VenueConnect 2025 has come to a close, and it was one for the books. Hosted at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, this year’s IAVM gathering brought together the best in the venue and live event industry to share insights, build relationships, and shape the future. Smart City Networks was proud to be right in the middle of it all.
At Booth #602, our team spent the week meeting with venue leaders, event professionals, and fellow technology experts to explore new ways to strengthen connectivity, improve infrastructure, and elevate the guest experience. The conversations were insightful, the energy was high, and the momentum was real.
A major highlight of the week was our panel, “The Future of Connected Venues: Harnessing Emerging Technologies.” Moderated by our SVP Dennis O’Gara, the session featured Greyson Rubin (Populous), Eric Blanc (Orange County Convention Center), and Michael Weeman (Orlando Venues), who each brought unique perspectives on how technology is transforming operations and design. Topics included Wi-Fi 7, AI-powered guest services, smart security systems, and the infrastructure behind it all. It was standing-room only, and a clear sign that the industry is hungry for bold ideas.
We were also proud to sponsor the Convention Center Roundtables, which sparked important dialogue around the unique challenges and opportunities faced by convention center teams. Tim Wortman shared a few words on our sponsorship, emphasizing the value of these focused conversations in driving our industry forward.
To round out the week, Dennis O’Gara was invited to join Freddie Peterson, GM of the Miami Beach Convention Center, onstage during the Closing General Session to celebrate the venue’s 2025 Venue Excellence Award. Minneapolis Convention Center, another one of our partnered convention centers, was also honored. Congratulations to all!
Thank you to the International Association of Venue Managers for organizing such a valuable event, and to our hosts in New Orleans for their hospitality. VenueConnect 2025 left Smart City Networks inspired, energized, and ready to keep pushing the boundaries of what connected venues can do. To the top!
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