Wireless Leadership Summit 2024

DISCOVER WHAT’S NEXT FOR PRIVATE WIRELESS

Step into the future of wireless technology and learn from the best at the Wireless Leadership Summit. This lively two-day event is all about discovering what’s next in wireless technology and the regulatory environment and how those critical areas will impact your business.  Save the date and gather with us in Fort Worth in November 2024!

When: November 12 - 13, 2024

Where: Hilton Fort Worth

Register today, and join us!

Program

Program subject to change.

07:00AM - 05:00PM

Registration Open


07:00AM - 08:00AM

Breakfast in the Exhibit Hall


08:00AM - 08:45AM

EWA Annual Membership Meeting

Members are invited to this closed business meeting during which Enterprise Wireless Alliance leadership will present 2024 advocacy and enhanced membership service activities.


09:00AM - 12:00PM

EWA Board of Directors Meeting

Closed Meeting

Speakers

The Enterprise Wireless Alliance welcomes the members of its Board of Directors for a closed meeting to discuss activities of the Alliance.

Closed Meeting
12:00PM - 01:00PM

C-CSC Board of Directors Meeting

Closed Meeting

Speakers

Members of the Consortium of Certified Service Centers Board of Directors are invited to a closed meeting to discuss the activities of C-CSC and the CSC program.

Closed Meeting
12:00PM - 02:00PM

Lunch on Your Own


02:00PM - 02:10PM

Wireless Leadership Summit Opening Remarks

EWA's President/CEO Robin Cohen and Chair of the Board Frank Anderson welcome attendees to the 2024 Wireless Leadership Summit.


Speakers

Frank Anderson, A Beep, LLC

Robin Cohen, Enterprise Wireless Alliance

 

02:10PM - 02:50PM

Lightning Round

In this fun, fast-paced session, Summit exhibitors showcase new products and services. Don't miss this opportunity to learn about the latest tech!


02:50PM - 03:00PM

Break

Break

Break
03:00PM - 03:50PM

Critical Industry Advocacy Initiatives

Join EWA President/CEO Robin Cohen and Regulatory Counsel Liz Sachs for an engaging overview of the active regulatory issues that can affect your business.


Speakers

Robin Cohen, Enterprise Wireless Alliance

Liz Sachs, Lukas, LaFuria, Lantor & Sachs, LLP

03:50PM - 04:00PM

Break


04:00PM - 05:00PM

Dr. Walt Magnussen on AI, Machine Learning, and LMR

Dr. Walt Magnussen has been in the communications industry for over 50 years and began his career in the Air Force supporting secure voice and data systems. He founded the Internet2 Technology Evaluation Center (ITEC) at Texas A&M University and currently leads its Research Development efforts. The center has a focus on critical communications interoperability and cyber security for public safety, defense, transportation, energy, and critical infrastructure. In this session, Dr. Magnussen will share current research projects underway at ITEC that illustrate the ways that artificial intelligence and machine learning are being used to support critical communications.

Among the projects that Dr. Magnussen may touch on is the 2021 grant from NIST for its Public Safety Innovation Accelerator Program.  As public safety transitions from land mobile radio systems to packet-based broadband systems such as LTE and 5G technology, shared public safety radio datasets are becoming increasingly important. To support the transition from LMR to LTE, Texas A&M will gather this data from various public safety organizations to develop traffic models and determine overall system requirements. The project aims to discover the spatial patterns of the calls and build machine learning models to help estimate active regions where special attention is needed to develop long‐term mitigation strategies, enhancing preparedness, response, and recovery. Such spatial analysis, if done in real time, can directly help with the preparedness and response of the emergency. Further, the analyzed information can be used to support damage assessment, rebuilding, and even public education.


05:00PM - 07:00PM

Reception

Network with industry colleagues, visit exhibitors and examine the latest in industry technology!

While networking, support the EWA-Joseph B. Vestal Endowed Scholarship by bidding on must-have items in the Silent Auction! The scholarship, in honor of distinguished executive and leader Joe Vestal (1933-2020), awards financial aid to a student enrolled in Electrical Engineering Technology or Information Systems Management studies at Old Dominion University. WLS Exhibitors contribute the Silent Auction items which range from resort stays to high-tech gear to sporting goods. 


