BEYOND THE CONFERENCE & EXPO
IWCE is more than just a conference and expo; it’s a vibrant hub where connection, collaboration, and growth come to life. From diverse networking opportunities and engaging off-the-floor conversations to hands-on workshops and professional development sessions, IWCE offers a well-rounded experience designed to foster meaningful relationships, spark fresh ideas, and equip you with actionable insights to drive your success.
KEYNOTE SESSIONS
Be inspired by visionary leaders and industry trailblazers during IWCE’s Keynote Presentations. Starting the day, before the Expo Hall opens on March 18 and 19, these sessions feature influential speakers sharing bold ideas and strategies shaping the future of critical communications. Open to all pass holders.
Wednesday, March 18
9:05am - 9:20am
Signals, Security, and the Strip - New Threats, New Tech & Sleepless Nights
Keynote Speaker - Brett Compston (Administrator, Nevada Office of Emergency Management)
9:20am - 9:40am
Where Insights Meet Action: Mapping at the Core of Public Safety Technology
Keynote Speaker - TJ Kennedy (CEO, GeoComm)
9:40am - 10:05am
Keynote Speakers - Patty Roze (Vice President, Public Sector, Verizon) & John Chaney (Chief Infrastructure & Communications Officer, City of Irving)
Thursday, March 19
9:05am - 9:25am
Don’t Gamble on AI: A Leadership Framework for High-Stakes Technology Acquisition
Keynote Speaker - Jessica Ballew (Chief of Information Technology, Texas Department of Public Safety)
SPECIAL EVENTS AT IWCE 2026
Lunch & Learn Sessions
Lunch and Learn is a great opportunity to maximize the value of attending IWCE! Grab your lunch and join us on Level 3, Room W315, to tune in to a lively discussion on the stage covering a non-technical topic and share your thoughts with fellow peers in this informal environment.
Monday, March 16 | 12:35pm - 1:35pm - FirstNet Authority Reauthorization: What Does Public Safety Want?
Monday, March 16 | 1:00pm - 2:00pm - The Aging Wireless Workforce
Wednesday, March 18 | 1:00pm - 2:00pm - Collaboration for Innovation: Developing future public safety communications solutions together
Thursday, March 19 | 1:00pm - 2:00pm - Emerging Technologies and Critical Innovation 2026
Drinks, Bites & Insights
Connected from Sky to Ground: Satellite & Drone Innovations Transforming Emergency Response
Drinks, Bites and Insights is a great way to experience a discussion on critical communication. Be it the end of a long conference day or your first session at IWCE ahead of the expo – join us in the Keynotes Room on Level 2 for an event which combines insights from industry leaders on the most industry-transforming technologies, bites to boost your energy, and drinks to helps with networking!
All badge type holders are welcome to join (including Expo Only). If you are an Expo Only pass holder, beat the crowds and head to the LVCC on Tuesday afternoon to pick up your badge and meet your friends for this special event on the eve before the Expo Hall opens!
Date: Tuesday, March 17
Time: 4:15 pm - 6:00 pm
Sponsored by: T-Mobile for Government
Breakfast and Young Professionals Awards by RCA and IWCE
All are invited to join this special breakfast organized by the Radio Club of America (RCA) and IWCE to honor the RCA Young Professionals—an inspiring group of emerging leaders shaping the future of the wireless industry. By elevating these young professionals, the IWCE RCA Young Professionals Program also helps shine a light on the Wireless Workforce Crisis—demonstrating the dynamic career opportunities within our industry and inspiring more individuals to pursue and remain in these essential fields.
This event brings together industry professionals, exhibitors, sponsors, and students for a meaningful morning of recognition and connection. Attendees will have the opportunity to:
- Celebrate the achievements of the 2026 Young Professionals
- Network with industry leaders and peers
- Meet students who are actively pursuing careers in wireless and critical communications
- Engage in conversations that support workforce development and the future of our industry
The breakfast offers a unique chance to connect across generations, share insights, and help strengthen the pipeline of talent entering the wireless workforce.
SKYLINE SOCIAL - NETWORKING PARTY
Join your IWCE community for an unforgettable networking party on the Terrace, where you'll take in the stunning, neon-lit Las Vegas cityscape. Enjoy delicious food, refreshing drinks, lively music, and a few exciting surprises that will make the evening truly memorable!
Location: West Hall Terrace, Level 3
Date: Wednesday, March 18
Time: 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Premier Sponsors:
Verizon Frontline
BK Technologies
Feature Sponsor:
Thermo Bond Buildings
SHOW FEATURES
ETA INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION FORUM
IWCE is proud to partner with ETA® International (ETA) to offer unparalleled access to certification and training in specific technology areas. Choose from multi-day technical training options across the spectrum of wireless and related technologies.
CRITICAL COMMS SPOTLIGHT THEATRE
Discover the future of critical communications at IWCE’s Spotlight Theatre. Explore groundbreaking solutions and actionable strategies presented by industry experts, designed to inspire and keep you ahead in this rapidly evolving field.
CELL PHONES FOR SOLDIERS
Join IWCE in supporting Cell Phones For Soldiers, a nonprofit providing free communication services and emergency support to active-duty military members and veterans.
How to Help:
- Bring your old cell phones - working or broken - to their booth in the expo hall.
- Companies can donate surplus inventory to unlock tax benefits while making a difference.
Every device donated helps keep service members connected to loved ones. Visit the Cell Phones For Soldiers booth #2257 to learn more and contribute to this impactful initiative.
Tunnels To Towers
IWCE serves professionals in critical communications, public safety, and emergency management— fields that were profoundly impacted by the events of 9/11. T2T's mission to support first responders and their families aligns perfectly with the values and priorities of IWCE's attendees and exhibitors, making it a natural fit for fundraising efforts during the event.
The 25th anniversary of September 11th is a significant milestone, and T2T is one of the most prominent organizations dedicated to preserving the memory of that day and supporting those affected. Supporting T2T allows IWCE to honor the legacy of 9/11 in a way that resonates deeply with the IWCE ecosystem, many of whom work in industries directly connected to public safety and emergency response.





