With a major CRTC review on their doorstep and new technologies still on the rise, 2006 is going out as a watershed year for Canada’s private broadcasters, and will see both developments front and center at the Canadian Association of Broadcasters convention in Vancouver, Nov. 5-7.

The three-day gathering at the Western Bayshore convention center features 23 sessions with more than 100 speakers from Canada and around the world.

‘It’s our most ambitious program ever,’ says convention director and CAB marketing SVP Sean Kiely.

The theme is ‘New Realities. New Rules’ – similar to the tech-heavy talk of last time – but it could be subtitled ‘Back to the Future.’ CAB formed in 1926 when private broadcasters got together to formulate industry positions on copyright. Eighty years later, rights still get top billing.

The opening session on Nov. 6, ‘Talking Broadband,’ will look at the future of the online universe and is followed by ‘Navigating the Maze: The Realities of Negotiating Digital Rights,’ about the myriad issues stemming from multiple platforms.

The CRTC will begin public hearings on the future of conventional TV three weeks after the conference. The wide-ranging review of TV regulations is expected to ignite several contentious issues, including the controversial 1999 Television Policy. A Nov. 7 panel will preview what’s at stake.

‘Whether it’s in the sessions or in the halls, this will be a major topic of discussion,’ says Kiely.

Outgoing CRTC chair Charles Dalfen will deliver a keynote address at the CAB Gold Ribbon Awards luncheon on Nov. 7. ‘This is one of [Dalfen’s] last opportunities to speak as CRTC chair. I’m sure he’ll have a lot to say,’ says CAB president and CEO Glenn O’Farrell.

‘Last year was about looking at new technologies,’ O’Farrell adds. ‘This year, we’re addressing the massive implications of the shift from an analog world to a digital one.

‘The wireless broadband world knows no borders, and does not respect national boundaries or cultural policies. Based on the realities of this new universe, what are the new rules?’

Other panelists and speakers include Canadian Heritage Minister Bev Oda, CanWest Global’s head Leonard Asper, Justice William J. Vancise, chair of the Copyright Board of Canada, and pollster Michael Adams, president of Environics.

CAB will hand out some 30 prizes to TV and radio execs at the Gold Ribbons. Special prizes will also go to Peter Viner, president of CanWest MediaWorks, who takes this year’s trophy for broadcast excellence, and to radio host Lowell Green for his community service.

www.cab-acr.ca