It is hard to believe, but our SATELLITE 2006 Conference and Exhibition is only a little more than three months away! From February 6-9, Washington, DC, will be the center of the global satellite communications industry. Senior executives, industry leaders, market analysts, broadcasting engineers and government officials will examine new products and services, discuss the latest solutions available for content transmissions, and relay how to apply today’s satellite-enabled innovations for tomorrow’s business initiatives.

Our preliminary program is available for your review online, showcasing the topics that will be highlighted during the event. More than 70 percent of the conference sessions have been expanded to showcase new initiatives, discussion topics and applications. Likewise, many of the sessions this year will be executive roundtables, offering a stronger forum for debate and discussion. At SATELLITE 2006, you will hear from top commercial and government users on the network upgrades they are seeking.

On the broadcasting front, programmers and content managers will debate which delivery standard will become dominate and how HDTV, standards and IPTV will influence its landscape.

Given the current global climate, military forces have increased their space segment procurements. Today’s forces are more geographically dispersed, and the need for more robust communications between the front line and rear-area commanders is increasing. IP-based networking, information assurance, secure communications and two-way data relays top the list of communication needs. During the military sessions, officials will discuss how communication needs have changed for theater operations and their near- and long-term architecture requirements.

Beyond applications, there is a technological convergence underway in which wireless, terrestrial and satellite systems are working in unison to provide solid communications links. At SATELLITE 2006, you will also hear from top executives within these business units, outlining how this melding of technologies will provide the mobility, always-on connectivity and dissemination of rich data and video currently in demand for network platforms.

Once again, SATELLITE 2006 has been selected as one of only 32 North American-based events for the U.S. Commercial Services International Buyer Program (IBP). Through this attendance-building program, SATELLITE 2006 delegates will meet pre-screened international buyers who are seeking specific products and services showcased at our show. Likewise, the program will dramatically increase international business opportunities for all U.S. exhibiting companies at SATELLITE 2006.

The SATELLITE 2006 Web site also provides information on registration, exhibits and sponsorships opportunities, as well as hotel reservations information for ease in planning your trip to Washington, DC, this coming February.

Log onto http://www.SATELLITE2006.com to learn more, and remember to bookmark this site as all updates, special announcements and general event information will be announced there first. I look forward to seeing all of you in February.