Inside this Issue:
Smart City’s
Month of Service Expo! Expo! Recap & Art Basel 2025 and more!
2
2025
Q4 SMART EVENTS across the map Oddity and Curiosity Seattle Convention Center
Big Ten Championship Indiana Convention Center & Lucas Oil Stadium
Northwest Regional Carwash Convention Atlantic City Convention Center
Southwest Building Show Phoenix Convention Center
DEMA 2025
Landscape Expo Anaheim Convention Center
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International Quilt Festival George R. Brown Convention Center
Orange County Convention Center
3
P I N N AC L E Q4 2025
the People 06 It’s Tech Scholar Program in Anaheim, Recognition in Colorado, Graduations, and more
MONTH OF SERVICE PAGE 16
EXPO! EXPO! PAGE 8
Care and Give Back 16 We Corporate and Centers participate in our annual Month of Service
Work 24 Teams Art Basel, Auto Shows, Dirt Racing, Cisco, DEMA 2025, and more
Improve Processes 34 Continually Inside a Smart City Network cutover, What is IPv6 and a look inside the Anaheim Network Upgrade
ART BASEL PAGE 26
ANAHEIM’S NETWORK UPGRADE PAGE 37
City Upgrade Progress 38 Smart Q4 Network Upgrades in Progress CORPORATE HOLIDAY PARTY PAGE 46
the Best 40 Seek Celebrating our team and recruitment
To the Top!
4
PRESIDENT
LETTER
Welcome to this issue of the Pinnacle, our quarterly look at the stories and people shaping Smart City Networks. This issue focuses on a business principle that is fundamental to who we are as a company: We Care and Give Back. Throughout our annual Month of Service, teams across the country dedicated their time and energy to supporting local organizations and making a positive impact in the communities where we live and work. These efforts go beyond volunteering. They reflect a shared understanding that our success carries a responsibility to give back in meaningful ways. I am proud of the care, compassion, and commitment shown by our teams in every community we serve. As we closed out the year, we were also reminded of the strength of our industry relationships and the trust our partners place in us. Our participation in IAEE’s Expo! Expo! in Houston provided an opportunity to reconnect with venue partners, clients, and peers, while reinforcing Smart City’s leadership in convention center connectivity and technology. These conversations and connections are essential as we continue to grow together as an industry. This issue also highlights the extraordinary events our teams continue to support, including the stunning Art Basel at the Miami
MARK HALEY
President - Smart City Networks
&Give Back
We Care
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Beach Convention Center and Cisco Live at the San Deigo Convention Center. Events of this caliber demand precision, preparation, and flawless execution, and our teams consistently rise to meet those expectations. These events not only require connectivity provided by the state-of-the-art networks we manage at each location, but also close collaboration between our local team and our clients and exhibitors in crafting the right solution for their needs. Our people and their intimate knowledge of events and technology is our secret sauce. We are also honored to celebrate a truly remarkable milestone this quarter. BOB SUTTON recently marked 50 years with Smart City Networks. His interview offers a unique perspective on our company’s evolution and serves as a reminder that our greatest strength has always been our people. As you move through this issue, I hope you feel proud of the impact we are making within our venues, across our industry, and throughout our communities. Thank you for your hard work, your care for others, and your continued commitment to excellence. Together, you made this year a success and set the foundation for what’s ahead.
To the Top!
5
Have a Story to Share?
Do you have a boost, event highlight, or story idea that deserves to be featured in our Pinnacle? We want to hear from you! Send your submissions to marketing@smartcity.com and help us showcase the great work happening across Smart City Networks.
P I N N AC L E Q4 2025
MANAGING EDITOR Sarah Finnegan
EDITOR Jocoby Bancroft
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Katie Short
The Pinnacle is published quarterly by Smart City Networks. For a hard copy or to be included in our distribution list, please email marketing@smartcity.com ©Copyright 2025 Smart City Networks. All rights Reserved.
GEORGE R. BROWN CONVENTION CENTER
To the Top!
IT’S THE PEOPLE
SUPPORTING THE Next Generation We believe access to technology is essential for education, opportunity, and long-term success. That belief is why Smart City Networks is proud to once again donate $15,000 to the Tech Scholar Program in Anaheim. The program supports college-bound Anaheim high school juniors and seniors by providing critical tools like laptops, tablets, and internet access, helping students overcome barriers and focus on their academic futures. As a technology partner to venues and communities across North America, Smart City Networks understands the role connectivity plays in opening doors. Supporting the Tech Scholar
Program
reflects
our commitment to investing in the next generation and strengthening the communities where we live and work. Thank you to the City of Anaheim, the Anaheim Convention Center, and everyone involved in making this program possible. We’re honored to continue supporting such an impactful initiative.
It's the People
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP AT Expo! Expo! The George R. Brown Convention Center was full of energy as Houston hosted IAEE’s Expo! Expo!, bringing together more than 1,800 event and exhibition professionals from across the industry. Smart City Networks was proud to be part of the experience and the conversations shaping what’s next for live events. Our Houston team worked alongside colleagues from across the organization to engage with peers, share ideas, and highlight emerging technologies designed to support today’s increasingly connected events. Cisco joined us in the booth with live demonstrations of ThousandEyes, offering a closer look at enhanced network visibility and performance. We were also excited to showcase our newest partnership with Jabbrrbox, featuring private workspace pods now installed inside a convention center for the first time. Thank you to our Houston team for the planning, coordination, and onsite support that helped make our presence at Expo! Expo! a success.
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SMART CITY AWARDED in Colorado
Smart City Networks is excited to share that our Denver team was honored at the 116th Annual Visit Denver Partnership Meeting as one of the recipients of the 2025 Mile High Energy Award. This recognition celebrates the collaboration between Visit Denver, the Colorado Convention Center, and all the partners who contributed to the most successful year in the building’s history. Our team, led by General Manager DEBBIE OLIVAS, showed exceptional commitment throughout 2025, supporting every event with focus, pride, and the level of service that defines our work in Denver. We are grateful for the continued partnership with Visit Denver, Legends Global, Denver Arts and Venues, and everyone who helps create world-class experiences in this incredible city.
PARTNERSHIP FAIR Success This quarter, Smart City Networks participated in the Academy of Hospitality and Tourism Partnership Fair (AOHT) in Las Vegas, an event focused on introducing students to potential career paths and connecting them with industry partners from across the local community. The fair provided an opportunity to engage directly with students, share insights into our business, and highlight the role technology plays in supporting large venues and live events. We interacted with students throughout the day, answering questions, discussing career opportunities, and offering a glimpse into the diverse paths available within the organization. Participation in events like the AOHT Partnership Fair reflects Smart City Networks’ ongoing commitment to community involvement and to supporting the development of future leaders by sharing knowledge, experience, and real-world perspectives.
10
DECK THE Halls
NOT THE
The Atlantic City Convention Center was filled with holiday cheer during Deck the Hall, a festive evening that
Gumdrop Buttons
brought together industry partners in support of the
The Henry B. Gonzalez team took a break from the day-to-
CASA Foundation. More than a seasonal gathering, the
day to put their teamwork to the test with a festive gin-
event showcased the power of community collaboration,
gerbread house challenge. Divided into three teams, Bad
with several local sponsors, including Smart City Net-
Neighbors, Gingerbread Bros, and Team Gingy, the goal
works, coming together to create an immersive holiday
was simple: build the best gingerbread house possible.
experience.
