LAS VEGAS, Nov. 1 -- Telecom '05 organizers say the week provided innovative exhibits, thought-provoking speeches and overflowing sessions exploring the new technologies and products that will forever change the world of communications. "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 the United States Telecom Association, a telecom industry trade association. Building on Telecom '04's ranking as one of Tradeshow Week's "Fastest Fifty" growing tradeshows in North America, organizers say 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. 23-27 at the Venetian Convention Center in Las Vegas. Throughout the week, attendees heard from executives representing 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 officials from Microsoft, Juniper Networks, Cisco Systems, Telus and Redback Networks. Top government officials directing federal telecommunications policy and programs also spoke to Telecom '05 attendees. FCC Chairman Kevin Martin addressed the group on Wednesday, telling attendees that he is committed to assuring that franchising rules do not impede new entrants into the video market and that Americans in rural and remote areas continue to be able to get affordable telephone service. Thursday's breakfast featured Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns, Assistant Commerce Secretary Michael Gallagher and Ambassador David Gross, the State Department's US coordinator for international communications and information policy. Educational sessions drew overflow crowds, and 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. Organizers say TelecomNEXT will feature CEOs from top wireline carriers, wireless providers, cable companies, equipment manufacturers, content providers and policymakers, including the chairmen of Bellsouth, CenturyTel, SBC Communications and Time Warner Cable; the presidents and CEOs of Cisco, Alltel, Walt Disney, USTelecom, Atis, Bell Canada and Nippon Telegraph and Telephone; and top officers from companies including Qwest, Alcatel, BellSouth, Verizon and Lucent. Also attending will be Speaker of the House J. Dennis Hastert and FCC Chairman Kevin Martin. TelecomNEXT will be held in Las Vegas from March 19-23, 2006. For more information, visit: www.telecom-next.com