PINNACLE
Passing the Torch



President Smart City Networks
President Smart City Networks
AtSmart City Networks, our commitment to Continually Improve Processes isn’t just a principle, it’s a mindset that drives everything we do. Over this last quarter, we’ve seen this value come to life in powerful ways across our network, from coast to coast and beyond.
We’re proud to have earned the Top Workplaces 2025 award for the third year in a row. This recognition reflects the culture we’ve built, one that values feedback, fosters growth, and empowers our teams to innovate. It’s a direct result of our hard work and commitment to excellence.
“Let’s keep asking: How can we do this better?”
Across our network, that spirit of continuous improvement shows up in countless ways. In Hawaii, three General Managers, David Bachler, Joe Melancon, and Christian Peterson, came together from different centers to support the 2025 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine event, marking the organization’s return to the islands for the first time since 2017. The event was a huge success, and their collaboration across locations is a powerful reminder of how we deliver, no matter the challenge.
We’re also proud to launch a new feature in this issue: the Regional Spotlight, where we highlight a few special individuals and events throughout our different regions across the country. We kick things off with a spotlight on our Florida Region. From Alex Zayas in Miami to Tim Overall’s 20year journey, and a great quote from Bill Duke, this section highlights the passion and innovation that drive our local teams forward.
Our recent event support also continues to push the bar, from Specialty Coffee Expo at George R. Brown Convention to FDIC at Indiana Convention Center & Lucas Oil Stadium, a high-energy Kendrick Lamar concert at America’s Center, and Cisco Live at the San Diego Convention Center, powered by our upgraded Wi-Fi 6 infrastructure.
We’ve also stayed active in the industry, with events like the PCMA Visionary Awards and the IAVM Super Regional. These opportunities help us stay connected, learn, and lead.
As we move into the second half of the year, let’s keep asking: How can we do this better? Because when we stay committed to continuous improvement, we don’t just keep up, we set the standard.
To the Top!
When the team at NRG Park faced a staffing gap, Technician Rensol Cheng didn’t hesitate to step in. General Manager Kyoko Sarchet-Hicks shared her appreciation for Rensol’s exceptional support and teamwork during this critical time.
“I would like to recognize Rensol Cheng for his outstanding support during Q2. When the customer service department experienced a staffing shortage, Rensol stepped up and took on the role of a customer service representative. He managed service desks and efficiently handled exhibitor orders while the department transitioned team members. Rensol demonstrated true teamwork by recognizing the department’s needs and actively contributing to its success.
Thanks to his efforts, the OTC service desk experienced very few trouble tickets, a direct result of his diligent approach to managing exhibitor orders.”
I-X Center Technician Ryan Keenan traveled to America’s Center Convention Complex in St. Louis to support GEOINT 2025 and shared a few fun insights from his experience!
“I was exposed to new ideas that I can incorporate into my daily work habits here at home. The two St. Louis technicians, Mohamad Sumren and Kristian Kammermeyer are very skilled, intelligent and a blast to work with. Also having the opportunity to shadow Thomas Beltz on some of his General Manager duties gave me inspiration on some new leadership qualities I will incorporate into my daily routines. I want to take this time to personally thank everyone for their efforts and thank everyone in St. Louis for being so welcoming and hospitable.
If you are given the opportunity to travel for Smart City, I highly recommend taking the opportunity..”
At Smart City Networks, we believe that when our team members push themselves to grow, our customers benefit most. That’s why we strive to foster a culture of continuous learning.
We are happy to recognize Ross Tchernaev, our IT Support Administrator, for earning his Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification. This milestone is the result of months of focus, determination, and the strong support of our Network Operations Center (NOC) team.
CCNA certification validates a broad range of fundamental skills from networking technologies to security, to software development and it is the first of many steps in Cisco’s IT career path.
Congratulations, Ross, on this well-earned achievement and the impact it will continue to make across our teams!
Smart City Networks celebrates Jacoby Bancroft, Content Marketing Specialist at our corporate office, and Brittany Trombley, Customer Sales and Service Manager at the Colorado Convention Center, on their recent Rapport graduations!
