Schedule

14th Annual Golf Outing

Join us at NorthStone Country Club on Monday, May 21.

NorthStone is rated “Number One” by Charlotte’s Business Journal & “Best Golf Course in Lake Norman” by the readers of Currents Magazine.

Convenient to Charlotte and Lake Norman, NorthStone Country Club’s P.B. Dye signature course is situated on 237 artistically landscaped acres. It will impress the very best players with its strategically placed bunkers, Mini Verde Bermuda greens, and Meyers Zoysia fairways. Featuring an endless variety of strategic angles of play from multiple tee boxes, the NorthStone golf course will encourage good course management yet tease the more adventurous golfer.

Player registration and cart assignment will begin at 9:30am on Monday, May 21, followed by an 11:00am shotgun start. The tournament will feature a Million Dollar Hole-in-One contest (participants to be chosen by random drawing from the registrant pool). Enjoy a congenial environment for networking and prizes at the awards reception following the tournament. Prizes to be awarded include the winning team and runner-up, longest drive, and closest to the pin.

Register Today!

Introduction to CBRS

This is a short history of the development of the unique spectrum sharing framework. Why was it developed? What problems does it solve? How did the FCC approved the framework and where the rules and policy considerations stand today?

Speaker:

Lee Pucker Chief Executive Officer The Wireless Innovation Forum

The 3.5 GHz Band: Rules, Band Plan, Spectrum Considerations

Before any of that spectrum can be shared, a complex framework needs to be put into place that includes three-tiers: one for incumbents, a Priority Access License tier and a General Authorized Access tier. The three tiers are coordinated through dynamic Spectrum Access System (SAS). Environmental Sensing Capability (ESC) equipment and operators help SASs protect Federal incumbents; and future auctions will also be put into the mix. This session provides details on the band plan and three-tiered spectrum authorization framework and status.

Infrastructure Developers Forum Meeting

Market Drivers for CBRS

This session provides a summary of the opportunities and business drivers for enterprises to leverage CBRS technology in their wireless network and communications solutions. Included are case studies about how venues and enterprises can deploy a private networks to enhance their customer experience. Low-power small cells can be deployed indoors in enterprises, hotels, airports, convention centers and the like, while high-power network radios called CBSDs are suitable for outdoor applications like large campuses, metro areas, fixed wireless deployments, and deployments in urban, suburban and rural environments.

Technology Standards: Updates and Milestones

This session provides an update from the Wireless Innovation Forum on the completion of the CBRS Baseline Standards, which represents a key milestone in unleashing the band for innovation as was intended in the FCC rules. Also understand the process for certification of the SASs, radio equipment and ESCs and how these activities move the industry closer to the commercial operation of various technologies in nationwide in the 3.5 GHz shared spectrum band. Learn about Certified Professional Installers may be required to install radios; and how equipment is qualified for use on the Band and how it can be deployed.

A Killer App for CBRS: The Neutral Host Network

This session provides more detail on the neutral host concept as the killer application for CBRS and private networks. It will explore how, multiple private networks can be managed by neutral hosts that will aggregate the traffic and relay it to networks. This provides a robust in-building or facility service to users via a common backhaul and management not tied to a single network provider.

Networks and Devices

This session answers the questions about device availability compliant with CBRS technology. Reports indicate that that CBRS capability will be included in at least some smartphones introduced in 2018 as well as small and macro cells, fixed wireless devices and other system components.

WWLF Reception

More information coming soon.

Location

NASCAR Hall of Fame

HetNet Forum Breakfast and Annual Meeting of Members

Sponsor:

Davis Wright Tremaine

New Edge Computing Architectures and Implementations for IoT

IoT introduces new challenges that cannot be adequately addressed by the centralized cloud compute architecture, such as stringent latency, capacity constraints, resource-constrained devices, uninterrupted services with intermittent connectivity, and enhanced security. This session summarizes three architectures for IoT: cloudlets, multi access edge computing and fog computing.

Speakers:

Raul Martynek DataBank
Hazim Dahir Distinguished Engineer Cisco

Connected Cities: How Municipalities Play a Key Role in the 5G Revolution

There is a need for millions of small cells to be sited to meet the demand for mobile capacity, according to most estimates. Municipalities of all sizes are fielding more and more requests to install small cells, fiber, and a denser array of wireless antennas. This session will discuss the small cell challenge, and how with the right tools and strategies, this new wave of technology spending means opportunities for municipalities.

Speakers:

Peter Murray Executive Director of the Social Think Tank Dense Networks
Bernard Borghei Executive Vice President, Operations & Co-Founder Vertical Bridge
Sam Rodriguez Vice President of Smart Communities Aero Wireless Group
Kirk Wampler Vice President, Network Real Estate Crown Castle
Jason Caliento Senior Vice President, Network Strategy Mobilitie

Sponsor:

CBNL

Private LTE: A Reality for Industrial IoT Enterprises

Speakers:

Gary Monetti President Monetti & Associates
Andrew Scott Global Innovation Leader Port of LA/FUSE Corps
Clay Perrault CEO Penteon
Jeff Mulrennan SVP Landmark Dividend
Mark Gilroy Chief Marketing Officer Penteon

Sponsor:

CBRS Alliance

Neutral Host: Infrastructure Ownership and Service Models

Who owns the in-building wireless infrastructure in the enterprise, property, venue or campus? Learn more about the growing role for third-party integrators and neutral hosts to empower the wireless commercial property and enterprise.

Speakers:

Piyush Raj Director, Technology Innovation American Tower
Bill DelGrego VP Sales & Business Development ExteNet Systems
Mark Parr CEO Bandwidth Logic
Ray La Chance President & Chief Executive Officer ZenFi Networks

Sponsor:

Zinwave, LLC

The Next Wave in Infrastructure: V2X, V2I, V2V

V2X communications consists of four types of communications: vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), vehicle-to-network, (V2N) and vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P). vehicle-to-vulnerable (bicycles and pedestrians). Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communications and solutions enable the exchange of information between vehicles and much more -- people (V2P), such as bicyclists and pedestrians for alerts, vehicles (V2V) for collision avoidance, infrastructure (V2I) such as roadside devices for timing and prioritization, and the network (V2N) for real time traffic routing and other cloud travel services. The goal of V2X is to improve road safety, increase the efficient flow of traffic, reduce environmental impacts and provide additional traveler information services.

