“The future depends on what we do in the present.” Mahatma Gandhi

REGISTRATION is now open for the 2021 TSTCI Annual Membership Meeting and Conference at the Embassy Suites Hotel, Grapevine, Texas October 6-8, 2021. 

TSTCI will share moments from 69 years of representing the interest of the small rural telecommunications industry.  While we are all trying to get back into the “normal” or the new normal way of life, please also know that we will keep current on the continued pandemic protocols and modify the schedule as needed.  We want to have a good but safe conference for us all.  As we are all aware, the COVID-19 pandemic continues and in consideration of the continuing surge in cases everywhere and the presence and transmissible nature of the Delta strain, the TSTCI Board and the Staff are invested in keeping everyone as safe as can be while still enjoying our gathering together.  We will keep you posted as we get closer to the event.

With all that in mind, we will begin our event on Wednesday morning October 6^th with the Wesley B. Roberts Memorial Golf Tournament at the Bear Creek Golf Club.   As we are taking a lap around memory lane somewhat these days and because the make-up of our industry has changed and time has passed, we thought we’d remind everyone who Wesley B. Roberts was in life and his connection to TSTCI.  The Honorable Wesley B. Roberts passed away in May of 2007.  He served in the United States Navy during WWII as a radio operator.  After turning down an opportunity to be a professional football player to remain in Texas and go into business, he decided to get into Texas politics.  In 1957, Wesley was elected to the Texas House of Representatives for HD 99 – In 1963, after leaving the House, he began a lobbying career.  In April of 2007 – a month before Wesley passed, the Texas House passed a resolution honoring Wesley and his lifetime of service to our state.  TSTCI was honored to have Wesley as one of their legislative advocates (lobbyist).  This is a paragraph from that resolution:  

Wesley loved playing golf and he loved playing golf at TSTCI functions – in fact, he also made it a family affair often bringing his son to play with him and us.  So, for those of us that knew Wesley, a nice memory; for those of you that didn’t know him – an introduction of sorts.

 
Back to the golf plans.  The day begins with breakfast at 7:00 am prior to tee off and the tournament begins at 8:00 am.   After returning from a great day of golf, the conference registration desk will open at 3:00 that afternoon.   

The evening and the conference will really get started Wednesday evening with the “Where the Stars are Still Big & Bright Welcome Reception and Vendor Table Top Displays.”   

This event is always fun and entertaining.  It is also a time to shine some extra light on our Associate Members who are part of the life blood of TSTCI.  We encourage all of you to support those vendors and service providers that have helped support you and our association.  We will also have a silent auction in the room with proceeds going to benefit the TSTCI PAC.  If you’d like to donate an items for the silent auction, please get in touch with us.  We always have good food and drink to share during this opening event; however, we also plan it to end early enough if you want to make personal dinner plans. 

 
Thursday will go half day with General Session programs for all attendees.  Thursday afternoon, the ILEC members and designees attend the Annual Membership meeting where the Directors and Officers for the coming year are elected.  Thursday evening, we will gather for the “Rural Matters Dinner”.     

After breakfast Thursday morning, TSTCI President Darren Patrick and TSTCI CEO Weldon Gray will kick off the business sessions of the conference and introduce our Opening Keynote Speaker:  Jim Cathcart as he walks us through “Relationships Matter.”   

Following our opening, Steve Gatto, Vantage Point Solutions, will impart “10-Year Forecast – What’s After ACAM and Legacy Support?”  Then all the way from Washington DC – where the stars are mostly probably not as big and bright – Scott Lively, NTCA, will share a “Washington Update.”   

 
Just before we break for lunch and the final speaker for the day’s general sessions, we are honored to introduce the new Director of the Texas State Broadband Development Office, Greg Conte to our membership and him to more of TSTCI.  Greg was appointed by the Comptroller to fill this important position. The Broadband Development Office (BDO) will award grants, low-interest loans and other financial incentives to ISP who expand access to broadband service in underserved areas. The BOD was established by the passage of HB5 during the regular session of the 87th Legislature.  The BOD will also: 

• create a broadband map indicating areas eligible for financial assistance;
• set an effective threshold speed for broadband service in those underserved areas at 25 megabits per second (Mbps) download and 3 Mbps upload;
• create and update a state broadband plan;
• engage in outreach to communities regarding the expansion and adoption of broadband service and the programs administered by the BDO; and
• serve as the state's subject matter expert for federal funding to help local governments. 