The execution, as expected, proved to be a little more challenging.
Representing Smart City Networks, the local team joined
After an hour of building (and rebuilding), Gingerbread
shared commitment to giving back. The event served as
fellow venue partners to celebrate the season and the
Bros took first place, followed by Team Gingy in second,
a reminder that when community and collaboration come
with Bad Neighbors rounding out the results.
together, the impact can be magical!
FAST AS A Jet A member of the San Antonio team is also celebrating a remarkable personal achievement. JET POPLIN, a Customer Sales & Service Representative, recently completed the San Antonio Marathon, taking on the full 26.2-mile course through the heart of the city. OLMOS PARK
Crossing the finish line with a time of 6 hours and 20 minutes, Jet demonstrated the kind of perseverance and commitment that mirrors the dedication shown every day in supporting clients and events. While a marathon is a major accomplishment on its own, this race was not Jet’s
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ALAMO HEIGHTS
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17 12
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HILDEBRAND
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WEAR BLUE TRIBUTE MILE
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20
7
21 FORT SAM HOUSTON
NEW BRAUNFELS AVE
6
22 BROADWAY
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MONTE VISTA
5
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8
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24
ST. MARY’S ST
10 23
9
GRAYSON ST.
pressive 50K, Jet is no stranger to pushing limits and set-
BROADWAY
START
3
LEGEND
25
4
MAIN PLAZA
Congratulations to Jet on this outstanding achievement!
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HOWARD ST.
longest run to date, having previously completed an imting ambitious goals.
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CONTOUR DR.
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MILE MARKER
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MEDICAL STATION
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BATHROOM
FINISH
WATER STATION
HEMISFAIR
DOWNTOWN SAN ANTONIO
ELECTROLYTES
+
GELS
KING WILLIAMS ST
1 2
KING WILLIAM HISTORIC AREA
800’
600’
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0.0
5.0
10.0
15.0
20.0
25.0
11
LEADERSHIP ADVANCE Graduation Congratulations to LILIANA RIOS on graduating from the Las Vegas Chamber’s Leadership Advance Program in December. Over the fivemonth program, Lily further developed key leadership skills, including communication, strategic thinking, problem solving, accountability, and emotional intelligence. The Leadership Advance Program challenges participants to better understand their leadership style, strengthen collaboration, and confidently navigate complex situations. Lily embraced the experience and demonstrated a clear commitment to both personal and professional growth throughout the program. We are proud to celebrate this accomplishment and look forward to the continued impact Lily will make within our organization and the community.
ESTABLISHING Good Rapport Congratulations to MIKE HERTWECK, Director of IT & Engineering, and AMON CARTHAN, Account Manager at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, on successfully completing Rapport’s Leadership Breakthrough 1 (LB1) program. LB1 is designed to strengthen self-awareness, communication, and leadership effectiveness through practical, experience-based learning. Smart City Networks regularly sends team members from across the organization and from locations throughout the country to participate in Rapport programs, reinforcing a shared commitment to leadership development at every level. We are proud to recognize Mike and Amon for investing in their professional development and for representing the ongoing commitment to leadership excellence across Smart City Networks. It's the People
Fifty Years of curiosity:
BOB SUTTON AND SMART CITY NETWORKS Fifty years is a long time in any career, especially in technology. In an industry defined by constant change, few professionals can say they have remained relevant, impactful, and deeply engaged for half a century. BOB SUTTON can. As Smart City Networks celebrates Bob’s 50-year anniversary, his career offers a unique perspective on the company’s growth. While the organization has evolved and expanded over the years, Bob has remained a steady presence, shaping the systems that power daily operations behind the scenes. Bob’s path into technology began with curiosity. As a child, he gravitated toward hands-on projects, building
PINNACLE 2025 Q4 | SMARTCITYNETWORKS.COM
erector sets and models, experimenting with electronic circuits, and assembling Heath Kit devices like oscilloscopes and radio-control equipment. In high school, he joined the rocket club, studied to become a ham radio operator, and developed a fascination with understanding not just how things worked, but why they worked. That curiosity naturally extended into computing. Long before personal computers became mainstream, Bob purchased a Commodore PET, drawn by the immediacy of programming and the ability to see results instantly. He wanted to understand systems at both the macro and micro levels. After studying electrical engineering in college, Bob began working in telecommunications, installing electronic central office equipment for the Bell Telephone system and later PBX systems for Fisk Telephone Systems. That role eventually led him to Centel Business Systems and then to a joint venture with the Houston Sports Association that formed Centel Facilities Communications. This was the beginning of his 50-year career and the road to what has become Smart City Networks. As the company grew, so did its operational needs. That environment forced creativity, and out of it came AESOP.
13 Short for Automated Event Services Order Processing, AESOP began in the early 1990s as a simple DOS-based program. It was designed to solve immediate problems, but it quickly became something more. As Smart City Networks evolved, AESOP evolved with it. Bob describes AESOP as both a blessing and a curse. It became his legacy and the lion’s share of his work at Smart City. But what makes AESOP unique isn’t just its functionality, it’s ownership. Because AESOP is built in-house, Smart City defines its priorities, responds directly to team member feedback, and builds tools that fit its business model rather than adapting to someone else’s. Through ownership changes, acquisitions, and periods of rapid growth, Bob remained focused on adaptability. Smart City expanded its services, entered new markets, and adopted new technologies. Each shift brought challenges, and opportunities to improve how the organization worked. That perspective continues today as Smart City explores new capabilities, including AI. Bob views AI as a powerful and transformative tool, but one that must be approached responsibly. Having witnessed multiple technology booms, he understands that innovation without intention can be as disruptive as it is beneficial. For him, technology has always been about improvement, making work more efficient, systems more reliable, and teams more effective. Culture has been a constant thread throughout Bob’s career. He points to Smart City’s core principle “Teams Work” as a defining factor in the company’s success. Progress, in his view, comes from collaboration, bringing different skills, perspectives, and experiences together to solve complex problems. After 50 years, Bob continues to show up for a simple reason: he is still needed, still learning, and still curious. As Smart City Networks looks toward the future, Bob Sutton remains part of that horizon, quietly ensuring that the systems behind the scenes are ready for whatever comes next.
In Bob’s Own Words On advice to younger professionals looking for growth: “Study your fellow team members. Identify several of those who you would want to be like. Find one or two who are willing to mentor you and ask a lot of questions.”
On Fridays with Bob: “Mark asked if I would be willing to do something for line up every Friday and gave me full latitude to do what I wanted to within the normal lineup framework. I agreed. I had no idea this would last so long. I wanted the time to be entertaining, beneficial, educational and above all I want our team members to think and to learn to think.”
On our Team Culture: “Business Principle #7 says it best. Teams Work! Benjamin Franklin is quoted as saying: “If we don’t all hang together, we will surely hang separately!” It’s an attitude that says I don’t know everything, but I know somethings and what I know matters.”
On what he hopes his colleagues remember most about his time at Smart City Networks: “Actually, I hope that they don’t. At least not too often or for very long. If they are thinking about me, then probably I haven’t done my job. I only hope that what difference I may have planted here grows and not my image or personality.”
