Smart City Networks | Q1 2024 | Pinnacle

From the Desk of the

MARK HALEY President Smart City Networks

TEAMS WORK!

Teamwork is the heartbeat of Smart City Networks. While we operate as one cohesive unit, we’re also composed of a large assortment of smaller teams spread across the nation who always collaborate closely with our corporate team. This interconnectedness is the cornerstone of our success. Without the dedication of our teams, we wouldn’t be where we are today, and couldn’t deliver an unforgettable customer experience.

What does teamwork mean to Smart City? It means learning from one other, which is exemplified in this issue’s Women’s Appreciation Month feature. As we celebrated International Women’s Day and WAM throughout March, remarkable women within Smart City shared their personal journeys, achievements, and words of encouragement for other women in our industry and within our company. It allowed for diverse perspectives and valuable insights, and we thank them for their participation.

Teamwork also means unwavering support for one another. While Smart City is adept at overcoming any challenge, we know it’s okay to ask for help sometimes. Our events sometimes require technicians and customer service representatives to travel to different centers for support and training, and while our Customer Sales and Service Representative Gatalina Sasaki is highlighted in this issue’s Employee Spotlight, this quarter was filled with team members traveling to assist our partnered convention centers, sometimes for as long as a month, and we thank everyone for their commitment to being ultimate team players.

And teamwork also means diligence. Within this Pinnacle’s pages, you’ll witness the fruits of our labor as we helped bring numerous high-profile events to life. Coincidentally, this issue also includes an extensive sport spread, highlighting a mixture of championship team-based sporting spectacles including the NBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis and the College Football Playoff National Championship in Houston. No matter the event, our teams worked hard so their teams could succeed. A very fitting example of Smart City at our finest.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to our latest Pinnacle issue, and we hope you take the time to read and enjoy it! To the top!

A SAN DIEGO PROMOTION

CPR TRAINING IN LOS ANGELES

We want to give a special shoutout to two of our team members, Earvin Claros and Keely McGaffin at the Los Angeles Convention Center, for working hard and completing the Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR and AED class alongside other members of the building’s ASM team. These types of training exercises are incredibly important to help deal with a crisis. Both Earvin and Keely learned crucial life-saving techniques and protocols, while gaining a stronger understanding of emergency responses. In the end, they both earned a well-deserved certification! We are so proud of our employees when they take the time to improve themselves and learn new skills. We continue to be grateful for these opportunities and encourage all our employees to take the steps necessary to prepare themselves.

Smart City Networks would like to congratulate Deyvid Diego, who was recently promoted to our Data Operations Professional at the San Diego Convention Center. Deyvid has been a wonderful employee over the past 5 years, and we are excited for his new opportunity. Over the past 5 years, Deyvid has accomplished a lot, including assisting the Hawaii Convention Center and has been a leader for the technical staff in San Diego. Deyvid is currently enrolled at Cal State University San Bernadino and will graduate this May with his bachelor’s degree in information systems and technology.

NEW DIRECTIONS IN PHOENIX

At its core, our business is built on our relationship with people, and we are always thrilled to see our friends and partners succeed. That is why we would like to congratulate Jerry Harper and Bob Fingerman at the Phoenix Convention Center (PCC) for assuming the roles of Director and Assistant Director, respectively. Both are seasoned professionals with years of experience. Harper has previous experience as the Deputy Director of Sales & Marketing, while Fingerman acted as Deputy Director overseeing Venue Operations. The Director position became vacant in 2023 when John Chan, the center’s long-serving leader, was promoted to Deputy City Manager with the City of Phoenix. In that time, both Harper and Fingerman have served as Acting Director and did a phenomenal job leading the Phoenix team during the transitional period. We are excited to continue working with both as Smart City was recently awarded both the Event Communications and DAS contracts by the City of Phoenix.

ESTABLISHING GOOD RAPPORT

Smart City would like to congratulate Dave Nagel, our Operations Manager at the Anaheim Convention Center, for graduating from Rapport Leadership Breakthrough One, and Debbie Olivas, our General Manager at the Colorado Convention Center, for graduating from Rapport Power Communication this quarter. Their long tenure with our company, while showcasing a drive to seek out new learning opportunities, is what Smart City is all about. We eagerly anticipate seeing how they utilize their newfound skills as they bring different leadership strategies back to their Anaheim and Denver communities!

PCMA BOOST

Smart City Networks always strives to deliver an unforgettable customer experience. We work hard to cultivate our client relationships to ensure event success and it makes us incredibly proud of our San Diego team to see such a stellar boost from one of the largest industry events in the United States! Truly this is an example of one of our core business principles, Teams Work!

Dear Kasandra and Matt, It’s hard to believe that we closed out an incredibly successful Convening Leaders 2024 less than three weeks ago. I hope you and your team have had a chance to rest and recharge, and at the same time, reflect on the incredible experience you and your team helped to deliver for more than 5,000 participants.

We were thrilled to return to San Diego for CL24 not only because it’s America’s brightest city, but also because your community reflects and share PCMA’s values. We lead with our values and act with purpose striving to bring sustainability and inclusivity to life in everything we do. Together, we did not just produce an incredible event, we created an event that is a model of how events should be staged in order to increase engagement, build community and drive business outcomes.

