Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1046120
FEATURE q Page 4 Keynotes Focus on the Future World-renowned speaker on technology, change management and leadership, Opening Keynote Jack Uldrich helped kick off the conference with his views on the emerging and future trends in the industry. He shared his insights on how to create a successful future and the transformational principles of unlearning or freeing yourself from obsolete knowledge and assumptions. Closing Keynote and fear guru, Patrick Sweeney, shared his unique perspective on how to build a life filled with balance, passion and success. An Olympic-level athlete and cancer survivor, he challenged attendees to turn their fear into fuel and create opportunities for unforeseen success. Attendees were enlightened by both keynote speakers. Natasha Kratochvil, RCDD, of Advanced Project Solutions, LLP, said, "It was eye-opening to realize how many things you miss on a daily basis, like augmented reality, sharing economy and sensors, and where they are going in the future." Educational Sessions Don't Disappoint More than 20 educational sessions took place throughout the conference, with Wednesday dedicated to concurrent sessions so attendees could take their pick of relevant topics. Subject areas included: audio distribution and mass notification; broadcast media standards; cabling standards; data centers; distributed antenna systems (DAS); enterprise fiber; Ethernet and power over Ethernet (PoE); health care facilities; the Internet of Things (IoT); K-12 AV and safety; local area networks (LAN); low-voltage design; seismic codes and standards; smart cities; and wireless networks. Attendee feedback focused on the timeliness of the topics. So Much Activity in the Exhibit Hall The Exhibit Hall opened with down-home Texas flair on Monday afternoon. After a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, attendees grooved their way into the Exhibit Hall while the Bret Mullins Band played their greatest country hits. The Hall bustled with excitement as 120 exhibitors chatted with attendees and showed off their latest innovations. Companies on the show floor represented all verticals of the ICT market, offering solutions for many industry challenges and helping attendees stay competitive in their business. In the BICSI Theater, What's New, What's It Do? presentations were held so participating exhibitors could provide an up-close look and quick overview of their companys' offerings. This was also the site of the Cabling Innovators Awards, presented by Cabling Installation and Maintenance. In addition, the First-Time Exhibitor Pavilion hosted exhibitors new to a BICSI conference, so attendees were sure not to miss the new faces.