Every year, the industry reunites to discuss important issues, conduct business and celebrate its achievements. This year is no different. In March, global satellite industry executives, engineers, investors and end users will once again descend on Washington, DC, at Via Satellite and Access Intelligence’s SATELLITE 2005 Conference and Exhibition, March 22-25.

But unlike past years, the buzz level will be at an all-time high throughout the convention corridors, session rooms and exhibit hall as the industry discusses its new ventures, growth strategies and recent developments–some of which are a first for the satellite industry.

Hallmarking this year’s conference will undoubtably be heated discussions on how private equity owners, many virtual newcomers to our industry, will manage, grow and help strengthen the satellite operator arena. Likewise, eyes and ears will also be focused on the business development anticipations regarding those companies that are emerging from bankruptcy.

Throughout those days in late March, panels of executive-level speakers will share insights and debate the hot topics during the conference sessions. They will explore the latest regional developments in Asia, Africa, Europe and Latin America, and update you on the state of the global satellite communications industry by sharing which applications, markets and businesses are generating revenue and are further pushing the technology envelope by letting the statistics and numbers projections tell the tale.

Given the recent industry changes, you will see an increase in military, broadcasting and enterprise coverage. Related tracks will illustrate where the greatest business opportunities are within each sector, what satellite-enabled products and services are most in demand, and how some companies are already capitalizing with various offerings.

As always, an anticipated crowd of more than 6,000 will come to see our exhibit hall, where hundreds of companies will demonstrate their most recent products and services in between solidifying contracts and making new business relationships.

But even with all of that going on, there will be ample opportunities to network and conduct private meetings, either during the exhibit hall coffee breaks or during the annual SSPI Gala. We will also announce Via Satellite‘s Satellite Executive Of The Year 2004 at the Thursday luncheon and toast the individual’s accomplishments during that night’s reception.

There are so many critical issues to be addressed in the satellite industry. Whether it is the long-term impact of private equity investment firms managing some of the juggernaut operators, the continued spacecraft and launcher reliability issues or the technical ingenuity that continues to push satellite technology into new application areas, one thing remains certain–you will hear and see it all at SATELLITE 2005. We look forward to seeing you there.