08:00AM - 02:00PM

Registration Open


08:00AM - 09:00AM

Breakfast in the Exhibit Hall


09:00AM - 10:15AM

Leveling Up to an Evolving Threat Landscape: Cybersecurity for LMR

As land mobile radio systems are often closed networks that offer secure communications, some consider them to be at a reduced risk to cyber attack. Yet recent changes in these systems (such as from analog to digital) and the integration with commercial LTE networks, these systems are increasingly susceptible to a variety of cyber attacks. What can you do to make your LMR system or those that you install less at risk? Join us for a session that will examine “best practices” for securing LMR systems.


10:15AM - 10:30AM

Break


10:30AM - 11:30AM

LMR Innovation is Happening Today

The LMR industry has always been a place where innovation and risk-taking is prevalent, driven by a strong entrepreneurial culture. Sometimes, though, we look at innovation only through the lens of the future. In this session, we will focus on the here and now, exploring stories of current innovation.  In this session, we showcase the companies, products, and systems that are both ground-breaking and happening today.


Speakers

David Reeves, P&R Communications

Moderator: Robin Cohen, Enterprise Wireless Alliance

 

11:30AM - 12:00PM

Lightning Round

In this fun, fast-paced session, Summit exhibitors showcase new products and services. Don't miss this opportunity to learn about the latest tech!


12:00PM - 01:30PM

Lunch in the Exhibit Hall


01:30PM - 02:30PM

Breakout Session—Growing Pains

Consolidation of businesses is a common trend …  Companies are acquired, organizations merge, and partnerships are formed on a regular basis in the wireless industry. Even with the best of intentions, there may be hurdles to overcome.  While navigating different cultures, companies must simultaneously integrate different ERP systems to maintain cohesive day-to-day business activities as well as adapt to different regulatory and legal systems.  Companies who have successfully been through this challenging process will share their experiences and guidance.


01:30PM - 02:30PM

Breakout Session—Selling to Industry


Speakers

 

 

02:30PM - 02:45PM

Break


02:45PM - 03:50PM

Two-Way Radio’s Role in Disaster Management

Although their timing and severity are unpredictable, disasters are inevitable. The two most critical phases of emergency management, response and recovery depend on seamless connectivity that facilitates immediate updates and in-the-moment collaboration. How do you position your company as a comprehensive disaster preparedness service?  How can you overcome resistance, competition from other technologies, or lack of understanding about LMR when presenting to emergency managers? Panelists will present the issues from varying perspectives, from critical infrastructure operations to those currently providing LMR-based disaster management services.


Speakers

Ralph Cleaver, Dow/Channel Industries Mutual Aid

Kevin B. Gunn, City of Fort Worth

Joe Reynolds, CIMA

Moderator: Ziad Habayeb, Chevron

03:50PM - 04:00PM

Break


04:00PM - 05:00PM

Planning Your Business’ Future Without You

Succession planning is a serious challenge as well as an opportunity for the more than 80% of American companies that are family-owned or controlled, which includes many successful wireless companies. These discussion will include alternative business structures, the company culture aspects of succession planning, and how to plan for the future by identifying the people with the skills and potential to fulfill future roles.


Speakers

Christine Adee, OwnersEdge

Steve Guller, Warner Communications

Brett Phennicie, Triangle Communications

Moderator: Lori Henz, Advanced Communications and Electronics

 

05:00PM - 05:15PM

Lightning Round

In this fun, fast-paced session, Summit exhibitors showcase new products and services. Don't miss this opportunity to learn about the latest tech!


05:15PM - 07:00PM

Reception

This is your last opportunity to visit with exhibiting vendors--and to place your bids in the Silent Auction!

All funds raised through the auction fund the EWA-Joseph B. Vestal Endowed Scholarship, which awards financial aid to a student enrolled in Electrical Engineering Technology or Information Systems Management studies at Old Dominion University. WLS Exhibitors contribute the Silent Auction items which range from resort stays to high-tech gear to sporting goods. 