PCMA is fortunate to have incredible partnersand many new friends - throughout the San Diego

community. Your team clearly demonstrated how business events truly shine and produce economic opportunities that drive prosperity for your residents and all participants. We connected, explored, challenged conventional thinking, built upon existing business relationships, and found new ones - and we had fun in the process.

You all proved that the San Diego community delivers on a memorable experience. On behalf of the PCMA Board of Directors and Team PCMA, congratulations! Thank you for your commitment, partnership, and friendship.

My very best, Sherrif Karamat, CAE, President & CEO - PCMA and CEMA

Keith McNeely, our General Manager at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, has been a staple of Smart City Networks literally since before the beginning. That’s not an exaggeration. He celebrates his 45th anniversary with us this year and will retire at the end of 2024. He has had a monumental career and as he takes one final well-earned victory lap, he wanted to share some of his thoughts and reflect on his long journey with Smart City.

IT’S THE PEOPLE

A proverb of the Maori people in New Zealand is: What is the most important thing in the world? “He Tangata He Tangata He Tangata.” It’s the people it’s the people it’s the people.

The constitution of the United States starts with We the People, when I heard my friend Abraham Lincoln speak at Gettysburg he talked about government of the people, by the people, for the people. The third business principle at Smart City Networks is It’s the people.

So, who are the people and why are they so important?

The people are us, every customer, every team member, every family member, we are all the people. Many of the people served our country so that we may be free. If people are the utmost important thing in the world, then we are the greatest quality that Smart City has. We are Smart City, and I am honored to be a part of it.

Over the last 40 years I have seen our team members across the country dedicate their lives to not only Smart City but to our customers. Leaving their families and traveling wherever needed and working countless hours to ensure the people are taken care of. Working weekends, holidays, and even working 2 days straight without going home. Who does that? The people at Smart City do!

The longevity of our people, says a great deal about the company, and the people. It demonstrates the dedication of our team members. We have 16 team members with 20 years or more with the company, and here they are: Bob Sutton 48 years, Dave Nagel 35 years, Henry De La Rosa 29 years, Adrian Juarez 29 years, Vanessa Cauthen 29 years, Julia Slocombe 26 years, Kevin Patch 25 years, Joe Melancon 25 years, Gregory Smith 24 years, David Langford 23 years, Chris Wharry 22 years, Dennis O’Gara 22 years, Tim Wortman 21 years, Michael Prosser 22 years, Michael Newton 21 years, and Eleazar Martinez 20 years. That is 421 years of experience between 16 team members.

It is also important to note that 30 years ago Jim Pearson and Marty Rubin believed in us, and trusted in us when they purchased the company. They had a vision of what we could be at Smart City, and we thank you. The people at Smart City are what put us ahead of any competitor. After 40 years of experience, we are the best of the best. I believe no one does it better.

The one thing I will miss the most when I retire is the people at Smart City. Thank you for being a part of my life for so many years.

Onward Ho!

GATALINA SASAKI

Gatalina Sasaki is a CSSR Representative at our corporate Smart City Networks office and recently had the chance to venture out to the San Diego Convention Center to gain valuable hands-on experience while working with the field team. We caught up with Gatalina to talk about her experience! Gatalina, this is your spotlight!

HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN YOU FOUND OUT YOU WOULD BE TRAVELING TO SAN DIEGO?

G: I didn’t think they were going to send me off on a trip so early in my career, but it was awesome!

SO WHAT DID YOU GO OUT TO SAN DIEGO SPECIFICALLY

FOR?

G: Mostly to get a feel of how fieldwork is performed. My job entails making it essentially easier for field customer service and field techs to do their jobs. So being able to get my feet in and learn more about what exactly it is they need from me at the corporate office was the overall goal.

ARE THERE ANY BIG HIGHLIGHTS THAT ESPECIALLY STOOD OUT WHILE YOU WERE THERE?

G: Yeah, it was great communicating with the other customer service person that was there. Her name is Emily and she

To learn more about Keith and Gatalina, as well as view all our Smart City Spotlights, check out our blog!

works at the San Diego Convention Center and the Los Angeles Convention Center. It was cool to get her insight. Our jobs don’t really differ that much, but I had to lean on her for a lot of questions, and I was appreciative of her for being there. But in that same regard, before I left, I had the opportunity to speak with her about what she needed as a field customer service representative. It was great hearing exactly how I could be of best assistance to the field.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS THE BIGGEST THING THAT YOU LEARNED FROM YOUR TRIP?

G: The biggest thing I learned… Keep all my electronics in my to-go bag! But other than that, it was just learning about the overall process of what field technicians need. I strive to help the field in any way that I can, so being able to communicate with them was super cool.

WHAT DO YOU SEE IS THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CORPORATE TO FIELD LIFE?

G: The pace of things was the biggest difference between corporate to field life, you know what I mean? At corporate, we definitely have a bigger and longer timeline to work with. But once you’re onsite, you’ve got to deal with issues as soon as you speak to the customer and resolve things as soon as possible.

ANY FINAL THOUGHTS?

