PCIA's Annual Conference & Exhibition

Another wireless trade show is just around the corner. From Sept. 22 to 25, 30,000 wireless professionals are expected to visit the Orlando County Convention Center in Orlando, FL for PCS '98. If you expect to attend, you will want to get a head start on your planning.

First, you will need to register for the show. To request a registration form, call PCS '98 Registration at 800-759-0300, or fax-on-demand at 888-PCS-PCIA. The deadline to return your registration form is Aug. 28.

For travel arrangements, you can request a housing and travel form by calling 800-421-2388. The housing deadline is Aug. 24.

With more than 700 exhibitors expected to fill more than 750,000 square feet of exhibit space, there will be plenty to see on the show floor. According to PCIA, more than 200 new products were introduced at PCS '97. You will want to make the most of your available time to find out about this year's innovations. The show floor will be open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday.

SEMINARS In addition to the plethora of products and news announcements on the show floor, there will be much to take in during the conference's numerous educational seminars. PCIA has lined up more than 30 informational programs covering a variety of topics such as third-generation technology, spectrum-management issues, universal service, wireless local loop, interconnection and network build-out strategies. This year's conference also will feature informational seminars and workshops focused on Latin America's wireless potential.

In addition to the break-out sessions, attendees are invited to PCS '98 SuperSessions. FCC Chairman William Kennard will deliver a keynote address on Wednesday, Sept. 23, during the show's opening SuperSession. Other FCC commissioners including Susan Ness, Harold Furchgott-Roth, Michael Powell and Gloria Tristani also will speak at PCS '98.

GALA After a hectic day on the show floor and attending educational seminars, you will be ready for an evening of fun and relaxation. PCIA has arranged this year's gala specifically with fun in mind. The PCS '98 Gala will be held Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 7 p.m. at Disney MGM Studios. It will feature a premiere of MGM Studios' "Fantasmic!" water show with lasers, music, special effects, pyrotechnics, animation and dancing water. You can purchase tickets for $70 with your PCS '98 conference registration, or by calling Catherine Lyons at 703-739-0300, ext. 3003.

PCIA also has launched a web site to help you prepare for PCS '98. For the latest show information, visit the web site at www.pcs98.com.