Connect (X) 2026 | Day 1 Highlights

From early-morning tee times to forward-looking policy discussions, Connect (X) 2026 kicked off today setting the tone for a week of connection, collaboration, and industry momentum. Read the highlights:

Connect (X) 2026 kicked off Monday with the Annual Golf Tournament at Jacaranda Golf Club, giving attendees an early opportunity to reconnect and build relationships ahead of the conference week. The tournament set a relaxed, collegial tone for a packed week of programming.

Telecom Trailblazers

The Telecom Trailblazers Leadership Team hosted its largest event to date, welcoming students from multiple Broward County high schools alongside 30+ telecommunications and wireless industry leaders. Panels highlighted real-world telecom careers—from RF engineering and project management to marketing and sales—with candid discussions around education paths and salary growth. The program also featured an AI-focused small cell design challenge and fast‑paced mentorship sessions that gave students direct access to industry insight and advice.

Satellite Partnership Summit

The Satellite Partnership Summit explored the evolving role of satellite within the broader connectivity ecosystem, touching on regulation, performance expectations, and emerging use cases. Mike Dano of Ookla shared that the U.S. accounts for roughly half of all global direct‑to‑device scans, adding a Star Wars nod fitting for May the 4th as attention turned to space. Panelists also highlighted recent FCC EPD rule updates as a major enabler for LEO innovation, growing D2D adoption, and new collaboration opportunities across carriers, satellite providers, and infrastructure companies.

Women in Leadership Symposium

Hosted by the Women’s Wireless Leadership Forum, the Women in Leadership Symposium focused on authentic leadership, confidence, and effective communication in a competitive industry landscape. The half‑day program blended speed networking, keynote remarks, leadership panels, and interactive workshops led by experienced executives. The session reinforced the growing presence and influence of women leaders across the telecom ecosystem – from keynote speaker Jeannie Weaver’s practical roadmap for rediscovering your core energy and leading with intention to a panel featuring Kristen Beyer, Brian Wing, and Mary Lou (moderated by Nichole Thomas) that sparked real conversation and a Mastering Crucial Conversations workshop.

Infrastructure Developers Forum (IDF)

The Infrastructure Developers Forum delivered a multifaceted look at policy, investment, and industry growth. Nick Del Deo of MoffettNathanson and Pavle Volek of TD Securities shared investment insights, while Clayton Funk of Signal Strength Advisors discussed the M&A outlook for the tower ecosystem. The forum also featured WIA’s government affairs team on permitting and siting challenges at the state and federal level, and Rich Rossi, EVP and President of American Tower’s U.S. Tower Division, joined the meeting for a fireside chat.

Professional Services Forum

The Professional Services Forum examined the carrier outlook for 2026–2027 and how companies are operating within a three‑carrier environment. Panels addressed WIA’s federal and state priorities, service diversification strategies, and real‑world operating models, complemented by small‑group breakout discussions. The clear takeaway: with space, power, and connectivity, the industry can do almost anything—while wireless remains the core.

And with the week just getting started, excitement is already building for what’s ahead tomorrow.