G: Overall, everything was super great. It was cool to hang out with the techs and get to know about the whole daily work function. Being able to experience the overall camaraderie San Diego has within their own center was a lot of fun.

March saw the celebration of Women’s Appreciation Month at Smart City Networks. This was an opportunity to reflect and express gratitude for the women who have paved the way for us. Julia Slocombe, Senior VP of Operations and Industry Relations at Smart City Networks, shares her personal insights on the significance of this occasion and the importance of honoring women’s contributions, especially within the tech industry.

“For me, Women’s Appreciation Month is a time to acknowledge the bravery, resiliency, and grace of the women closest to me,” says Julia. “Whether it’s my mom, auntie, sister, mentor, or friends, they serve as shining examples of how to thrive both personally and professionally.”

Reflecting on this year’s theme, Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, Julia commends Smart City Networks for its meaningful efforts in this regard. “Smart City has made significant strides in promoting diversity and inclusion,” she explains. “From attracting and retaining women leaders to supporting initiatives that champion equity and inclusion, the company’s commitment is evident.”

In her role, Julia actively champions the values of equity and diversity within Smart City Networks. She highlights the company’s longstanding involvement with industry organizations such as IAVM and IAEE, where she has chaired committees and supported initiatives promoting diversity and inclusion. “I’m proud of the contributions Smart City has made to the industry,” says Julia. “Whether it’s through sponsorship, scholarships, or supporting women-led events, we’re committed to fostering an inclusive environment.”

When asked about standout experiences, Julia highlights her involvement with the IAEE Women Leadership Forum. “It’s a day of learning and networking with women industry peers and clients,” she shares. “Moderating a panel of women leaders who have attended the event for a decade was a particularly memorable experience.”

As Women’s Appreciation Month draws to a close, Julia Slocombe’s insights serve as a reminder of the importance of celebrating and supporting women in the workplace. With leaders like Julia at the forefront, Smart City Networks continues to pave the way for equity, diversity, and inclusion in the tech industry.

To further reach our diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) goals, Smart City takes pride in its C.A.R.E.S. program. It was great to sit down with Julia to learn more about the program’s significance and its impact on supporting women within the organization and beyond.

The C.A.R.E.S. program, an acronym for Community, Accountability, Retention/Recruitment/Recognition, Equity, and Support, embodies Smart City’s commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace culture.

Community initiatives encompass outreach, charitable giving, and volunteerism, reflecting Smart City’s dedication to giving back to the communities it serves. Accountability is maintained through an employee resource group, ensuring compliance and mutual accountability for the DEI and C.A.R.E.S. program.

Retention, Recruitment, and Recognition efforts focus on diversifying the workplace through targeted recruitment strategies and programs aimed at retaining talent. Julia highlights the importance of professional development opportunities for all employees, with a special emphasis on supporting women in leadership roles.

In response to a question regarding the specific support for women within the organization and the wider community, Julia elaborates on Smart City’s efforts to diversify supervisory and management roles. “While historically technology-based companies have been skewed male, we’re actively working to change that narrative,” she explains.

When asked about the overarching goals of the C.A.R.E.S. program, Julia emphasizes the importance of education and awareness. “Each individual brings unique experiences and perspectives to the table,” she notes. “By investing in education and awareness, we can create a workplace where our women thrive and feel valued, while ensuring respect and inclusivity for all.” Check out Julia’s full interview!

Julia Slocombe

In continuing to highlight amazing women within our company, Smart City looked to a few of our amazing General Managers. Antoinette Ibarra, Tami Perez, and Kyoko Sarchet-Hicks of Kansas City, Santa Clara, and Houston respectively, hold pivotal roles as leaders within our organization. We sat down with them to explore their journeys, discuss experiences, and hear insights on Smart City Management.

Throughout our conversations, a common thread emerged. Their deep-rooted passion for their work and an unwavering commitment to excellence shone through with every answer. Antoinette, with her journey from Event Services Manager to General Manager, embodies the spirit of growth and resilience. Her love for the industry runs deep as she navigates the ever-evolving landscape of event management, embracing every challenge as an opportunity for personal and professional development.

Tami’s career took a transformative turn during the pandemic, propelling her from event management to IT management within Smart City Networks. Despite initial challenges that come with a new career path, her tenacity and dedication to learning pushed her forward, exemplifying the power of adaptability.

Kyoko’s journey from Customer Service Representative to General Manager is a testament to her multifaceted skill set and unwavering resolve. Despite initial apprehensions about her transition into a new role, she embraced vulnerability and focused on fostering an environment of empathetic leadership for her team, which has helped lead her to the success she celebrates today.

As female leaders within Smart City, they recognize the importance of diversity and mentorship in driving professional development. Whether it is Antoinette emphasizing the value of diverse perspectives, Tami advocating for mentorship programs, or Kyoko underscoring the significance of visible role models, their commitment to fostering inclusive workplaces is unwavering.

In offering guidance to the next generation of female leaders, their advice is empowering. Antoinette encourages self-advocacy and resilience, reminding aspiring leaders that success is earned through perseverance. Tami emphasizes the importance of authenticity, urging women to embrace their unique identities and strengths. For Kyoko, vulnerability is paramount. She underscores the value of continuous self-improvement and openness to learning, empowering future female leaders to navigate challenges with grace and resilience.

