A B O U T      T H E     C O N F E R E N C E

“In recent years, the telecommunications industry has undergone what The Economist has described as “the biggest and fastest rise and fall in business history.” The recent bankruptcy of WorldCom -- the largest in U.S. history and unthinkable all but a few months ago -- has left customers and suppliers alike pondering what will happen next. Skepticism on the part of lenders and investors over the future of other telecom providers has created uncertainty as to whether and how to do business with them.

Yet, there is a silver lining. Among the many pitfalls in negotiating transactions in this unstable market, opportunities can be found as well. While deal protections are a must, there is a buyer’s market for those willing to do business with the survivors. Advising clients during this difficult time necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the different types of telecom deals, the regulatory issues, and the interplay of advanced issues such as bankruptcy and antitrust. The importance of staying abreast of these issues for you and your clients given the unprecedented shake-up in this industry cannot be overstated.”