ITW Meet Ups

An opportunity to network with your tribe. Take inspiration from the panel discussions and continue the conversation informally with like-minded partners and ecosystem stakeholders.

ITW Meet Ups help to facilitate targeted networking, whilst resolving joint industry challenges and bring together stakeholders for constructive conversations and structured networking. Each round table discussion will be led by one industry figurehead who will initiate the conversation. Attendees can sign up in advance and will have confirmed seats at the table. We will also have some open tables to allow for free-flow networking conversations. Come with your questions and ideas.

Tuesday 19 May, 11:30 - 12:30, Woodrow Wilson

Meet the Leaders Networking Round Tables: Policy & Investment (Invite Only)

• International AI Infrastructure: Opportunities and Constraints of the ICT Stack

  This roundtable explores how the strength — or weakness — of a country’s ICT infrastructure directly shapes what AI can realistically deliver, scale, and secure in practice. Key discussion areas and participant takeaways:

• Understand the real enablers of AI adoption by examining how data centres, networks, cloud platforms, and terrestrial and subsea cables underpin AI development and deployment.

• Identify where infrastructure gaps create friction, limiting performance, resilience, security, or speed to market for AI systems.
• Compare national readiness to see how different ICT environments shape what countries can absorb, operate, and govern across the AI stack.
• Clarify cross‑stack dependencies between ICT and AI systems, and how those dependencies affect operational resilience and national security.
• Separate ambition from reality, highlighting which layers of the AI technology stack are realistically scalable today — and which remain constrained by foundational infrastructure.

Confirmed discussion leader: Darci Pauser, Economic Officer, Cyberspace & Digital Policy Bureau and Emerging & Critical Technology Policy Office, US Department of State

• ESG as a strategic lever – Learn how sustainability, water stewardship, and social impact can turn opposition into collaboration
• Investment models for sustainable returns in disruptive growth periods

13:00 – 15:00, Digital Infra Stage

ITW Meet Up: AI & Data Infrastructure

Discussion topics:

• Designing fit-for-purpose AI-ready data centers

Confirmed discussion leader: Doug Recker, President, Duos Technologies Group

• How can AI make network management and operations more efficient?

• Interoperability of AI infrastructure with legacy equipment

14:30 - 15:30, Digital Infra Stage

ITW Meet up: Data center/ hyperscaler

15:50 – 16:50, GrowthX Connection Zone

ITW Meet Up: Voice & Messaging

Suggested Topics:

• The future of voice & messaging – innovation in technology & strategy
• Uniting the industry to restore trust
• eSIM and the evolution of roaming services
• The Voice AI opportunity

Wednesday 20 May, 11:00 - 12:00, GrowthX Connection Zone

ITW Meet Up: Emerging talent

Suggested topics:

• Career entry strategies
• Emerging roles
• Technical skill requirements
• Work environment and culture

13:00 - 16:00

ITW Meet Up: Subsea Leaders

Suggested Topics:

• Submarine cable maintenance & supply chain management
• Subsea resilience & security
• Emerging cable technologies
• Investment, financing and monetisation of infrastructure

Thursday 21 May, 10:30 - 11:30, GrowthX Connection Zone

ITW Meet Up: GrowthX

Freeflow networking for Product leads from telcos and solution providers/ start ups offering solutions to support telco product innovation.

Once our networking app goes live, you will be able to reserve your place on a specific round table through the app (only available to registered delegates). If you have any queries, or are interested in sponsoring a round table, please contact Rachael Lupton