IWCE helps decision-makers keep up with the ever-changing communications landscape

By Stacey Orlick, IWCE’s event and content director

In today’s fast-moving world, it is paramount for all organizations—whether they are public-safety, government, critical-infrastructure or enterprise entities—to have reliable communications platforms to ensure that personnel can execute their jobs properly and as efficiently as possible. Staying informed on the endless changes in communications technology can be challenging, but attending the International Wireless Communications Expo (IWCE) each year is a great way to start.

What is IWCE?

IWCE is an annual convention for communications technology professionals that features a robust exhibit hall and an extensive conference program. Started in 1977 as an event for manufacturers and dealers of two-way radios and their accessories, IWCE now provides a forum for all involved in communications technology including devices, antennas, towers, hardware, software, networks, infrastructure and services.  Some of the major technologies covered include land-mobile radio (LMR), digital mobile radio (DMR), Project 25, TETRA, LTE, NXDN, IP, microwaves & RF, SCADA, M2M, satellite, surveillance, Wi-Fi, broadband, cellular and mobile computing.

When and where is IWCE?

IWCE takes place each March in Las Vegas.  This year, IWCE’s exhibit hall is open on Wednesday, March 18, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and on Thursday, March 19, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Las Vegas Convention Center.  IWCE’s five-day conference program takes place March 16-20, 2015, in various locations within the convention center.

Who attends IWCE?

More than 7,000 individuals attend from diverse groups of industry professionals, including government/military; public safety (law enforcement, fire service, emergency medical & 911); utility; transportation, dealers, network service professionals and business enterprise. Communications technology leaders, such as CEOs, CIOs, and public-safety chiefs; technical personnel, such as engineers and technicians, operation managers, administrators and others can be found among IWCE attendees each year.

Who exhibits at IWCE?

IWCE features more than 350 exhibitors showcasing the latest products and trends in the industry, including Motorola Solutions, JVCKenwood, Harris, Icom, Hytera Communications, Vertex Standard, EFJohnson Technologies, Avtec, Raytheon, Zetron and Relm.  To see the full exhibitor list for the 2015 show, go to www.iwceexpo.com/exhibitorlist.

What educational opportunities are provided at IWCE?

IWCE offers more than 100 educational workshops, short courses and special sessions during the comprehensive five-day conference. On Monday, Tuesday and Friday, the College of Technology’s half-day and full-day workshops provide a strong foundation for your communications technology knowledge in myriad areas, exploring topics from backhaul and test-and-measurement issues to project management and system planning. Short courses on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday provide an opportunity to get additional education while the exhibit floor is open. Educational tracks during these days include FirstNet, Next-Generation Communications, System Management & Infrastructure, Spectrum Optimization, Cybersecurity, Tower and Site Management, as well as industry-specific discussions for Public Safety, Critical Infrastructure and Enterprise.

As a new element of the 2015 show, IWCE will host the 2015 Electronics Technicians Association (ETA) Annual Education Forum, with seven multi-day training courses on distributed antenna systems (DAS), interference hunting, fiber optics and general communications-technician training. Visit www.iwceexpo.com/conference  for more information.

Who will I see presenting?

On Wednesday morning, IWCE’s keynote addresses will be presented by Roger Cressey, NBC Counter-terrorism Analyst & Former Presidential Advisor, and Dr. Reginald Brothers, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Science and Technology, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.  On Thursday morning, get “An Industry’s Perspective on Everything Wireless” from a panel of manufacturers and carrier experts, including Scott Agnew from AT&T, Rishi Bhaskar from Motorola Solutions, Patrik Ringqvist from Ericsson North America and Todd Rytting, CTO, Panasonic Corporation of America.  Overall, 270 industry leaders will present during the five-day conference program.

What is the registration fee?

To attend the exhibits only, it is usually $50 to attend (a price that is available through Feb. 4). By using the code NR2 when you register online, you can receive FREE admission to the exhibit hall, a 25% discount on the IWCE conference packages and a 15% discount on the ETA Annual Education Forum Training.

IWCE provides the foundation for the technology, operations, engineering and governance for your communications technology networks, systems and services.  Visit www.iwceexpo.com to register!