Speakers:

Kyle Snyder Assoc. Professor, Transportation North Carolina State University
Jeff Barghout CEO Robocist

Ramping up for 5G and Hyper-Densification with DAS, Small Cells and Wi-Fi

5G will be a paradigm shift, connecting billions of people and billions of things with unprecedented processing power, storage capacity and speed. In this panel session, explore how the wireless industry is ramping up for the 5G revolution with sophisticated innovation that places DAS, small cell and WiFi networks at the forefront. Key areas to discuss include 5G NR, Hyper-densification and convergence solutions in shared spectrum.

Speakers:

Pat Tant CEO Vogue Towers
Kevin Travelstead Consultant BHC Rhodes
Don Bach Director Sales Engineering DAS/Small Cells Boingo
Keith Kaczmarek President inPhase Wireless
Michael Whitley Vice President, Business Development PT Access Networks

Sponsor:

Vogue Towers

Rapidly Deployable Multi-Platform LTE Networks

Discuss the business case and solutions that form the Next Generation Deployable LTE Network, comprised of small form factor, self-contained, LTE networks and application services which are designed to be independently capable yet interconnect with the nationwide PSBN and other deployable networks to create a dynamic network which adapts to the incident.

Speakers:

Keith Kaczmarek President inPhase Wireless
Kamesh Namuduri Professor University of North Texas
Maxwell Maurice Electronics Engineer NIST

Sponsor:

CityPole by Comptek

FirstNet 101: The Basics of the PBSN

FirstNet 101 is a non-technical presentation describing the origin and progression of the This non-technical presentation describes the origin and progression of the National Broadband Public Safety Network (NPSBN) commonly known at FirstNet. This presentation will define the consultation process between the Federal program and the State of North Carolina and the mandatory obligations set by NPSBN to endure interoperability in this advanced public safety LTE network.

Sponsor:

FirstNet Built with AT&T

Risk Assessment: Ensure a Competitive Advantage Through Effective Workforce Planning

In the performance of workforce planning, an organization evaluates its gaps and determines what actions it can take to bridge those gaps. For the wireless industry, that means increasing the labor force of trained technology professionals, engineers and field technicians. This session opens the discussion about the workforce planning process and provides guidance on conducting a skills inventory, evaluating the gaps, and how to convert the results into a successful talent acquisition strategy.

Speaker:

Kimberly Curley Director of Workforce Development Wireless Infrastructure Association

Sponsor:

Enertech Resources

FirstNet and LMR Coexistence: Planning for Interoperability and Migration

The process of developing a truly effective next generation LTE solution starts with the architecture. Planning, design and construction of the architecture must start with the agency or organization’s mission – be it a first responder or transportation agency or energy/utility operation. This session provides a combination of ‘what we know now’ with an hierarchy of needs – from capabilities and systems to people, processes and tools to deliver on the voice, data and applications that critical communications agencies require going forward.

Speakers:

Neil Horden Chief Consultant Federal Engineering
Gregory Hauser Fire Alarm Superintendent/Manager Charlotte Fire Deptartment

Sponsor:

FirstNet Built with AT&T

Budgeting, Capital Expense and Cost of Ownership in an LTE World

This session covers the practical consideration agency leads must understand in the purchase, budgeting, capital expense and cost forecasting with an Advanced LTE Network. Just as importantly are the cost considerations that may include supporting both an LMR and an LTE network as agencies make the multi-year migration to the advanced public safety broadband network.

Sponsor:

FirstNet Built with AT&T

Break

Enabling Technologies at the Edge: SDN, NFV, Cloud, Fog and Cloudlets

Network Infrastructures around the world are going through a massive transformation to keep up with the anticipated proliferation of Internet of Things and to enable 5G wireless network-based services in future not so far. In this session, we’ll analyse the differences between the technologies and associations working in edge computing including fog computing, cloudlets and micro data centers, what they are and how they work in order to better understand their role in enabling next generation network infrastructures.

Speakers:

Bernard Borghei Executive Vice President, Operations & Co-Founder Vertical Bridge
Greg Pettine CTO and Co-Founder Edge Micro
Carrie Sarver Media KLAS Telecom

A Holistic Strategy: Putting the Pieces in Place for a Smarter City Network

Building an adaptable communications network to support today’s needs as well as tomorrow’s expectations is the first step to becoming a smarter, more connected community. A scalable and resilient network provides much more than just high-speed internet. In this session, you’ll learn more about the necessary network components and how an implementation roadmap designed to maximize your investment and maintain flexibility for future applications will serve you well.

Speakers:

Dr. John Naylon CTO and Founder CBNL
Brett Chester VP Marketing Sitetracker
Laura Phillips Partner Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
Geoff Arnold CTO Verizon Smart Communities Verizon

Sponsor:

CBNL

Architecture for the Private Enterprise LTE Network

This session explains how an enterprise can build a private LTE network, provision client devices, and create new services. Learn more about the business demands, vertical markets, and solution architecture of LTE to enterprises. Leaders in this field will explore examples of how it can be used in several large industries, from healthcare to manufacturing and transportation hubs.

Speakers:

Ted Abrams Business Consultant
Andy Germano Vice President of Business Development & Co-Founder BEC Technologies
Robert Finch CEO Select Spectrum

Sponsor:

CBRS Alliance

On-Premise Services: Applications that Maximize IBW Infrastructure

Both IoT and Mobile Edge Computing – often referred to as on-premise services – will contribute to the return on investment of in-building wireless infrastructure. Understand how IoT and low-latency applications and services are bringing new infrastructure opportunities to property owners and enterprises.

Speakers:

Steve Schmerber NAR Director- Field Application Engineering CommScope
Adrian Berezowsky Managing Director CBRE
Dan Lowe Co-Founder & Chief Business Officer Voltserver
Eric Toenjes Business Development Manager, Mobility & Smart City Graybar

Sponsor:

Zinwave, LLC

5G & Intelligent Edge: Opportunities for the Network Ecosystem to Drive Value in Connected Vehicles

Radio architectures need to significantly evolve and utilize macro to small cell base stations that operate in frequency bands from a few hundred megahertz to tens of gigahertz. 5G technology connecting a multitude of devices and allowing real-time communications between people and vehicles would improve due to bandwidth, linearity, power efficiency, and small form factor solutions. This panel focuses on the approaches, infrastructure considerations and applications for that are emerging from the wireless industry to meet demand from the automobile sector. Attend this session to understand the transformation happening and opportunities for the network builder ecosystem to innovate and drive customer value.

