PLANS FOR SUBOPTIC 2019 ARE QUICKLY TAKING SHAPE! SO, WHERE ARE WE? In early September, the SubOptic Organizing Committee, consisting of representatives from STF Events, SubOptic Association, Ciena, Xtera, and Alcatel, met for the second quarterly planning meeting. After the regular update and planning session, the SubOptic 2019 Program Committee took things over to discuss the general program theme and outline for the conference. The Program Committee is determined to deliver some rather big ideas for the Big Easy. As Stuart Barnes of Xtera, our SubOptic 2019 Program Chair recently opined: “An exciting conference is being prepared for SubOptic 2019 where the theme will reflect the changing times in the submarine telecommunication industry. The new program will encompass the latest developments in software and hardware technologies, architectures, and ways to fund and deploy subsea communications networks. The wheels are already in motion to make SubOptic 2019 an exciting, progressive and memorable Conference.”
CONFERENCE WEBSITE
On August 1, we proudly launched www.SubOptic2019.com. During August alone, the site saw over 10,500 hits from almost 2,000 unique visitors. If the number of people viewing the site is an indication of early interest for the event, we are on track for an outstanding conference!
SPONSORSHIP AND EXHIBITION HALL
The Exhibition Hall and Sponsorship packages were finalized following the June quarterly meeting. The intent of the sponsorships is to not only provide excellent visibility for purchasing companies, but also enhance the experience of registrants. With that in mind, the Exhibition Hall has been designed to maximize flow from three main avenues, and as such, every booth has access to the flow of foot traffic. The aim of SubOptic 2019 is to provide exceptional value for registrants and sponsors alike. In early July, sales of sponsorships and exhibition booths were opened exclusively to SubOptic Association members, another of the many benefits of membership.
In just six short weeks of sales, the Exhibition Hall is a little over 25% sold, and 10 companies have purchased sponsorship packages. Frankly, we’ve been floored by the incredible turn out and eagerness of the industry to support this event! [Download SubOptic 2019 Exhibition & Sponsorship Brochure] That said, sponsorship opportunities and booths are available, but selling quickly. If you have interest in either, I suggest you speak to a representative as soon as possible: sponsors@stfevents.com.
WHERE IS IT?
If you haven’t already heard, the conference will be held in New Orleans - a timeless city with a unique way of life. Steeped in 300 years of European traditions and Carib-
FROM THE CONFERENCE DIRECTOR BY CHRIS NOYES 66