WISPAmerica 2018 Show Guide 2018

MER C 2018 6 WISPA merica 2018 SHOW I MARCH 6 - 8, 2018 WISPAMERICA used to be WISPA’s “little show,” but the event has seen incredible growth of late – up 55 percent in attendance from 2015 to 2017 – now rivalling the size and scale of WISPAPALOOZA. What would you say has been the primary drivers of this growth? Trina: I believe the growth is due to the fact that WISPAMERICA moves around, and by doing so, we are able to bring the event closer to many attendees. While WISPAMERICA does continue to grow, we only see about 50 percent overlap of attendees from WISPAPALOOZA. Many smaller WISPs like being able to be close to their place of business when attending events; it’s not always possible for someone from a smaller operation to be away from their network for a week or more to go to Las Vegas. Are there any challenges or secrets to keeping WISPAMERICA the “intimate” event that members have come to appreciate as the event grows in size? TC: Our attendees continue to make the atmosphere intimate by the way they interact. You see many small groups of folks sitting and chatting about their successes and challenges. One of the great things about our members is that they are always willing to share their knowledge and help their peers. Peer-to-peer networking is not only one the best sources of information, but it’s also what makes everyone feel as if they are just at an event with friends. Attendees of WISPAMERICA have come to expect educational opportunities on new technologies and regulatory issues, but the event offers so much more. Can you talk about some of the other educational tracks that WISPAMERICA attendees can take advantage of? TC: During the last few years we have been fostering a broader business as a whole thought processes to our conference session planning. We are striving to offer attendees sessions covering topics such as marketing, hiring practices, management styles, workplace culture, accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and finance. We want to not only keep them up to date with the latest in technology and regulatory issues, but also help the industry as a whole in as many aspects of our businesses as possible. Any suggestions or recommendations for non-members or attendees that might be new to WISPAMERICA? TC: Go to speed dating; get to know your fellow attendees. Go to the after-hours networking events, such as the opening reception at Southern Kitchen – a short walk from the hotel. Interactions and networking with your fellow attendees are some of the best benefits of our conferences. While we do offer well thought out educational tracks, there is an unmeasurable wealth of knowledge in your fellow attendees. Can you offer any advice for attendees of the show who are looking to get more involved with WISPA’s primary missions of encouraging lawmakers to support the WISP community and demystify government rules and regulations? TC: There are lots of ways to get more involved with WISPA’s policy advocacy activities. Within WISPA, members can volunteer to serve as State Coordinators or members of our FCC or Legislative Committees. There are also independent organizations such as WISP PAC, a political action committee for the fixed wireless industry that hosts an event at each WISPA Show, which members can join to enhance our industry’s position in Washington, DC. What is one thing WISPAMERICA attendees and exhibitors should be sure not to miss? TC: There are actually two things I would suggest that every attendee go to: Number one, the State of WISPA address. Come and find out what your organization is working on. Meet the board, staff and committee chairs. If you are a member, then Chuck Hogg would like to give you an overview of what the organization is working on and our goals. If you’re not a member and are considering joining, come learn more about what we do. Number two is the CBRS Keynote. Come and learn about one of the most important issues facing our industry. Learn what WISPA is doing to be part of the process and protect your industry. Talking WISPAMERICA with Trina Coffey, WISPA’s Director of Operations/Event Management Show Business