As we say goodbye to Women’s Appreciation Month, we thank Antoinette, Tami, and Kyoko for sharing their stories. This was just a portion of their fantastic interviews. For more insights on these women, check out Smart City’s blog!

Antoinette

Ibarra

Tami Perez

Kyoko

Sarchet-Hicks

General Managers

Throughout Women’s Appreciation Month, Smart City strove to hear perspectives from all corners of our company. Through the stories of two remarkable women, Jacki Miller, Chief Financial Officer, and Alexus Gammage, Network Operations Center (NOC) Manager, we gained valuable perspective on an industry where women remain underrepresented, and the diverse roles women play in shaping the technology landscape.

Jacki Miller

Jacki’s quest to become the Chief Financial Officer at Smart City Networks highlights determination in the face of gender bias. Despite encountering skepticism about her career aspirations due to her plans for a family, Jacki defied expectations and pursued her dream of becoming a CFO. Her tenure at Smart City Networks, spanning over seven years, is evidence that a work-life balance is indeed possible for women in this field.

Reflecting on the gender disparities prevalent in the finance sector, Jacki acknowledges the challenges women face in breaking through the glass ceiling. However, she remains optimistic about the progress made and emphasizes the importance of mentorship and self-advocacy in empowering women to ascend to leadership positions.

For younger women entering the finance industry, Jacki offers sage advice, encouraging them to defy imposter syndrome and apply for roles even if they don’t meet every requirement. She underscores the significance of speaking up for oneself, citing her own experiences of seizing opportunities through assertiveness and determination.

Alexus Gammage

Alexus shines as the Network Operations Center (NOC) Manager at Smart City Networks. Inspired by her father and grandmother’s success in the tech field, Alexus embarked on her own personal technology journey. Her role involves overseeing various facets of technology operations, ensuring seamless functionality and efficient support.

Alexus’s proudest achievement lies in building a cohesive and collaborative team within the NOC. By fostering an environment of teamwork and mutual support, she has facilitated an excellent work environment that contributes greatly to Smart City’s success.

In addressing misconceptions about women in technology, Alexus challenges the notion that women are less competent or qualified for technical roles. With a wealth of talent and expertise, women like Alexus are breaking barriers and reshaping the narrative in the tech industry.

To read the full interviews with Jacki and Alexus, and all the women who contributed to our Women’s Appreciation Month project, check out Smart City’s blog!

SOARING OVER SANTA CLARA!

Transformative Vertical Flight 2024, an event showcasing advancements in vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft and technology, recently held its convention at the Santa Clara Convention Center. It included the Aeromechanics Specialists’ Conference and the Electric VTOL Symposium which brought together over 140 speakers to discuss exciting innovations for the future! A fun exhibitor and sponsor were Pivotal, who highlighted their ambitious Helix aircraft. Offering the promise of accessible flight to all, Helix requires no pilot license, with just two weeks of training upon purchase, and it certainly had our General Manager Tami Clark interested!

ONE LAST SPIN IN ANAHEIM

The Helicopter Association International (HAI) HELI-EXPO 2024, at the Anaheim Convention Center (ACC) in March, marked its eighth and final visit to this venue. It was a bittersweet occasion, but we always like to look at the silver lining. The event recently announced their organization rebrand to the Vertical Aviation International (VAI), and their event rebrand to VERTICON for future events. Keeping in line with its vision for the future, the rebrand offers something exciting in the aviation world and ensures longevity for many years to come.

Although goodbyes are hard, the event certainly went out with a bang! HAI HELI-EXPO 2024, the world’s largest vertical aviation trade show and conference, boasted 15,000 attendees from 87 countries, 625 exhibitors and 63 aircraft, and 4,181 people participating in 126 educational sessions. It was an extremely special occasion as well for Anaheim. HAI celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2023 and will continue their mission to “Internationally represent all aspects of the Vertical Take-off & Landing (VTOL) industry. Be the leading global voice in promoting safety, community compatibility, professionalism, innovation, and the economic viability of the industry.”

It was an honor to have this event in Anaheim for all these years, where Smart City could provide

its signature and unparalleled state-of-the-art technology solutions. Over the years, we have come to eagerly anticipate this event, its attendees and the breathtaking aviation displays it brings to ACC and the Anaheim community. Though we are not too heartbroken, as VERTICON 2025 will be held in 2025 at another Smart City venue, Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas. We look forward to seeing this new event take off!

The Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC) has been home to a diverse array of events these last few months that Smart City Networks proudly supported with innovative technology solutions.

To begin with some glamor, Smart City Networks joined forces with the Television Academy for the Emmy Awards’ Governors Gala. Over the course of three unforgettable evenings, our team helped transform LACC into a dazzling spectacle, supporting the technology needs of over 8,000 attendees from the entertainment industry. From high-profile celebrities to industry executives, our technology solutions played a crucial role in delivering a flawless experience and delivering joy to millions of fans around the world.