Both completed Leadership Breakthrough One, an intensive program designed to challenge participants and develop powerful leadership skills. Jacoby’s enthusiasm for communication excellence and Brittany’s commitment to customer service reflect the impact of strong leadership across our company.
We are looking forward to seeing how they apply their training and continue making a difference. Congratulations, Jacoby and Brittany!
At Smart City Networks, we’re celebrating two team members who recently reached major academic milestones.
Kimberley Dacosta, part of the Technical Customer Service team in Charlotte, earned her Associate of Science in Networking and Cybersecurity with honors and a 3.5 GPA. A first-generation college graduate, she was inducted into the National Technical Honor Society and named an Outstanding Graduate. Kimberley also earned her CompTIA Security+ certification in April and is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree at East Carolina University.
Reagan Gunawan, a Technician at the Seattle Convention Center, earned a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science from Seattle Pacific University while balancing work and school responsibilities.
Congratulation to both!
Our long-standing partnership with the Colorado Convention Center gives us the opportunity to support events with the expertise, responsiveness, and commitment that define Smart City Networks. At the recent Crave Showcase 2025, that pledge was on full display when Brittany Trombley, our Customer Sales and Service Manager at the center, got an amazing boost from show management:
“Brittany Trombley is amazing to work with! This has been the second year that she has been my contact for events. She was punctual with emails and responses, very communicative, friendly and willing to help with any issues that may have arisen, for which there weren’t any. I hope to work with Brittany for all future events.”
When the International Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM) returned to the Hawai‘i Convention Center in May 2025, Smart City Networks was ready to deliver a seamless experience built on technical precision and strong customer relationships.
With the event requiring a 3,000-concurrent device attendee Wi-Fi network and 45 physical handoffs, the team expanded the wireless infrastructure by nearly 50 percent to meet demand. At the client’s request, former Hawai‘i General Manager David Bachler (pictured left), now the GM at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center, returned to lead the event alongside current Hawai’i GM Christian Peterson. They were joined by Joe Melancon, GM of the Seattle Convention Center, who supported installation efforts.
In total, 56 wired lines were deployed throughout the show floor and meeting rooms. Due to the scale of the Wi-Fi buyout, the team also installed 42 access points beneath the chairs of the general session. It was a true team effort, with GMs troubleshooting issues, coordinating installations, and ensuring the network performed flawlessly.
Joe partnered with Event Coordinator Amy Worden who brought her building knowledge while Joe led the technical execution. Christian stepped in whenever line issues arose, allowing progress to continue. Meanwhile, David handled all show management requests directly, resolving issues in real-time and reinforcing Smart City’s commitment to hands-on service.
The collaboration not only showcased Smart City’s technical capabilities but also marked a symbolic moment of growth for the Hawai‘i team. David, who spent 12 years at the center, saw this event as a passing of the torch to Christian, expressing confidence in his leadership.
The event was a powerful example of what happens when experienced professionals come together with a shared purpose: to deliver exceptional service for every client, every time.
For more on David Bachler’s reflections and his connection to the Hawai‘i Convention Center, read his full blog post here
Welcome to our new Regional Spotlight series, where we shine a light on the incredible work happening across Smart City Networks’ locations nationwide. Each edition will focus on a specific region to highlight standout events, exceptional team members, and the unique ways our local teams bring expertise, innovation, and outstanding service to life. We are kicking things off with our Florida Region, where a strong event calendar and dedicated teams continue to deliver impactful results for our customers and partners.
Meet Alex Zayas, an Event Coordinator with a passion for planning. After starting at the Orange County Convention Center in 2023, Alex now brings energy and expertise to the Miami Beach Convention Center, where every event feels like the perfect fit.
Do you have a favorite or rewarding part of your job?
One of my favorite parts of the job is simply the environment. The Miami Beach Convention Center is in such a vibrant location, steps from the beach. I love starting my mornings with a tostada and coffee from Ocean Deli, just 2 blocks away. It’s a small daily routine that sets a positive tone for the rest of my day.
Can you share a moment where Smart City went above and beyond?
