This year, our team brought up the topic of attending International Telecom Week (ITW 2024) in Washington, D.C. We weren’t sure if sending a team to the conference would be worth the budgetary output for us. As an admitted skeptic, I was fairly sure that the expense would not be worth it. Well, I’m here to tell you why you should absolutely go when you have the chance:
Expanding your off-net footprint
One of the primary benefits of attending ITW was the opportunity to expand your off-net footprint by establishing relationships with market service providers. These relationships are crucial for enhancing network reach and service offerings. The conference provided a platform to connect with key players and explore potential partnerships that can drive your business forward, better than we’ve ever gotten with traditional outreach methods.
Identifying network engineering prospects
ITW was an excellent venue for identifying network engineering prospects. While the focus of the conference often leans towards sales and carrier relationships, the insights gained from these interactions were invaluable. Engaging with sales engineers and understanding their perspectives on designing partner solutions can help you align your offerings with market demands.
Strengthening sales and carrier relationships
Sales and carrier relationships are at the heart of telecom growth. At ITW, you can meet sales engineers who understand your service offerings and are focused on creating robust partnerships. These relationships are essential for driving sales and securing carrier contractual agreements, ultimately contributing to business expansion.
Capitalizing on fiber footprint demand
Providers with a fiber footprint are in high demand, particularly in markets that support partner expansion. Attending ITW allowed us to connect with these providers, understand their market strategies, and explore opportunities for collaboration. The insights gained can help you position your business to meet the increasing demand for fiber infrastructure.
Exploring varied engagement approaches
The conference offered a diverse range of approaches to engaging trading partners. Some providers prefer a single-partner model that supports specific customer market requirements, while others are open to a multiple-partner model for greater flexibility. Understanding these varied approaches can help you tailor your engagement strategy to better meet customer needs.
What about the sessions?
ITW sessions like the ITW Chat Show, provided a dynamic platform for industry leaders to share insights on the hottest issues and trends in telecom. A key theme at ITW 2024 was the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the industry. From enhancing network management and predictive maintenance to improving customer experience and operational efficiency, AI is set to revolutionize telecom operations.
Looking forward: SCTE TechExpo in September
Building on the momentum from ITW 2024, we are excited to announce our plans to attend the SCTE TechExpo event in September. Come see us at our booth! If you want to chat before then, schedule a time to talk with us.
Conferences like ITW and SCTE TechExpo provide unique opportunities to expand networks, identify prospects, learn about emerging trends, and strengthen relationships. We look forward to meeting you at the next one!