Speaker:

Ravi Pavvula CEO Savari

Automation Everywhere: New Tools to Simplify Operations and Workflows in Dense Networks

Managing the complexity of the site is challenging when cells are smaller, sites are located closer, devices require different topologies, and more networks come on line. Information from location management, location intelligence, interconnection, asset management, process management, workflow management – all require more automation and new tools so that all stakeholders in the site can manage large portfolios of complex and dynamic projects and assets. Learn more about the impact these tools have on your business.

Speakers:

John Patton CEO OneVizion
Chad Tuttle Chief Executive Officer B+T Group
Art Kahn President Aveopt
Amit Ganjoo CEO ANRAT Technologies

Sponsor:

Vogue Towers

Innovations in Small Cell Design, Deployment and Products

Speakers:

Berge Ayvazian Wireless 20/20
Bo Piekarski VP Product Management and Development Crown Castle
Jeff Lewis President & Founder Verticom

Sponsor:

CityPole by Comptek

Break

Welcome Remarks, Jonathan Adelstein, President & CEO, Wireless Infrastructure Association and Daniel C. Agresta, President, Carolinas Wireless Association

Keynote Speech

Keynote Speech: Satyen Yadav, General Manager IoT and Edge Services, Amazon Web Services

Keynote Speech: Ed Davis, Former Police Commissioner, City of Boston

FirstNet Beyond the Headlines: A Personal View of a Truly Interoperable Mobile Communications Network for First Responders Since 2012 when Congress first authorized it, the mission of FirstNet has been to develop, build and operate a nationwide broadband network that equips first responders to save lives and protect U.S. communities. Through the experience of former Boston Police Dept. Commissioner Ed Davis, who successfully navigated the tragic incident of the Boston Marathon bombing, every stakeholder in the wireless industry will understand what is at stake for every community and every first responder to have the state-of-the art communications tools they need to do their job.

Speaker:

Ed Davis Former Police Commissioner, City of Boston City of Boston

Keynote Speech: Steve Worling, Managing Director, Information Technology, NASCAR

Speakers:

Steve Worling Managing Director, Information Technology NASCAR
Iyad Terazi Chief Executive Officer Federated Wireless

The Next Wave in Digital Co-Location: The Convergence of Datacenters, Towers and the Cloud at the Edge of the Network

High-reliability, high-bandwidth and low-latency connectivity; the wireless network of the future offers a vision of entirely new possibilities. With virtually no lag and throughput comparable to fiber, new applications such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, connected autonomous driving will radically changing the way we generate, gather, process and interpret all kinds of new data. The ‘move to the edge’ requires more than software. This session presents three new voices in the digital infrastructure space, each of whom provide insight into the dynamics around distributed computing, and the opportunities for infrastructure owners and network operators as the towers begin to converge with the data centers.

Speakers:

Sami Badri Senior Analyst Credit Suisse
Zachary Smith Chief Executive Officer Packet
Cole Crawford Chief Executive Officer Vapor.IO
Jonathan Schildkraut Chief Strategy Officer Cyrus One

Sponsor:

MVP Capital

Exhibit Hall

Winners in the Race to the Edge: Positioning Infrastructure Investors and Companies for Growth in Distribute Computing

This session examines the role tower owners, aggregators and other property owners play in the move to the edge. Several consortiums are at work in the space, including Crown Castle, Landmark Infrastructure Partners and others that want to offer device connectivity at more sites including telecom towers and billboards.

Speakers:

Sami Badri Senior Analyst Credit Suisse
Alexander L. Gellman Chief Executive Officer Vertical Bridge
Galeal Zino Chief Executive Officer NetFoundry

Case Studies: Smart + Connected Communities

Every city, region and community has a unique story to tell and a unique pathway to achieve ‘smart city’ status. This session profiles several real-world case studies of cities who successfully navigated the relationship between technology deployment, economic development and improved civic services.

Speakers:

Terry Yates Infrastructure and Network Manager City of Cary North Carolina
Dr. John Naylon CTO and Founder CBNL
George Karayannis Project Director, CityNow Panasonic

Sponsor:

CBNL

Private LTE Network Business Case for Rural Carriers and WiSPs

With access to licensed spectrum and next generation LTE technology, Wireless ISPs, rural broadband carriers, and competitive service providers have new opportunities that previously did not exist. These opportunities include increased mobility, access to neutral host networks for enterprises, improved security and quality of service, and more. This session focuses on the business model and ROI for competitive communications carriers to offer fast and reliable licensed services to replace or augment their DSL and fixed wireless access networks.

Speakers:

Monica Paolini Founder of Senza Fili
Jeffrey Deal Senior Manager, Vertical Markets American Tower
Alan Fitzpatrick Chief Executive Officer Open Broadband, LLC
Steve Fortmann President Paladin Wireless

Sponsor:

CBRS Alliance

Connectivity in the Enterprise: What is the Right Strategy and the Right Tools to Meet Enterprise Demand for Coverage?

The in-building cellular space is currently marked by a shift in capital investment away from operators and toward venue owners. In many cases, operators aren’t going to supply an in-building system. This leaves the investment up to the venue owner who needs to supply coverage to attract and retain tenants. One of the challenges for the industry is to meet the needs of enterprise decision-makers with the best tool for their unique case. When do you spec CBRS or a private enterprise network solution? WiFi versus LTE? DAS versus Small Cell? This cross-industry panel discusses the changes in the enterprise market, especially the ‘middleprise, and the best methods to win customers in a highly-fractured marketplace.

Speakers:

Rich Berliner Publisher Connected Real Estate Magazine
Frankie Smith Vice President SureCall
Paul Fettuccia President & General Manager Advanced Network Services, LLC
Nicholas Stello Vice President Vornado

Sponsor:

Zinwave, LLC

Opportunities & Challenges: Connected Vehicle Infrastructure in North Carolina’s Transportation Network

This session brings North Carolina public and private sector leaders to discuss the region’s plans, involvement and roadmap on transitioning to an autonomous and connected vehicle testbed and, ultimately, a national leader. Understand the impacts Autonomous and Connected Vehicles will have on the region, including policy, capital, transportation planning, public transportation and more.

