It’s true what they say. Knowledge is power. You want to expand your understanding of smart city trends and technologies and for that there’s nothing like rubbing shoulders with the very people who are creating the products and principles that will define the urban areas of our near-future. From seminars and showcases to networking and note-taking, here are ten smart city events you should consider for your professional development and product exposure.
1. Smart Cities Week
2nd - 4th October 2018
Washington, DC | Walter E. Washington Convention Center
This year’s theme is focused on the benefits of innovative collaborations to solve urban challenges – from financing to infrastructure needs. The event, hosted by Smart Cities Council, will also address the latest in smart transportation and data-driven decision making.
www.smartcitiesweek.com/2018-washington
2. NLC City Summit
7th - 10th November 2018
Los Angeles, California
City Summit is the National League of Cities’ conference for local leaders to share ideas on the common challenges facing America’s cities. Expect to learn about best practices from local government leaders and city leaders.
citysummit.nlc.org
3. Smart City Expo World Congress
13th - 15th November 2018
Barcelona, Spain | Gran Via Venue
Billed as the leading international event on urban development, you can expect Smart City Expo World Congress to pack a punch - with smart city topics including government and finance, mobility and digital transformation. Last year witnessed a staggering 18,000 attendees, 600 exhibitors and 400 speakers.
www.smartcityexpo.com
4. CES
8th - 11th January 2019
Las Vegas, Nevada
It’s arguably the biggest technology events in the world. With 11 official venues, CES spans more than 2.5 million square feet of exhibit space for 182,000 attendees. And yes, there’s an area devoted to smart city technologies.
www.ces.tech
5. Smart Cities International Symposium & Exhibition
22nd - 23rd January 2019
Chicago, Illinois | Conference Chicago
Steps away from Chicago's beautiful lakefront, the Smart Cities International Symposium & Exhibition is more than just a pretty venue. The event will bring together thought leaders and practitioners from around the world to explore the most recent advances in smart city technology.
www.smartcities-symposium.com
6. The Smart City Event
29th January - 1st February 2019
Fort Lauderdale, Florida | Broward County Convention Centre
One of the lesser know (but no less wonderful) smart city events, expect talks and technology focused on smart utilities, 5G networks, big data and smart city development, municipal Wi-Fi and IoT insurance models.
www.thesmartcityevent.com
7. Smart Cities UK
7th February 2019
London, UK
It’s the UK’s original and longest-serving smart cities event. This year the conference will be examining the importance of sustainable investment within UK cities, bringing together over 350 decision-makers to discuss the impact of Brexit and highlight how new trade links can drive prosperity, increase employment and tackle society's fundamental issues.
www.smartcityuk.com
8. Cities, Government & Politics Summit at SXSW
8th - 11th March 2019
Austin, Texas
It’s a world-famous celebration of music, comedy, film and technology and now there’s a specific channel for Cities, Government & Politics. Topics for 2019 include liveable cities and the future of urban planning, civic engagement and data tracking.
www.sxsw.com/conference/cities-government-and-politics/
9. Smart Cities Connect Conference & Expo
1st - 4th April 2019
Denver, Colorado | Colorado Convention Centre
Think of it as a place for smart city technology providers to connect with city leaders - and vice versa. 300 exhibitors will be in attendance and the event will also host awards for the latest and most innovative technologies.
spring.smartcitiesconnect.org
10. National Planning Conference
13th - 16th April 2019
San Francisco, California
It’s a planning conference with an important slant: big data. Specifically you can expect in-depth insight on how big data can be used to benefit the planning of urban environments as well as advice on the technology for disaster recovery on a city-wide scale.
www.planning.org/npc19
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Topics: IoT, smart city, smart city events