GOVERNMENT PUTS SUPPORT BEHIND TMA2002

Big Names Come to TMA2002 as Sponsors and Exhibitors

The Communications Management Association, CMA, host of TMA2002, is delighted to announce that e-Envoy, Andrew Pinder is to give the Opening Ceremony speech on October 21st in Brighton.

Andrew Pinder is head of the Office of the e-Envoy (Oe-E) - part of the Cabinet Office - and reports directly to the Prime Minister. As e-Envoy, Andrew is leading the drive to get the UK online, ensuring that the country, its citizens and businesses derive the maximum benefit from the knowledge economy. During the opening ceremony Pinder will discuss why modern communications are so important for the economy.

Glenn Powell, Chief Executive, CMA, said: "We are honoured that Andrew Pinder will be opening TMA2002. His involvement underlines the Convention's position as the most crucial event in the telecommunications calendar. Visitors from across the private and public sectors will receive the most up-to-date information from an event rich in content through its conference, FeatureZones and focal points.

"Mr. Pinder's opening speech gives credence to our argument that telecommunications is for the benefit of all and we are proud to have a prominent role to play in the development of the new knowledge economy."

As well as a senior member of the government, TMA2002 is also playing host to many of the biggest names in the industry. AT&T, BT, easynet, Fibernet,
Telewest, Vodafone, 02, ntl, Alcatel and 186k have all confirmed their support with a variety of activities that include product launches, sponsorship, product demonstrations, consultancy and speaking slots.

One of the highlights for CMA members and their guests will be the Industry Dinner on the first evening of the show, where the guest speaker is BT Group Chief Executive Officer, Ben Verwaayen. BT is also supporting TMA2002 in other ways. As well as taking part in the main exhibition, it will also have a strong presence in the Broadband and Billing areas with speakers and product demonstrations.

AT&T is one of the few global telecom companies that is currently expanding in Europe and has earmarked $300million for expansion of its global network this year. The company will be exhibiting a range of products and services at TMA2002, and is running a series of special service briefings at the Grand Hotel where executives and product experts will be available.

Kevin Harvey, Vice President, Northern Region of AT&T Business EMEA said: "AT&T's presence at TMA2002 is an important part of our marketing and events strategy this year. We are delighted to have a presence at such a high profile event as this. TMA draws exactly the type of delegate that AT&T is seeking to target and provides a wealth of invaluable network opportunities."

As a gold sponsor, easynet will also be much in evidence as part of the Broadband feature with speakers and product demonstrations. Vodafone will have a major part to play in another social event as a sponsor of the Gala Dinner. Vodafone also has a suite in the Grand Hotel where it will be running a series of seminars and product demonstrations.

Fibernet is using TMA2002 to launch its range of enhanced metropolitan and national managed Ethernet services, aimed at the enterprise customer. It is also introducing a new optical platform for companies looking to strengthen their business continuity processes in terms of storage area networking and disaster recovery in the light of tougher regulatory guidelines.

Telewest is set to make a big impact with a stand in the main exhibition plus a major presence in the Broadband feature. On the main stand they will be presenting innovations in business communications technology, with live demonstrations, videos and speakers. In the Broadband feature area they will be presenting a paper entitled "The Need for Speed: Broadband Success in the Public and Private Sector."

TMA runs in Brighton from 21St - 23rd October. Registration is free at www.tma2002.com.

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For further information about TMA2002, log on to www.tma2002.com
Rachael Stroud, CMA: 01372 361000,
Fax: 01372 818888, email: rstroud@thecma.com

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