For this Smart City Spotlight, we spoke to Sue Yang, a Technician II at the Minneapolis Convention Center who has quickly carved out a path in the industry through determination and hands-on growth. Since joining Smart City Networks in 2024, Sue has advanced from a part-time technician to a key member of the team, taking on greater responsibility in both network operations and event execution.
In our conversation, Sue shared how a career shift into IT sparked a passion for networking, the experience of stepping into leadership on large-scale events, and what it means to take ownership in a fast-paced environment where reliability and teamwork are critical to every show’s success.
Sue Yang, this is your Spotlight!
Can you tell us a little about your journey and how you became a Technician at the Minneapolis Convention Center?
S: I was working in the federal security sector before realizing I had a stronger passion for IT. In 2022, I started studying for the CCNA with no formal IT background. After earning my CCNA in January 2024, I began applying for jobs in LinkedIn right away. Brian gave me an opportunity to interview for the part-time role and the rest is history. I moved from part-time to Technician I, and then was promoted to Technician II last June after completing the Tech PET program.
What does a typical day look like for you?
S: If there are new events moving in, I start planning out drops and have the team get the cart ready for installs. I typically handle the network configurations while also helping our other technicians with the physical installs.
What role does Smart City Networks play in putting together successful events at the Minneapolis Convention Center?
S: Smart City Networks plays a big role in making sure events run smoothly by providing reliable wired and wireless internet services throughout the building. We work closely with show management, exhibitors, and building staff to make sure everything is set up correctly before the event starts.
From planning and installing network drops to supporting connectivity during live events, we help ensure that exhibitors can run their businesses and attendees can stay connected. A lot of events rely heavily on internet access, so our role is critical in keeping everything running without issues.
Do you have a favorite or rewarding part of your job? Why?
S: I enjoy working with networking gear and continuing to learn the specifics of our location’s topology. Brian has given me opportunities to take the lead on events, and one of the biggest was the PLA 2026 National Conference, where we supported over 18 wired drops and 17 wireless networks throughout the building.
Planning the drops and staying ahead of the decorators was definitely a challenge. On opening day, it was nonstop calls related to both wired and wireless connectivity, along with questions about free Wi-Fi and exhibitor internet. It was a fast-paced environment, but I enjoyed being in the middle of it.
Brian gave me positive feedback on how I handled both the operation and the team I think what I enjoy most and what I am proudest of is taking leadership and ownership of my work.
Do you have a favorite event so far? Why?
S: My favorite event so far is the yearly Home & Garden Show. It is not as network-heavy as some of the other events, but it’s one I personally enjoy.
I like walking through and seeing different ideas for decks, patios, and garden setups. This year, my wife and I ended up building new garden beds, adding shrubs around the house, and picking up some flowers after getting inspiration from the show.
How would you describe the working relationship between Smart City Networks and the Minneapolis Convention Center?
S: I think we are collaborative. We work closely with the center to make sure events are set up and run smoothly. We share spaces like the MDF, IDFs, and floor boxes with other teams such as the AV, city IT, and electricians, communication and coordination are important. We all have the same goal and that is to deliver a successful event experience.
How would you describe your team culture within your center?
S: My team has my back, and I have theirs. We communicate well, help each other out, and everyone knows their role when it comes to getting installs done and supporting events. It’s a strong team environment where people take ownership of their work but still support each other when needed. It is definitely one of the better team cultures I’ve been a part of.
Overall, are there any skills you’ve developed here that have surprised you?
S: Leadership skills. I didn’t expect to be in a position where I’d be leading installs, guiding other technicians, and being the go-to person when Brian is not available.
Are there any lessons you’ve learned here that you think are valuable for others starting in a similar role?
S: One thing to have is communication skills. It matters just as much as technical skills. Being able to talk clearly with your team, show management, exhibitors, and center staff can make a big difference on how your day goes. Also, planning ahead whenever possible helps reduce stress during live events!
And lastly, what’s something fun that people might not know about you?
S: One thing people might not know about me is that I enjoy working on hands-on tech projects outside of work. I like building things, testing ideas, and figuring out how everything comes together. It’s something I do for fun, but it also helps me stay sharp and keep improving my skills outside of work.
We want to thank Sue Yang for taking the time to reflect on his journey with our company! To read more Smart City Spotlights, check out our blog!