Speakers:

Kevin Lacy State Traffic Engineer North Carolina Department of Transportation
Tom Snyder Executive Director NCRIoT
Joe Milazzo Executive Director North Carolina Regional Transportation Alliance
Kyle Snyder Assoc. Professor, Transportation North Carolina State University

Technologies that Improve on 4G to Enable 5G Speeds

The road to 5G runs through 4G wireless infrastructure, and improvements to 4G technologies like carrier aggregation, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) and beamforming will satisfy the requirements for 5G. This session examines new solutions to enhance network capacity and performance to address the growing demands on connectivity.

Speakers:

Danny Agresta President & CEO APC Towers
Jim Nevelle President & CEO Kathrein
Ray Butler Vice President, Wireless Network Engineering CommScope
David Zylka Cheif Technical Officer

Sponsor:

Vogue Towers

Next Generation Smart Poles: More than Small Cells

Intelligent, multifunctional or “smart” light poles can help solve many urban problems because of their ability to incorporate software controls, electronics and sensors that can receive and transmit data. They can also improve parking and traffic management through real-time data, leading to a reduction in congestion and emissions. Experts on this panel will explore advancements in “intelligent” poles, which can also monitor air quality, detect and notify officials about street flooding or be turned into charging stations for electric vehicles.

Speakers:

Leticia Latino CEO Neptuno
Jim Lockwood CEO/Founder Aero Solutions
Steve Baker Director of Vertical Markets American Tower

Sponsor:

CityPole by Comptek

North Carolina State Leadership

As states begin to plan for FirstNet, they are developing divergent approaches to planning and varied strategies for engaging with local and federal partners. This roundtable features a diverse panel of state leaders from outside North Carolina as they discuss their approaches being state planning, ongoing outreach, and governance strategies.

Speaker:

Eric Boyette Secretary and State Chief Information Officer State of North Carolina

Sponsor:

FirstNet Built with AT&T

GIS-Centric High Priority Web Applications in the Public Safety Broadband Network

FirstNet "high-priority" applications need to include GIS mapping and the ability to visualize large volumes of data with the Internet of Things (IoT). Web applications ideally synthesize actionable information and include information such as computer-aided dispatch (CAD) data, vehicle locations, and other sensor data in a connected or unconnected, secure environment.

Sponsor:

FirstNet Built with AT&T

Building Alliances to Jumpstart Talent Acquisition, Diversity & Retention

So, you’ve got a skills gap – now what? Ensuring a highly skilled workforce takes a commitment from many stakeholders in the public and private sectors, the education community, the workforce development system, as well as workplace learning professionals. As employers also are making more sophisticated “make and buy” decisions for talent management, they are establishing networks and alliances to source core capabilities. To build their core capabilities, leading employers are focusing on talent pipeline management strategies that combine 1) career advancement from their existing workforce, 2) job-ready workers accessible through networked recruitment and staffing partners, 3) new entrants to the workforce with recent customized education and training, and 4) from alliances with workforce development partners. Part 2 of the workshop focuses on internal steps and external resources you can use as you source, recruit, and bridge the gap.

Speakers:

General Kevin J. Kennedy President & Chief Executive Officer Warriors4Wireless
Amelia DeJesus President Women's Wireless Leadership Forum

Sponsor:

Enertech Resources

Break

Applications at the Edge: What is Driving Investment in New Edge Infrastructure?

Edge computing will be a key enabler of the applications everyone is talking about, including autonomous driving, IoT, augmented and virtual reality, and 5G. This session will be a discussion of the business of opportunity for service providers to use edge infrastructure to add value to OTT providers, application providers, auto manufacturers and vertical applications that must work closer and closer together to get the model right ensure that these applications being built work and deliver value.

Speakers:

Iain Gillott President iGR
Jason Jerald Co-Founder & Principal Consultant Next Gen Interactions

Connected Urban Components: Street Lights, Kiosks, Traffic Sensors and Smarter Streets

Connected components such as street lights, interactive kiosks, traffic sensors and other smart features can be leveraged to serve multiple purposes. New infrastructure fitted with wireless connectivity will provide a constant flow of information about its surroundings. Light poles and street corners take on new life as networked hot spots. Connected kiosks and beacon technologies convey vital information and do so through open data platforms that allow systems to talk freely with each other without the inhibitions of proprietary software. Find out which technology solutions make the most sense for cities from both a cost and practical perspective.

Speakers:

Larry Steffann Founder RIoT
Steve Baker Director of Vertical Markets American Tower
Tom Touchet CEO Smart City Media
Ian Aaron President Ubicquia
Jim Lockwood CEO/Founder Aero Solutions

Sponsor:

CBNL

CV Infrastructure: Case Study of Pilot Programs

Hear from a panel of leaders representing some of the first cities and programs that have deployed connected vehicle technology on real city streets. Understand how new AV/CV systems improve safety, mobility and the environment by enabling cars, buses, streetcars, handheld devices and elements of the downtown roadway infrastructure to communicate to each other and the infrastructure surrounding them.

Speakers:

Dan Langford Industry Commercialization Manager Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development
Robert Frey Project Director Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority
George Karayannis Project Director, CityNow Panasonic

Investment Outlook for Towers and Infrastructure: 2018 and Beyond

Wireless infrastructure spending and the implications for tower owners and wireless infrastructure stakeholders is up for discussion. Included in this panel are driving forces on carrier spending, including FirstNet, the increasing network traffic from unlimited data plans, the shift to mobile video, 5G fixed wireless and more.

Speakers:

Clayton Funk Managing Director Media Venture Partners
Jennifer Fritzsche Managing Director Wells Fargo Securities
Nick Del Deo Analyst MoffettNathanson
Aaron Blazar Senior Partner Atlantic-ACM
Ric Prentiss Managing Director Raymond James

Sponsor:

Vogue Towers

Blockchain and Telecommunications: A Practical Assessment of the Value of Virtualized Trusted Environments

Blockchain and cryptocurrency may have originated with Bitcoin, but its applicability extends far beyond digital payments, and into a number of industries such as finance, healthcare, and telecommunications. The telecom industry is already undergoing a significant transformation towards a virtualized and digitized environment. How will blockchain benefit current operations and, in addition, what future opportunities or advantages will the technology offer? This session provides a top-to-bottom overview of blockchain and outlines several applications of the technology that have widespread impact on the wireless’ and telecom industry more broadly.

