Comptel Plus

Remarks to Focus on the Business of Innovation and
Redesigning Customer Processes for the Digital Age

WASHINGTON, D.C. – January 22, 2013 – COMPTEL, the leading trade association for the competitive communications industry, today announced that innovation expert Terry Jones, founder and former CEO of Travelocity.com, chairman of Kayak.com and a former EarthLink board member, will deliver the keynote address during the COMPTEL PLUS Spring 2013 Convention & EXPO, March 10-13 at the Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

With a proven track record of leading companies – including Kayak.com, Sabre Inc. and Travelocity.com – whose innovations have changed an industry, Jones is widely sought out for his insights on the business of innovation, leadership, marketing and e-commerce. In his keynote at COMPTEL PLUS, Jones will explore the fundamentals of innovation and strategies for building valuable digital relationships. His speech will include real world examples, drawn from his experience at Travelocity.com, serving on the boards of seven startups and his consulting work.

“Innovation and building digital relationships are two critical components to success in today’s fast-moving, hyper-competitive marketplace,” said Jones. “At COMPTEL PLUS, I will share with attendees the tools and techniques needed to discover where the best ideas originate in their companies, how to create a culture of innovation and what the stages of digital relationships are, so they can redesign their customer processes for the digital age.”

Jones founded Travelocity.com in 1996 and led the company as president and CEO until May 2002. Previously, he spent 24 years at Sabre in various executive positions, including CIO, president of Computer Services, vice president of Applications Development and vice president of Product Development. Jones joined American Airlines in 1978 as director of Product Development when American Airlines acquired Agency Data Systems, a Florida-based mini-computer accounting systems company. He became president of the division when it moved to Dallas/Fort Worth.

Jones is now managing principal of Essential Ideas, a consultancy he co-founded to help companies in their transition to the digital economy, and author of “ON Innovation,” which includes 72 short ideas on how to build teams, create a culture and select the best ideas. He serves as chairman Kayak.com, and is on the boards of LuxuryLink, Smart Destinations and Rearden Commerce. He served on the board of EarthLink from 2003 to 2011. Jones also is a venture capitalist with General Catalyst Partners and the Sierra Angels, and serves on the board of the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival and on the National Information Technology committee of the Boy Scouts of America.

The COMPTEL PLUS keynote address will take place during the opening session on Monday, March 11 at 9:30 a.m. in the Aria Resort & Casino. Following his keynote presentation, Jones will be available to sign “ON Innovation.” Copies of the book will be available for purchase onsite.

For more information about the COMPTEL PLUS Spring 2013 Convention & EXPO or to register, visit www.comptelplus.org.

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About COMPTEL PLUS
The COMPTEL PLUS Convention & EXPO is the preeminent networking event for innovative communications companies and their supplier partners. Held twice a year, COMPTEL PLUS attracted more than 20 exhibitors and more than 4,100 attendees to our 2012 events. COMPTEL PLUS provides attendees with the opportunity to learn about new products, services and industry trends; meet potential customers and do business. In addition, COMPTEL PLUS offers comprehensive educational programming led by experienced industry speakers. COMPTEL PLUS is produced by COMPTEL, the leading industry association representing competitive communications service providers and their supplier partners. Follow us at www.comptelplus.org or on Twitter at @comptelplus.