WISPAMERICA 2024
[To the tune of Miss America] Herrrre it is! WISPAMERICAAAA!
That’s right—it might seem like the year has only just begun, but it’s almost March already and that means it’s time for WISPAMERICA 2024. This year’s event will be held at the Oklahoma City Convention Center from Monday, March 4th to Thursday, March 7th.
A key part of the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association (WISPA) calendar, WISPAMERICA 2024 will bring together more than 1,000 attendees and 120 exhibitors from around the world to the city known as the Big Friendly.
This year’s conference will feature over 60 events and expert sessions throughout the week. Topics include everything from the current and future state of the fixed wireless industry to panel talks on the latest regulatory changes, how to optimize your fixed wireless or fiber hybrid network, growing your business, and much more.
As always, there’s a lot going on, and no one could be expected to catch everything. Don’t worry, though, we’ve got your back. Our team has read the full WISPAMERICA 2024 agenda and come up with a list of events and sessions you won’t want to miss. View our recommendations below!
Also, don’t forget to drop by booth 425 to say hello to your friendly Preseem Team during Exhibit Hall hours. And make sure to register for the Preseem Networking event on Monday, March 4th, and come and have a drink at our open bar! 🍻
Events and Sessions to Attend at WISPAMERICA 2024
Monday, March 4th
- TechVision Forum: Current and Future State of Broadband Tech: 8:45 a.m. to 10 a.m. – Day 1 of WISPAMERICA is an all-day event designed for C-Suite technology experts called the CTO TechVision Forum, which WISPA says will “take a deep-dive into the technical issues and network advancements our industry experiences today.” This event requires separate registration and payment, and will kick off with this look at the current state of broadband technologies hosted by Matt Larsen from Vistabeam and Chuck Hogg from All Points Broadband.
- TechVision Forum: Integration, Integration, Integration: 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. – Later in the day, Preseem CTO Scot Loach will team up with Wisper ISP CEO Nathan Stooke to discuss (you guessed it) integrations. This session promises advice on real solutions to get your many software and hardware systems working together.
- Preseem Networking Event: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. – Whether you’re attending the TechVision Forum or not, you’re welcome to join Preseem toward the end of the day for our now-traditional Monday networking event. We’re happy to speak with you about Preseem at this free, informal event, but you’re also welcome to just talk shop with our friendly team and your fellow industry professionals. We’re providing an open bar so come on by to say hello and enjoy a pre-dinner beverage with us!
Register for the Preseem Networking Event to catch up with your peers and have a drink on us!
Tuesday, March 5th
- Keynote: The Opportunities and Challenges of Future Wireless Internet Delivery: 9:45 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. – After the opening breakfast, stick around in the Painted Sky Ballroom to listen to this year’s keynote speech delivered by Dr. Ted Rappaport, founder of NYU Wireless. In his speech, Dr. Rappaport will discuss the landscape for wireless internet delivery, as well as what to expect in the near future.
- Revolutionizing and Monetizing the Home Wi-Fi Experience: 2:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. – Learn how other WISPs are lowering the cost of service delivery while improving the subscriber experience. The experienced panel for this session includes Preseem CEO Gerrit Nagelhout, Susan Higgins of Calix, Troy Cross of Ozmo, and Spencer Pous of BluBroadband ISP.
- Learning to Read Your Network: 3:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. – Join Preseem co-founder and CPO Dan Siemon, Drew Wicker of Vistabeam, Rob Osterhouse of Zero2 Wireless, and Thomas Croghan of Lost Creek Technology for this session that promises tools and tips for troubleshooting and improving the customer experience. You’ll also learn best practices for capturing data and interpreting potential network issues.
- Going Hybrid: What You Need to Know When Expanding to Fiber: 2:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. – Or if you’re interested in a deep-dive session, join Jim Staheli of Positron, Joshaven Potter of Visp.net, and Robbie Wright of Hyak for a comprehensive look at incorporating fiber into your wireless internet provision. Infrastructure selection, network design, and team development are all on the list of topics to be explored.
Wednesday, March 6th
- Women of WISPA Speed Networking Breakfast: 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. – Join us for breakfast and in-person networking at this Women of WISPA (WoW) event that’s co-sponsored by Preseem. Featuring a speech by Kimberly Young, President of MKY Ventures, this event will also give you a chance to get to know and connect with your industry colleagues. All genders are welcome to attend!
- ISP Growth Fundamentals and Best Practices: 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. – This morning session is perfect for ISPs who are looking to scale their business. Topics will range from innovative marketing tactics to strategic planning and customer retention tips, with best-practice case studies presented as well.
- A Plethora of Federal Funds—A Comparison: 2:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. – After lunch and a visit to the Exhibit Hall, check out this session to get the scoop on the many different sources of federal funding currently available to ISPs. Expect a focus on the rules and requirements of programs offered by the USDA, FCC, NTIA and the Farm Bill.
- Writing a Grant for Fiber: 3:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. – On a related note, procuring those federal funds requires the ability to write successful grant applications. If you’re wondering what that entails and are also looking to add fiber to your network, this is the session for you.
The scenic Bricktown area of OKC, close to the WISPAMERICA 2024 event site.
Thursday, March 7th
- Fixed Wireless Competition in 2024: 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. – With major telcos expanding their presence in the fixed wireless market, this session will take a look at the current state of play and how it’s affecting the nearly 3,000 WISPs across the US.
- Graph-Based Networks are the Future for ISPs: 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. – For the final block of sessions at WISPAMERICA 2024, we recommend this look at graph-based networks that will examine how they provide a critical link between fiber and wireless networks, and much more.
- Titans of the Industry Panel, Closing Session and Giveaways: 1:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. – After lunch and another trip to the Exhibit Hall, it’s time to wrap up another WISPAMERICA with an informative panel discussion from industry experts, closing remarks, and last but not least, the chance to see if you’ll be heading home with a major prize from your time in OKC.
Visit the WISPAMERICA 2024 Exhibit Hall
With over 120 vendors on the floor, the Exhibit Hall will be a busy spot at WISPAMERICA 2024. The hall is only open during designated times, so plan your days accordingly to optimize your time with vendors. Lunch will be provided during afternoon hall hours so you can refuel while you browse the booths. As mentioned above, Preseem will be on hand at booth 425, so make sure to stop by and chat with our friendly team of experts.
Exhibit Hall hours:
- Tuesday, March 5th: 12 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. (lunch provided), 4:45 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. (Welcome Reception)
- Wednesday, March 6th: 12 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. (lunch provided), 4:45 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. (cash bar available)
- Thursday, March 7th: 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. (lunch provided)
In addition to all the informative sessions and industry networking, we hope you’ll find time to explore the city during conference off-hours. From water taxis on the Bricktown Canal and the city’s 70-acre Scissortail Park to museums on art, science, and cowboys, there’s no shortage of attractions to enjoy in the Big Friendly.
P.S. Don’t forget to register for our Preseem Networking Event: Monday, March 4th from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Omni Oklahoma City Hotel. We’ll see you there!