NATHAN REEVES Spotlight For this month’s Smart City Spotlight, we sat down with NATHAN REEVES, Operations Manager at the Colorado Convention Center. Nathan brings a rich blend of technical expertise, leadership experience, and a genuine passion for supporting both his team and the events that come through the building. After beginning his career in the electrical and IT fields, he eventually found his place at Smart City Networks, where he has been an integral part of the Denver operation since the center reopened in 2021 after COVID. Nathan’s role puts him at the heart of day-to-day activity at one of the busiest convention centers in the country. He is deeply involved in preparing for events, supporting clients, and making sure his team has what they need to succeed. His appreciation for collaboration, communication, and strong processes shows up in everything he does. In our conversation, Nathan reflected on his professional journey, the responsibilities of leading an operations team, and the environment that makes the Colorado Convention Center such a dynamic place to work. He also shared a few insights into his team culture and what inspires him both on and off the show floor. Stick to the end to also learn a fun fact about Nathan’s musical prowess! Nathan Reeves, this is your Spotlight!
Hi Nathan! Let’s start with your background. Can you tell us a little about your journey and how you became an Operations Manager at the Colorado Convention Center? N: I started in IT in 1999 after working as an electrician. I went to college for Information Technology and found a passion for all things technology. I worked as a help desk supervisor for a major cable company in the Midwest, and it was there that I realized how much I enjoy helping and mentoring others. With over 100 employees on the call center floor, I can assure you there was never a dull day. I then took the skills I had learned into academia, working for two private colleges in my home state of Iowa and one here in the Denver area. It has been a journey to get to where I am at, my family and I are truly grateful that I found a home with Smart City, I look forward to the future.
What does a typical day look like for you? N: Walking the floor, meeting with clients, configuring equipment, and making sure my team has everything they need to be successful. What role does Smart City Networks play in putting together successful events at the Colorado Convention Center? N: Smart City is the beating heart of the convention center, not only do we provide internal IT support to the center itself, but virtually every exhibitor or event requires some form of service from us to be successful. Do you have a favorite or rewarding part of your job? Why? N: Mentoring my team from ‘jobs’ to ‘careers’. Helping them on the path to success and developing their own story is the most rewarding part of my job. Do you have a favorite event so far? Why N: The RV show, every year my wife stops me from buying one. What do you think sets the Colora-
How would you describe your team
do Convention Center apart when it
culture within your center?
comes to event execution? N: Driven and Collaborative. As a whole, N: Refined processes and methodolo-
we are a well-oiled machine that executes
gies. Beyond our amazing customer
on a daily basis….and we like to have fun.
support, we have a system in place that allows us to manage multiple concur-
Overall, are there any skills you’ve de-
rent events with varied timelines and
veloped here that have surprised you?
expectations.
And lastly, what’s something fun that N: Working closely with Debbie Olivas
people might not know about you?
How would you describe the working re-
I’ve learned how to manage all types of
lationship between Smart City Networks
clients for all types of events. My back-
N: Music is my passion, I play a variety
and the Colorado Convention Center?
ground focuses more on the IT side of
of instruments, and some would say my
things, so developing those customer
second home is Red Rocks amphithe-
N: Smart City is a true partner to the
service and negotiating skills has been
ater. I grew up in Iowa with a few of the
Colorado Convention Center; we work
wonderful.
band members in the heavy metal band
closely with all of the permanent tenants
Slipknot.
and center employees to ensure events
Are there any lessons you’ve learned
consistently run smoothly and without is-
here that you think are valuable for
We want to thank Nathan Reeves for
sue. I believe that positive personal rela-
others starting in a similar role?
taking the time to reflect on his journey with our company! To read more Smart
tionships with staff across departments keep the lines of communication open.
N: Take it one show at a time.
City Spotlights, check out our blog! It's the People
WE CARE & GIVE BACK
17
Adopt a Family CORPORATE OFFICE
This holiday season, our Smart City Networks Corporate team in Las Vegas continued our annual Adopt-a-Family program by supporting two local families, with our office volunteering to shop, wrap, and prepare gifts together. This year also marks a new partnership with the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation. While the organization is new to us, the heart of the program remains the same: bringing comfort, joy, and holiday cheer to families who need it most.
The Beacon NRG PARK
Our NRG Park team at The Beacon, where they provided laundry and shower services for clients.
OCFJCF
ANAHEIM CONVENTION CENTER Our
Anaheim
team
supported
the
Orange County Family Justice Center Foundation Adopt-a-Family program by purchasing and wrapping holiday gifts for a local family in need.
We Care and Give Back
18
Dallas Life
KAY BAILEY HUTCHISON CONVENTION CENTER Our Dallas team volunteered at the 10th Annual Turkey Fry in support of Dallas Life and its homeless recovery programs.
Second Helpings
INDIANA CONVENTION CENTER AND LUCAS OIL STADIUM The Indy team assisted Second Helpings by stepping in during the final shift to help clean up and pack remaining food.
Safeway Feast of Sharing WALTER E. WASHINGTON CONVENTION CENTER The DC team took part in the Annual Safeway Feast of Sharing, supporting an event that served over 5,000 meals, with Smart City Networks providing wireless services for participating vendors.
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Salvation Army
HENRY B. GONZALEZ CONVENTION CENTER The Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center team worked with the Salvation Army to restock food pantry supplies and prepared gift bags.
Atlantic City Rescue Mission ATLANTIC CITY CONVENTION CENTER
After a long day of volunteering at the Atlantic City Rescue Mission, our Atlantic City team wrapped up serving warm meals to members of the community. Their focus was to provide nourishment, kindness, and a welcoming presence to those in need. As they finished for the evening, they were joined by a familiar local figure, Atlantic City’s own “Batman,” a longtime community volunteer known for looking out for others after hours. Different roles, same purpose. Together, they represented what it means to show up, give back, and care for the community in ways both big and small.
Feed My Starving Children MINNEAPOLIS CONVENTION CENTER During
this
year’s
Month
of
Service,
the
Minneapolis team volunteered with Feed My Starving Children, packing 80 boxes. That is equivalent to 17,280 meals and a year’s worth of daily meals for 47 children.
Surfrider Beach Clean Up SAN DIEGO CONVENTION CENTER
Our San Diego Convention Center team spent their Day of Service with the Surfrider Foundation San Diego County at Pacific Beach, joining volunteers committed to protecting our coastlines and the communities that depend on them. Led by General Manager MATT CHAVEZ, and joined by Senior Vice President JULIA SLOCOMBE, the team completed their third Surfrider beach cleanup at the end of November.
Over the course of two hours, they collected trash and microplastics, helped document pollution levels, and contributed data that supports ongoing research, advocacy, and coastal protection efforts. We’re proud of our San Diego team for their continued commitment to our We Care and Give Back principle and for helping keep our coastline clean, protected, and thriving!
Tourism Trash Force
AMERICA’S CENTER
CONVENTION COMPLEX The America’s Center Convention Complex Smart City team volunteered alongside the venue as part of Tourism Trash Force, helping clean up surrounding streets and public spaces.
Tampa Heartwalk
TAMPA CONVENTION CENTER Our Tampa team participated in the Tampa Heart Walk as part of the City of Tampa team, supporting the American Heart Association. Together, the City of Tampa raised more than $23,000 this year. PINNACLE 2025 Q4 | SMARTCITYNETWORKS.COM
21
St. Mary’s Food Bank
PHOENIX CONVENTION CENTER The Phoenix team volunteered at St. Mary’s Food Bank in support of local food distribution efforts.
