When and where is it on?
#TheRoadAhead, the INCA Conference, will take place on Wednesday, October 16 and Thursday, October 17 at the Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel. The Conference also includes the INCA Golds Awards at the same venue on Wednesday, October 16.
How many years has it been going?
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Conference.
TheRoadAhead, INCA Conference
What was the inspiration to start it?
Since INCA’s inception, it has consistently delivered high value high quality conferences and events designed to serve the needs of the sector and discuss the key issues of the day.
The timing of this year’s INCA Conference comes at an opportune moment; it is one year on from the publication of the Future Telecoms Infrastructure Review and there is a new government that may well demand an increase in pace from industry. It is the first UK conference on broadband and digital infrastructure following the Government’s new policy announcements
What exciting things can people look forward to?
The conference has packed agenda of presentations and workshops from the key organisations and Government officials in the UK’s broadband sector. Conference topics are on point with the key challenges and opportunities facing the sector.
In particular, the Tech Showcase is a noted favourite of attendees to the INCA Conference and is appreciated for its scope, encompassing the full journey of fibre and wireless deployment. Additionally, a just-announced Brexit Workshop will take place immediately before the Conference to explore the challenges and issues for digital infrastructure operators in the event of a no-deal.
Other sessions include the Rural Gigabit Futures Workshop featuring discussion on the Government’s plans for Outside-In support for the development of ‘gigabit capable’ networks by 2025. An Investor Workshop includes speakers from investment organisations, Ofcom and Government assessing the climate for investment in digital infrastructure.
What opportunities are on offer for those attending?
Featuring leaders from the digital infrastructure sector, policy makers, investors, a tech showcase, plus of course a highly informed and engaged audience, this is a ‘must attend’ event for anyone with an interest in digital infrastructure in the UK.
Attendees can expect to discuss key issues affecting future digital infrastructure, assimilating the impacts of policy and regulation, movements in investment, changes in technology, to shape strategies for the future.
It is also a valuable networking event, with many of the leaders of the second wave of independent operators, alongside representatives of the established providers, involved in the Conference.
Who will be speaking?
A host of government officials, operators and others in the telecoms sector are scheduled to take part. These include:
- James Heath, Director, Digital Infrastructure, DCMS
- Chi Onwurah MP, Shadow Minister for Industrial Strategy, Science and Innovation
- Justin Lees, DCMS
- Matt Agar, BDUK
- Jonathan Oxley, Ofcom
- Kees de Ward, President at FTTH Council Europe
- Catherine Colloms, Director of Corporate Affairs and Brand at Openreach
- Greg Mesch, CEO CityFibre
- Gareth Williams, CEO Gigaclear
- Alastair Davidson, Director of Wireless Infrastructure Group
- Wenbing Yao, Director of Strategy and Marketing with Huawei
- John Irvine, CEO WightFibre
- Matthew Hare, CEO Zzoomm
- Many other sector leaders and experts
For the full line-up, see: https://www.inca.coop/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=135
What tips would you give to people attending to get the most out of it?
With so many amazing opportunities available at INCA, it can be difficult to narrow down what to attend. While you can’t really go wrong, here are our top tips:
- Networking with the movers and shakers of the UK’s digital infrastructure altnets.
- Excellent content with expert speakers in all panel and workshop sessions.
- A great opportunity for suppliers to engage with key decision-makers in the sector
- Don’t forget your business card as this event is also a great networking opportunity.
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