Speaker:

Christian Duffus Founder and CEO

Sponsor:

CityPole by Comptek

New Tools: Using Virtual Reality to Develop and Test Responder Applications

Virtual Reality is a computer-generated digital environment that can be experienced as if that environment was real. What does VR mean to public safety? In a real world environment that is difficult and dangerous, if not impossible, to simulate, VR is emerging as a necessary and effective tool for developers and technology companies to create, test and refine new devices, accessories and applications that leverage the power of a networked responder.

Sponsor:

FirstNet Built with AT&T

Responder Innovations & Applications: Lightning Round of Apps and Services

Listen to a series of brief summaries and demonstrations of next generation applications and services designed by innovative companies for public safety and first responders.

Sponsor:

FirstNet Built with AT&T

Opening Reception

Sponsors:

3rd Annual Music Movement Charity Concert Featuring Lee Brice

Join us for a night of food, drinks, fundraising and country music. Country Music Superstar Lee Brice takes the stage in Charlotte, NC for a charity concert supporting Music Movement! Billy Dawson, country music artist and longtime friend of the charity, will get the show rocking before Lee Brice takes the stage. Lee Brice is a multiple ACM and CMA award winner with a GRAMMY nomination, six RIAA platinum singles – and more than 10 Million singles sold. Music Movement Inc., a nonprofit organization that develops and funds music centric programs for children and young adults living with autism and special needs, is hosting its 2nd Annual Charity Concert. Get your tickets today!

WIA Member Breakfast

Sponsor:

BB&T Atlantic Risk Management

Accelerate Potential: Get More People on the Job Faster

Organizations that value learning and development are in a better position to address skill gaps as the behaviors and practices are a part of their organizational DNA. In a world where technology becomes obsolete in the blink of an eye, it’s essential to get teams up to speed quickly on the latest technologies, standards, and procedures. In this session, we explore options for providing training and knowledge transfer that include mentoring, traditional training and registered apprenticeship programs.

Speakers:

General Kevin J. Kennedy President & Chief Executive Officer Warriors4Wireless
Gerry Ghazi Subject Matter Expert, Manufacturing Apprenticeships Jobs for the Future
Kimberly Curley Director of Workforce Development Wireless Infrastructure Association

Sponsor:

Enertech Resources

TEC – Wireless Site Safety

This two-day course is the first combined training program in the wireless industry that provides an industry overview, antenna and site-specific training, driver safety, and includes an OSHA 10-hour construction card. This course addresses the basic practices of identifying, eliminating, and reporting hazards associated with working on a wireless site. *Training contact hours can be applied against TIRAP related instruction outlines for TTT-1 and TTT-2 (Telecommunication Tower Technician) and Wireless Technician.

Topics include: • Safe Work Practices • RF Hazard Safety Awareness • Best Practices Using ANSI, ASTM, and TIA Standards • Fall Protection • Electrical Safety • Basic Rigging Safety Principles • Basic Driver and Company Vehicle Safety Awareness

Course registration coming soon!

Edge Architecture in a 5G Environment

5G sets some lofty goals for bandwidth and low latency. To achieve this, new architectures are needed; processing power needs to get closer to the edge of the network; and new investment is necessary. Not all 5G apps and services will need Edge Computing but many of the high performance solutions will. This session examines edge architecture as part of the standard 5G architecture requirements, and how it integrates with network functions virtualization and massive multiple-input/multiple-output for small cells.

Speakers:

Iain Gillott President iGR
Sandro Tavares Head of Cloud Marketing Nokia

CAPITAL: HOW TO FUND AND SUSTAIN SMART CITY PROJECTS AND INFRASTRUCTURE

A highly important factor when thinking about smart cities, that isn’t always discussed, is how to fund and finance them. As exciting as it is to discuss the potential, exciting developments that smart cities can bring, whether in terms of urban development, citizen engagement or sustainability, they won’t get off the ground without funding. This session focuses on attracting funding and finance for smart infrastructure projects, including best practice for attracting interest from institutional investors and investment banks; Sharing risk in PPPs, managing exit strategies and forecasting returns; and what are the different funding instruments available?

Speakers:

Madan Jagernauth President FutureMobile Services
Chip Strange Vice President of Strategy and Business Development Mosaik
Scott Jackson VP Business Development Graybar
Bob Paige Senior Vice President of M&A Vertical Bridge
Karl Berg Partner DAS Capital

Sponsor:

CBNL

Understanding the Spectrum Access System (SAS) – and the 3-Tiered Spectrum Sharing Framework

The Spectrum Access System is an advanced, highly automated radio spectrum coordinator within the CBRS 3.5 GHz band, and is tasked with protecting the higher-tier users from lower-tier users and optimizing efficient use of the available spectrum in the band for all users. The innovative three-tier sharing framework coordinates spectrum access among the incumbent military radars, satellite earth stations, and new commercial users. The three tiers of use are Incumbent, Priority Access License (PAL), and General Authorized Access (GAA). As a result, the 150 MHz of CBRS spectrum is dynamically shared. Discover the impacts of the SAS on your business.

Speakers:

Kurt Schaubach Chief Technical Officer Federated Wireless
Mark Gibson Director of Business Development ComSearch

Sponsor:

CBRS Alliance

Current State of DAS and Future Approaches to Funding

Customers and tenants in buildings and commercial venues demand greater and more reliable mobile capacity. At the same time, mobile network operators are re-evaluating the requirement to fund and risk the buildout of DAS and in-building digital infrastructure. This transition requires new thinking, new approaches and new solutions from all stakeholders in the in-building ecosystem – property owners, integrators, technology vendors and carriers.

