Reflecting on our industry’s reach

Posted: March 21, 2022

Carrie Huckeby headshotIn the telecom world, many people’s calendars often revolve around conference schedules, and there’s none bigger than NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association’s Rural Telecom Industry Meeting and Expo (RTIME).

While I’ve been to RTIME several times throughout my career, I attended the February 2022 conference in Dallas with a new perspective as Tennessee Broadband Association (TNBA) executive director.

RTIME is an opportunity to learn the latest information about what’s happening in broadband. It’s also an opportunity to reconnect, meet new faces and network with more than 1,500 attendees. At the expo alone, I counted more than 30 TNBA member organizations.

I return from every conference with new tips and ideas, like those shared by Albert Einstein’s cousin, Karen Cortell Reisman, on how to overcome obstacles, or those from keynote speaker Ben Nemtin on how to make the impossible possible.

Additionally, the marketing session highlighted the power of partnerships, and I was proud to catch the Women in Telecom presentation. I can recall when there were only a handful of women scattered throughout the crowd. It was powerful to see how many women have chosen to help our industry thrive.

A few days later, I attended the TNBA marketing committee meeting, hosted by Twin Lakes. It’s a great way and format to help the marketing professionals ask questions, share solutions and experiences. The committee is able to share successes and challenges they face on a regional, closer-to-home basis.

Our work revolves around improving the quality of life in rural communities, and events like RTIME and the marketing committee meeting remind me of the immense reach of the telecom industry.

We’re not only #ConnectingTN, each day we help connect people around the world. It’s awe inspiring when you think about how important our work is for millions of Tennesseans and beyond.

And speaking of calendars, don’t forget to mark yours for the Tennessee Broadband Association 2022 Annual Convention & Showcase May 31-June 2, and the KTA/TNBA Fall Conference & Supplier Showcase Oct. 11-13.

We’re planning the events now, and sponsorship opportunities are available. I’m excited to see you there!