Over the years, the Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) has made an intentional effort to make the Connectivity Expo, also known as Connect (X), an all-encompassing show. This year’s event, scheduled for May 14-16 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, is no different, and will feature every aspect of the wireless infrastructure industry, from carriers and infrastructure companies to the vendors, service providers and policymakers.
“If you are active in the wireless industry, and particularly in the wireless infrastructure space, you need to be at Connect (X). That’s why we’re seeing double digit growth and more attendance by service providers, as well,” said Patrick Halley, President and CEO of WIA, which represents over 140 companies that develop, build, own and operate wireless infrastructure.
The Big Peach
Atlanta, known as The Big Peach, was chosen to be the home for this year’s Connect (X) because it is a major hub for industry activity in the Southeast, serving as headquarters for major data centers, fiber providers, telcos and cable companies, Halley said.
“Atlanta is a microcosm of what Connect (X) represents,” he said. “We’re seeing a lot of local MNO participation and cable company participation, in addition to wireless industry professionals from around the country, registering to attend the event.”
Additionally, Atlanta is one of the great American cities. “There’s really not a lot of cities in America that can match the energy and business community of Atlanta,” Halley said.
Take Note of Conference Tracks
This year’s Connect (X) will have several tracks covering the Business of Infrastructure and Next Generation Networks, Capital and Finance, Technology Evolution, Private Networks, Community Connectivity, Policy and Regulation, Spectrum, Workforce and Supply Chain, Connected Real Estate, and a CellSat Forum.
Among other things, industry experts will discuss 5G, fixed wireless, international tower expansion, financing, as well as 6G, Open RAN, edge computing, and network virtualization. Plus, it wouldn’t be a WIA event if the workforce wasn’t a focus, according to Halley.
“There are a lot of really thoughtful leaders from multiple different segments of our industry and on the policy side. It is a really great educational opportunity,” he said.
For example, the Connected Real Estate track will focus on the impact of private wireless connectivity on enterprises, integrators, and property owners. “Private wireless is one of the fastest growing areas in our industry, and I think it is an important area to focus on,” Halley explained.
Plus, the Policy and Regulation track will discuss the latest issues at the federal and state level that are important to WIA members. The Community Connectivity track will delve into how the wireless industry is closing the digital divide.
“I’m really interested and excited to hear from the service providers about the evolution of their networks, the changing landscape of private wireless and in-building connectivity, as well as the edge of the networks, where the data center evolution is impacting connectivity,” Halley said.
Critical Keynotes
This year’s event will include several keynote panels, including a new one, “View From the Network,” which will feature network leaders from AT&T, DISH Wireless and T-Mobile discussing network evolution and future plans.
The perennial favorite, “View From the Top,” will be back with the heads of American Tower, Crown Castle, SBA Communications, Vertical Bridge, and Diamond Communications.
Keynote sessions will examine the impact of AI on network deployment and network operations with speakers from Qualcomm, Amazon Web Services, and Articul8. The President and CEO of UScellular, Laurent Therivel and Bill Baker, CEO of Nextlink, will also deliver keynotes.
Maximize Your Networking
Along with the abundance of content in the sessions, Connect (X) will provide ample opportunity for attendees to network and develop their businesses. These events include the Connect (X) Annual Golf Tournament at The Country Club of the South, the Launch Party at the Wild Leap Brewery, Supply Chain Matchmaking Happy Hour, the President’s Reception at the Hilton Signia, and the Women’s Wireless Leadership Forum Reception at the World of Coca-Cola.
Halley’s band, Harmful Interference, will be the opening act at the 8th Annual Music Movement Charity Concert featuring Niko Moon, 7:30 pm, Wednesday night at The Eastern.
“I’m looking forward to spending some time with our new members, as well as all the familiar faces of our existing members,” Halley said. “That interaction — being able to hear about what’s working for them and what’s challenging them — is the thing I look forward to the most. It’s about bringing people together to learn from each other.”
For more information visit WIA’s Connect(X) website. Use code IT15CX24 for a discount on registration here.
By J. Sharpe Smith, Inside Towers Technology Editor
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