Speakers:

Thomas Marciano CMO inRange Solutions
Jeffrey Nodine CTO Longent
Jarrett Bluth CEO Cheytec Communications
Dominic Villecco President V-Comm Telecommunications Engineering

Sponsor:

Zinwave, LLC

Deep Fiber in LTE and 5G

Fiber is fuel for both LTE and future “5G” systems, and service providers are doing their best to increase their fiber footprints. Deloitte expects to see $130 billion-$150 billion in “deep fiber” investment in the U.S. over 5-7 years, due to a combination of broadband competition, ensuring 5G readiness, and expanding fiber into new areas. This session gets into the details of fiber projections and the opportunities it poses to tower owners and infrastructure stakeholders.

Speakers:

Pat Tant CEO Vogue Towers
Ron Fangio Business Development Director Black & Veatch
Ray La Chance President & Chief Executive Officer ZenFi Networks
Brian Proffit Vice President, Business Development & Smart Cities Infrastructure Adtell
José Niño Co-founder, CEO and President Allied Wireless

Sponsor:

Vogue Towers

The National Infrastructure Plan: Implications and Opportunities for Wireless, Broadband and Mobile

In the first quarter of 2018, the Trump Administration plans to release details of a new infrastructure proposal that aims to rehabilitate the nation's roads, bridges, tunnels, and more. This session dives into the details of several Infrastructure plans in development on The Hill, including Congressional and Trump Administration Plans. The panel will discuss the opportunities in digital infrastructure development, but also the push for more efficient permitting and processes, as well as a larger role for private sector funding sources.

Speakers:

Paul Kirby Senior Editor TR Daily
D. Zachary Champ Director, Government Affairs Wireless Infrastructure Association
Josh Turner Attorney Wiley Rein LLP

Sponsors:

Connected and Autonomous Technology: Making it Work at the Infrastructure Level

Autonomous vehicles represent the most dramatic change in transportation since the Interstate Highway System. Investments made by the private sector shows that there is a clear business case for the systems, devices and platforms to enable a connected vehicle to everything infrastructure. What are the technical, policy and financial implications for the public sector to enable roadside units to communicate with connected and automated vehicles? What information is needed, what communication attributes, operational issues and deployment challenges must be addressed? What can the infrastructure, automotive, LTE and technology communities learn to advance deployment of connected and automated vehicles?

Speakers:

Cory Hohs CEO HAAS Alert
Chris Bluemle Manager, Corporate Development Crown Castle

Break

Keynote Speech: Ajit Pai, Chairman, Federal Communications Commission

Keynote Speech: Charlie Ergen, Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board or Directors, DISH

The View from the Top: A Tower Executive Roundtable

Join Jonathan Adelstein, President & CEO of The Wireless Infrastructure Association, and the leaders from major infrastructure providers for a candid discussion of the issues impacting the wireless infrastructure industry.

Speakers:

Jonathan Adelstein President & Chief Executive Officer Wireless Infrastructure Association
David E. Weisman President & Chief Executive Officer InSite Wireless
Jeffrey Stoops President & Chief Executive Officer SBA Communications
Alexander L. Gellman Chief Executive Officer Vertical Bridge
Jay Brown President and Chief Executive Officer Crown Castle

Sponsor:

NB+C

The Future of Connectivity: Ubiquitous Networks of Flying, Driving, and Intelligent Things

The automated age is nearly upon us and it’s set to completely change the way we communicate; the way we drive; the way we see mobility; the way we receive goods and services and more. Next generation mobile networks capable of handling unprecedented amounts of data across a wide array of devices, including cars, busses, trucks, drones for delivery, drones for people and more, will have a huge impact on society, mobility and future city infrastructure. It will also lead to the development of new and disruptive business models. And while the fully virtualized autonomous future is still a number of years away, now is the time to plan ahead. Here to discuss a brave new world of connectivity are thought-leaders representing the entire connectivity ecosystem.

Speakers:

Geoff Arnold CTO Verizon Smart Communities Verizon
Ravi Pavvula CEO Savari
Todd Landry Corporate Vice President, Product and Market Strategy JMA Wireless
Travis Mason Vice President of Public Policy & Regulatory Affairs A3 by Airbus
Giuseppe Incitti Chief Executive Officer Sitetracker

Mission-Critical Push-to-Talk Roundtable

Discuss how current public safety features, like group communications (MCPTT) and traffic prioritization are mapped to new broadband network technologies. Introducing these core features as part of the communication standards ensures interoperability and development of a market and offering benefiting the users and vendors alike. Telling the difference between a “network feature” and an “application” will become more difficult (and actually less relevant).

Sponsor:

FirstNet Built with AT&T

Exhibit Hall

FirstNet’s Network Functionality, Applications and Security

The promise of FirstNet and the National Public Safety Broadband Network has, from been to transform public safety and emergency services with the very best devices, network, applications and capabilities. This session provides a glimpse of some of the transformative applications and functionality that are already seen in the field in other States and other early adopting regions. In this, the message is clear: Public safety must adapt to and adopt shifts in technology, or which will usher in a new era of efficiency, effectiveness, improvements in loss of life and property; and, ultimately safety.

Speaker:

Jason Winslow Vice President of Business Development Intrepid Networks

Sponsor:

FirstNet Built with AT&T

The Edge Business Opportunity for IoT and Enterprise Applications

Digital Transformation happens, primarily, at the Edge. It’s what enables, accelerates, supports, and secures IoT (including the Industrial IoT) programs and initiatives. From digital devices to autonomous vehicles and drones, cloud and network Edge compute technologies are increasingly bandwidth intensive, and latency and security sensitive. Finding the right partner to assure and support your Digital Transformation business success at the Edge is truly mission critical. Attend this session to consider how you can assess, design and take control of your distributed Digital Transformation Edge infrastructure operations.

City as Platform: How Connectivity is Changing Urban Life and Governance

In the age of ubiquitous connectivity, smartphones and big data, the vitality of cities is increasingly based on their ability to use digital networks in intelligent, strategic ways. The far-reaching implications of the “smart plus connected city” for economic development, urban planning, social life, and democracy, is less understood. This session provides a deeper look at technology's role in the advancement and inter-linking of multiple city systems. Panelists will discuss the key elements that are making it possible for cities (and not just city governments) to use their existing assets and leverage new tech to become smarter, greener, connected, and more successful.