During the setup of one event, a client requested services minutes before the show was starting and they weren’t sure on what they needed, they just knew they needed internet. Our team responded immediately, collaborated on a quick solution, and delivered exactly what was needed without any delay.
Bill Duke has been our General Manager at the Tampa Convention Center for over a year now and has nothing but positives to share!
“It’s been great getting to know everyone here at the TCC and working with my new team. Everyone here at TCC has been very welcoming, and have been extremely helpful with my transition to Tampa. The weather is definitely an upgrade from Ohio and just being in the Tampa area is like being on vacation every day.”
Tim Overall, our Director of Florida Operations, recently celebrating 20 amazing years with Smart City Networks! We spoke with him about his huge milestone, and all that he has accomplished!
What does reaching 20 years with Smart City mean to you?
Looking back, it does not feel like it has been that long. Someone once said that if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life, and I’ve been rather fortunate in that regard. I think it is a testament to the company and those I work along side.
What’s your approach to building longterm trust with venue teams and clients?
I believe the most effective ways to build trust include listening intently, discovering shared interests, being transparent, taking responsibility for mistakes, and celebrating success together.
At the Miami Beach Convention Center, Smart City Networks delivered seamless connectivity for two high-profile events: L.E. Miami and the American Black Film Festival. Each event brought distinct needs, and our team provided tailored solutions to ensure flawless execution.
For L.E. Miami, we installed dedicated Ethernet drops in key locations like registration and the show office, along with a high-density wireless network featuring customized SSIDs for attendees, exhibitors, and staff. Real-time monitoring and on-site technical support kept the network strong and stable throughout the event.
Soon after, the American Black Film Festival brought a global audience of filmmakers, industry professionals, and fans. To support the festival’s operations, we provided hardline connections to critical areas including screening rooms and printers, and delivered a dedicated wireless hotspot for attendees and staff.
The SAP Sapphire & ASUG Annual Conference brought thousands of attendees to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, and Smart City Networks was ready to deliver reliable connectivity every step of the way.
A huge thank you and congratulations to every team member, colleague, and event partner who helped make this event a success. Your behindthe-scenes work played a vital role in keeping everything running smoothly for everyone onsite. With only a short window to prepare, our team worked quickly and efficiently to support one of our largest events of the year. From the main stage to the smallest breakout rooms, every part of the setup required careful coordination and execution.
Hundreds of network connections were installed across a complex layout, and thanks to the dedication and focus of the team, the event unfolded without a hitch, from setup to final session.
Smart City Networks delivered expert connectivity for two unique events at the Tampa Convention Center: the SSO Annual Cancer Symposium and Florida State Thespians. With support from our Florida team, including General Manager Bill Duke, Event Coordinator Madison Grimes, and Technician Morgan Causey, each event received dedicated service and hands-on technical expertise from planning through execution.
For SSO, our team installed 18 hardlines and 3 wireless services, supporting both exhibitor and show management needs. One event organizer shared, “During the planning, Bill was responsive and helpful... Madison checked in frequently and was able to help with an issue we had on site.”
Later, the Florida State Thespians event brought in countless theater students and staff. With a staff wireless buyout in place, our team made sure everyone stayed connected. “Madison and Morgan were outstanding,” one planner said. “Morgan sat with me for hours... I cannot speak highly enough about them!”
At the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee was not the only thing buzzing during the Specialty Coffee Expo. As the premier event for coffee professionals in the nation, the expo brought together roasters, retailers, and industry leaders from around the world for an immersive experience filled with workshops, networking, and hands-on demonstrations (yes, that means taste tests!).
Behind the scenes, Smart City Networks played a critical role in powering this caffeine-fueled event. With more than 2,000 electrical main lines installed and 7.43 megawatts of electricity deployed, this was one of the largest electrical events hosted at the venue. That amount of power is equivalent to what it takes to run over 6,000 homes!
“That level of service is what sets Smart City Networks apart”
The show floor was packed with commercial espresso machines and large-scale roasting equipment, each requiring significant electrical support. To meet those needs, Smart City Networks brought in 15 additional electricians from the local union hall to ensure every exhibitor was supported. Every connection, outlet, and circuit was mapped out with precision and installed with care.
