Connect (X) Day 1 | Networking, Education, and Regulation Insights

Monday was full of educational and networking opportunities as well as some fun in the sun for Connect (X) golfers.
WIA’s Telecom Trailblazers engaged 50 students from two area high schools at their event, called

Empowering the Next Generation of Telecom Leaders.
• WWLF leaders shared their personal connections to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
• Students also explored how LinkedIn differs from other platforms they commonly use (e.g., TikTok, Snapchat) and the fundamentals of building a professional profile. The session also highlighted the importance of digital safety.
• Three other modules rounded out the learning: AI and Emerging Technologies; Public Speaking and Confidence Building; and Networking 101.

Telecom Trailblazers is an initiative launched by WIA and WWLF to encourage STEM learning, teach young women about digital infrastructure and inspire them to pursue careers in telecommunications.

Women in Leadership Symposium hosted by WWLF was a half-day program that discussed how women can build essential skills and confidence to effectively communicate their value, drive innovation, and build successful relationships in a competitive business landscape.

The TIRAP Advisory Board met in person at Connect (X) to provide industry expertise, knowledge of occupational and operational needs and practices, advice, and guidance to WIA leadership and staff on the administration of the Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program.

The State Broadband Leaders Summit engaged broadband leaders and other stakeholders committed to providing internet for all, including the latest on BEAD funding and the strategies, challenges, and opportunities involved in delivering universal connectivity across urban, rural, and underserved communities.

The Infrastructure Developers Forum heard about international tower builds, U.S. carrier capex rollout plans for 2025 and beyond and the cell site of the future. Cell site needs for the future include vertical real estate, reliable and reasonable utility power, ground space that is accessible 24/7, and both lit and dark fiber, among other things.

The Professional Services Forum met for the second time in person to learn about the state of the digital infrastructure market, WIA’s priorities in 2025 and work on the Hill and in Congress. Both IDF and PSF were given a presentation on the impact of Satellite on the Terrestrial wireless ecosystem.

Latest News from Connect (X)

Catch up on all the announcements being made at Connect (X) 2025 in the Press Room, including these newsworthy items:

Camect Offers Powerful New Solution to Combat Copper Theft at Telecom Towers

Deepomatic Unveils Lens, Bringing Much-Anticipated Offline Quality Control to Any Field Application

Great Plains Tower Products Unveils Revolutionary Ballast Tray Systems for Tower Infrastructure

HCI Energy Reports 90% Carbon Emissions Reduction and Over $650,000 in Cost Savings at Telecom Tower Sites

Legendary Telecom Firm Troutman Amin, LLP Exhibits at Conntect (X)

Pacific Technical Solutions: Driving Network Innovation at Connect(X) 2025

RFS Technologies Launches PlenumShield™ armored coaxial cable – A Groundbreaking Solution for Pathway Survivability Level 1 and Wireless Connectivity

Solaris Technologies Services Launches Industry-Leading Mobile Solution: The Solaris Hybrid Power Tower Paired with the Mobile Power Station

Subcarrier Communications Proudly Sponsors the Women’s Forum at Connect (X) in Chicago, IL

Velox Launches FTTH Project in Arizona, Expands Southwest Operations