From television to gaming, Smart City Networks and LACC hosted Bandai Card Game Collection Festival for the first time. With our expertise in event technology, we ensured smooth operations for the approximately 7,000 attendees who converged to celebrate their love for cards and video games.

Shifting gears to art and creativity, Smart City Networks once again helped supply services to the LA Art Show, supporting an internationally acclaimed exhibition. With our strong network infrastructure, we assisted in providing over 180,000 square feet of exhibition space with stateof-the-art solutions and our trademark stellar customer service skills.

And finally, another large event for Smart City Networks and LACC was VIVE 2024, which stands as an innovative medical event focused on the business of healthcare. We helped facilitate a premier experience for digital health decision-makers, enabling seamless connectivity for 7,500 attendees, over 800 sponsors, and more than 300 speakers.

As we reflect on the success of these different events, Smart City Networks takes pride in our role as one of the driving forces behind the seamless execution of each gathering. From galas to groundbreaking exhibitions, from art shows to business meetings, we remain committed to delivering unparalleled service, shaping unforgettable experiences at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Smart City Networks had an amazing time being part of the College Football Playoff National Championship this quarter. It descended onto the city of Houston, where it was played at NRG Stadium, and involved activities at both of our partnered convention centers NRG Park and George R. Brown Convention Center. The highlight was giving thousands of fans the opportunity to be part of the event by providing services for Playoff Fan Central and Media Day. For both activities, we provided electrical, wireless, and wired internet to support the various festivities, as well as provided crucial connectivity for various media broadcasters.

And when it came time for the big game, hats off to our incredible team of 18 dedicated individuals who worked tirelessly setting the stage for the Wolverines’ ultimate victory. We proudly installed over 700 hardlines, executed 4 wireless buyouts, established 70 phone lines, and deployed countless managed switches. Our team’s hard work and expertise made all the difference in delivering a perfect event.

PINNACLE - Q1 2024

This year, the NBA All-Star Game took place in Indianapolis for the first time since 1985, and Smart City was on deck to help make it the best event it could be! It took place at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, while the All-Star Saturday night, which included the skills challenge, 3-point contest and dunk contest, took place at Lucas Oil Stadium. On top of that, the Crossover Fan Fest electrified Indiana Convention Center and offered dynamic fan experiences that highlighted the very best of what basketball can be.

We are so proud of our team in Indiana for all their hard work! Michael Landon, Emerging Game Technologies Lead with the NBA All-Star Game said: “[Smart City General Manager in Indianapolis] Ben Behnkendorf was extremely helpful and responsive to all of our needs. Ben’s efforts made the event run as smooth as possible and resulted in a flawless event. Truly the best experience we could have asked for.”

Smart City Networks was happy to help service major volleyball events throughout this quarter. At the Texas Fest Volleyball Expo at Kay Bailey Hutchison, Smart City ensured all attendees stayed connected with their top-notch Exhibitor Wi-Fi service. Meanwhile, in Washington DC, the Capitol Hill Classic drew an astounding 37,000 attendees from across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. For that event, Smart City stepped up with 100 User Premium and Basic Wireless services to support the event management and video needs across 122 courts.

Dedicated services were also provided for the judging table and store at the Capitol Sports Presidents Day Classic at America’s Center in St. Louis. In Miami Beach, the Florida FRENZY tournament, part of the 3STEP Sports tour, showcased the state’s finest talent. Lastly, the 2024 OVR Juniors Tournament at the Greater Columbus Convention Center saw over 22,000 attendees enjoying top-tier volleyball action. Smart City Networks continues to be the backbone of connectivity and services for major sporting events nationwide.

Greater Columbus Convention Center

Kay Bailey Hutchison COnvention Center

Walter E. Washington Convention Center

Miami Beach Convention Center America’s Center

TECH WIZARDRY AT PLANET COMICON

The buzz surrounding Planet Comicon Kansas City was huge as the event celebrated its monumental 25th anniversary extravaganza at the Kansas City Convention Center. Inside the halls, cosplayers roamed free, with everything from superheroes to anime characters getting its proper representation. But amidst all the cosplayers and bright attractions, Smart City Networks’ local team worked hard to be the unsung hero, ensuring seamless connectivity and tech wizardry for all attendees to share those perfect geeky moments. Congratulations to the event for 25 wonderful years!

MERRY HALLOWEEN

Halloween AND Christmas came early this year! Smart City Networks was excited to help support Transworld’s Halloween & Attractions show at America’s Center Convention Complex in St. Louis. This event brings together haunted attraction professionals from around the nation to get spooky! But in addition, the show this year combined with Transworld’s Christmas Show and Interactive Entertainment Show which caters to the Christmas, Escape Room, Virtual Reality, Axe Throwing, and other experiencebased entertainment venues. Basically, it was Jack Skellington’s dream event and Smart City was on hand to help ensure a successful, scary, merry event!

TAKING BIG SWINGS IN ORLANDO

displays and demonstrations, and overall work to improve their game.

The PGA Show was also home to the massive Outdoor Demo Day, which offered revolutionized education sessions taught by world class golf instructors. Smart City Networks was incredibly proud to provide connectivity solutions for the 2024 PGA Golf Show in Orlando, and we would like to thank our dedicated team for their hard work in making this event a success.