Speakers:

Madan Jagernauth President FutureMobile Services
Rob Phocas Sustainability Director City Manager’s Office, City of Charlotte
Scott Clark CIO Town of Chapel Hill
Jim Westmoreland City Manager City of Greensboro

Sponsor:

CBNL

Exploring the FCC’s 3.5 GHz CBRS Rules and the Impact on Private LTE Networks

The novel three-tier sharing framework coordinates spectrum access among the incumbent military radars, satellite earth stations, and new commercial users. The three tiers of use are Incumbent, Priority Access License (PAL), and General Authorized Access (GAA). The SAS is an advanced, highly automated radio spectrum coordinator within the CBRS 3.5 GHz band, and is tasked with protecting the higher-tier users from lower-tier users and optimizing efficient use of the available spectrum in the band for all users. As a result, the 150 MHz of CBRS spectrum is dynamically shared. Discover the impacts of the SAS on your business.

Speakers:

Monica Paolini Founder of Senza Fili
K.C. Halm Partner Davis Wright Tremaine
Greg Rapisarda Partner Saul Ewing
Arpan Sura Senior Associate Hogan Lovells

Sponsor:

CBRS Alliance

Multi-Carrier Small Cell Solutions for In-Building Wireless

Carriers understand the need to improve in-building coverage as one of the highest priorities in improving their networks. But it is a cost and resource challenge for each carrier to expand their coverage to every building that they would like to cover. Multi-carrier small cell solutions present an answer for neutral host networks, building owners and carriers. This session examines emerging virtualized small cell solutions that have become available that can face the challenge of addressing the economic and multi-carrier requirements of the small and medium size venues.

Speakers:

Scott Willis CEO Zinwave
Mark Horinko President Airwavs
Matt Fallon VP Business Development Bandwidth Logic

Sponsor:

Zinwave, LLC

5G Ultra Dense Networks

Next-generation connectivity will be realized through a convergence of wired and wireless sites, and ultra-dense networks comprising macro towers and small cells that support more frequencies including licensed, unlicensed and millimeter wave bands. As small cells become important for capacity and high data rate coverage, operators must decide how to integrate them into their wide area network. New challenges are also brought with the densely deployed mobile heterogeneous networks, such as the evolved network architecture, energy efficiency, interference mitigation, and effective resource management.

Speakers:

Greg Najjar Director, Business Development Advanced RF Technologies, Inc.
Michael Whitley Vice President, Business Development PT Access Networks
Andre de Grasse Founder & CEO AIMM Global Inc.

Sponsor:

Vogue Towers

State Capitals: Building a 5G Future

Hundreds of thousands of small cells and sensors, connected by fiber and fixed wireless, are what is required to meet the near future demands of 5G. Municipalities of all sizes are fielding more and more requests to install small cells, fiber, and a denser array of wireless antennas. This session will discuss the policy considerations for all stakeholders in a 5G environment, including harmonizing the views of Federal policymakers with State and Local Government leaders, in order to find a common framework to fulfill on the promise of 5G.

Speakers:

Adam Bender Associate Editor Communications Daily
Monica Gambino Vice President, Legal Crown Castle

Sponsors:

TEC – 5G Outlook

5G mobile networks remain a couple of years away from standardization, but the lack of final standards has not discouraged interest, investment and declarations of initial trials in various parts of the world.

This course provides an overview of 5G capabilities and use cases based on the current field trials. 5G is reviewed from the perspective of cellular operators, regulators, and academia. The course evaluates driving forces behind 5G efforts, timeline, key requirements of 5G, and pre-5G activities in cellular infrastructure domain. Key topics includes future roadmaps for key operators, guidelines on spectrum and regulator initiatives, and academic research on millimeter waves, massive MIMO, and IoT. The course also debunks various myths of 5G and its deployment.

Course registration coming soon!

Indoor Coverage: Requirements, Funding and Solutions to Meet FirstNet Coverage Requirements

For public safety agencies, reliable coverage is essential indoor as well as outdoor. Some jurisdictions have enacted ordinances requiring minimum levels of coverage for public safety communications within new buildings. In addition, the International Code Council (ICC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) are currently pursuing the adoption of national-level model codes and standards to help ensure that improved in-building coverage is addressed on a nationwide basis. This session outlines what property owners and public safety officials need to know about the trending requirements for providing in-building coverage.

Speaker:

Brian Darracott Public Safety Account Manager, Longent

Sponsor:

FirstNet Built with AT&T

Break

The Role of Public Safety Broadband Networks in the Smart City

FirstNet is working to build a national data communications network that would put "smart phone" technology in the hands of police, fire, and other public safety agencies. It would enable first responders to share text, pictures, real-time video and other mobile "apps" designed for public safety. As a separate network dedicated to public safety, it would be more secure and less prone to failure during a disaster than today's commercial networks. This session discusses how cities can leverage FirstNet and public safety networks for new services and applications.

Speakers:

Alan Tilles Counsel GWTCA
Anna Gomez Partner Wiley Rein
John McGrath CEO Advantage Engineers
Will Aycock General Manager Wilson Greenlight

Sponsor:

CBNL

MulteFire in the Enterprise

The ability to deploy LTE in all unlicensed spectrum significantly lowers the barrier to entry for enterprises looking to take control of their connectivity needs. This session examines the use of the Multefire protocol to deploy a neutral host network, facilitating a seamless user experience while extending value across the ecosystem. A private and neutral host LTE with MulteFire can be seen as a mechanism by which carriers, operators and venue owners connect end users and enterprise applications more efficiently.

Speakers:

Daniel Intolubbe-Chmil Senior Analyst Harbor Research
Kishore Raja Vice President, Engineering, Strategic Programs Boingo
Ashish Dayama Global Product Marketing & Communications Nokia

Sponsor:

CBRS Alliance

The Next-Generation Intersection: Integrated Traffic Technologies to Improve Safety for Everyone, Not Just Cars

For all its familiarity and organizational power, the intersection is also a source of great stress and frustration. Digital technology that wasn’t available even five years ago carries the promise of a more responsive intersection. Sensor arrays and computer vision can make detection of multiple street users readily achievable, potentially providing a more accurate count of all modes and informing decisions about traffic flow and priorities.