Annual Building Turkey Giveaway
MIAMI BEACH CONVENTION CENTER
Our Miami Beach team helped set up and distribute turkeys and donated additional turkeys so part-time staff could be included through a small lottery, creating a meaningful opportunity to support our coworkers.
Harvesters KANSAS CITY
CONVENTION CENTER The Kansas City Convention Center team joined forces with Harvesters Community Food Network to support families across the region. General Manager ANTOINETTE IBARRA, Event Coordinator JENNIFER ENGELHART, and special guest from Corporate, Senior Manager of Customer Support CHRISTY HOGAN, spent the day sorting and repacking food to help ensure nutritious meals reach those in need. Harvesters supports more than 900 nonprofit organizations, including food pantries, community kitchens, and children’s homes, making a meaningful impact throughout the community. We are grateful for the opportunity to support their mission and help keep this vital work moving forward. We Care and Give Back
22
Ronald McDonald House
CHARLOTTE CONVENTION CENTER
Our Charlotte Convention Center team volunteered at their local Ronald McDonald House, where they helped make brunch for the families currently staying there.
Salvation Army Bell Ringing
SANTA CLARA CONVENTION CENTER
The Santa Clara team volunteered as bell ringers in support of the Salvation Army.
Second Harvest Food Bank
The experience highlighted the same energy, teamwork, and
The OCCC team spent their volunteer day at Second Harvest
tion center. A special video captured the spirit of the day,
ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER Food Bank of Central Florida, supporting an organization that plays a critical role in fighting hunger across the region. Working together behind the scenes, the team helped keep food moving efficiently to the families and individuals who rely on Second Harvest’s services every day.
compassion our people bring to their work in the convenshowcasing how collaboration and service go hand in hand. Check it out here!
23
Catholic Charities CORPORATE
Our Corporate team volunteered over two days with Catholic Charities, serving nearly 1,000 meals to individuals and families in need across the community.
A Precious Child
COLORADO CONVENTION CENTER The Colorado Convention Center team volunteered once again with A Precious Child.
Ronald McDonald House SEATTLE CONVENTION CENTER
The Seattle Convention Center team volunteered once again at the Ronald McDonald House, continuing a six-year tradition of service. The team first began volunteering after learning that a technician’s nephew’s family stayed there while he underwent a heart transplant. He is now a healthy teenager.
Cedar Rehabilitation CORPORATE
Remote team member MELODY DOUCET volunteered at Cedar Rehabilitation and Health Center in Utah, helping decorate dining rooms, assist with meal preparation, and serve Thanksgiving dinner to patients and their families.
TEAMS WORK
25
Almond CONFERENCE 2025
International Foundation of EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
The SAFE Credit Union Convention
with less than one percent discard-
Center got a little nutty with the Almond
ed, and almond orchards operate as
Conference, a returning event that
zero waste farms. The environmental
brings together growers, processors,
impact is significant, as the carbon
and innovators from across California.
stored in California’s almond trees is
hosted the International Foundation
Hosted
equivalent to taking 24 million cars off
of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP) for
California, the conference represents an
an event focused on learning, con-
industry that supports more than 7,600
nection, and collaboration across
growers and 99 processors statewide.
The
Hawaiʻi
Convention
Center
by
the
Almond
Board
of
the road. As a repeat event at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center, the Almond
the employee benefits industry. As the premier educational organiza-
Beyond the scale of the industry, the
Conference continues to grow as a
tion serving benefits professionals
event highlighted the almond commu-
space for connection, learning, and in-
worldwide, IFEBP brought together
nity’s strong commitment to sustain-
novation, bringing an essential Califor-
attendees
retire-
ability. Almonds are among the least
nia industry together under one roof.
ment, and financial security pro-
wasted foods in the United States,
shaping
health,
grams for plan participants around the globe. The annual event featured more than 120 expert led sessions covering topics such as health and welfare, fiduciary responsibility, pensions, investments, public plans, and professional training. Between sessions, attendees networked, explored new solutions on the exhibit floor, and shared ideas on current challenges and best practices in the industry. Throughout the event, the Smart City Networks team supported show management with responsive service, flexibility, and a true team first approach.
AmFest 2025 In December, the Phoenix Conven-
hibits, and an appearance by the Vice
tion Center hosted AmericaFest, a
President. Spanning three days, the
large-scale, four-day conference that
event transformed the venue into a
brought together thousands of at-
high-energy gathering space focused
tendees from across the country for
on ideas, inspiration, and community.
a dynamic mix of programming, ex-
26 From the LIbrary of Atmospheres III Josiah Mcelheny
Art Basel 2025 once again transformed the Miami Beach Convention Center into a global hub for contemporary art, bringing together leading galleries, collectors, artists, and cultural innovators for a week of world-class exhibitions and
Cody Choi
programming. This year’s show was even more demanding from a technology standpoint, with show management ordering more bandwidth than in 2024 and Smart City receiving a higher volume of exhibitor orders compared to previous years. In response, our team implemented a redesigned network infrastructure specifically tailored to improve reliability, increase capacity, and enhance the overall connectivity experience for participating galleries and vendors.
Scramble Green Double Frank Stella
Smart City provided a comprehensive suite of services, including telephone services, wireless connectivity, and hardline internet for show management, along with wireless and hardline services for exhibitors throughout the floor. Our onsite team, ENRIC ESCUER, ALEXANDRA ZAYAS, KEVIN GARCIA, and CARMELO LA MASTRA, worked collaboratively to ensure that every booth, installation, and operational area
received
consistent,
high-quality
support. Through careful preparation, realtime troubleshooting, and a commitment to exceptional service, we helped ensure that Art Basel 2025 ran smoothly from start to finish, supporting one of the world’s most influential art events with the reliable technology it requires.
The Promise of Other Inventions (that worked better) - Jacob Hashimoto
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27
Fire dance with me - Charity, Empathy, & hope - blue pawn #1 - Marcel Dzama
Particles I - Ivan Navarro 2
Memory Gates - Kevork Mourad
Tutti-Frutti Tu - Denzil Forrester
Teams Work
28
START YOUR
Engines! Convention centers continue to push the
The Charlotte Auto Show at the Charlotte
professionals. Added experiences such
boundaries of what vehicle-based events
Convention Center presented a different
as a concert and beer tasting further
can look like, creating immersive experi-
side of the automotive world, focusing
elevated the atmosphere beyond a tradi-
ences that bring motorsports and auto-
on innovation, education, and community
tional auto show.
motive culture indoors. This spread high-
engagement.
lights two venues that approached that
year, the show welcomed more than
Together, these events highlight the
challenge in very different ways, each
20,000 attendees who explored over
range of vehicle experiences supported
delivering memorable, high-energy events
200
across our partnered venues.
that filled their buildings with excitement.
and aftermarket manufacturers. While
vehicles
Celebrating
representing
its
21
32nd
OEM
vehicles were not available for purchase, At America’s Center Convention Complex,
attendees were given rare access to
dirt racing took center stage through a
new models, emerging technologies,
series of major events that transformed
and hands on experiences including an
the venue multiple times throughout this
indoor test track.
quarter. Gateway Dirt Nationals brought high speed dirt racing into an indoor
Since 2019, the event has introduced
environment, while Monster Jam followed
programming for grade school and high
with massive trucks and crowd-shaking
school students, career focused inter-
action. The momentum continued with
views, seminars, and training partner-
AMA Supercross, where elite motorcycle
ships that encourage interest in auto-
riders tested both skill and endurance on
motive and technical careers. The show
the dirt course. Together, these events
also remains deeply rooted in service,
demonstrated
to
supporting 31 nonprofit organizations
adapt its space for repeated, large scale
and contributing more than seven million
motorsports experiences, each with its
dollars over its history while honoring
own intensity and visual impact.
