IWCE 2018 Hosted Successful Event in Orlando Delivering Education, Innovation and Networking to 7,000 Critical Communications Professionals

International Wireless Communications Expo (IWCE), the premier annual event for critical communications, which took place March 5-9, 2018 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, brought together 7,000 government, public safety, transportation, utility and enterprise professionals to learn, network and see new, innovative technologies from more than 400 exhibitors, 85 of which were new to the event.

"We were thrilled to host our event in Orlando and introduce IWCE to a new audience," said Stephanie McCall, Show Director, IWCE. "From the Internet of Things (IoT) to FirstNet to drones, the technology of the critical communications industry is rapidly evolving. Our conference program educated industry professionals on technology, policy and everything in between, while the Exhibit Hall buzzed with innovative products and services. We look forward to seeing the progress the industry makes over the coming year at IWCE 2019."

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

The Exhibit Hall showcased the hottest technology products and services in hardware, networks, applications, interoperability and integration that drive communications systems. Special features included the Drone Zone, Apps Center, Wearable Technology Pavilion and the Job Training and Education Center.

The Conference Program offered five days of unparalleled professional development opportunities focused on the following topics: Push-to-Talk, 911 & Public Safety, FirstNet, Spectrum & Signal Optimization, Interoperability & Parallel Networks, Transformative Tech, Smart Cities & Critical infrastructure and Cybersecurity.

Keynote presentations were delivered to the IWCE audience from Thaddeus Arroyo, CEO, FirstNet Built with AT&T; Michael Poth, CEO, FirstNet and Michael Maiorana, SVP, Public Sector, Verizon Enterprise Solutions. Additionally, Donny Jackson, Editor, IWCE's Urgent Communications was joined by industry thought leaders from Ericsson, Verizon Wireless, JVCKENWOOD USA Corp. and Ubicquia at a General Session to discuss "Rethinking Wireless."

IWCE's Town Hall Meetings showcased the latest initiatives from government and association partners. Participating organizations included the Department of Homeland Security, NPSTC and GWTCA. Various communications technology topics were presented in Spanish through IWCE en Español.

The second annual IWCE Young Professionals Award winners were recognized at an awards ceremony at IWCE. These individuals are 35 and under who are growing and excelling in the communications technology field. They showcase the next generation of leaders in communications technology who are shaping the future of the industry.

In collaboration with ETA International, the Association of Federal Communications Consulting Engineers (AFCCE), Warriors4Wireless and Radio Club of America (RCA), IWCE brought students and veterans to the event to offer them access to education, vendors and industry thought leaders to advance their careers.

IWCE will host IWCE's IoT Saving Lives May 14, 2018 in Santa Clara, CA, which is co-located with Internet of Things World and IWCE's Critical LTE Communications Forum November 6-7, 2018 in Chicago, IL. IWCE's Online Conference offers a series of free-to-attend webinars that take place throughout the year and are focused on the hottest topics that were presented at the live event. IWCE 2019 will take place March 4-8, 2019 in Las Vegas, NV.