WISPAPALOOZA 2019
WISPAPALOOZA 2019 is coming! Members of the fixed wireless industry look forward to WISPA’s flagship event all year, and we’re no exception. The Preseem team will be at the Rio All-Suites Hotel and Casino in scenic Las Vegas all week from Oct. 14-18.
During WISPAPALOOZA 2019, we know that walking the floor can be a hugely valuable way to spend your time. You’ll get a chance to chat with friends and WISP colleagues, see new fixed wireless gear, new suppliers and software solutions, and also have some fun!
We also understand that the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association (WISPA) is planning another huge, record-breaking event for us this year. With more than 70 sessions covering all sorts of topics from regulatory concerns and business basics to vendor spotlights, technical information and more, it’s important to prioritize your team’s time. This means picking and choosing the right events to attend so you can get the maximum value out of WISPAPALOOZA 2019.
To help you plan, we’ve assembled a list of 5 must-attend sessions. This is by no means an exhaustive list, so make sure to check out WISPA’s full schedule here.
WISPAPALOOZA 2019: 5 Must-Attend Sessions
1. Network Monitoring: More Than Just Up and Down
When: 4:30-5:30 Tuesday, October 15th
Why: Network monitoring is a grayscale, not black and white. It’s much more than simply knowing whether network elements are up or down. To ensure optimal subscriber quality of experience (QoE), it’s important for network managers to go beyond polling network elements. Reporting in one-to-five minute intervals with traditional NMS solutions just can’t highlight the exact QoE your subscribers have with your service. This session will talk about network telemetry and innovations that help you get a true picture of your network performance.
2. Think of Your Network as a Business
When: 8-9 a.m. Wednesday, October 16th
Why: One of the challenging aspects of running a WISP is realizing that your network is a business that requires real business acumen to be successful. Sometimes, we see the technical side of a WISP running great while the business side lags behind. This session is a chance to expand your understanding of your WISP from “just a network” to running a successful business and talk about key metrics and performance indicators.
3. What’s Next in CAF
When: 9:15-10:15 a.m. Wednesday, October 16th
Why: The Connect America Fund (CAF) is the FCC’s flagship program, with the stated mandate of bringing broadband access to Americans all across the country. We know that the CAF has been a game-changer for many, with the government giving millions of dollars to operators to expand their networks. However, this may also have created unnecessary challenges for self-owned WISPs without any funding. This session will explain CAF, its future, and how you can benefit from it.
4. Engaging Your Customer to Market for You
When: 9:15-10:15 a.m. Thursday, October 17th
Why: Word-of-mouth marketing, based on our research within the community, is the most common way WISPs get new customers. This was highlighted when we were compiling the list of seven best WISP Marketing Tips. However, this isn’t easy to achieve. With the right tools and planning, any WISP can understand the most effective ways to engage with your subscriber base and turn them into your best brand ambassadors. This session aims to cover all these aspects.
5. Hybrid Wireless Fiber Networks
When: 8 a.m. – 9 a.m. Thursday, October 17th
Why: Our research shows that WISPs are looking at fiber as a long-term service play. Fiber requires relatively higher amounts of capital investments but offers predictable high speeds and higher ARPU. WISPs, in their aspiration to become full-service communication services providers, are increasingly building hybrid networks. Such networks use both wireless as well as FTTP setups to deliver internet to both urban and rural communities. Join this session to learn more about this trend and how you can also start your fiber journey.
One other event we recommend attending is the Speed Dating session running Tuesday, October 15th. It’s a chance to quickly network and learn in a very structured environment. Whether you’re a pro, or brand new to networking, this format allows you to get the most from your time and is a great choice for anyone attending WISPAPALOOZA 2019.
Bonus event: Preseem will be hosting a pre-WISPAPALOOZA event on Monday, Oct. 14 from 2-5 p.m. and you shouldn’t miss this one! It’ll be a QoE workshop and WISP fireside chat where you can get networking and business tips from influential WISP owners and operators.
Last but not least, one of the best things about WISPAPALOOZA is the informal networking that takes place throughout the event. Don’t miss out on those and make sure to have some fun, too! (It’s Vegas, after all).
