NTCA's Rural Telecom Industry Meeting & Expo (RTIME) 2027
Event Date
February 14–17, 2027
Location
San Diego, CA
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryNTCA's Rural Telecom Industry Meeting & Expo (RTIME) is the flagship annual event of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, billed as the largest conference for rural independent broadband providers. The 2027 edition takes place February 14–17, 2027, at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego, CA. The program centers on innovation, policy, technology, economic growth and advocacy, giving attendees the tools to plan for investments in efficient, scalable technologies that keep rural subscribers connected.
RTIME draws executives and professionals from independent, community-based broadband companies, along with vendors, solution providers and policy advocates. More than 2,300 industry peers are expected to convene, making it a premier venue for networking, education and forging new partnerships across the rural telecom sector.
Whether you are a broadband operator seeking new deployment strategies or a solution provider looking to reach decision-makers, RTIME offers general session keynotes, educational sessions and an extensive expo floor. It is a chance to stay engaged and informed during what NTCA describes as a once-in-a-generation moment for rural connectivity.
Show Highlights
RTIME combines a robust educational program with a sold-out expo and ample networking:
- Expo at RTIME — a full exhibit hall of vendors and solution providers ready to partner on operations, new deployments and new business ventures.
- General session keynote addresses, educational sessions and workshops on critical industry topics.
- Exclusive Expo Luncheon for Broadband Executives, offering quality one-on-one time with decision-makers.
- A focus on innovation, policy, technology, economic growth and advocacy.
- Receptions and entertainment events that foster new connections among rural broadband leaders.
Attendance
According to NTCA, more than 2,300 industry peers convene at RTIME. The Expo at RTIME attracts more than 2,200 key decision-makers, including executives from independent, community-based broadband companies. The audience is composed of rural telecom and broadband professionals, operators, vendors, solution providers and policy advocates.
Booth Pricing
Booth rates for the 2027 expo are published by size and NTCA membership status, with an early-bird deadline of Friday, November 13, 2026.
Early-Bird (paid by Nov. 13, 2026) — Member / Nonmember:
- 10' x 10': $3,200 / $3,700
- 10' x 20': $5,000 / $6,000
- 10' x 30': $6,800 / $8,300
- 20' x 20': $9,000 / $11,000
Regular Rate (paid after Nov. 13, 2026) — Member / Nonmember:
- 10' x 10': $3,550 / $4,000
- 10' x 20': $5,700 / $6,600
- 10' x 30': $7,850 / $9,200
- 20' x 20': $9,500 / $12,000
Each booth purchase includes two conference registrations (with access to all sessions, receptions and entertainment), preregistered and final attendee lists, a carpeted 10'x10' booth with 8' black drape and 3' side rails, and access to the Exclusive Expo Luncheon. Additional booth personnel registration is $500 early-bird, $550 regular (by Feb. 12, 2027) and $560 on-site. Audiovisual, electric, furniture, shipping and material handling are not included; NTCA has partnered with Freeman for expo services.
Registration
Booth space is purchased through the NTCA exhibitor portal (Member Central), and the expo sells out every year, so early sign-up is advised. Complimentary and additional exhibitor personnel must register online via the Exhibitor Portal.
Key exhibitor deadlines:
- Early-bird booth pricing — paid by Friday, November 13, 2026.
- Cancellations by Friday, October 31, 2026 (11:59 p.m.) — charged 50% of the registration fee.
- Cancellations on or after Saturday, November 1, 2026, and no-shows — charged in full.
- Additional booth personnel — $500 early-bird (by Nov. 13, 2026), $550 regular (by Feb. 12, 2027), $560 on-site (Feb. 13, 2027 or later).
Hotel housing is booked only through NTCA's official site, expected to open to everyone in November 2026. For registration questions, contact NTCA's meetings team at (703) 351-2118.
History
RTIME is the flagship event of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, an organization headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, that represents small, community-based telecommunications and broadband providers. The event has grown into what NTCA calls the rural broadband industry's largest gathering, drawing more than 2,300 attendees and a consistently sold-out expo floor. The 2027 meeting marks its return to San Diego at the Manchester Grand Hyatt.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is RTIME 2027 taking place?
RTIME 2027 is held February 14–17, 2027, at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego, CA.
Who should attend RTIME?
RTIME is designed for rural independent broadband providers, including executives from independent, community-based broadband companies, along with vendors, solution providers and policy advocates. More than 2,300 industry peers are expected to attend.
What makes RTIME worth attending?
It is described as the rural broadband industry's largest gathering, offering keynote addresses, educational sessions, an expo full of solution providers, and extensive networking. The program focuses on innovation, policy, technology, economic growth and advocacy.
How much does an exhibit booth cost and how do I reserve one?
Early-bird booths (paid by November 13, 2026) range from $3,200 for a 10'x10' member booth up to $11,000 for a 20'x20' nonmember booth, with higher regular rates afterward. Booths are purchased through the NTCA exhibitor portal, and because the expo sells out every year, early sign-up is recommended.
How do I get to the venue and where can I stay?
The Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego is at 1 Market Place, about 2.9 miles (roughly 10 minutes) from San Diego International Airport, with the Santa Fe Depot rail station about half a mile away. The Manchester Grand Hyatt is the host hotel, and NTCA also lists the Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown; official housing is booked only through NTCA and is expected to open in November 2026.
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