Speakers:

Kiel Ova Chief Marketing Officer Traffic Technology Services Inc. (TTS)
Ian Aaron President Ubicquia

Wireless Infrastructure: The View from Washington

Policy leaders, both inside and outside WIA, provide a summary of policy issues and considerations at the forefront of the wireless infrastructure community. Notable will be the latest information and insight regarding Federal issues including 5G, colocation regulations, rural broadband and overcoming the digital divide, innovative spectrum use and more. This is the opportunity to hear how voices in Washington are working to reduce the barrier to wireless infrastructure deployment while advocating for innovation and investment.

Speakers:

Scott Thompson Attorney Davis Wright Tremaine
Kathleen Abernathy Special Counsel Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP

Sponsors:

Supplier Diversity Summit Meetings

Emerging Technologies for Search and Rescue: LTE and Emergency Services

LTE networks can support safe drone operation in real-world environments, with existing commercial cellular networks providing coverage to drones at low altitudes up to 400 feet above ground level. LTE also improves interference mitigation techniques and power control optimization. The seamless transition of connectivity between deployable solutions (such as UAVs) and the macro network is discussed in this session.

Sponsor:

FirstNet Built with AT&T

Optimize Your Workforce Through Apprenticeship

A registered apprenticeship is a proven work-and-learn model for preparing the workforce for key occupations within the wireless industry. This session is designed to help employers seeking to initiate or expand apprenticeship programs by introducing the Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship model and WIA’s role as National Sponsor. This session provides an opportunity for companies to engage directly with subject matter experts to assist you in determining how an apprenticeship program might become an integral part of your workforce development strategy. In addition, we’ll identify resources and partners that can assist in the development of a new program or sustainability of your existing program. Enhance this session by scheduling a private 1:1 session with the National Sponsor by contacting Deb Bennett at Deb.Bennett @wia.org.

Speakers:

Gerry Ghazi Subject Matter Expert, Manufacturing Apprenticeships Jobs for the Future
Deb Bennett Director of Apprenticeship Wireless Infrastructure Association
Scott Kisting TIRAP Chair PTS Advisors
Charles F. Vaughan SC State Director USDOL Office of Apprenticeship

Sponsor:

Enertech Resources

NG911 and FirstNet

Two important upgrades are underway to improve emergency communications – Next Generation 911 (NG911) and the development of a public safety broadband network by the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet). These two systems, though being built separately, are envisioned to work together to deliver access to public safety that today’s consumers expect. This session explores how the two systems can work together along with real-world examples of agencies who have instituted an integrated platform.

Speaker:

Alan Tilles Counsel GWTCA

Sponsor:

FirstNet Built with AT&T

Responder Innovations & Applications: Lightning Round of Apps and Services

Sponsor:

FirstNet Built with AT&T

President’s Reception

By invitation only.

Sponsor:

The Lyle Company

Wireless Industry Gala

By invitation only.

Sponsors:

Innovation and Technology Council

TEC – Wireless Site Safety

This two-day course is the first combined training program in the wireless industry that provides an industry overview, antenna and site-specific training, driver safety, and includes an OSHA 10-hour construction card. This course addresses the basic practices of identifying, eliminating, and reporting hazards associated with working on a wireless site. *Training contact hours can be applied against TIRAP related instruction outlines for TTT-1 and TTT-2 (Telecommunication Tower Technician) and Wireless Technician.

Topics include: • Safe Work Practices • RF Hazard Safety Awareness • Best Practices Using ANSI, ASTM, and TIA Standards • Fall Protection • Electrical Safety • Basic Rigging Safety Principles • Basic Driver and Company Vehicle Safety Awareness

Course registration coming soon!

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14th Annual Golf Outing

Introduction to CBRS

Speaker:

The 3.5 GHz Band: Rules, Band Plan, Spectrum Considerations

Infrastructure Developers Forum Meeting

Market Drivers for CBRS

Technology Standards: Updates and Milestones

A Killer App for CBRS: The Neutral Host Network

Networks and Devices

WWLF Reception

Location

HetNet Forum Breakfast and Annual Meeting of Members

Sponsor:

New Edge Computing Architectures and Implementations for IoT

Speakers:

Connected Cities: How Municipalities Play a Key Role in the 5G Revolution

Speakers:

Sponsor:

Private LTE: A Reality for Industrial IoT Enterprises

Speakers:

Sponsor:

Neutral Host: Infrastructure Ownership and Service Models

Speakers:

Sponsor:

The Next Wave in Infrastructure: V2X, V2I, V2V

Speakers:

Ramping up for 5G and Hyper-Densification with DAS, Small Cells and Wi-Fi

Speakers:

Sponsor:

Rapidly Deployable Multi-Platform LTE Networks

Speakers:

Sponsor:

FirstNet 101: The Basics of the PBSN

Sponsor:

Risk Assessment: Ensure a Competitive Advantage Through Effective Workforce Planning

Speaker:

Sponsor:

FirstNet and LMR Coexistence: Planning for Interoperability and Migration

Speakers:

Sponsor:

Budgeting, Capital Expense and Cost of Ownership in an LTE World

Sponsor:

Break

Enabling Technologies at the Edge: SDN, NFV, Cloud, Fog and Cloudlets

Speakers:

A Holistic Strategy: Putting the Pieces in Place for a Smarter City Network

Speakers:

Sponsor:

Architecture for the Private Enterprise LTE Network

Speakers:

Sponsor:

On-Premise Services: Applications that Maximize IBW Infrastructure

Speakers:

Sponsor:

5G & Intelligent Edge: Opportunities for the Network Ecosystem to Drive Value in Connected Vehicles

Speaker:

Automation Everywhere: New Tools to Simplify Operations and Workflows in Dense Networks

Speakers:

Sponsor:

Innovations in Small Cell Design, Deployment and Products

Speakers:

Sponsor:

Break

Welcome Remarks, Jonathan Adelstein, President & CEO, Wireless Infrastructure Association and Daniel C. Agresta, President, Carolinas Wireless Association

Keynote Speech

Keynote Speech: Satyen Yadav, General Manager IoT and Edge Services, Amazon Web Services

Keynote Speech: Ed Davis, Former Police Commissioner, City of Boston

Speaker:

Keynote Speech: Steve Worling, Managing Director, Information Technology, NASCAR

Speakers:

The Next Wave in Digital Co-Location: The Convergence of Datacenters, Towers and the Cloud at the Edge of the Network

Speakers: