Pipeline: Your website says the Battle is a charity fundraiser. Tell us more about the charity you chose to donate to and why.

Barbara York: The Battle of the Bands is a charity fundraising concert that supports the industry’s CableCares initiative. The beneficiary of this year’s concert is City Year, with eighty percent of the funds raised supporting the organization’s programs in Washington D.C. schools and after-school centers.

The CableCares initiative, with The Battle of the Bands fund raising component, is the Cable Show’s way of giving something back to our host city. It provides a means for our attendees to make a lasting difference.   

Pipeline: Tell us about the Vanguard awards. What kind of prestige does such an award bring to a company or individual?

Barbara York: The Vanguard Awards are the most prestigious honors presented by the National Cable and Telecommunications Association (NCTA). The men and women who are selected excel both in business and in personal commitment to the industry and to their colleagues. Without exception, they display the multi-dimensional talents of exceptional leadership.

This year, the Distinguished Vanguard Awards for Leadership go to Rocco Commisso, Chairman & CEO of Mediacom Communications Corporation; and Nomi Bergman, President of Bright House Networks. In addition, seven other agenda-setting industry leaders will be recognized at the 2009 awards ceremony. 

Pipeline: Is there anything else you’d like to share with our audience?

Barbara York: For the first time in over forty years, the NCTA will be hosting The Cable Show – the industry’s largest cable and telecommunications convention – in Washington D.C. on April 1-3, 2009. Bringing The Cable Show ‘09 to the nation’s capital presents an unprecedented opportunity to showcase the industry’s advanced delivery

about the cable telecommunications industry, there's only one place where the whole industry converges under one roof.  We encourage them to come to Washington D.C. from April 1–3, 2009 for three concentrated days of networking, learning and collaboration. For more information, please visit our website at www.thecableshow.com.

Since the Broadband Nation exhibit is such a new and important part of The Cable Show, we at Pipeline thought our readers might appreciate a more in-depth look at what it's all about. Here are some additional insights about this interesting exhibit, brought to you directly from the NCTA.

A Closer Look at Broadband Nation
by Mark Manlove

The centerpiece of The Cable Show ’09 will be a 20,000 square foot technology showcase titled “Broadband Nation”.   Broadband Nation is a Main Street America-themed showcase highlighting the advanced services and consumer benefits associated with cable’s broadband telecommunications platform. The exhibit will provide Cable Show attendees a hands-on opportunity to experience a variety of innovative products and services available to consumers today – and in the future – for the home, school, and office.  It will also feature some specialized technology applications available for medical