Speakers

Additional speakers to be announced.
Christine Adee
OwnersEdge

Christine Adee


OwnersEdge
CEO
Chris has more than 25 years of experience in business leadership and planning, financial and operations management. As CEO of OwnersEdge, a 100% employee-owned ESOP holding company with five operating companies, she is responsible for managing the fiduciary complexities of the ESOP, along with providing guidance on the profitability and growth trajectory for each of the operating companies and evaluating and directing risk management. Chris has served on several boards, two Wisconsin-based, 100% ESOP-owned companies and is currently president of the Wisconsin Chapter of the Association for Corporate Growth. Chris earned her MBA and bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee School of Business Administration. She’s attended executive post-graduate education programs at Wharton and the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

Ralph Cleaver, LP, CFPS
Dow/CIMA

Ralph Cleaver, LP, CFPS


Dow/CIMA
Fire Protection Specialist
Ralph Cleaver, LP, CFPS, has 32 years of service in the field of emergency response in both the municipal (volunteer and full time) and Industrial sectors. He currently serves as the Fire Protection Specialist for Dow Inc's Houston Hub sites, including Deer Park, Lonestar (co-located at Deer Park), La Porte, Bayport, and Texas City. In this capacity, Ralph has the responsibility for interpretation of NFPA standards for implementation across the sites. Ralph is also the Radio System focal point for all Dow-owned radio systems across these sites, which includes a 900 MHZ ASTRO trunked system. Ralph has served with the Channel Industries Mutual Aid (CIMA) organization in several capacities, including serving as Zone Representative for various committees, Specialist, and currently as the Communications Officer and Chief Drone Pilot. In this current role, Ralph is responsible for the radio systems owned by CIMA and leads the newly founded drone program.

Robin Cohen
Enterprise Wireless Alliance

Robin Cohen


Enterprise Wireless Alliance
President/CEO
Robin J. Cohen is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Enterprise Wireless Alliance where she works to maximize industry access to spectrum, plays a leading role in facilitating the shared use of wireless networks by business enterprises and public safety organizations across the United States, and consistently delivers results for EWA members. During her time at EWA, Ms. Cohen has led spectrum policy and business initiatives including the Alliance’s efforts to maximize industry access to 800 MHz and T-Band spectrum, implementation of the 900 MHz Transition Services Agreement with Anterix and of the Medical Body Area Networks (MBAN) registration capability at 2.3 GHz under an agreement with the Federal Communications Commission. An industry veteran, Ms. Cohen brings a deep understanding of the issues facing the wireless communications industry. Prior to joining EWA, Ms. Cohen spent more than 19 years at Sprint Corporation (now T-Mobile) and the last 11 years as Senior Manager, Regulatory Affairs. Ms. Cohen was twice awarded Sprint’s Circle of Excellence Award for outstanding achievement.

Mark Crosby
Enterprise Wireless Alliance

Mark Crosby


Enterprise Wireless Alliance
Chief Strategy Officer
As Chief Strategy Officer of the Enterprise Wireless Alliance, Mark Crosby focuses on the issues and relationships that will become critical for the future of the Alliance. Throughout his career, Mark has been an advocate for the efficient and effective use of spectrum dedicated for the use of business enterprises. From 2004 until 2021, Mark served as EWA's President and CEO. Under his leadership, EWA became recognized as a fierce defender of EWA-member spectrum rights, an advocate for responsible regulatory policy, and a trusted FCC-certified frequency advisory committee. From 2000 to 2004, Mark was president of Access Spectrum LLC, a company he co-founded in 2000 to pioneer spectrum band management for private wireless licensees deploying voice and data technologies. From 1975 until 2000, Mark served as president of the Special Industrial Radio Service Association (SIRSA) and the Industrial Telecommunications Association (ITA). In 2021, Mark was inducted into the Wireless Hall of Fame.

Kevin Gunn
City of Fort Worth

Kevin Gunn


City of Fort Worth
Director of IT Solutions
As Director of IT Solutions for the City of Fort Worth, Kevin Gunn is responsible for the computing systems and voice and data communications for all City departments. This responsibility covers the full breadth of technologies including financial, human resources, department operations systems, network and radio communications systems. Kevin joined the City of Fort Worth in December 2014. He has a distinguished career in government service including active duty U.S. Navy, federal government service and local government experience in the cities of Killeen and Denton in addition to Fort Worth.

Ziad Habayeb
Chevron

Ziad Habayeb


Chevron
RF Engineer
Ziad Habayeb is an experienced RF systems engineer with over 20 years of significant, progressive expertise in Fortune 100 global companies, energy and petrochemicals, public safety, federal government contractors (NASA), and consulting organizations within the telecom and wireless industries. He has lead customer projects, including planning, designing, & engineering of complex telecommunications systems across multiple industries. Currently, Ziad serves as an RF engineer in the Chevron Industrial Design and Consulting group for both domestic and international assets. Prior to joining Chevron in 2014, he spent nine years as a Principal Systems Engineer for Motorola Solutions in their Public Safety division. Other prior roles include working for Johnson Space Center in the communications and tracking group to support the International Space Station and the Space shuttles, as an RF Engineer for Cellular One, and as a wireless consulting engineer for Marconi Wireless. Ziad serves on the board of directors of the Enterprise Wireless Alliance and is an alternate board member of the American Petroleum Institute (API) Telecom Technical Subcommittee.

