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Belgacom is an incumbent service provider leading the way in many exciting broadband services and technologies. The world has much to learn from Belgacom's innovation. However, I must point out that though Belgacom is the official host sponsor, IEC events are unique in that they create a level playing field for competition and exchange of ideas. BBWF Europe, like our other World Forums, draws an incredible amount of representation from service providers around the globe. For example, last year, the BBWF Europe in Berlin had representation from more than 100 different carriers!

Pipeline: What differs on this year's agenda as compared to last year's? Is there anything new you want to highlight?

John Janowiak: Sure. As mentioned, we have the 35th ICT Symposium as a co-located event bringing a stronger focus to enterprise. We'll also have speakers from the European Union, which will discuss a lot of the regulatory issues. Our sessions will provide the latest news on issues and solutions. We will also have nearly 100 exhibitors showcasing their technologies on the exhibition floor as well as the prestigious InfoVision Awards. We'll have complimentary sessions in our Technology Theater as well as Broadband World Forum Media! Our brand new media initiative also includes TV interviews from key leaders and we're very excited about showcasing some of this at the event.

Pipeline: Pipeline's readers are specifically interested in the OSS/BSS side of telecommunications. Do you have any keynote speakers that might be of particular interest to our readers?

John Janowiak: No discussion is complete without addressing operational aspects. An operational thread will run throughout the forum and be incorporated in all presentations/sessions.

Senior Vice President, Group Networks and Information Systems for France Telecom and includes leaders from other service providers that are responsible for securing content for their companies. They will share their experiences as well as provide innovative solutions that can help other service providers in their quest for content. This will be a unique panel of executives focused on content issues and how their company's are providing value for a broadband experience for their customers. Lessons learned, as well as solutions and future needs, will be discussed.

Pipeline: What are some of the things attendees can expect to see at the technology exhibition? Can you give us a few highlights?

John Janowiak: We will open the floor with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and continue the exhibition for three days. Exciting multimedia presentations will take place in our Technology Theater as well as evening receptions each night. With nearly 100 exhibitors and the ICT Symposium's co-located exhibition, attendees will have the opportunity to learn from one of the best collections of product experts from around the globe.