EMS, military, medical, and fire rescue
the
venue’s
ability
PINNACLE 2025 Q4 | SMARTCITYNETWORKS.COM
29
30
CISCO Partner Summit In November, San Diego Convention Center wel-
the world. Throughout the event, Smart City Networks supported
comed Cisco back for its second event of the
the fast-paced exchange of ideas by delivering the reliable con-
year with the Cisco Partner Summit. As Cisco’s
nectivity and onsite technology services that kept sessions, dem-
premier annual gathering for its global partner
os, and collaboration running smoothly. Over several days, the
community, the summit brought together resell-
convention center buzzed with conversations about innovation,
ers, integrators, managed service providers, dis-
strategy, and what’s next, as Cisco leadership shared insights on
tributors, and technology partners from around
emerging technologies and how partners can use Cisco solutions to grow and evolve their businesses.
EMBEDDED WORLD North America With a 20 year history in Europe, Embedded World North America visited the Anaheim Convention Center for its second United States event in November. The embedded industry plays a critical role in automotive electronics, artificial intelligence, industrial control, the Internet of Things, the medical field, and more. Throughout PINNACLE 2025 Q4 | SMARTCITYNETWORKS.COM
the event, Smart City Networks supported this global exchange of ideas by delivering the reliable, high performance connectivity that allowed advanced technologies and real time demonstrations to operate flawlessly.
31
DEMA 2025 Our team at the Orange County Convention Center were proud to support the DEMA Show with robust wired and wireless connectivity, helping keep the global diving and water sports community connected throughout this incredible event. With over 500 exhibitors, 6,000+ attendees from more than 90 countries, and 250+ educational sessions, DEMA Show truly lived up to its reputation as the premier trade-only event for the diving, travel, and action water sports industries. We are honored to have played even a small part in powering the conversations, deals, and discoveries that happened on the show floor. Until next year, dive safe and stay connected!
THE CHICAGO Pope Near the end of November, the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) gathered thousands of attendees at the Lucas Oil Stadium and witnessed history. For the first time ever, a sitting pope addressed the NCYC audience live from the Vatican. Smart City Networks was proud to provide the technology services supporting this event, ensuring a seamless livestream connection between Rome and Indianapolis for Pope Leo XIV’s digital message of faith and unity. Behind every milestone like this is a network of people working together to make sure the technology performs flawlessly when it matters most. We thank our incredible team at ICCLOS and all those who helped make this possible. Teams Work
32
CELEBRATING
250 Years Our Washington DC Team proudly partnered with the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) to celebrate the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday during its annual meeting and exposition, delivering technology services for one of the most significant military milestones in history. With the theme “This We’ll Defend!”, The event brought together over 10,000 attendees and over 150 exhibitors showcasing advanced defense technologies. Smart City Networks ensured robust wireless and wired connectivity across all four exhibit halls, supporting media coverage, live programming, and mission-critical communications throughout the conference and expo. The logistical challenge was immense: a compressed move-in schedule combined with large-scale freight, including missiles, tanks, and helicopters required precision planning and flawless execution. The DC team rose to the occasion, deploying additional access points for high-density wireless zones and general sessions, with support from regional teams in Indianapolis, Atlantic City, Miami, and Orlando as they provided the additional equipment needed. We are honored to have played a role in celebrating the U.S. Army’s 250-year legacy. PINNACLE 2025 Q4 | SMARTCITYNETWORKS.COM
33
Are We Ready For Some
FOOTBALL? This quarter delivered major sports moments across Smart City Networks venues, with professional and collegiate football placing intense demands on technology and execution. At NRG Stadium, the Houston Texans hosted the Buffalo Bills for the first Thursday Night Football game of the 2025 season. The Smart City Networks team at NRG Park provided full event day technology support for Amazon Prime’s national broadcast. Services included sideline telecommunications, broadcast connectivity for television trucks, lighting control network support for game cues, and DJ booth connectivity to keep in stadium entertainment running seamlessly. With national visibility and no margin for error, the team delivered a flawless game day experience. In Indianapolis, Lucas Oil Stadium and the Indiana Convention Center hosted the 2025 Discover Big Ten Football Championship Game. The Indiana Hoosiers defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes, securing their first Big Ten title since 1967 and finishing the season undefeated. Smart City Networks was proud to support the championship weekend by providing technology services that helped power both the game and the expansive fan experience. The celebration extended beyond the stadium through Big Ten Fan Fest at the Indiana Convention Center, which filled more than 200,000 square feet with interactive activities, entertainment, merchandise, and youth football clinics for fans throughout the weekend.
Boost
“
MADISON GRIMES [in Florida] was very responsive, provided all of the
information we needed and went above and beyond to help our exhibitors. exhibitor 10 out of 10 for Madison.
RECOGNIZED BY Hack Your Health TAMPA CONVENTION CENTER
LUCAS OIL STADIUM
Teams Work
CONTINUALLY IMPROVE PROCESSES
35
MORE THAN MOVING CABLES:
Inside a Smart City Network Cutover
A LETTER BY MIKE MALONE, WIRELESS NETWORK ADMIN For all Smart City centers, there’s the inevitable probability
by getting other core equipment such as firewalls, routers,
of a network cutover in place, likely as a result of newer and
and wireless controllers back online on the new core switch.
more modern networking equipment being installed. From
Once completed, it’s a process then of working with the local
an outsider’s perspective, the idea of a network cutover is
team to bring up all edge switches as well as remote serv-
relatively simple: spend a few hours with the local team, ad-
ers and (if applicable) phone systems, all while continuously
vise them to move some cables over from one switch to an-
testing networks to ensure there are no hiccups the following
other and that’s it! Oh, if only it were so simple.
day. This is definitely a very involved experience which is why
Over the past month, the Smart City NOC had the pleasure
cutovers typically can often go in excess of 6-7 hours plus!
of overseeing two network cutovers: one at The Walter E
Of course, the NOC can plan out everything for cutover night,
Washington Convention Center in Washington DC and the
but it truly is the work of the local center that makes this
other at the Henry B Gonzalez Convention Center in San An-
experience smooth and painless. In my personal experience,
tonio. While both centers were successful in their respective
I was onsite helping Operations Manager ALEX GILLIAM,
cutovers, this outcome would only be possible due to prior
and technicians TINA GARDNER and ALEJO ARTALEJO at
planning, an established methodology for testing to ensure
San Antonio. With massive thanks to Alex’s pre-planning and
all network resources are available, and buy in from the local
astute knowledge of the center’s infrastructure and Tina and
center’s staff.
