SCADA and other process control networks are the glue holding energy and water networks together and keeping them safe. This symposium discusses the many technologies used for control systems, including some you may not have considered. It also looks at the ever-increasing concern of security. . Technology experts will present on how you can improve your SCADA systems and other control networks to ensure maximum effectiveness and efficiency not only right now, but in the future.

 

Sunday, May 4, 2008

9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Pre-Conference Tutorials [1]

12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Networking Lunch

4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
UTC EXPO 2008 Grand Opening
Help us kick off UTC EXPO 2008 & UTC TELECOM 2008 in the exhibit hall! This event gives you a chance to get your first look at the exhibit hall while enjoying food and drinks at the same time. Renew old acquaintances and make new friends as you take advantage of this networking opportunity.

Monday, May 5, 2008

8:00 a.m.
Continental Networking Breakfast

8:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Opening General Session
Location: Gatlin B

UTC TELECOM 2008 starts off with a bang at the Opening General Session. The session will feature reports from Chairman of the Board Jeff Selman and UTC's Division Chairs, explaining their key issues and activities. This session also features a keynote on the state of the industry by Jeff Lyash, President & CEO, Progress Energy Florida, Inc. You'll want to stay for UTC TELECOM 2008's keynote address by Larry J. Sabato a leading election analyst and university professor. 2008 is shaping up to be a major political contest -- come hear what's in store for the elections and what that means for you professionally and personally!

10:15 - 10:30 a.m.
Networking Break

10:30 - 11:45 a.m.
Securing Your SCADA System
Location: Gatlin A2

Peter Allor, Director of Intelligence, IBM
Andrew Bartels, Chief Technology Officer, Aegis Technologies
Rita Wells, Manager/SCADA and Process Control Systems,
Idaho National Laboratory

Media reports say that utility SCADA systems are under cyber attack now more than ever - and that's just what becomes public. Is your SCADA system as secure as it needs to be? To stand up to the ever-increasing sophistication of today's hackers, it probably needs more protection than you think. This session will show you what security your utility should have in place to guard your SCADA system, with some hard facts about what hackers really can do to your system. If you have SCADA security responsibility or can provide important information to someone else who does, come to this session and prepare to squirm a bit.

11:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
UTC EXPO 2008 Open

11:45 a.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Networking Lunch in UTC EXPO 2008

2:15 - 3:30 p.m.
Upgrading SCADA Systems Successfully
Location: Gatlin A2

Andrew Bartels, Chief Technology Officer, Aegis Technologies

It is not uncommon for a utility to have legacy SCADA equipment from a variety of manufactures, using different protocols, making it a challenge to upgrade. With many utilities planning for multi-year upgrade programs, the first question is often where to start! In this session, we'll start at the end: what you want to have. From there, presenters will discuss how to get there effectively and efficiently - all in the live substation environment. Specifically, hear how you should choose your architecture and implement the design process to achieve your end goal.

3:30 - 3:45 p.m.
Networking Break in UTC EXPO 2008

3:45 - 5:00 p.m.
Next-Generation, Mission-Critical Utility Communications Networking
Location: Gatlin A2

Kamal Ballout, Director, Business Development, Alcatel-Lucent USA
Jim Fraley, Director of Telecom, IT and Security, Grand River Dam Authority

Through utility case studies, this session highlights how IP/MPLS capabilities add cost-effective support of existing and growing packet application traffic to existing wide area network communications solutions, converging traffic from application-specific networks. The session will cover ideas to maintain key capabilities, including high availability and security for mission critical information. Key engineering and operations challenges, and migration steps to a next-generation,converged IP/MPLS network solution utilizing optical, microwave and WiMAX are highlighted as well.

IP-Based Communications for Utilities
Location: Gatlin A3

Rick Hundstead, Data Products Manager, Tyco Electronics
Andy Grimmett, Technical Director, Team Simoco Ltd.

Communications networks are enabling platforms for all next-generation system automation, and future utility networks must provide the packet-based intelligence required to support IP-based applications: SCADA, LMR, VoIP, IP Data, VPNs, etc. These applications require increased bandwidth that is more flexible and efficient; increasingly these services will be delivered over an Internet Protocol/ Multi-Protocol Label Switching (IP/MPLS) -architecture. This session will discuss the benefits of implementing utility-wide IP-based systems, especially related to the integration of communications and IT-based applications, making disparate legacy systems interoperate, and easing future systems integration. The significant challenges and obstacles common to IP implementations will also be discussed.

