In its most expansive look at the world of telecommunications yet, this year’s Connectivity Expo (Connect (X) 2023) will feature more than 50 panels in seven industry specific tracks, covering everything from macro towers, small cell deployment, private wireless, and in-building connectivity to satellites. The conference, sponsored by the Wireless Infrastructure Association, is slated for May 8-10 at the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. Inside Towers readers save 10% on all passes with code INSIDETCX23. Register here.
“We’ve made an intentional effort to give attendees a complete picture of the incredible opportunities in the connectivity sector right now,” said Patrick Halley, President and CEO of the Wireless Infrastructure Association. “What you’ll see at Connect (X) is a reflection of that diverse ecosystem.”
The keynote presentations will feature a variety of industry leaders, including Gary Koerper, Senior Vice President, Emerging Technology, Charter Communications; Nicki Palmer, Chief Technology Ambassador, Verizon; Mike Irizarry, Executive VP and Chief Technology Officer, UScellular; Marc Ganzi, CEO, DigitalBridge; Bob Mudge, CEO, Brightspeed; and Christopher Sambar, Executive VP, AT&T Network.
“We’re excited about the people we have in our keynote speaking slots,” Halley said. “The sheer buying power on that main stage is pretty staggering.”
To further broaden its reach, WIA has developed partnerships with other organizations. For example, on the first day of the event, May 8, it will partner with Via Satellite, an industry publication, to host a half-day panel on the intersection between satellite and cellular communications.
WIA’s Board of Directors is still drawn primarily from the tower sector, but they reflect the tower sector’s interest in different opportunities outside that core. For example, American Tower has purchased Coresite, which develops data centers and edge computing and Crown Castle has added 85,000 route miles of fiber supporting small cells, DAS and fiber solutions.
Halley touted New Orleans as a great city to host this year’s Connect (X). The city’s nickname is the Big Easy because of its round-the-clock nightlife, live music and Cajun cuisine, which reflects a blend of French, African and American cultures. The conference will also benefit from the city’s ample convention space and world-class hotels.
“It’s a quintessentially American city. There’s really no other city like it. Along with the culture, the music, the food, a really great convention space and hotels, it’s also just a really unique and fun city that’s going to allow our visitors to enjoy a great event and a great time in the city,” Halley said.
WIA will make some music of its own Tuesday night. The 7th Annual Music Movement and Connect(X) Concert will be held at The Sugar Mill, featuring singer-songwriter Frankie Ballard. Partnered with WIA, the concert will benefit Music Movement’s cause to develop and fund music-centric programs for young people with autism and other learning differences. The Women’s Wireless Leadership Forum will hold a reception and the Louisiana Wireless Association will hold a Crawfish and Cornhole Tournament.
“You get everything from entertainment to serious discussions about the top policy and business issues that impact our industry,” Halley said. “It’s a really nice blend of fun and business that everybody can look forward to.”
To learn more about this year’s Connectivity Expo, to exhibit and to register, visit here.
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