Alejo’s assistance in getting equipment racked, mounted, and
For both DC and San Antonio, the plan to schedule a network cutover began months earlier with the purchase of newer Cisco Core Catalyst 9606 switches. Once both core switches arrive at their respective centers, the local team would have it installed into the rack, test to ensure line cards power on, port assignments are planned, and configuration is installed by the NOC. Once everything checks out, the NOC then coordinates with the local center to get a scheduled dark day
connected quickly, the overall cutover for San Antonio went extremely smooth. While working remote on the DC cutover the day prior, I also wanted to give a shoutout to the DCCC local team (Operations Manager MIKE NEWTON , Data Ops
Professional CARLOS REYES and their team of technicians) working alongside the NOC’s DANIEL SAKIMURA onsite to not only get their new core switch installed, but also install the new wireless controllers and firewalls.
(to minimize interruptions to the center) and ensure that the
With all cutovers that I have been a part of (both onsite and
center is properly prepared should new cables and adapters
remote), I’ve noticed that all of our cutovers are only pos-
are needed.
sible due to making teams work between the NOC and the
Once the night of the cutover arrives, it’s all hands-on deck from the NOC side. For both cutovers, the NOC had representatives from wire and wireless networking, security, and systems teams to ensure a smooth cutover experience. For all cutovers, the NOC has a clear plan of attack, starting
local center as well as continually improving processes, tweaking lessons learned from prior cutovers and tailoring needs to each center to ensure the best networks are possible for our clients. Here’s to many more network upgrades and cutovers in the years ahead!
with testing circuit connectivity on the new core followed
Continually Improve Processes
36
TECH LETTER
An Op-Ed Perspective on the Role of IPv6 Sometimes the best way to understand new technology is to hear directly from it. In the spirit of continual improvement, this piece gives IPv6 a voice, highlighting why it matters, where it helps, and how it fits into the future of Smart City Networks’ infrastructure. Special thanks to our IX Center Technician RYAN KEENAN for this piece! IPV6: The Future of IP Addressing Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Fe80:0000:0000 :0000:a6bd:30ff:fe98:1234 or like my friends like to call me, fe80::a6db:30ff:fe98:1234. I am an IPv6 address, the future of IP Addressing. You may not know me yet, but I promise you the future of your network depends on me and my enormous family of: 340,282,366,920,938,463,463,374,607,431,768,211, 456 to be exact. With a number that big it means every device gets a unique address, no more carrier-grade NAT and cleaner routing and simpler troubleshooting. Getting rid of NAT gives you faster speeds, less burden on the router CPU and the elimination of a double NAT scenario for a customer that is trying to reach a service such as Xbox Live. With so many of us floating around in the public space and IPv4 is mostly spoken for it means our supply is high, which makes us cheaper to purchase. I could potentially save you hundreds of dollars a month on Public IP address costs. To be honest though I am not a perfect solution, but it’s not my fault I swear. I can’t help it that some legacy services still only support IPv4. Because of that, I work best when I work side by side with my IPv4 cousins and let them handle those specific scenarios. One day though, I think the whole internet will be mine, so it’s a good Idea we become friends.
PINNACLE 2025 Q4 | SMARTCITYNETWORKS.COM
37
Inside Anaheim’s
NETWORK UPGRADE Smart City Networks recently completed a major network infrastructure upgrade at the Anaheim Convention Center, increasing capacity, improving reliability, and preparing the facility for future technology demands. The core of the project was a significant backbone expansion. The center’s network was upgraded from 2 gigabits to 50 gigabits, a 25x increase that supports large-scale conventions, high-density exhibit floors, hybrid events, and data-heavy applications. To ensure consistent performance across the campus, standardized Cat 6 cabling was implemented, replacing remaining temporary Cat 5e runs as part of the upgrade. Wireless connectivity was also expanded with the deployment of Wi-Fi 6E. By utilizing the 6 GHz spectrum, the new wireless network improves performance in high-density environments and reduces congestion during peak usage. Access points were fully replaced in the Grand Plaza and Arena Plaza, outdoor coverage was enhanced at the California Terrace, and new coverage was added in the Palm Court and the Hall A–B and B–C Courtyards. The upgraded network is fully IPv6 enabled, allowing the Anaheim Convention Center to support continued growth in connected devices and emerging event technologies. Together, these improvements provide a scalable, modern infrastructure that supports current event requirements while positioning the facility for future expansion and innovation.
Continually Improve Processes
38
UPGRADE PROGRESS
Phoenix Convention Center
Henry B. González Convention Center
The Wi-Fi 6E network upgrade is fully complete. This
Following the initial Wi-Fi 7 deployment, a second
project delivered a comprehensive overhaul of the
phase of wireless enhancements will begin in early
wireless infrastructure throughout all halls, public spaces
2026. Scheduled from March through June, this phase
and outdoor location.
includes new access point placement, new cabling, and the creation of an additional IDF to support long-term network capacity.
Greenville Convention Center
Hawai‘i Convention Center
As a newly added Smart City venue, Greenville will re-
A
ceive a full wireless upgrade, including indoor and out-
February 2026. The project includes full copper and
door coverage, new camera installations, and hardware
fiber replacement, and new cabling to all floor pockets
drops in exhibit halls. Pre-survey work is underway.
and locations. The majority of work is scheduled to be
multiyear
infrastructure
replacement
completed by November 2026.
PINNACLE 2025 Q4 | SMARTCITYNETWORKS.COM
begins
in
39
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Miami Beach Convention Center
The full Wi-Fi 7 upgrade, launched in August, reached
Phase 1 conduit work began in late 2025 and continues
its 50 percent milestone in December. The year-long
through early 2026. Phase 2, which includes access
project includes replacing or adding 582 access points,
point installation and activation of the new wireless
new cabling, and modernized hardware, with comple-
design, is scheduled to begin in March 2026.
tion scheduled for summer 2026.
Kansas City Convention Center
NRG Park
The wireless upgrade to Wi-Fi 6, including cabling and
Phase 2 of the wireless upgrade, covering all indoor ar-
435 new access points, is on track to wrap up by the
eas of NRG Center and NRG Arena, will be completed
end of February 2026.
by February. The project now transitions to the outdoor phase, which includes new fiber pedestals and outdoor wireless coverage. All upgrades remain on schedule for completion in early 2026.
Continually Improve Processes
SEEK THE BEST
41
EMPLOYEE of the Month OCTOBER
SEPTEMBER
AUGUST
ETHAN CANTU
BRYAN FLORES
DANIELE EOFF
George R. Brown Convention Center
Anaheim Convention Center
Corporate Office
Since joining our team, Ethan has
I nominate Bryan for his excellent
I would like to nominate Daniele Eoff
made a remarkable impact. I can al-
preparation and early set-up for the
for Employee of the Month because
ways count on him to do whatever it
Service Titan Pantheon / Ignite 2025
she consistently demonstrates our
takes to ensure his events are han-
event in September. While I was un-
core principles. She lives “Get things
dled with care and professionalism,
expectedly occupied with an urgent
right the first time” by carefully track-
be it staying late or coming in on a
project issue, Bryan took the initia-
ing all employee changes and review-
weekend. He frequently accepts re-
tive and walked the second and third
ing payroll with exceptional accuracy.
quest for responsibilities beyond his
floor meeting rooms and Ballroom
role, making his dependability out of
the day before official move-in be-
She communicates professionally, is
this world.
gan. He observed the building set
always honest and reliable, and truly
teams were completing their work
reflects “A promise made is a promise
Ethan’s fun and magnetic energy
early, so he prepared a cart and in-
kept.”
