daily rate includes admittance to all scheduled events, except the gala, on a specific date with access to the exhibit hall all three days. This option is $345 for CTIA members and $445 for non-members. Exhibits-only registration for CTIA members is $125 and $140 for non-members. This pass will allow admittance to general sessions and the exhibit hall for all three days.

CTIA has appointed Convention Management Resources as the official housing, registration and travel coordinator for Wireless 1999. To receive discounted airfares, call the travel desk at 800-421-6338.

PLANNING YOUR TIMEWith more than 350,000 square feet of exhibit space, you'll need all the time you can get to span the show floor. The floor will open at 9:30 a.m. each day and will close at 6 p.m. on Monday, 5 p.m. on Tuesday and 2 p.m. on Wednesday.

CTIA also has compiled a conference program of sessions to help educate you on the latest issues in the wireless industry. Educational tracks will cover topics such as technology and innovation; marketing, advertising and distribution; finance and economy; and the global marketplace for cellular, PCS, Internet, fixed-wireless, satellite and advanced messaging tracks.

Attendees are invited to three keynote sessions. Top industry leaders will discuss wireless trends such as satellite, churn, customer retention and calling party pays. Wednesday's generalsession will feature a special guest, former President George Bush. "A Conversation with George Bush" will begin at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 10.

CTIA also will host special FCC and congressional sessions on Monday and Tuesday. You will have the chance to visit with FCC commissioners on topics such as tower siting, CALEA, taxes and other regulatory issues.

In addition to CTIA's extensive lineup, two pre-conference seminars will be held on Sunday, Feb. 7. To attend the daylong Wireless Data University, contact Andrew Seybold's Outlook at 831-338-7701. CTIA also will host a special afternoon seminar to discuss Y2K issues. For more information, visit www.wow-com.com, or call 202-785-2842.

GALAAfter immersing yourself in wireless information at the conference, CTIA will provide an evening of rest and relaxation at its sixth annual gala. Diana Ross will headline the event from 6:30 to 10 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 9. You can purchase a table for 10 for $1,700 or purchase individual tickets for $185. For additional information, call Dobson & Associates at 202-463-7905.