Frequently Asked Questions

Connect (X) is the premier business technology event for the communications infrastructure and digital connectivity ecosystem in North America. It brings together industry leaders, decision-makers and innovators working on 5G, fiber, private networks, IoT, AI, edge computing and next-generation infrastructure.

Connect (X) 2027 is scheduled for May 10–12, 2027, and will be held at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona, USA.

This event is designed for professionals across the digital infrastructure landscape, including:

• Network operators and service providers
• Infrastructure developers and tower companies
• Technology innovators and equipment manufacturers
• Cloud, edge and data center leaders
• Investors and policy makers
• Smart city planners and enterprise customers

Attendees typically include senior technical, commercial and leadership roles focused on connectivity solutions.

Why Attend?

Connect (X) offers:

• A dynamic expo floor with cutting-edge products and innovations
• Keynote sessions, expert presentations and breakout tracks
• Networking events including receptions, happy hours and themed gatherings
• Business insights and deal-making opportunities across the connectivity value chain
• Community building with thousands of connectivity professionals from around the world

View Schedule

The Connect (X) conference features curated content tracks, such as:

• Evolving Infrastructure – business models and best practices
• Capital & Finance – investments and M&A trends
• AI & Emerging Tech – innovations from data center to the edge
• Connected Spaces Series – in-building, campus and venue connectivity
• Regulatory Roadmap – policy and spectrum discussions
• Beyond Borders – the global connectivity infrastructure playbook

Explore Conference Tracks

Over the three days, attendees can participate in multiple structured and social networking opportunities, including:

• Connect (X) Annual Golf Tournament
• Launch Party and Opening Reception
• Emerging Wireless Professionals Happy Hour
• Music Movement Charity Concert
• President’s Reception and Women’s Wireless Leadership Forum Reception

These events help foster peer connections and business opportunities.

View Networking Events

Registration information, including pricing and pass types, is available on the official Connect (X) site. Passes typically include:

• Full Access Pass – main sessions, exhibit hall and select networking events
• VIP Pass – all sessions, networking events, and exclusive VIP lounges and benefits
• Exhibit Hall Only Pass – access to exhibit hall
• Specialty Passes for eligible industry segments (criteria apply)
• Media and Government/Education Passes (criteria apply)

Early rates may apply for registrations before specified deadlines.
 

Register Now

Yes, Connect (X) offers opportunities to earn industry continuing education credits, BICSI credits. Specific instructions for requesting certificates are provided at the link below.
 

Learn More

Yes. Connect (X) 365 extends event value year-round through digital content, webinars, research, and thought leadership from industry partners.

Sign Up

Monday, May 10: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Tuesday, May 11: 8:00 am – 6:30 pm
Wednesday, May 12: 8:00 am – 4:45 pm

Registration is located in the North Hall Lobby.

Tuesday, May 11: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Opening Reception 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm

Wednesday, May 12: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

The exhibit hall is located in North Hall.

This will be distributed closer to the event.

The dress code is business or business casual. Meeting rooms can get chilly, so we recommend layers for comfort. 

The Floor Plan section of the app includes a detailed map of the convention center, exhibit hall, and offsite events. You can also ask a staff member for assistance.

Yes, coffee will be available throughout the event, as well as concession carts. Please see the agenda for the full list of available food and beverage options.

Lunch Concession Hours in North Hall:
Tuesday, May 11: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Wednesday, May 12: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Yes, there is an underground North Garage that serves the Phoenix Convention Center, and this North Garage is located below the North Building, with entry from Monroe Street just west of Fifth Street. The address is 150 N 5th St.

For exact rates and hours, the official site has a parking map and reservation info: phoenixconventioncenter.com/parking

There will be Networking Lounges in North Hall open during Exhibit Hall hours. These will be announced closer to the event.

Yes, there is a Mamava pod in the North Building located on the second level.

You can unlock the pods with the free Mamava app, or by visiting the Information Desk.

Yes, you can earn up to seven BICSI continuing education credits by attending this event. Please email Events@WIA.org upon conclusion of this event for a certificate. 

Tuesday, May 11: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday, May 12: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Submit through the open call for speakers. One form per idea — topic, format, the argument you want to make, and any operator or investor voices you can bring to the panel.

Breakout sessions come largely from the call for speakers. Keynotes and policy sessions are curated by the program committee.

A specific, arguable point of view; deployment or deal experience rather than product positioning; and named speakers on the operator, investor, or government side of the table.

The committee reviews after the call closes and notifies every submitter — accepted or not — before the agenda is published.

Invited/accepted speakers will receive a complimentary full access pass. Travel and lodging are the speaker’s responsibility.