brings positivity to the office, making
stallation materials, solicited assis-
our work environment more enjoyable
tance from another technician, and
Despite being new to several of our
for everyone. He’s always looking for
installed the majority of event C5
systems, she learned them quickly and
ways to improve our processes and
connections that afternoon.
has been incredibly helpful from day
Event Coordinator
Technician I
has already contributed several valu-
Payroll Assistant
one.
able suggestions that we’ve imple-
This put our installation ahead of
mented both locally and in AESOP.
schedule, which helped us tremen-
Her attention to detail, adaptability,
dously when other services we set
and professionalism make her an out-
He’s also played a key role in training
the next day were accidentally re-
standing member of the payroll team
new event coordinators, always doing
purposed by show teams. We were
and a great asset to the company.
so with a smile and a supportive at-
able to respond and reset these con-
titude. His reliability means the world
nections quickly, and the situation
Nominated by: RAQUEL CHAVEZ,
to me, and I know his fellow team
did not set our installation back sig-
Payroll Manager, Corporate Office
members feel the same. I’m proud to
nificantly. I believe Bryan’s efforts
work alongside Ethan and grateful for
on this show demonstrate our “think
everything he brings to our team.
fast move fast” business principle, as he noted an opportunity and re-
Nominated by: ALEXIS MAYFIELD,
acted to it quickly.
Customer Service Manager, George R. Brown Convention Center
Nominated by: JOSH POSTON, Operations Supervisor, Anaheim Convention Center Seek the Best
42
PROMOTIONS This Quarter
This quarter, we are proud to recognize several team members who have stepped into new roles across our organization. These promotions reflect continued growth, leadership development, and the strength of our teams at every level. ERIC MOWREY was promoted to Vice President of Engineering, expanding his leadership over engineering strategy and execution across the organization.
Boost
AMON was great to work with. He under-
stood our needs and worked with us on pricing to meet our budget. The internet worked great during the conference.
CHRISTY HOGAN was promoted to Senior Manager,
RECOGNIZED BY
Customer Support, continuing her leadership in
LaDonna Judkins
delivering high-quality service and operational
2025 DHRM HR Conference
excellence for both clients and internal teams.
VIRGINIA BEACH
MIKE HERTWECK was promoted to Director, IT &
CONVENTION CENTER
Engineering, providing leadership across wireless and engineering initiatives. DANIEL SAKIMURA was promoted to Senior Manager, IT & Engineering, with a focus on leading the Network Team and advancing infrastructure operations. GAMIL ABD-ELMALEK was promoted to Network Engineer, supporting the design, performance, and reliability of our network environments. DOUG SOWELL was promoted to Senior Wireless Engineer, contributing to the design and deployment of high-performance wireless systems.
Congratulations to each of these team members on their well-earned promotions.
Boost
“On behalf of LEO Events, thank you for the outstanding support your Smart City team provided during the Hilton Brand Leadership Conference at the ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER. Their expertise and dedication were essential to the event’s success.”
RECOGNIZED BY Armando Benitez Director, Technology Services LEO Events
43
A Letter from a
CRISTO REY STUDENT WORKER Hi there! I am JANYLA MALONE, a student worker from
Outside of Smart City, I balance my academics with activi-
Cristo Rey St. Viator. I am currently completing my senior
ties that mean a lot to me. I enjoy mentoring, journaling,
year internship at Smart City Networks. Thus far, I’ve had
and exploring new environments. Every Friday after school,
the opportunity to work in the marketing, accounting, and
I volunteer at a charter school where I mentor at-risk stu-
NOC departments. I am thrilled and grateful for the growth,
dents, build meaningful connections and encourage them
experiences, and the chance for self-discovery that the
through life’s challenges. My volunteer work has contrib-
wonderful people at Smart City offer me.
uted to my long-term goal of studying psychology in college to open my own child therapy practice that serves low-
During my time here, I’ve spent time on projects like devel-
income families.
oping and organizing software, studying marketing skills and supporting the behind-the-scenes work that keeps our
Since moving to the west coast, exploring surrounding
office running smoothly. The work I’ve done has been un-
environments has helped deepen my understanding of the
like anything I have done over the years, and I’ve come to
work Smart City does. When I traveled to California, I got
appreciate the uniqueness of it all.
to see Anaheim Convention Center in action during their ANIME Impulse, K-PLAY! Fest. Developing that deeper level
Experiencing the NOC, especially as someone who isn’t nat-
of comprehension is really my biggest goal. Connecting with
urally tech savvy, was eye-opening. One of my highlights
Smart City employees, learning
was disassembling computers and extracting unnecessary
from each department, and
pieces to ensure efficient functioning. It taught me prob-
becoming
lem-solving skills that I wouldn’t have learned otherwise.
company’s mission is what
The marketing department was fun because not only was I
matters most to me.
a
able to learn the intricate details that go into creating engaging business content, but I also got to try it myself. The freedom of creativity I had while using Canva to create collages and flyers was stimulating and incorporating unspoken rules in the marketing world was a learning experience.
JaNyla Malone High School Senior
Cristo Rey St. Viator College Preparatory 1-Year Student worker for Smart City Networks
part
of
this
44
Before the
SHOW FLOOR OPENS
When people think about conventions and live events, they picture busy show floors, packed booths, and teams working in real time to keep everything running smoothly. What often goes unseen is the work that happens long before doors open. It’s work that quietly shapes the success of every event.
Lei’shell Horton CSSR III
That work begins with Smart City Networks’ Corporate Customer Service team. As the initial point of contact for exhibitors across
Cat Sasaki CSSR III
all partnered venues, the team handles the calls, emails, and orders that set the tone for the preentire event experience. For many exhibitors, they are the first Smart City voice they hear. Every interaction matters, and the team approaches each one with precision, clarity, and genuine hospitality. Strong service on the front end leads to stronger execution onsite. By translating technical services into clear guidance, the Corporate Customer Service team helps exhibitors understand what they need, what to expect, and how to prepare. They review orders carefully, identify missing details, and proactively resolve questions before issues reach the show floor. That attention to detail allows field teams to install efficiently and focus on delivering high-quality service during live events.
Service in a Fast-Paced Industry Customer service in the convention and event industry requires anticipation, trust, and adaptability.
Lester Michael
CSSR III, Team Lead
Timelines are tight, requirements shift quickly, and exhibitors are often managing complex setups under pressure. In this environment, great service is not just about responsiveness, but rather it’s about creating clarity and confidence from the start. The Corporate Customer Service team approaches each interaction with that mindset. They guide exhibitors through decisions, provide reassurance when timelines are compressed, and ensure expectations are clearly aligned. Their goal is to make every interaction feel supported, straightforward, and manageable.
Melody R. Doucet CSSR II
45
Strengthening the Connection Between Corporate and the Field
Lily Rios CSSR III
Because much of the team’s work happens offsite, gaining realworld context is critical. To better understand the realities of live events, team members have spent time in the field observing installations, shadowing technicians, and partnering with Event Coordinators and Customer Service Managers to better understand show management processes. These firsthand experiences have helped close knowledge gaps and strengthen alignment with field teams. The result is more informed communication, clearer documentation, and stronger support for exhibitors before and during events.
Proud to Lead Behind the scenes, the Corporate Customer Service team operates with pride, accountability, and a deep sense of ownership. They support one another, step up when needed, and continually refine the details that make a difference.
