Connected Venues Summit

Connect (X) Connected Spaces Series is a featured program within the Connect (X) conference, focused on in-building connectivity, connected venues, and next-generation connected spaces.

Sports and entertainment venues have rapidly become some of the most demanding, high-visibility environments for digital infrastructure. Stadiums, arenas, and mixed-use entertainment districts now operate as year-round digital engines hosting sports, concerts, retail, hospitality, community events, and immersive experiences that depend on fast, resilient, scalable connectivity.

The Connected Venues Summit brings together executives from major sports organizations, venue operations, mobile network operators, leading integrators, and technology partners to explore how next-generation wireless systems, automation, data intelligence, and new deployment models are reshaping the modern venue.

Schedule of Events

5:00 pm – 5:15 pm: Check-In and Welcome Drinks / Light Bites

5:15 pm – 5:20 pm: Opening remarks

5:20 pm –5:55 pm: Keynote: Beyond DAS: Optimizing Large Venue Connectivity

Speakers: Rob Kinnick and Daniel Huffman

As demand for seamless, high-capacity connectivity continues to rise across stadiums, campuses, and large public venues, traditional Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) are increasingly being challenged on cost, scalability, and long-term sustainability.

This session explores the strategic shift toward Distributed RAN (D-RAN) architectures as an alternative approach. It will examine how D-RAN can improve the economic model for venue owners and operators, while also addressing some of the persistent barriers to carrier participation, including complexity, cost-sharing, and deployment flexibility.

Attendees will gain a clearer view of where DAS still fits, where D-RAN is gaining traction, and what it takes to align stakeholders to deliver high-performance connectivity in today’s most demanding environments.

6:00 pm – 6:30 pm: Panel 1

Revolutionizing Stadium Connectivity: The 5G Transformation at Target Field

Moderator: Eric Nagy

Speakers: John Avenson, Bo Larsson, and Fernando Perez

This session explores the groundbreaking 5G overhaul at Target Field, home of the Minnesota Twins, illustrating how cutting-edge wireless design and collaboration can transform the fan experience and stadium operations. Panelists will unpack the strategic planning, engineering breakthroughs, and cross-team coordination that enabled full-venue 5G connectivity—highlighted by MatSing’s lens antenna deployment that replaced over 100 legacy antennas with just four high-performance units.

The discussion will also examine timing, structural integration, and the logistical choreography required to modernize a stadium without disrupting the MLB season. Attendees will gain insights into the operational, commercial, and experiential impact of next-generation venue connectivity.

6:30 pm – 7:00 pm: Panel 2

Beyond the Bowl: How Next-Gen Connectivity is Powering the Year-Round Venue Ecosystem

Speakers: Thierry Chau, Justin Stahl, and Michael Webb

Sports venues have evolved far beyond game day; they’ve become 365-day digital districts hosting retail, hospitality, entertainment, community events, and immersive experiences. Yet many remain confined by legacy systems built for a fraction of today’s demand.

This panel brings together three leaders at the forefront of major venue transformations. They will explore how private wireless, neutral-host architectures, automation, digital-twin environments, and new operational models are enabling smarter venues, deeper fan engagement, and more resilient revenue streams. From the Jaguars’ future stadium vision to the United Center’s ambitious 1901 Project, this conversation reveals how connected venues are becoming platforms for innovation, intelligence, and continuous experience design.

Attendees must register online through the Connect (X) registration site. This session is complimentary for VIP passholders and has an additional fee of $49 for non-VIP passholders.