Pictured below are members of our Smart City Orlando team with our PGA Show clients. From left to right, our Marketing and Sales Manager Mark Thompson, Senior Vice President – Operations Group at Reed Exhibitions Michael Grant, Director of Operations at Reed Exhibitions US Matt Luke, our Event Coordinator Isaac Vazquez, and our Director of Florida Operations, Tim Overall. The PGA Show is always an amazing event, and we look forward to it coming back to Orlando in the future!

The great thing about Florida? Golfing has no off season! The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando was the perfect destination for the returning PGA Show in January. This acts as the golf industry’s leading trade-only event where PGA and Golf industry pros gather to discuss and discover the latest trends in golf equipment, technology, apparel, and accessories from hundreds of brands. Attendees could feast their eyes on the latest innovations in golf club technology, test the waters with interactive

LET’S GET PHYSICAL!

The American Physical Society 2024 Convention arrived at the Minneapolis Convention Center in March, where over 13,000 physicists and students from around the world gathered to connect and collaborate on a series of different topics in academia and the overall industry. The intent of the American Physical Society (APS) and its conference is to advance and diffuse the knowledge of physics through research journals, scientific meetings, and education, outreach, advocacy, and international activities. This year was an extra special gathering as 2024 represented the 125th anniversary of APS, which meant everything had to be perfect at the convention center. Smart City’s team was on hand to provide the smoothest attendee experience possible to ensure the event’s success.

Smart City provided a premium 8000 device wireless buyout for attendees, as well as 3 separate staff wireless networks, 124 Mbps in total hardline bandwidth and approximately 75 separate hardlines connections, meaning almost 1 hardline in each of the building meeting rooms. It was a large undertaking, and we appreciate our team who went above and beyond in delivering our game-changing technology solutions to help such an important and impactful event.

We hoisted the sails and closed those sales as Boat Shows galore deserve a special highlight this quarter! From the grandeur of the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show, where Smart City’s technician, Dayshaun Womble, spearheaded intricate installations ensuring seamless connectivity at the Miami Beach Convention Center, to the Mid Atlantic Boat Show in Charlotte, boasting 167 exhibitors and 400 boats, Smart City ensured attendees experienced top-notch networking services.

Our support extended to the Houston Auto and Boat Show at NRG Park, where Smart City facilitated wireless and network services for the 41st Houston Auto Show, combined with the Houston Boat Show for the third consecutive year. Notably, Smart City Networks showed their commitment to community engagement by sponsoring the Discover Boating Atlantic City Boat Show’s Captain’s Table fundraiser, supporting the Community Foodbank of New Jersey’s summer feeding programs in South Jersey.

Smart City’s reach expanded to the West Coast, providing Wi-Fi services to exhibitors at the Bart Hall Show at the Long Beach Convention Center. In the Midwest, the Cleveland Boat Show saw Smart City enable 50,000 attendees to explore 500,000 square feet of exhibits and seminars. That is almost as impressive as their water-skiing squirrel!

Lastly, Smart City’s expertise was evident at the Denver Boat Show at the Colorado Convention Center, rounding off a quarter that was nothing but smooth sailing!

Atlantic City Convention Center

Colorado Convention Center

Long Beach ConventioN Center

Miami Beach Convention Center

NRG Park

I-X Center

A LESSON INTeamwork

The Avengers, the Ghostbusters, Ocean’s 11, The Mighty Ducks, the 1992 United States Men’s Olympic Basketball Team, what do all these have in common? They are some of the greatest teams of all time! But what makes them so special? I think for a team to really shine, you need strong, independent individuals that also make magic when they work together. Teams are supposed to support one another so a single person doesn’t have to carry all the weight themselves. But sometimes opening yourself up to others and allowing help can be hard, especially for those of us who oftentimes like to do things on their own. I know I am frequently guilty of trying to handle things myself, even when I have a stellar support team around me. It’s a lesson I’m still working on, and just recently I came face-to-face with the consequences of not relying on my team.

I’m part of the SWEET Committee in our corporate office, which handles the planning and organization of in-office activities like our birthday/anniversary celebrations, monthly luncheons, games, etc. We also organize Spirit Weeks, which you will find pictured throughout this Jabber. Our most recent Spirit Week took advantage of our hybrid scheduling as we had things like Crazy Hat Day when working from home, and High School Stereotype Day while in office. I enjoy the SWEET Committee immensely and I get to work with a great team as we brainstorm different ways to make office life a bit more entertaining. And although I love our team, I know we are all busy with our actual Smart City job duties. This led to an issue during our last luncheon.

