LTE  |  2017-04-06

IWCE 2017 Drew More Than 7,000 Communications Technology Professionals

Source: MCCResources

Last week at  the IWCE over 7,000 communications technology professionals gathered in Las Vegas to learn, network and see new, innovative technologies from more than 400 exhibitors, 100 of which were new to the event.

Stephanie McCall, Show Director, IWCE said, “Over the past 40 years IWCE has evolved from a dealer- only show to a communications technology event. The response we received from attendees and exhibitors last week shows that IWCE is as relevant as ever. We continue to be committed to delivering outstanding education and a platform for technologies innovators to showcase their technology. This is a very exciting time for our industry. We are thrilled to play a role providing a forum for critical communications technology professionals.”

The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) partner announcement was the buzz among event attendees. FirstNet was featured throughout the expo hall and conference program. In addition, TJ Kennedy, president of FirstNet delivered a keynote address discussing the latest updates to the nationwide public safety broadband network. To view the video, click here. The week’s biggest announcement was made Thursday morning in Washington, D.C., by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, who announced that FirstNet would sign a 25-year contract to AT&T to build and maintain the nationwide public-safety broadband network. Leaders from FirstNet then held a Town Hall at IWCE on Thursday afternoon to discuss the announcement further.

IWCE 2017 was co-located with IWCE’s Network Infrastructure Forum, which brought together the industry’s wired and wireless players to examine communications technology infrastructure, and ETA International’s Education Forum, which offered nine training courses in popular technology areas along with certification.

The Exhibit Hall showcased the latest products and services in hardware, networks, applications, interoperability and integration that drive communications systems. In addition, an Apps Center and IWCE’s Wearable Pavilion within the Exhibit Hall showcased the hottest technology innovations in these areas.

Picture: Courtesey of eventsxpo.com

The Conference Program offered five days of unparalleled professional development opportunities on topics such as drones, IoT, 5G, smart cities, NG911, network densification, broadband applications, smart cities, cybersecurity and network jamming detection. Dr. Preston Marshall, Technical Program Manager, Spectrum Access Technology, Google, delivered the Opening Keynote Address and Donny Jackson of IWCE’s Urgent Communications was joined by industry thought leaders from Motorola, pdvwireless, Verizon and Citrix to discuss “Everything is Changing – The Next Generation of Connectivity.”

IWCE also celebrated the retirement and 60-year public service career of Chief Harlin McEwen with a Lifetime Achievement Award. McEwen is currently the Chairman of the FirstNet’s Public Safety Advisory Committee and has had a remarkable story of public safety service, as both a law enforcement officer and administrator. He has been an advocate for public safety telecommunications issues and the “unquestionable lobbying leader for public safety to Congress and the FCC.”

Other special features included:

  • For the third year in a row, IWCE’s free Town Hall Meetings showcased the latest initiatives from government and association partners. Participating organizations included DHS’s Science and Technology Directorate, DHS’s Office of Emergency Communications (OEC) and the National Governors Association (NGA), NG911 NOW Coalition, NPSTC and FirstNet.
  • The Job Training and Education Center assisted industry professionals interested in new employment. IWCE’s partners discussed job training, continuing education and career planning.
  • AT&T hosted the “Broadband Applications for Critical Communication Environments” partner event to showcase how AT&T and other companies are collaborating to offer essential applications to meet critical operational and emergency use case requirements.
  • The Wireless Innovation Forum hosted a full-day workshop on the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS), which can create massive increases in spectrum sharing opportunities, among other assets.
  • The first annual IWCE Young Professionals Award winners were also celebrated at the event. These individuals showcase the next-generation of leaders in the communications technology industry who are shaping the future of the industry.
  • In collaboration with ETA International, Association of Federal Communications Consulting Engineers (AFCCE) and Radio Club of America (RCA), IWCE brought students and veterans to the event to offer them access to industry education, a robust expo hall hosting new and innovative technologies and thought leaders in the communications technology marketplace they will gain the contacts and skills they need to advance their careers.

 

IWCE was the place to be as numerous partner organizations held meetings during the event, including DMR Association, NXDN, NPSTC, the Wireless Innovation Forum, Government Wireless Technology Communications Association, TETRA Today, Department of Homeland Security, and Radio Club of America.

IWCE 2018 will take place March 5-9, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. To learn more, visit www.iwceexpo.com.