(Continued from page 1) DAY 1 www.bekabusinessmedia.com 4 WISPAPALOOZA SHOW I OCTOBER 13 – 16, 2025 Azotel Now Part of Irby Azotel is now part of Irby. The strategic move expands Azotel teams’ ability to support communications operators with innovative and responsive networking solutions. Since its founding in 2002, Azotel has established itself as a leader in subscriber management, service provisioning, business automation and core network solutions. After eight years of a thriving partnership, its teams are excited to further unite our expertise and capabilities into one seamless system. For Irby and Azotel customers, it’s business as usual. They will continue to receive the same reliable support and service they’ve come to expect from both companies. Company officials will communicate any key changes in the coming months. “Azotel’s solution has been a key component in Irby’s strategy of offering customers full design, engineering, material supply and end-user engagement services together in one package,” said Joe LeNoir, President of Irby. “Bringing this technology in-house, Irby will stand out as a one-stopshop from design all the way through active end-user service and support.” “Thanks to our history of close collaboration, Irby Utilities has an in-depth understanding of our software,” said John O’Hare, founder and CEO of Azotel. “More importantly, we know that they share our values. Irby was a natural fit, and I look forward to seeing how they’ll continue to raise the bar in the utility and communications markets.” Azotel is now SIMPLer, a crucial part of Irby’s Communications Team’s portfolio of services, which it offers to broadband service providers (BSPs). m Visit Azotel/Irby at WISPAPALOOZA booth 453. CEO of WISPA. “As full connectivity finally comes within reach, how will hometown ISPs maintain and extend their competitive edge? Through over-the-top services? Better workflows? Improved metrics? Public/private partnerships? Upgraded equipment or an expanded portfolio of technologies? “WISPAPALOOZA provides an essential resource for ISPs to find answers to these and myriad other questions guiding their growth and deployment of broadband solutions for millions of Americans in hard-to-serve rural, under-resourced and Tribal communities across our nation.” As Tuesday’s schedule unfolds, be sure to gather in the Horseshoe Grand Ballroom at 8:15 a.m. for the Opening Session/Sponsor Appreciation, during which WISPA will celebrate this year’s annual award winners. This year’s awards include Operator of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year, Product of the Year, Service of the Year, Distributor of the Year, and the Triumph Award. Winners were chosen by WISPA members. In addition, a special President’s Award will be given, which recognizes the significant efforts and work being made by individuals and companies that were not part of the member-voted awards. Unfortunately, due to travel restrictions during the federal government shutdown, the scheduled keynotes from FCC’s Anna Gomez and NTIA’s Adam Cassady had to be cancelled. As a result, “Opening Perspective: Life in a World Where Everyone Has Broadband” has been expanded to run from 10-11 a.m. Zumwalt will lead a special panel of industry experts to discuss tomorrow’s broadband challenges and opportunities, including tougher competition and increasingly commoditized broadband services. Similarly, Michael Weening’s keynote, “Industry Lens: Leaving the Industrial Era: Broadband Experience Providers in the AI Era,” has been expanded to 75 minutes and will begin at 11 a.m. Among the highlights on the expo floor today and Wednesday is the Emerging Tech Showcase in which eight companies will unveil new solutions. This special Showcase offers attendees a first look at the tools shaping connectivity’s future. The Emerging Tech Showcase will be held today and tomorrow from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Emerging Tech Stage in the exhibit hall in the Paris Hotel. Today’s slate includes GeoLinks at 1:05 p.m., WISDM at 1:25 p.m., gaiia at 1:45 p.m. and Regulatory Solutions at 2:05 p.m. m PRESIDENT & CEO David Zumwalt President & CEO dzumwalt@wispa.org Mark Wills Executive Administrator & Board Liaison mwills@wispa.org OPERATIONS & FINANCE Kirk Fabel Senior Director, Operations & Finance kfabel@wispa.org POLICY Louis Peraertz Vice President of Policy lperaertz@wispa.org Richard Bernhardt Vice President, Spectrum & Industry rbernhardt@wispa.org GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS Matt Mandel Vice President of Government Affairs mmandel@wispa.org Steven Schwerbel Director, State Advocacy sschwerbel@wispa.org MEMBERSHIP & EVENTS Dave Thomas Director of Sales, Events and Sponsorships dthomas@wispa.org COMMUNICATIONS Mike Wendy Director of Communications mwendy@wispa.org
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