Lori Henz
Advanced Communications and Electronics, Inc.

Lori Henz


Advanced Communications and Electronics, Inc.
President
Lori Henz, President of Advanced Communications and Electronics, Inc. has been in the wireless industry for over 25 years and knows that year 2 would not have been possible without the support, knowledge, and ingenuity of the team, as well as her family. Public safety and reliable communication are things that Lori holds dear; her husband is a retired Police Commander and her son just began his career with the same agency that her husband led for 23 years. Expanding beyond two-way radio, into mobile computing and wireless broadband, Lori’s team has been able to impact many communities and agencies, providing them with access to critical information during the times when they needed it most and creating trusted partnerships that have lasted decades. Lori had the opportunity to learn from her mentor and father and values the trait “do what you say you are going to do, and do it well.” She views educating and training as key to a successful future. Lori was invited to join the board of IntelliTech College, assisting students entering into the technical field in developing interview skills. An EWA board member, Lori also serves on the Board of Trustees of the Private Wireless Education Council, which has a focus of developing educational training programs.

Dr. Walt Magnussen
Texas A&M University Internet2 Technology Evaluation Center

Dr. Walt Magnussen


Texas A&M University Internet2 Technology Evaluation Center
Head, Research Development
Dr. Walt Magnussen founded the Internet2 Technology Evaluation Center (ITEC) in 2004 and is responsible for its 20 years of growth. He now leads the Research Development efforts of the center. The center has a focus on critical communications interoperability and cyber security for public safety, defense, transportation, energy, and critical infrastructure. The ITEC’s work in the NG911, 4G/5G and other critical communications infrastructure and applications space is well known throughout the world. Dr. Magnussen has been in the communications industry for over 50 years since he began his career in the Air Force supporting secure voice and data systems. For the past 20 years he has directed the Internet2 Technology Evaluation Center (ITEC) at Texas A&M University. The ITEC is one of the leading public safety and defense interoperability centers in the world working in Next Generation 911, 5G communications, Mission Critical Push-to-talk and several other leading-edge technologies. In January 2024 Dr. Magnussen began his two-year term on the National Spectrum Consortium Executive Committee because of his leadership role in 5G wireless research. Because of his expertise he has been called on to testify before Congress, serve on FCC advisory committees and he currently sits on the DHS Safecom federal advisory committee. Dr. Magnussen has his PH.D from Texas A&M University and his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Minnesota.

Brett Phennicie
Triangle Communications

Brett Phennicie


Triangle Communications
President and Co-owner
Brett Phennicie is President & co-owner of Triangle Communications in South Central Pennsylvania. Triangle Communications operates two office locations with over thirty employees and manages approximately twelve radio tower sites throughout Central Pennsylvania. Brett brings more than 25 years of experience in the land mobile radio business to his present role and joined Triangle Communications in 2018 as Director of Sales & Operations. Prior to joining Triangle, Brett held positions in sales, sales management, marketing, project management, and site/spectrum acquisition for top companies in the wireless industry, including Motorola Solutions, Inc, Anterix (formerly PDV Wireless), Teltronic Inc. of Maryland , and MCI WorldCom Wireless. He earned his AA in Business Administration from the Community College of Baltimore County and has studied Marketing Communications at the University of Baltimore.

David Reeves, CET
P&R Communications

David Reeves, CET


P&R Communications
David Reeves has been actively involved with the wireless communications business for 41 years. David graduated from Bowling Greene State University in 1979. He has a lifetime General Radio license from the Federal Communications Commission and is an ETA-Certified Journeyman Technician. David is a past President of the Great Lakes MSS Association and currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Enterprise Wireless Alliance. David works for P&R Communications, a wireless communications company in Western Ohio. P&R sells, installs and maintains Wireless systems including bi-directional amplifiers for public safety and cellular carriers.

Joe Reynolds, CSP (ret.)
Channel Industries Mutual Aid

Joe Reynolds, CSP (ret.)


