From the Mobile Device of the Executive

by: Sharon Nakama, Executive Director PTC

Advanced planning is well underway for the premiere event of the year, PTC’08!  An excellent program is being finalized with an impressive slate of featured speakers.  Registration is now available online with great discounts through 31 October. There are many ways for member organizations to participate. Advertising and sponsorship opportunities are available that provide multiple benefits and high profile exposure.

The Mid-Year 2007 Seminar this past month in Tahiti was a success and marked the return of PTC’s visible presence in the Pacific Islands region with activities beyond the annual conference.  Everyone involved was enriched by the program and presentations and gained from the networking opportunities. We were also treated to the fine hospitality of our host OPT French Polynesia and we say thank you to the generous sponsorship of France Telecom, Alcatel-Lucent and GCI. 

PTC will be moving forward with attention to developing a mid-year seminar for 2008 and additional activities.  Initiatives going forward include a renewed focus on membership and highlighting activities that will improve networking for members.   We will also be exploring new opportunities for cooperative participation in several areas including telecommunications and ICT for development and broadening participation of the PTC research and education community.  Along with a continuing focus on key industry developments, further enhancements will be made to the flagship annual conference event.  

The Secretariat has also been re-organized for more effective operations.  Several new people have joined the team this year replacing departing staff and I would like to take this opportunity to introduce them to you. 

• Alex Bergo, Webmaster
• Joel Cantor, Conference Coordinator
• Kris Furuike, Executive Administrative Assistant and Membership Coordinator
• Alisa Lum, Systems/Network Administrator
• Jamie Wan-Lopaz, Conference Coordinator

Please feel free to contact them and any of our staff members in their respective areas for your needs.

As ever, your participation is crucial for you to gain the most from your membership in PTC.   We look forward to working with you to continue to bring the diversity, quality and value you expect as the hallmarks of PTC.  With the pride of reaching our milestone 30th anniversary this year, PTC is well on track for continued success in the years to come.

Best wishes and see you in January!

Sharon Nakama
Executive Director