After the lunch break on Thursday, we return to hold the Annual Membership Meeting which is open to TSTCI ILEC members and their signed-in designees.  The whole afternoon session will be the Annual Membership Meeting & Election of Directors.  

Thursday evening we all come together for the 8^th Annual Rural Matters Dinner.   An evening of shared fun, food and fellowship.  This evening event provides an inclusive time together to introduce the new Board and Officers, acknowledge those leaving the TSTCI Board for their work and dedication to the Association and its members, a time to look back briefly and look forward with hope as we also honor this year’s recipients of the TSTCI Friend of Rural and the TSTCI Legend Awards.   

As always, spouses and guests are included in this event.  There is no additional charge to conference attendees and their guest for the banquet; however, when you register for the conference, we would very much appreciate your filling in the area about whether you and your spouse/significant other will be attending the banquet.  This is a catered event and your help to ensure a reasonable headcount is greatly appreciated.  In addition, we always make arrangements for a vegetarian dinner option or other special dietary needs, so please let us know.   As always, there are several opportunities for sponsorships of this important event including “Table-Sponsorships” and “Hosted Bar Sponsorship.”  Table sponsorships are a great way to get extra recognition--your table will be reserved with your name and you will also get to invite other registered attendees who you would like to be seated with you at your table for five.  In addition, you will be listed as “Table Sponsor” in our promotional material and will get verbal and signage acknowledgment during the conference. Details for all sponsorship opportunities are included on the website sponsor page.  Please make plans to join us for this shared evening.  

 
On Friday morning, join us for breakfast from 7:00-8:30 am.  Then join us for the final two general sessions.  With the new infrastructure legislation at the federal level and broadband opportunities at both state and federal, come hear about “Grants and Loans and More Opportunities” with EPI Communications Consultants.     

Before we adjourn for another year, we will hear “The View from Inside the Dome” from an invited legislator.  

We looked forward to seeing many of you in Grapevine.  We encourage you to register early, sponsor fiercely, and plan to attend intentionally!  

CONFERENCE INFORMATION 

REGISTRATION is now open CLICK HERE to be taken to the registration page.  

For hotel reservations for the Annual Membership Conference & Associate Member Table-Top Display at Embassy Suites by Hilton DFW Airport North, 2401 Bass Pro Drive, Grapevine, Texas 76051.  Online Reservations: CLICK HERE.    Room rates for our conference are $195.00 single/double 2-room suites.  The hotel cut-off date is September 14, 2021.  Please remember to tell them you are with the TSTCI conference when making your reservations to ensure the group rate, availability and so that your reservation is credited to our function.   Check In time is 4:00 pm and Check Out time is 11:00am.  Make your reservations by September 14, 2021 to insure the group rate and availability.  Rates include complimentary breakfast daily, complimentary evening reception with drinks and snacks daily and complimentary fitness club with indoor pool. 

Self-parking at the hotel is complimentary – there is no valet parking. For hotel questions or concerns, contact Pat Holder, Event Planner at 512-349-7470 or [email protected]. 

The Hotel offers complimentary DFW Airport Shuttle Service.  Rental car agencies are located at the airport.  There are also various ride share options to consider

Our meetings are “Business Casual”

Continuing Education Units - The objectives of this conference are to improve the skills and knowledge of attendees on issues related to the telecommunications industry.  Participants shall receive 6 non-technical CPE credit hours for participation, and there are no prerequisites for participation.  We have registered with the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy as a CPE sponsor.  This registration does not constitute an endorsement by the Board as to the quality of our CPE program.  TSTCI Sponsor ID# 2349

Be sure to complete the Conference evaluation form and return it to the registration desk after the final session on Friday.  Thank you!

Online Conference Registration 

To register online, go to tstci.org.  You can make your payment by credit card or check.  Once you have registered online, make check payable to Texas Statewide Telephone Cooperative, Inc. (TSTCI) and mail payment to:  TSTCI, 3112 Windsor Road, Suite A # 338, Austin, Texas 78703. 

Cancellation Policy:    No refunds will be given after September 14, 2021; however, substitutions will be permitted.

Please contact Pat Holder if you have any special needs or for general questions.  See the following contact information: 

Pat Holder, Event Planner-Phone: 512/349-7470

Email:  [email protected]

Registration Fees:                                       

                                                  Early Bird-Before 9/14/21           After 9/14/21 and onsite

Member                                                           $400                            $500

Non-Member Golf Fee                                   $225                            $275

Award Dinner Sponsorships – Table Sponsors and Hosted-Bar Sponsors 

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