From Feb. 18–21, the National Association of Tower Erectors will hold its 18th annual convention in Fort Worth, Texas, at the Fort Worth Convention Center, a space that boasts 253,226 square feet of exhibit space.

Founded on March 31, 1995, NATE is a non-profit trade association headquartered in Watertown, S.D. It focuses on tower erection, maintenance and service companies.

Since the mid-’90s, NATE has grown to reach 580 member companies not just in the United States but also the Bahamas, Canada, India, Guam, Jamaica, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, Trinidad, United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.

In a statement, Jim Coleman, NATE chairman, encouraged anyone who is interested in the world of tower erectors to attend: “If you are not a NATE member and are interested in joining, come check us out. We believe you will like what you find.”

According to the NATE website, the conference will include two tracks of focused educational sessions: “Technical” and “Leadership.”

NATE promises access to new products and technology; a networking opportunity; discussions of new technological advancements and recent standards issues; and an opportunity to strengthen your company’s commitment to safety, always a big topic among people in the tower business.

Any NATE member who is registered for the NATE 2013 Conference & Exposition can register for OSHA’s 10-hour training course, which hones in on “unique hazards and concerns facing the telecommunications industry,” according to the description on NATE’s website.

If You Go What: NATE 2013 Conference & Exposition Who: Companies and individuals involved with or interested in the broadcast and telecommunications tower erection, service and maintenance industry Where: Fort Worth Convention Center When: Feb. 18–21 How: natehome.com How Much: $259–$599

Class size for the $65 course is limited to 100 people and will be first-come, first-serve.

The convention will also offer workshops and courses on RF safety, PIM testing, proper microwave antennae installations, new regulations and standards, and more.

High-profile speakers at the conference will include Steve Largent, president and CEO of CTIA-The Wireless Association, a position the former NFL player has held since 2003.

Largent has donned many hats in his varied career. Prior to his position with CTIA, Largent served for more than seven years as a member of Congress, representing Oklahoma’s First Congressional District.

NATE Executive Director Todd Schlekeway said in a statement that, “Mr. Largent’s accomplished background as an executive in the wireless communications industry, as a former member of Congress, and as a Hall of Fame NFL receiver will be subjects of immense interest to our conference attendees.”

Another highlighted speaker will be Jonathan Adelstein, president and CEO of PCIA-The Wireless Infrastructure Association, familiar to radio readers as a commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission from 2002 to 2009.

Adelstein took on the PCIA role in September, following a stint as 17th administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service, a position for which he was nominated by President Obama and unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate in July 2009.

After Feb. 8, the registration fee is $259 for members, $599 for non-members. A list of exhibitors, schedule and speaker bios can be found at the NATE website, natehome.com.