Bray Pabalan CSSR III
Customer Support Senior Manager CHRISTY HOGAN credits the team, and CSSR Supervisor TAMMY CLARK in particular, for the strength of the department. Their collaboration allows her to focus on process improvements and long-term initiatives, knowing the foundation is solid. She values the way the team challenges her, teaches her, and grows alongside her as a leader. Their work may not always be visible, but its impact is felt everywhere. Long before the show floor opens, the Corporate Customer Service team is already at work, ensuring that the customer experience begins with care and commitment.
Christy Hogan
Senior Manager
Tammy Clark
Salvador Bernal Flores
CSSR Supervisor
CSSR III
Seek the Best
46
JACOBY’S JABBER A Very SWEET Holiday Party I won a Roomba at our Holiday Party.
mitted to the assignment. The vibe was
win. Everyone walked away with a prize,
Again.
exactly what you hope for at a company
which kept the energy high, and we had
party. It was festive, relaxed, and full of
a photographer therecapturing every-
Yes, two years in a row. Out of roughly
conversations that don’t normally happen
thing, which was an enormous relief for
35 raffle prizes. By my very official
during the workday. We also mixed things
me, since in past years I felt obligated
math, that’s about a 1 in 1,225 chance.
up with a magician, which was new for us,
to roam around with a camera instead
So maybe I’m lucky. Maybe I’m cursed.
but we like to keep things fresh. The food
of actually enjoying the party. And trust
Did I need a second Roomba? No. Did I
was outstanding, and I am still actively
me, a professional photographer does a
briefly imagine pitting my two Roombas
thinking about that chicken and quietly
lot better work than me with an iPhone,
against each other in a BattleBots-style
wondering how I can acquire the sauce
so it’s a win-win.
showdown? Absolutely.
recipe without being weird about it. Behind the scenes, the SWEET Com-
This year’s Smart City Networks Holiday
One of my favorite parts of the night
mittee put in a lot of work to make the
Party took place in December at Sunset
was seeing teams and departments in-
night happen. Holiday party planning
Gardens, and the theme was Holiday
teract with people they don’t usually
for us basically starts in July. First
Sweaters. And people showed up com-
cross paths with. That’s always the real
comes booking a venue, then choosing
PINNACLE 2025 Q4 | SMARTCITYNETWORKS.COM
47
a menu, vetting entertainment, picking
now it’s one of the first questions we
a theme, selecting prizes, and finally…
ask. Entertainment timing used to be
the RSVP spiral. There is constant
awkward, now we schedule it when ev-
messaging: save the date, reminder,
eryone is actually paying attention. We
reminder again, are you sure you’re
learned the hard way that no one really
coming, please don’t forget to RSVP.
wants a dance floor, so… we stopped
Every year, there’s a little nervousness
pretending they do. Every year, we re-
about whether people will like the
fine the process and make it smoother,
choices we make, but that fear is al-
easier, and more fun for everyone in-
most always unfounded. People show
volved.
up, have a good time, and remind us why we do it.
And for anyone still wondering, yes, I did trade away the second Roomba.
What I really appreciate about the cur-
No robotic cage match this year. But if
rent SWEET Committee is that we gen-
I win again next year…
uinely get better every year. We learn from what didn’t work and adjust. Parking used to be an afterthought,
HAPPY OCTOBER James Bagshaw
Mitch Hughes
Deion Palacious
Reis Broglia
Ryan Keenan
Cesar Perez
Ethan Cantu
Genesis Lozano
Carlos Reyes
Melody Doucet
Joe Melancon
Ian Sheppard
JQuandrei Ellis
Sylvia Molina
Joseph Villa
Elard Flores
Bray Pabalan
Stephen Whitley
NOVEMBER David King
Mary Rivodo
Joshua Lugo
Kevin Romero
Jesse Macias
Paul Russell
Eric Mowrey
Kiana Salomao
Dave Nagel
Greg Smith
Allegra Quiban-Gonzalez
Aaron Squires
Tania Ramos
Jacob Stinson
Pam Reip
Alice Taylor
Liliana Rios
Jessica Torres-Cruz
Jackie Ripplinger
Amy Worden
DECEMBER
PINNACLE 2025 Q4 | SMARTCITYNETWORKS.COM
Tracey Anderson
Mark Graham
David Bachler
Reagan Gunawan
Shari Barger
Nick Gwinn
Miguel Barksdale
Albert Kwong
Laszlo Berta
Dennis O'Gara
Joshua Brito-Infante
Chris Pendleton
Marlon Brown
Christian Peterson
Paul Brown
Tiana Rivera
Chloe Cervera
Mohamad Sumren
Chris Clark
Andres Villalpando
Sarah Finnegan
Daniella Wagner
Jesse Gallegos
Andrew West
Nick Gettemeier
Michael White
49
3 - 5 YEARS David Daumit
Liliya Piskunova
Jennifer Engelhart
Stephen Whitley
Brian Givens
Bailey Whelihan
Kristian Kammermeyer
Jennifer Wood
Jesse Macias
Davinnson Escobar-Ruiz
Joshua Poston
6 - 9 YEARS Karl Seeba
Chris Enck
Terrell Collins
David Bachler
Deyvid Diego
Amy Stone
Genesis Lozano
Jacki Miller
Daniel Sakimura
10 - 15 YEARS James Zarharchuck
Jessica Torres-Cruz
Matt Chavez
16 - 25 YEARS Ben Behnkendorf
Tim Wortman
Chris Pendleton
Chris Wharry
Jim Snook
Dennis O'Gara
26 - 50 YEARS Kevin Patch
David Nagel
Joe Melancon
Bob Sutton Seek the Best
50
New Faces?
NEW HIRES’ at Smart City Networks
Andrew Fata
Jarrett Gunhouse
Carmelo La Mastra
Sebastian Melean
Zach Cardenas
Andres Presas
Not Picutred
Fatima Sanchez
PINNACLE 2025 Q4 | SMARTCITYNETWORKS.COM
Dale Thomas
Reis Broglia & Justin Walker
51
REFERRALS:
Faster, Smarter Hiring at Smart City At Smart City Networks, we believe the best people often come from the people we already know. Employee referrals have long been one of the most effective ways to build strong teams, and the data proves it:
Why Referrals Work 55% faster to hire than other sources 50% lower cost-per-hire 88% of employers say referrals are their top source for quality candidates 45% of referred employees stay longer than 4 years 75% of referred hires are a strong cultural fit Referrals save $7,500 per hire on average Referred employees are 15% more productive and 20% more engaged
Tenure Insight: Smart City Stands Out Smart City Networks’ average employee tenure is 4.7 years U.S. median tenure for wage and salary workers is 3.9 years Private sector tenure is lower at 3.5 years Manufacturing and finance average around 4.7 years, putting Smart City in strong company A tenure of 5+ years is considered long-term, highlighting employee loyalty and satisfaction
Why This Matters In a labor market where unemployment hovers around 4 percent, stability and retention are more important than ever. Smart City’s ability to attract, retain, and grow top talent sets us apart, and referrals remain one of the best strategies for continuing that success.
Your Role If you know someone who would be a great fit for Smart City, send them our way. Referrals help us build stronger teams, support our culture, and guarantee we keep seeking the best together.
Click or Scan to join our team
We Care and
GIVE BACK
We believe that 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.
smartcitynetworks.com