New Orleans was host to an estimated 3,500 industry professionals attending Connect (X) at the Morial Convention Center, May 8 – 10, 2023.
As always, this conference, presented by WWLF’s parent organization, the Wireless Infrastructure Association, offered cutting edge educational programming including satellite connectivity, open RAN, multi-access edge compute (MEC), and the latest trends in policy and regulation.
Workforce development concerns were top of mind throughout the show. WWLF’s panel, “Workforce Engagement in the Era of Generation Z and Beyond” discussed the challenges facing business leaders as they lead the diverse workforce of today and tomorrow. WWLF Immediate Past-President, Amanda Cahill led a thoughtful discussion by WWLF Vice President, Carolyn Hardwick, Gigi Majors, Senior Vice President of Harmoni Towers, and Telisa Schelin, Senior Vice President and General Counsel of ExteNet.
We were also excited to see panels presented by WWLF Executive Director of Industry Relations, Carrie Charles, and WWLF Boca Raton/South Florida City Representative, Leticia Latino.
Lauren Goff, WWLF Executive Director of Ways & Means, stated, “What I enjoyed most about Connect(X) this year was threefold: unbelievably valuable learning and networking, the opportunity to work with both my Ramaker and WWLF teams to maximize our presence at the conference, and let’s be clear - hearing our WWLF President Lynn Whitcher speak about our organization was nothing short of inspiring! I enjoy public speaking, but watching Lynn on stage, she has inspired me to set my goals even higher to better hone my craft. Expert job, Lynn! You are an inspiring leader. Thank you for sharing your gift!”
WWLF was honored to host the closing night reception with 433 of our closest friends and supporters. Guests were treated to a private viewing of some of the most recognizable Mardi Gras parade floats and props before heading over to a quintessential Louisiana garden party experience featuring a starlit sky over an indoor garden filled with life-size oak trees, and footbridges over a beautiful stream.
One of the highlights of the show was sharing the experience with our 2023 Fellowship Award recipient, Liane Sippin, Executive Business Partner at DISH Wireless in Chicago and her mentor, Deborah Fraembs.
“Connect (X) 2023 was one for the books. From the speaker sessions to the networking events, this year will be the one to beat. It was great to see the empowerment and the sense of community felt by the WWLF members at Connect (X),” shared Arleth Carbajal, National Director of Events.
Next year’s conference will be held May 14 – 16, 2024 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. We will see you there!