Throughout the show, our team remained onsite to troubleshoot, assist, and adapt to any last-minute changes. Working hand-in-hand with the Specialty Coffee Association, we helped create an environment where attendees could focus on discovering new products, making connections, and enjoying the experience. That level of service is what sets Smart City Networks apart.
At the Hawai‘i Convention Center, Smart City Networks supported the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) Meeting, an international event that welcomed more than 8,000 pediatric professionals from around the world. As the official technology provider for the convention center, we delivered reliable connectivity throughout the entire venue, covering every meeting room, exhibit space, and public area. Our services helped facilitate everything from research presentations and collaborative workshops to meaningful networking and knowledgesharing across the pediatric community.
It is always rewarding to support events that make a difference. Helping bring together the pediatric community to share ideas and spark innovation in child and adolescent health is something we are truly appreciative to be part of.
A big thank you to our enthusiastic local team in Hawai‘i.
FDIC International 2025 brought over 37,000 attendees, nearly 950 exhibitors, and an incredible lineup of training and education to the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium. As North America’s leading fire and rescue conference, it was an honor for Smart City Networks to support such a powerful and purpose-driven event.
Our team deployed 32 hardline drops for show management, 14 for exhibitors, and 23 Hot Spots across the venue, ensuring reliable connectivity during hands-on training evolutions, speaker sessions, and exhibitions.
One of the most meaningful moments each year is the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Lucas Oil Stadium, a moving tribute to fallen firefighters.
Watch the video here.
The Art and Science of Dentistry returned to the Anaheim Convention Center in May, marking its fifteenth appearance since 2001, a milestone that reflects its continued influence in the dental community. More than 17,000 dental professionals and students gathered for three days of hands-on workshops, expert-led courses, and a bustling exhibit hall featuring over 450 vendors.
Smart City Networks’ long-standing partnership with the Anaheim Convention Center helped deliver the reliable connectivity needed to keep this large-scale event running smoothly. Hosted by the California Dental Association, this event brings together decades of tradition with forward-thinking innovation. Each year builds on the last, creating a space where ideas are exchanged, relationships are built, and the future of dentistry is shaped.
Ok, fine! We promise to start flossing better!
Sponsoring wireless service at events is one way we support the industry beyond day-to-day operations. It is an opportunity to give back, strengthen relationships, and enable meaningful engagement.
At the D25 event at the Minneapolis Convention Center, Smart City provided wireless service for ConferenceDirect’s top 50 customers, top 50 associates, and a select group of industry partners.
With an emphasis on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, as well as wellness, sustainability, and corporate social responsibility, D25 reflects many of the same values we bring to our own work. By sponsoring this event, we helped create a space where inclusive ideas could be shared and lasting connections made, advancing both the industry and the communities it serves.
Kendrick Lamar and SZA brought the house down during their Grand National Tour stop at The Dome at America’s Center Convention Complex, igniting the crowd with unforgettable performances and record-setting energy. As more than 11,000 fans connected to Wi-Fi during the show, data usage surged to an impressive 1.6 Gbps, fueled by fans livestreaming, uploading, and sharing the night’s highlights in real time.
Behind the scenes, Smart City was once again the force keeping fans connected. Our team ensured that every beat, verse, and moment could be captured and shared by thousands without interruption. For years, The Dome has been a key venue in our nationwide portfolio, and Smart City has consistently delivered the connectivity today’s digital-savvy concertgoers expect, from Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour in 2023 to Kendrick Lamar’s explosive performance this year.
“Smart City has consistently delivered the connectivity today’s digital-savvy concert goers expect.”
This show builds on a long track record of successfully supporting some of the biggest names in music. Just last year at Lucas Oil Stadium, Smart City Networks helped power Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour to record-breaking data highs, topping 12 Gbps across three sold-out nights. Thanks to robust infrastructure and smart planning, we delivered flawless performance with minimal enhancements, proving our networks are built for moments that matter.
Smart City Networks is always ready to support the biggest events in entertainment. Our experience, infrastructure, and innovation come together to help fans stay connected, because epic nights deserve epic connectivity!