You can, and many people do. Submit each idea separately rather than bundling them — the committee scores proposals individually.

Protect yourself from phishing attacks, ensure that any emails from vendors include the WIA official vendor logo.

In previous years, attendees have received fraudulent emails or messages offering accommodation options for Connect (X). These phishing attempts are designed to deceive individuals into providing personal information or making payments to unauthorized entities. All housing-related communications about Connect (X) will come from official channels, such as our conference website and official email addresses. We do not use a 3rd party housing provider. The only way to book a room under our official housing block is by using the links on our website. Should you have any questions, please reach out to the Events team at Events@WIA.org.

The Connect (X) team will host a series of webinars leading up to the event to ensure exhibitors and sponsors are prepared onsite. These webinars will review convention center floorplans, deadlines, and go over fulfillment resourses, we will be open to questions after the short presentation.
Dates:
January 20
February 17
March 17
April 21

Exhibitor Move-In:
Monday, May 10: 1:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Tuesday, May 11: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

Exhibitor Move-Out
Wednesday, May 12: 3:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Thursday, May 13: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

Tuesday, May 11: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Opening Reception 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm

Wednesday, May 12: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Exhibiting puts your company at the center of the conversation. Your booth package provides the foundational elements needed to establish your presence while giving you the flexibility to design a space that reflects your brand. Explore what’s included and start preparing to make a lasting impression on attendees.

Each 10×10 booth comes with:

• 8’ Black Draped Back Wall
• 3’ Black Draped Side Rail
• (1) Standard ID Sign

The exhibit hall is NOT carpeted.

You can purchase additional items for your booth by accessing the Exhibitor Services Kit task in the Cvent exhibitor portal or by finding it here: Exhibitor Services Kit.

Online ordering will also be available through CSS, our show management. If you do not receive a login email, please contact esr@cssabq.com.

Information on lead retrieval can be found in the Exhibitor Services Kit.

An email will also come from Executive Events, our official registration partner, with more information for online ordering.

Show Floor Meeting Room Hours:
Monday, May 10: 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Tuesday, May 11: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Wednesday, May 12: 8:00 am – 3:00 pm

Convention Center and Omni Meeting Room Hours:
Monday, May 10: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday, May 11: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Wednesday, May 12: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Standard Room Set:

• (1) 8′ Draped Table
• (8) Padded Chairs
• (1) Wastebasket
• (1) 22×28 Sign

To order additional items for your Exhibit Hall Meeting Room, please utilize the Service Kit.

Please contact Mackenzie.Germinario@WIA.org if you have additional questions.

Standard Room Set:

• (4) Round Tables with (10) Chair at each. To customize, please email Mackenzie Germinario by March 27.
• (1) 22×28 Sign

To order additional items for your Convention Center Meeting Room, please utilize the Service Kit. There, you will find information on ordering catering, AV, and electric.

Please reach out to Mackenzie Germinario if you have additional questions.

Convention Center AV: See the Exhibitors Service Kit or go to the following link to place your order AV Order Website

Scroll down the page until you see the Connect (X) Store, enter the store and begin your order. Please reach out to exhibitorservices@avconcepts.com with any questions.

Convention Center Electric: Please see the Exhibitors Service Kit for order form, email ccooper@commonwealthelectric.com with any questions.

The shipping address can be found on page 2 of the Exhibitor Services Kit, with details on material handling, rates, and shipping labels starting on page 29. Be sure to carefully review the material handling guidelines in their entirety to ensure proper shipping procedures are followed. Please note that exhibitors and sponsors are responsible for the pick-up, delivery, and payment of all freight.

Please contact the WIA Events Team and we will assist you.

Please use the instructions below to register your staff:

1. As an administrator, please log into the Exhibitor or Sponsor Portal
2. Go to the registration tab, select ‘allocate included passes’, log into allocation portal.
   1. On the homepage, there is a step-by-step tutorial for adding team members
3. View how many Registrations you have available by selecting ‘Group Inventory’
4. Go to the Group member tab, select one of the options to add, import or invite a group member (s). Please note, each attendee must have a unique email.
5. Once you have added the group member, scroll down and select the group member(s) you would like to allocate a pass to. From the ‘action’ drop down, select the pass type you would like to provide to the attendee(s).
6. Select start, registration will be assigned to the attendee(s)

This can occasionally happen when someone begins a registration and doesn’t finish the process. The registration will return to your total after 24 hours. If you need immediate assistance, please contact the Events Team.

The portal platform only allows each company to have one admin log in. You are unable to have additional admins. If you need to update your admin, please reach out to events@wia.org.

Sometimes, emails may end up in your spam folder, so please check all inboxes for an email from Connect (X). If you still haven’t received the email, please email the Events Team.