6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
UTC Gala
Location: Panzacola

Celebrate UTC's 60th birthday with us at Club Sesenta (or Club Sixty in English)! We've been around since 1948 -- that's something to celebrate. What better way than to mark this special anniversary with the very people that helped us make it to 60. And....in addition to a rousing rendition of "Happy Birthday," and salsa dancing. Club Sesenta will include drinks, food, friends and fun all at Shingle Creek - don't miss it!

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

8:30 - 9:45 a.m.
UTC Apex Award Breakfast
Location: Gatlin B

The presentation of the fourth Annual UTC Apex Award,
sponsored by Motorola, will be an awards breakfast to remember! Join us again this year as we honor the absolute best in utility telecommunications to benefit our communities. This event will showcase the winners of this distinguished award and the finalists, told as only they can through the stories they submitted about their projects. Come and be reminded of what's special about being involved in the critical infrastructure communications industry!

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
UTC EXPO 2008 Open

10:00 - 11:15 a.m.
2.1 GHz Relocation – Issues and Opportunities
Location: Gatlin A2

Chris Holt, VP Spectrum Management Solutions, Comsearch

Ten years ago, it was the PCS relocation from 1.9 GHz; now utilities are having to relocate microwave systems from the 2.1 GHz band due to Advanced Wireless Service licensees. However, the rules this time are a bit different, and licensees can recoup some of their self-relocation costs if they know the right hoops to jump through. Join us for more information about the AWS relocation and how it's working.

11:15 - 11:30 a.m.
Networking Break in UTC EXPO 2008

11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
UTC Legal/Regulatory Update - Infrastructure Issues
Location: Gatlin A2

Brett Kilbourne, Director-Regulatory Services & Associate Counsel, Utilities Telecom Council

From pole attachments to tower issues, this session, presented by UTC's Legal/Regulatory team, will fill you in on infrastructure issues you need to be aware of from the FCC, Congress and the states.

12:15 - 2:15 p.m.
Networking Lunch in UTC EXPO 2008

3:00 - 4:15 p.m.
The Power of Partnerships: The Value of Long-Term Utility Alliances with Technology Providers
Location: Gatlin A1

Jeff Selman,Manager, Telecom & Protection Engineering,
Tri-State Generation & Transmission Association
Kathleen Brown, Territory Manager,Harris Stratex Networks
Rusty Williams, Mgr-Planning & Engineering, Southern Company Services
Steve Ferguson, National Sales Manager - Utility Division,
AFL Telecommunications
R. Dee Stryker, VP-Sales & Marketing, EasTex Tower, Inc.

Utilities will need strong technology partners to successfully meet every telecom and IT challenge facing them in the years ahead. More and more, utilities are reexamining the concept of a long-term alliance with key technology providers as a way of ensuring their access to critical technologies and implementation resources. This session will feature case studies of these new alliances exploring what makes them work and explaining how they can work for you. Long-term relationships with technology vendors had been common at utilities until recent years. In many ways these new technology alliances are very different; however, as the wise philosopher of baseball, Yogi Berra, once said, "It's like déjà vu all over again."

State of Utility Fiber
Location: Gatlin A2

David Daigle, President, Broadband Asset Strategies, LLC
David Boroughs, Principal Consultant, KEMA, Inc.

You may have seen the report -- now hear the details! This session will review highlights from UTC Research's State of Utility Fiber study report. UTC and KEMA teamed up to produce the report, looking at major trends in utility fiber demand, buildout and uses. When do utilities sell fiber? When do they expand their fiber offerings? When does it make sense to agree to fiber for utility right-of way? Fiber-optic technology use is only growing - find out how to use your fiber economically based on market demand and hear how other utilities are using fiber for internal and external projects.

4:15 - 4:30 p.m.
Networking Break

4:30 - 5:45 p.m.
Advantages in Modern Communications as Applied to Remedial Action Schemes
Location: Gatlin A2

William Higinbotham, VP Engineering, RFL Electronics Inc.

Remedial action schemes (RAS) are often applied to large power systems for control of the system during severe abnormal conditions when traditional localized control is inadequate. RAS systems mean large numbers of diverse communication paths providing real-time information from a wide geographic area. Paths are usually a mix of every media available, from leased circuits to audio circuits to dark fiber, and recently, IP networks. Today's technology allows the users to meet challenges to accomplish this with minimum impact on field equipment while using the existing communications paths. This session will show you how.