The 2025 International Partnering Forum (IPF) energized the Virginia Beach Convention Center as thousands of renewable energy professionals gathered for the largest offshore energy conference in the Americas. Organized by Oceantic Network, the event spotlighted the latest advancements in wind and hydro technologies, offering new programming, global perspectives, and unmatched networking opportunities.
To help power the experience, Smart City Networks deployed a 650-device Wi-Fi buyout along with dedicated 10Mbps and 20Mbps hardline services. These solutions kept attendees online and on track with live sessions, meetings and opportunities to share ideas with global partners.
Smart City’s commitment to excellence doesn’t change, it adapts to meet the needs of every client and every show
More than 16,000 attendees and 123 exhibitors gathered at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center for the Southern Baptist Convention (SBS), an annual event that brings together churches from across the nation. With nearly 47,000 congregations in its fellowship, the SBC uses this gathering to collaborate on ministry efforts and further its mission of spreading the Gospel worldwide.
Smart City Networks supported the event by delivering connectivity to keep everything running efficiently. Our Dallas team installed 18 hardwired internet lines, provided two phone lines, and delivered a 50Mbps buyout to ensure reliable communication. Wayne Mann, IT Director for the SBC Executive Committee, shared:
“Working with Smart City this year has been great. You all have went above and beyond our expectations! Thank you!”
The Santa Clara Convention Center welcomed a dynamic lineup of events this quarter, and Smart City Networks delivered high-speed, reliable connectivity every step of the way.
Sutter Health gathered 4,000 attendees for a major healthcare conference requiring seamless Wi-Fi to support their sessions. The Embedded Vision Summit brought together over 1,400 innovators exploring the future of AI and computer vision. And TechEx North America continued its upward trajectory since first arriving in 2016, this year expanding to occupy the full facility, with 5,000 attendees and 122 exhibitors.
Smart City was ready, powering the event with scalable services that matched its growing demands. Thanks to our incredible Santa Clara team, led by General Manager Tami Perez, we met each challenge with expertise, ensuring every event ran smoothly from start to finish.
Smart City Networks sponsored MPI’s World Education Congress (WEC) at the America’s Center Convention Complex in St. Louis, delivering seamless Wi-Fi and internet service for more than 2,500 attendees. As one of the industry’s premier gatherings, WEC brought together meeting professionals, associations, and destination marketing organizations for an energizing week of education and connection.
We love when our team gets involved! Our own Chris Pendleton, Dennis O’Gara, and Tommie Beltz enjoyed engaging with so many passionate leaders and innovators throughout the event. It was an inspiring atmosphere filled with fresh ideas, meaningful conversations (and even a baseball game!). We are especially grateful to Explore St. Louis for their incredible hospitality, everything from start to finish was top-tier. Thank you to MPI and everyone who made WEC 2025 a week to remember!
Thank you to our San Diego Team for all their hard work!
Cisco Live returned to the San Diego Convention Center this year with record-breaking results, and Smart City Networks was at the heart of it all. With over 12,000 wireless users and more than 113 terabytes of data transferred across the network in just four days, this year’s event marked the highest data usage in Cisco Live history. That’s 48% more traffic than the last time Cisco Live was held in San Diego, handled without a hitch. This achievement is in large part thanks to Smart City’s recent Wi-Fi 6 infrastructure upgrade at the SDCC, allowing attendees to experience faster, more reliable connections with near-zero latency.
Smart City’s upgrade involved replacing over 1,000 wireless access points and investing more than
800 labor hours into installation and engineering. Completed just in time for Cisco Live, the Wi-Fi 6 upgrade delivered the foundation for high-bandwidth features like Cisco Spaces’ turn-by-turn navigation, a first for the event. It also ensures long-term support for other major upcoming events like ESRI and Comic-Con.
The success of Cisco Live wasn’t just about technology, it was about people. Team members from across Smart City’s organization came together to make this event a triumph, from engineers and technicians to regional and national leadership. Local staff worked side by side with visiting crews to ensure seamless execution.
As Scott Neumann, Manager of Technology Experiences from Cisco put it:
“A huge thank you to you all and your teams on the partnership, flexibility and teamwork that got us to this point.”
