FROM THE CONFERENCE DIRECTOR BY CHRISTOPHER NOYES
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ew Orleans - What a city! Things are happening as NOLA is getting ready for its Tricentennial next year, just in time for SubOptic in April 2019. The SubOptic Organizing Committee, consisting of representatives from STF Events, SubOptic Association, Ciena and Xtera, visited the city in May for its kick-off meeting and saw what is on offer for the SubOptic 2019 Conference. The committee toured the conference hotel, as well as several possible venues for the SubOptic Gala, one of which is Antoine’s, the oldest restaurant in NOLA. Antoine’s has a 176-year-old legacy and is still owned and operated by the fifth generation of relatives of the original founder, Antoine Alciatore. The world-renowned French-Creole cuisine, impeccable service and unique atmosphere have combined to create an unmatched NOLA dining experience since 1840.
The committee also discussed a revitalized partner and family program, as there are several interesting attractions for them to participate in – from an airboat tour of the bayou or a culinary tour of world class restaurants, to exploring world renowned jazz or how Mardi Gras floats are built – not to mention the history around virtually every corner. The city has something to offer everyone that attends. The convention hotel, New Orleans Marriot, is situated on the threshold of the French Quarter, which is the heart beat and soul of NOLA. The committee is considering adding a charity golf outing, which would benefit youth that are interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), allowing the SubOptic Association to expand its community outreach, as well as help promote our industry’s diverse future. The committee agreed to pursue the development of a Continu-
ing Education accreditation for Master Classes along with a forward looking and expansive conference program. One big decision to come out of the kick-off meeting was to promote exclusive pre-sales of sponsorships and booths to SubOptic members during the month of July as an added benefit of involvement in the new association. Regular sponsorships and booths sales start to the industry at large in August. We have also held discussions with some of the leaders from the Oil & Gas industry with ties to our industry and look forward to exciting announcements in the coming months, as those talks continue. We are looking forward to an energized SubOptic 2019 Conference in an amazing city - NOLA. Christopher Noyes began his career in 1996 as the Meeting and Incentive Director for Spectrum Industries, providing company sales and incentives meetings. His experience includes producing meetings, trade shows and events in USA, Mexico, Bahamas, Canada, and Holland, and has produced meetings and events for the Urban Land Institute, Coca-Cola, Medtronic, Bank of America JER Partners, Legg Mason Wood Walker, and Avery Communications. He possesses the international designation of Certified Meeting Professional form the Convention Industry Council, and joined Submarine Telecoms Forum in 2016 as Conference Director to help develop and lead the company’s venture, STF Events.