Jacoby’s Jabber

We had ordered lunch for everyone and decorated the room with a specific springtime flair. Plastic easter eggs with an assortment of toys, stickers, and temporary tattoos coated our training room. It looked great, and all the SWEET Committee took time to decorate, set up the food, and fill the eggs with goodies. On top of that, I set up a minor trivia game for people to play while they ate. It was a lot of fun! After it was all over, what usually happens is that the whole SWEET Committee comes back and cleans up. Well, I was in the room when we wrapped up, and a small snowball effect started to take place. I was the only one in there, so I just decided to move all the food out of the training room into the break room. No big deal. Okay, with the food gone, I put the serving utensils in the kitchen sink to wash them later. Makes sense. Well, I had cleaned up the food, but there was a small mess where the food was originally, so I thought I might as well clean the crumbs. I threw away the main tablecloth because it was dirty and thought I might as well throw away all the

dirty tablecloths. But I first had to remove and pack up all the leftover spring goodies on the tables to get to the tablecloths. And soon… the whole room was done. Members of the SWEET Committee came and asked if I needed any help cleaning up, but I told them I had handled it.

I didn’t think it was a big deal… until the next day where we were informed that the SWEET Committee left the serving utensils in the sink without washing them overnight. Whoops. Because I had just cleaned up by myself and told everyone it was done, the utensils were overlooked. So now my team looked bad because I tried to do everything myself. It was a minor issue, but overall taught me an important lesson. Teamwork is about blending individual strengths into a collective force, yet embracing teamwork isn’t always easy, especially for those accustomed to self-reliance. But when you are part of such an amazing team, don’t hesitate to lean on each other’s strengths and collaborate for success.

WE BELIEVE WITH OUR SUCCESS COMES THE RESPONSIBILITY TO GIVE BACK TO OUR COMMUNITIES. WE SEEK TO CONTRIBUTE TO OUR COMMUNITIES IN WAYS THAT REFLECT BROADLY HELD VALUES, HAVE MEANINGFUL IMPACT, DRAW ON OUR UNIQUE STRENGTHS AS A COMPANY, AND WHENEVER POSSIBLE REINFORCE OUR BUSINESS OBJECTIVES

CROP CONNECTION IN HOUSTON

CINCINNATI BLOOD DRIVE

Duke Energy Convention Center in conjunction with Hoxworth Blood Center conducted the 13th Annual Queen City Blood Drive in February. It was an amazing 2-Day event that saw over 600 people participate and give blood, with over 100 first time donors! It led to a total of 605 blood units being collected, which is the highest amount ever for this event. It was a great way to spend Valentine’s Day!

Smart City Networks played a vital role in Houston’s largest agriculture event. Over 11,500 attendees, including 4,600 farmers, converged for the 2024 Commodity Classic, breaking previous records. The event featured 30+ educational sessions, a bustling trade show with 435+ exhibitors, and keynote addresses by top officials. Smart City Networks ensured seamless connectivity, helping organize the network infrastructure and creating a positive event environment. With Smart City Networks’ support, the event proved a resounding success, highlighting the crucial role of infrastructure in fostering agricultural innovation and collaboration.

DECA IN VIRGINIA

Smart City Networks takes pride in supporting events that empower future leaders or have a positive impact on their local communities. Recently, we were privileged to assist Virginia DECA at the Virginia Beach Convention Center for their State Leadership Conference. DECA plays a pivotal role in preparing students for careers in marketing, management, hospitality, and finance, shaping tomorrow’s professionals and entrepreneurs. Smart City provided crucial technology solutions to ensure the event had what they needed to be successful.

This included a 300-device Wi-Fi Buyout and an Ethernet line for streaming the conference’s general session. This allowed for seamless connectivity for participants, attendees, and judges. Smart City believes in nurturing talent, and we honor this event, and those similar to it, that work to drive positive change in a student’s life. We know how much events like these can make a difference to a young person’s development, and we are thankful to be able to play a small part in making it a success.

Smart City Gives Back

Smart City Networks would like to congratulate the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society for another incredible event at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. Each year, HIMSS Global Health Conference & Exhibition brings together healthcare trailblazers from around the world, and this year was no exception. Smart City was proud to assist with the extensive internal planning and coordinating across multiple teams to ensure event success. Throughout the center, we offered a variety of connectivity solutions, from beautiful digital signage to speaker-ready room networks.

It is thanks to our amazing Smart City team that we were able to provide the best service imaginable for the event. Our dedicated staff worked tirelessly to make sure every request is answered in a timely manner. It is oftentimes easy to forget how our team can transform an empty venue into the perfect destination for exhibitors and attendees, so we are thankful for all they do! It is truly an honor to have played a small part in such an extraordinary event. Congratulations to all!

And keeping in line with our We Care and Give Back business principle, Smart City Networks was able to go above and beyond by presenting the HIMSS Foundation with a donation of $10,000. The foundation provides educational and professional opportunities to prepare the next generation of health information and technology leaders. It is an incredible program, and we are grateful for the opportunity to donate to such a great cause.

WE SEEK THE BEST IN TWO WAYS: WE CAST WIDE NETS TO FIND THE BEST PEOPLE TO HIRE AND THE BEST IDEAS TO ADOPT, AND WE BASE DECISIONS REGARDING THEM ON FACTS. WE ACKNOWLEDGE, APPRECIATE, AND CAPITALIZE ON OUR DIVERSE WORK FORCE.

Our team is always growing! This quarter, Smart City Networks has welcomed more than a dozen new members across various roles within our partnered convention centers. We are excited to see these new faces join our dynamic teams and look forward to seeing the unique skills they bring to the table. From skilled technicians ensuring seamless event connectivity, to dedicated Customer Sales and Service Managers guiding our service excellence, to accountants, administrative assistants, and software developers, the atmosphere at Smart City Networks is buzzing with growth!