Together, Smart City Networks and the San Diego Convention Center delivered an experience that not only impressed Cisco Live, but set a new benchmark for what’s possible in large-scale event connectivity.
• New outdoor antennas already supporting large events
• Orpheum Theatre is finished, Symphony Hall and Lower Level Halls installation has begun
HUTCHISON CONVENTION CENTER
• Floor-pocket modernization is in design with site survey scheduled for late July
• Construction is expected to begin later this year
• MDF relocation began in July
• New fiber is being installed to maintain east-side operations during west-side demolition
• Wi-Fi 6 upgrade is complete and supported a successful Cisco Live
• Ready for upcoming events including ESRI and Comic-Con
Across the country, Smart City Networks is advancing major infrastructure projects to deliver faster, stronger, and more reliable connectivity for our convention center partners. Here’s a quick look at the latest progress at some of our venues.
• New core network is live, while temporary APs have supported recent events
• Permanent AP installation is underway throughout July
• Upgrades on North Levels 100 and 200 are complete
• Conduit installed behind Hall B to support a new IDF on California Terrace
• Network buildout at the Fields at RFK is complete
• Main convention center upgrade has a midAugust start anticipated
• Planning is underway for a Wi-Fi 7 upgrade at NRG Center and Arena
• Fiber will support the Rodeo, Houston Texans, and other major outdoor functions
“This time around, I came in with more confidence and a clearer understanding of how all the pieces fit together.”
When you hear a building is getting a “network upgrade,” it’s easy to imagine someone flipping a big switch, crossing out Wi-Fi 5, scribbling in WiFi 6, and boom, it’s done. But on a recent trip to the Anaheim Convention Center, I got a front-row seat to just how complex these upgrades really can be.
What actually goes into a network upgrade? Roughly 18,000 moving parts, all operating at once. From the General Manager to our NOC, from regional directors to field technicians, and from corporate support to our project manager guiding the ship, everyone is in constant contact, problem-solving, and staying adaptable. And they have to be. Because while this intricate dance is happening, the building never stops hosting events. Every install and activation has to work around live operations. The upgrade becomes a project within the project.
This was my second time visiting the Anaheim Convention Center. The first was during D23, one of their biggest and brightest events, and I’ll admit…I was overwhelmed. I was still relatively new and just trying to keep up. But this time around, I came in with more confidence and a clearer understanding of how all the pieces fit together.
I spent most of my time shadowing General Manager Kevin Patch, and it’s no exaggeration to say I was in awe of his knowledge, wisdom, and steady leadership. But it wasn’t just Kevin who made the experience special. The entire Anaheim team was incredibly welcoming. Technicians posed for photos and answered my questions without hesitation. Dave Nagel made sure I had everything I needed for my trip, and Michelle Dolph-Gualtieri greeted me each day with the kind of smile that instantly makes you feel at home.
Between walking more steps than I care to count and watching our team perform with expert coordination, I left with two major takeaways: First, Marri’s Pizza & Pasta has an Italian Gourmet Sandwich I genuinely can’t stop thinking about. And second, watching a network upgrade in motion? It’s the closest thing I’ve seen to magic.
Smart City Networks was pleased to support the Golf FORE Dummy’s tournament at Desert Willow Golf Course in Las Vegas, benefiting the Valley High School Academy of Hospitality & Tourism (AOHT). This annual charitable golf experience helps support the emerging needs of AOHT students, who are being prepared to become future leaders in the hospitality industry.
Smart City sponsored the golf carts and provided a bag drop item, contributing to the success of this fun-filled event. Special thanks to the Academy’s students and the AOHT Advisory Board for organizing such a memorable day for all levels of golfers.100% of the proceeds supported the growth and success of AOHT students at Valley High School. Special shoutout to our president, Mark Haley, and our Senior Director of Accounting, Amy Stone, who were in attendance!
Smart City Networks hit the greens for a great cause at the Annual Visit Denver Foundation Golf Tournament this June! Teaming up with our building partner Rob Brown, CIO of the Colorado Convention Center, we helped support scholarships for local students, including those at Colorado State University, a cause close to our Colorado General Manager, Debbie Olivas, a proud CSU alum.
