Comms Connect Showed the Radio Communications Industry in NZ is Alive.

The Comms Connect event held in Wellington again this year was well represented by equipment manufacturers, dealers and end clients. The first day opened with an insight to the Radio Spectrum Management of NZ and how they are passing on savings by reductions in licensing fees. This was followed by an operational perspective of disasters that had taken place in both Australia and NZ and focused on how important communications were during these times, including real life examples of the challenges the USAR teams are faced with and how evolving technologies are being used to provide solutions.

The exhibition was supported by many companies and this along with the large numbers of delegates perusing the various stands showed that the radio communications industry in NZ is alive and well. As I strolled throughout the exhibition there were many in-depth discussions taking place between suppliers and industry users and it was brilliant to see so many people networking and meeting new people within the industry.

There were many excellent session also held during the event – the one that comes to mind was by Caroline Milligan discussing how social media can be used in crisis communications. She was a shining star and is obviously passionate about what she does and turned a possibly dry subject into something that was almost exciting!

The annual RFUANZ GALA Dinner and Excellence Awards was held on the Tuesday night, great food and an entertaining MC ensured the night was enjoyed by all. It was great to see so many award nominations and the diversity of those that were the award recipients.

A big thanks to those from Comms Connect for another great conference and exhibition.