Channel Industries Mutual Aid
Business Coordinator
Joe Reynolds serves as Business Coordinator with Channel Industries Mutual Aid (CIMA), a non-profit that provides cooperative assistance and expertise in addressing natural and man-made emergencies for the petrochemical industry in the Greater Houston metro area. To this role, Joe brings more than 43 years of service in emergency response as both a municipal volunteer (retired) (SFFMA Master Certified Firefighter & Paramedic) and Industrial Fire Chief for Chevron Phillips Co - Pasadena. Prior to his emergency response career, he worked Industrial Safety duties as a CSP. Through the years he has served numerous roles with Channel Industries Mutual Aid (CIMA) including Zone Representative, various committees as team member and/or lead, CIMA Specialist, and CIMA Chairman in 2019. He also serves as a Guest Instructor for TEEX Industrial Fire School.

Liz Sachs
Lukas, LaFuria, Lantor & Sachs

Liz Sachs


Lukas, LaFuria, Lantor & Sachs
Partner
Liz Sachs is a partner at Lukas, LaFuria, Lantor and Sachs, LLP. She provides legal advice on regulatory and transactional matters involving telecommunications issues, with an emphasis on wireless services. She is Regulatory Counsel for the Enterprise Wireless Alliance (“EWA”), an organization representing the wireless interests of enterprise users, commercial operators and equipment suppliers. A frequent lecturer and writer on telecommunications issues, Ms. Sachs earned her J.D. degree from the Washington College of Law at American University. Prior to entering private practice, she was an attorney in Motorola's Washington, DC Government Relations Office.

Hilton Fort Worth

The Wireless Leadership Summit 2024 will be held at the Hilton Fort Worth.  The special Leadership Summit room block rate is $199, plus local fees, for a base rate of $204.47, including local fees but not including taxes.  The room block will be open until October 21, 2024 and we encourage you to make your reservations early. Most of the rooms are king bed rooms, with a limited number of rooms with double beds. 

Please book your room online or by phone:

  • Online
  • Call Hilton Worldwide Reservations at 1-800-774-1500.  When speaking with the agent, provide the name of the hotel first, the Hilton Ft. Worth, and use the room block code (92J) or ask for the Wireless Leadership Summit rate.

Hilton Fort Worth, 815 Main Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102 

While you're in town, check out the top things to do in Ft. Worth, known as the "City Unexpected", as well as Trip Advisor's must-see sights and activities.

Google Map

Exhibitor and Sponsorship Information 

The Wireless Leadership Summit is the key event for executives and business owners in the private wireless industry to learn about new regulatory requirements, network with their fellow professionals, and discover new technologies in the exhibit hall.

Imagine having one-on-one conversations in a relaxed atmosphere with the business owners for the largest wireless system operators and service organizations in the U.S. That’s what the Wireless Leadership Summit delivers.

Multiple opportunities are available to enhace your WLS visibility - become a sponsor of the Wireless Leadership Summit. Learn more

Contact Conference Director Elaine Walsh to select exhibit space and learn about sponsorship opportunities: Elaine.Walsh@EnterpriseWireless.org or 520-620-0063. See the contract and floor plan.

Alive Telecom
Astronics Test Systems
Avari Wireless
Aviat Networks
Call24 Wireless Callbox Systems
DAMM Cellular Systems
Diga-Talk+
EMR Corporation
ET Fusion
Eventide
Hytera US Inc
Icom
JPS
JVCKenwood USA Corporation
Leonardo
Luxent, Inc.
M4D
Motorola Solutions, Inc.
Newmar, DuraComm & Power Products
Opt-In Wireless
Ormandy Software
Prism-IPX Systems
RFI Americas
Sinclair Technologies
Skymira
Sunny Communications
Systems Implementation, Inc.
Tait Communications
Talley
Teldio
Telex Radio Dispatch
Telewave.io
Westell Technologies, Inc.
Wireless Supply

Support Education in Wireless By Bidding During Silent Auction

Support the EWA-Joseph B. Vestal Endowed Scholarship while bidding during a silent auction on must-have items during the Wireless Leadership Summit. The scholarship honors distinguished executive and wireless industry leader Joe Vestal (1933-2020), which awards financial aid to a student enrolled in Electrical Engineering Technology or Information Systems Management studies at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia.

Exhibitors contribute silent auction items which range from resort stays to industry and high-tech gear to sporting goods. Support an excellent cause and have fun! Throughout 2023 and during the November 2023 silent auction, $8,610 was raised.

Learn more about the Vestal Scholarship, including ways to donate outside of the silent auction.