WISPAmerica 2019 Show Guide

6 WISPA merica 2019 SHOW I MARCH 19 - 21, 2019 The annual WISPAMERICA events continue to grow in both size and scope, but a major emphasis of the gatherings are the opportunities they provide for WISPs to come together in small groups to shake hands, network and share their success stories and challenges. What are some of the opportunities for this type of peer- to-peer networking at WISPAMERICA 2019? Trina: There are tons of great avenues for networking here at WISPAMERICA 2019. Perhaps the two best for all attendees to make is the Opening Reception – sponsored by Crown Castle – which happens Tuesday the 19th, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Backstage Event Center, 625 Walnut St. The other is Game Night – sponsored by Xtreme, BEC and Ericsson – Wednesday the 20th, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the Hyatt’s Regency Ballroom B, third floor. With so many sessions and so much content, how does an attendee know which session(s) are right for them? TC: For this year’s WISPAMERICA we have graded each one of the sessions (i.e. Basic, Intermediate, Advanced) to help attendees to better identify the session that would be good for them. It is always a balancing act to try to provide for those new to the industry and those who want to increase their knowledge to the next level. If you are new to the WISP industry, must-attend sessions are “Intro to Starting a WISP 1 & 2.” Not only will they be packed with essential information, they will reference the sessions they recommend for you to attend through the rest of the week. Can you tell us about some of WISPA’s great charity work and social initiatives that attendees can take part in or contribute to while in Cincinnati? TC: WISPAMERICA 2019 has chosen a special five- year-old, named Reese Martin, who has been recently diagnosed with potentially debilitating epilepsy. She’s a strong little girl who remains an active child, but she could really use our help as she copes with her condition. WISPA has set up an ongoing auction during the show – accessed here: www.32auctions.com/wispamerica2 019 – to generate support for Reese and her family for what lies ahead. Please take the time to check it out and bid. Reese and her family would really appreciate it! Do you have 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: We need your help and active engagement! You put a human face on the industry. And, this can change outcomes in amazing ways. One easy way to get engaged is: Take out your phone and text “WISPA” to 50457. You’ll get a link to our new advocacy tool where all you’ll need to do is add your name and contact details; customize the language if you like; click on “send,” and your elected officials will hear from you. There are other avenues to get active, too. Letters, phone calls, in-person meetings with representatives, responding to WISPA “calls to action,” etc. We want to identify the champions here, so we can help you tell your fixed wireless story to policymakers. Thankfully, it’s easier than you think to get engaged. Please feel free to reach out to any of our government relations staff here, and they’ll get you started toward becoming a grassroots volunteer for WISPA. Finally, what would you say are one or two “can’t miss” items on the WISPAMERICA 2019 Agenda (see pages 10 & 12)? TC: Really, you shouldn’t miss anything. It’s all spectacular. Of course, I’m biased. That said, a couple items rise to the top of the program. Each one of the keynotes – from the “ State of WISPA ” overview by our president, Claude Aiken; to the regulatory insights provided by FCC Commissioner, Brendan Carr; to an innovative presentation on building today’s hybrid networks by Google’s Preston Marshall – will be awesome. Along these same lines, the “ Spectrum and Auction Update ” will give you a great idea of the state of play of what butters our bread – spectrum. All of this will be immensely entertaining and, importantly, useful to members. Finally, for just plain fun, you can’t beat the “Speed Dating” session. Tips on how to make the most of WISPAMERICA 2019 from Trina Coffey, WISPA Vice President of Events & Operations Best in Show