Julia Slocombe, Senior Vice President of Operations and Industry Relations at Smart City Networks, will retire in January 2027 after 29 years with the company. Her career has spanned venue operations, regional management, and executive leadership, alongside a longstanding commitment to serving customers and contributing to the events industry.
Julia began at the Santa Clara Convention Center in 1997, managing telephone and internet services for Expotel Hospitality Services. Smart City, then known as US Telecom, assumed the contract in 1999.
In 2007, she moved to the San Diego Convention Center as Smart City’s General Manager. She became Regional Director in 2010, overseeing the company’s California venues, and advanced to Vice President of Operations for the Western Region in 2017. In 2022, she was promoted to Senior Vice President of Operations and Industry Relations.
As her responsibilities grew, Julia continued to draw on her experience working directly with customers and venue partners. Her understanding of daily venue operations shaped her approach to leadership, with an emphasis on responsive service, strong customer relationships, and support for the teams delivering event telecommunications services.
Julia also dedicated her time and expertise to industry leadership. She served as chair of IAEE’s Women’s Leadership Forum and as a member of IAEE’s Board of Directors. Between 2018 and 2023, she served as a member and chair of IAVM’s Diversity and Inclusive Leadership Committee, supporting its work to expand access to industry education and professional opportunities. Her involvement also includes IAVM’s Allied Committee and the Events Industry Council’s Equity Task Force.
Among her commitments outside the industry, her service on the Board of Trustees at United States International University-Africa in Nairobi, Kenya, is especially meaningful to her. After visiting the campus in 2018, Julia joined the board in 2021. The role brings together her interest in education and her desire to help students obtain the resources and support they need to prepare for their futures. She has described this work as a commitment “from the heart,” reflecting the personal importance of contributing to students’ success.
Julia’s community involvement also includes past service on the Board of Directors of San Diego’s Neighborhood House Association.
Julia Slocombe’s retirement marks the close of a significant chapter for Smart City Networks. The company celebrates her accomplishments and thanks her for 29 years of leadership, her dedication to customers and colleagues, and her contributions to the broader industry.
Thank you, Julia! To the Top! For more Smart City Networks stories, check out our blog.
