TELECOM '05 wrapped-up after a terrific week of innovative exhibits, thought-provoking speeches, and overflowing sessions exploring the new technologies and products that will forever change the world of communications.

"This week at TELECOM '05 we heard from some of the brightest leaders in the industry and saw products from hundreds of the most innovative technology companies in the world. These companies understand what it takes to succeed in today's rapidly changing communications marketplace and offered attendees a clear vision of what's next for communications," said Walter B. McCormick Jr., President and CEO of USTelecom.

Building on TELECOM '04's ranking as one of Tradeshow Week's "Fastest Fifty" growing tradeshows in North America, TELECOM '05 drew key buyers, decision-makers and communications leaders from around the world to view new technologies and learn more about all aspects of the communications industry as lines between cable, wireline, wireless and satellite platforms continue to converge. The show ran from Oct. 23 to Oct. 27 at the Venetian Convention Center in Las Vegas.

Throughout the week, TELECOM '05 attendees heard from executives from pacesetting companies in all sectors of the communications industry including SBC, Starz Entertainment, Hearst-Argyle Television, Cox Communications, Buena Vista Television and Fox Cable Networks. Attendees also saw a demonstration of IPTV and heard from leaders of such key technology innovators as Microsoft, Juniper Networks, Cisco Systems, Telus and Redback Networks. Those companies joined hundreds of exhibitors to make this tradeshow an unparalleled success.

Top officials directing federal telecommunications policy and programs spoke exclusively to TELECOM '05 attendees. FCC Chairman Kevin Martin spoke to the group on Wednesday, while Thursday's breakfast featured Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns, Assistant Commerce Secretary Michael Gallagher, and Ambassador David Gross, the State Department's U.S. Coordinator for International Communications and Information Policy.

Scores of educational sessions drew overflow crowds of people eager to find the information they need to implement next-generation communications networks. Special tracks focused on broadband competition, deploying video content, marketing, investment banking, electronic bill presentment and payment, IP Video, security, mergers and acquisitions, broadcaster-telco issues, and law and regulation.

"TELECOM '05 was a great preview of what's next for communications and our new show next spring, TelecomNEXT, will exponentially expand on the success and momentum from TELECOM '05," McCormick said.

TelecomNEXT will be held in Las Vegas March 19-23, 2006. For more information, go to http://www.telecom-next.com.