It's a Bird, It's A Plane - No, It's a Satellite
Location: Gatlin A4

Jeff Staples, Chief Executive Officer, Ground Control
Bob Belton, Program Manager, Quantum Research, Intl
Peter Liberi, Vice President, MVS USA

Satellite communications systems provide a means to access critical remote data. This session is a frank discussion on the satellite solutions available to utilities, including the positives and negatives associated with these solutions. This session will include a panel discussion by utility representatives who use satellite solutions currently. Come and find out if satellite service can help you address your remote monitoring and control needs.

Washington Roundtable
Location: St. Johns 23

Jill Lyon, Vice President & General Counsel, Utilities Telecom Council
Prudence Parks, Federal Legislative Representative, Utilities Telecom Council
Erik Stark, Associate Administrator for the Office of Policy Analysis and Development, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)
Rita Wells, Manager/SCADA and Process Control Systems, Idaho National Laboratory

From the new Energy Act to emergency communications and cyber security, utility communications capabilities are being considered all over Washington these days. UTC’s Public Policy Division and staff are working with Congress, the Department of Energy, the Department of Homeland Security, NTIA and others, and you should hear what policymakers are doing that could have a profound effect on your utility and its systems. Finish your educational day with some inside information from our Washington guests in this important session.

International Roundtable
Location: St. Johns 25

MODERATOR: Dymitr Wajsman, Co-Chairman, UTC International Division, and Director, APTEL - Associaçao das Empresas Proprietàrias de Infraestrutura e Sistemas Privados de Telecommunicações (BRAZIL)
Miguel Angel Sánchez Fornié, Co-Chairman, UTC International Division, and Director of Telecommunications and Control Systems, Iberdrola, S.A. (SPAIN)
Ion Nedelcu, General Director, TELETRANS S.A. (ROMANIA)
José Gonçalves Vieira, New Business and Telecom Superintendent, CELG – Cia Energetica de Goias (BRAZIL)
Cenildo Costa de Oliveira, Telecommunications Engineering Manager, CHESF – Cia Hidro Eletrica de Sao Francisco (BRAZIL)


A special invitation is extended to all international delegates attending UTC TELECOM 2008 to attend this unique session featuring utility telecom executives from around the world addressing key activities in Europe and South America. Following the presentations, all international participants will be invited to give a brief report on their activities. A great session to meet your counterparts from across the globe and make new, valuable friends.

6:30 p.m.
UTC Awards Dinner
Location: Panzacola F

The UTC Awards Dinner is a favorite social event of UTC TELECOM 2008! During the Awards Dinner we will honor the recipients of UTC's most prestigious awards in 2008, the Dondanville, Meehan and Chairman's Awards after enjoying a sit down dinner. This is a great way to end the last full day of UTC TELECOM 2008, honoring colleagues and friends. *Please note, dress for this event is semi-formal.

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
UTC Annual Membership Meeting & Breakfast
Location: Gatlin B

On the last day of UTC TELECOM 2008, you'll take part in the UTC Annual Membership Meeting. This is your chance to hear UTC's leaders report on their activities over the past year and their plans for 2008-2009. It's also your chance to vote on any new business for UTC, including the election of new officers! Join Jeff Selman, UTC's Chairman of the Board, as he and other leaders remind you why you became a member of UTC . Be a part of the annual progress
of your trade association as we enter our very special anniversary year!

9:30 - 9:45 a.m.
Networking Break

9:45 - 11:45 a.m.
NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection Compliance Workshop
Location: Gatlin A3

Jonathan Pollet, VP, Professional Services, Industrial Defender
Ori Artman, Chief Technology Officer, Teltone Corporation
Andrew Bartels, Chief Technology Officer, Aegis Technologies
Curtis Johnson, Project Manager, Black & Veatch

This workshop provides a pivotal look at utility
compliance with CIP 002-009, the NERC Cyber Security standards. With fines that can hit up to $1 million, per instance, PER DAY, any potential problems can translate to huge liabilities for your utility. Mitigating risk before any surprise NERC audit is essential. This session will go over what you need to know in regards to NERC compliance no matter where you are in the process.

Grounding Workshop
Location: Gatlin A2

John Howard, VP-Business Development, Lyncole XIT Grounding

Back again this year is our popular grounding workshop! Grounding systems are essential to keep utilities operating at a high performance level. This workshop will go into details about grounding electrode systems, single point grounding, isolated ring and halo grounds, as well as tower grounding. Hear from experts on the best practices when it comes to grounding, along with common pitfalls and how to solve them.