The tournament raised over $40,000, proving once again that a little friendly competition can go a long way. Smart City Networks’ Director of Regional Operations Jim Snook also joined in, rocking a standout golf shirt that definitely made a statement. It was a fun day filled with great company, a meaningful mission, and a whole lot of swing!
“When our communities thrive, so do we!”
At Smart City Networks, giving back isn’t just what we do, it’s who we are. Embracing our core value “We Care and Give Back,” our local Orange County Convention Center team contributed to The Great Big Backpack Build, where 25,000 backpacks filled with school essentials will make their way into the hands of students in need across Orange and Osceola County public schools.
Together, we built 1,000 backpacks, united with 36 corporate teams, 500+ volunteers, and local teachers on break, all in just a few impactful hours at the Orange County Convention Center. Because when our communities thrive, so do we!
A very big THANK YOU to our incredible team members: Mitch Hughes, Mary Rivodo, Tiana Rivera, Jacqueline Glendy, Kiana Salomao, Kate Palenzuela, and Jacob Stinson.
Throughout the month of May, our Smart City Networks corporate office hosted a donation drive in support of Street Dogz, a Las Vegas-based nonprofit working to prevent pet homelessness and support the animals of unhoused individuals.
Our team came together to gather the most needed items, including pet food, bottled water and other supplies, as temperatures began to rise. We’re happy to support this incredible organization and their mission to provide dignity, compassion, and care to pets and their families. Thank you to everyone who contributed!
We received a fantastic response from the organization afterwards, citing:
“From our pack to yours, we want to say THANK YOU!!!! We are so appreciative of your efforts to arrange a donation drive for our organization. Thank you so much for all the supplies you collected and delivered. We are so grateful to have you as a donor.”
Smart City Networks sponsored and attended the 2025 International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) Super Regional Conference , held in May at the Raleigh Convention Center. This energizing event brought together professionals from across multiple IAVM regions for a week of networking, learning, and industry insight.
As the leading provider of internet, Wi-Fi, and connectivity solutions for convention venues nationwide, we were excited to support such a meaningful gathering of venue management experts and allied partners.
Our Senior Vice President of Operations & Products/ Services, Dennis O’Gara, was on hand to meet with attendees, share ideas, discuss the latest in tech trends shaping the industry, and even witness a rousing game of Venue Feud!
We had an incredible time at the PCMA Visionary Awards 2025, which was hosted at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center! Smart City Networks is proud to be the convention center’s technology services provider and a sponsor for all telecom needs at this amazing event.
This year, PCMA Foundation recognized outstanding individuals and teams across various categories, and we’re honored to support these leaders in the business events industry! Congratulations to all the deserving recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Honorees and Professional Excellence Awards.
A special shoutout to our incredible Events DC and WEWCC team, led by Jim Erickson and Necayla Lowery, for their outstanding support in making this event a success.
For the third year in a row, Smart City Networks has been named a 2025 Nevada Top Workplace by the Las Vegas Review-Journal and Las Vegas Business Press!
As the nation’s largest provider of event telecommunications and technology, we’re honored to be recognized for our commitment to building a positive, supportive workplace culture right here in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Thank you to our incredible team for making Smart City a great place to work, grow, and succeed!
Out of my time with Smart City as a student who is part of the CWSP (corporate work study program), I have noticed that wherever you go, you take your skill set with you no matter what the job or industry.
I am a junior at Cristo Rey St. Viator, I transferred to Cristo Rey St. Viator as a sophomore. Meaning I have a previous workplace before this, which was at a law firm called Nevada Legal Services. I learned a lot at Smart City Networks. The skills that stand out the most that I formed here were communication, as well as time management. The reason why it stood out to me is because I noticed that here at Smart City Networks, I tend to use time management and communication the most.
I am fortunate to have the experience of working at a law firm in my first year, as well as also being fortunate enough to work at a job that falls under the corporate category. Working as a student worker here made me realize that as time goes by in the workplace, you are constantly developing a new skill set each week.