Kelsey Abreu - Software Developer - Orlando

Morgan Causey - Technician - Tampa

Rensol Cheng - Technician - Houston

Erik Cobian -Technician - San Diego

Jason Hartman - Staff Accountant - Las Vegas

Necayla Lowery - CSSR Manager - Washington DC

Jaiden Moreno - Technician - Orlando

Daniella Oaxaca -Administrative Assistant - Las Vegas

Jeremy Reuwer - Technician - San Diego

Shawn Smith - Technician - San Diego

Brittany Trombley - CSSR Manager - Denver

Miguel Bonilla Jr. - Electrician - Houston

Andres Ordorica - Electrician - Houston

Sue Yang - Technician - Minneapolis

At Smart City Networks, we are all about empowering our teams and creating an environment where solutions are architected through collaboration. We have learned that everyone thrives when we celebrate team success, recognize innovation, and embrace individuality. To learn more about a career at Smart City Networks click here!

JANUARY

Raquel Chavez

Isaac Tobar

Jullymey Garces

Kara Roessner

Alexus Gammage

Debbie Green

Jennifer Wood

Brittany Trombley

Michael Newton

Ross Tchernaev

Isaac Vazquez

Tina Shields

Alexandra Zayas

Tammy Clark

Kelli Bonds

Miguel Bonilla

Kyle Rainey

Hector Gonzalez

Esteban Wences

Tim Wortman

FEBRUARY

Gatalina Sasaki

Vanessa Cauthen

Taylor Harris

Kasandra Williams

Jim Snook

Liliya Piskunova

Jesse Sanchez

Randy Arenas

Charlton Pitman

Brian Givens

Erik Cobian

David Georger

Jzamere Jenkins

Walter Quintanilla

Alyson Pastor

Derek Richardson

MARCH

Michelle Dolph-Gualtieri

Enric Escuer

Keanu Harry

Kara Lowry

Kyoko Sarchet-Hicks

Mark Haley

Kristian Kammermeyer

Cara Kroenke

Eleazar Martinez

Navaneetha Ayyappan

Robin Alexander

Patrick Kincaid

Nycole Smith

Amy Stone

Nivia Lopez

Brian Clear

Christian DeJesus-Cruz

Todd Zuccato

Karl Seeba

Alex Graham

December

Principle: In a hectic World, we provide peace of mind.

Michael Brown

Michael Brown is and has been a key component to Smart City in Tampa for 2 years. He strives for the best in all his work and is very passionate about the success of not only Smart City, but our partner facility and our respective events. He provides excellent customer service and embodies our motto, in a hectic world, we provide peace of mind. His continued success in learning our products and services as well as our technology standards have been greatly recognized within TCC! (Mitchell Hughes, GM, Tampa CC)

Principle: It’s the people!

Aria Godina

Aria began with us in the middle of a record year here in May of 2023. She was forced to hit the ground running and didn’t shy away from the challenge. In effect, she created a simple yet dynamic tool for a complex and dynamic landscape. I hope you will join me in conveying our gratitude for her invaluable efforts and stellar performance during her short time here already. Thank you, Aria... for everything you do! (David Bachler, GM, Hawaii CC)

February

January

Principle: Integrity without compromise

Dayshaun Womble

Dayshaun Womble has been a remarkable asset to our convention center. His gracious nature has warmed the hearts of many of our peers including the operations department of the building. We would like to take advantage of this platform to address the appreciation we have for Dayshaun. We admire him as an individual and value him as a team member. He is a key component of our operations and day-to-day tasks, a pleasure to be around! (Jullymey Garces, EC, Miami Beach CC)

Anniversary

Kara Roessner , Amon Carthan, Robert Gilliam, Robert Manning, Jameson Burroughs, Nicco Evans, Ryan Keenan, Michael Malone, Kristin Reed, Derek Richardson, Hector Gonzalez, Kenneth Nguyen, Adolfo Ramirez, Samuel Pierre, April Juneau, Kara Lowry, Gabriel Sanchez, Francisco Cruz, Enric Escuer, Marco Fierro, Liliana Rios-Montoya, Kevin Romero, Esteban Wences, Dayshaun Womble, Robin Alexander, Adam Dang, Sadoria Graves, Jzamere Jenkins, Taylor Leabhart, Alyson Pastor

Dewayne Martin, Charlton Pitman, Ryan McCart, Jonathan Sosnowski, Elard Flores, Shawn Lowery, Albert Kwong

Michael Brown, Guillermo Huerta, Mark Graham, Rey Crespo, Debbie Olivas, Mitch Hughes, Dylan Phu

Bill Heyer, Nicholas Trapanese, Dane Hardy, Arnold Chavez, Bill Duke, Christy Hogan

Frank Lopez, Mike Prosser

Adrian Juarez

Teamwork means focusing on the team’s success, realizing ultimately that the team’s success is your success. It also means that you succeed by helping other members of the team to succeed smartcitynetworks.com