Here in Marketing, I was able to further develop my skill set. I have had the opportunity to understand accurate terminology, as well as being able to use these terms and apply the methods that are used in marketing in my presentation, which I presented to the marketing team. Thanks to Marketing, I am now more familiar with PowerPoint as well as Word, since I use it on a day-to-day basis. This is what motivates me to continue being a student intern here in Smart City, as well as seeing how fortunate I really am to be a student at Cristo Rey, I am grateful to be part of this amazing team.
Written by: Andres Gil
Rensol deserves to be boosted as our Employee of the Month at Reliant Park NRG. Recently Rensol has taken up Customer Service Representative duties, in addition to his operations duties, during the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo event. Rensol is just that type of person. If he comes across someone needing help or an activity that needs to be completed, he steps right in without hesitation. His efforts have been instrumental in ensuring our team’s success during this period until the Event Coordinator role is filled permanently.
Alex has been a great addition to our team at Miami Beach. Since her transfer from OCCC in 2024, Alex has been an example of our customer service excellence, always taking extra efforts to provide the best experience to Exhibitors, Event Managers and MBCC employees. A real team player, additional to her responsibilities as Event Coordinator, Alex has been instrumental in assisting our team (of one) installing and patching services when we had limitations in technical manpower during the months of February and March.
Chris has consistently gone above and beyond to ensure our customers receive the highest level of service. He takes full ownership of his assigned events, responds quickly to any trouble calls, and remains with the client until all issues are fully resolved. His commitment to customer satisfaction is evident, as he makes sure no client is left without support and follows up with the team to keep everyone informed throughout the process. Thank you, Chris, for your outstanding contributions!
Smart City Networks is expanding and growing stronger together! This quarter, we welcome a talented group of new technicians, event coordinators, customer service representatives, and more to our team. Their expertise and enthusiasm will help us continue delivering exceptional service and ensuring that every event runs smoothly. With their fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, we are excited about the positive impact they will make and look forward to all they will accomplish! As we collaborate and move forward, we are confident that their contributions will play a crucial role in shaping the bright future of Smart City Networks. The best is yet to come! Welcome to the Smart City Family!
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Riley Martone | Dane Hardy | Matt Chavez | David Daumit
Victor Lopez | Daniel Sakimura | Bailey Whelihan
Jennifer Engelhart | Necayla Lowery | Isabella Bonanno | Dylan Phu
Steven Sepulveda | Troy Woods | Jeremy Reuwer | Nick Trapanese
Deyvid Diego | Doug Sowell | Heidi Bierek | David Garcia
Debbie Olivas
Gibril Bundu | Nick Green | Vue Lee | Christopher Kissoon
Joshua Guajardo | Tina Brown | Sergio Ramirez | Frank Lopez
Joshua Poston | Mark Thompson | Rob Cartagine | Mark Kotal
Robbie Deery | Wendy Saindon | Omar Santiago | Christian Tau’a
Michele Popp | Morgan Causey
Mike Prosser | Rensol Cheng | Kimberley Dacosta | Ryan McCart
Chris Enck | Chris Rivera | Edward Rodriguez | Matt Chitwood
Samuel Henley | Jameson Burroughs | Guillermo Huerta Garcia
Julia Slocombe | Charles Arredondo | Naomi Ogren | Adam Dang
3+ Years
Tami Perez, Jacoby Bancroft, Bryan Flores, Michael McKeen, Christian Tau’a, Naveen Ayyappan
5+ Years
Jackie Ripplinger
Nathan Reeves
Donald Brewer
Madison Grimes
Alexia Puckett
Chris Clark
Doug Sowell
Jim Erickson
15+ Years
Carlos Reyes
Mark Haley
10+ Years
Kyoko Sarchet-Hicks
Andrew West
Kasandra Williams
Kelli Bonds
20+ Years
Paul Brown
Tim Overall
Mike Newton
Another year, another milestone!
Continually Improve Processes. How do we know if a process needs improving? The answer: it always does. We can always get better. We strive continually to improve our processes, to help people do their jobs better, and to produce higher quality at a lower cost.