In Review: WNCG 2003 Wireless Networking Symposium

The WNCG Wireless Networking Symposium was held at The University of Texas at Austin October 22 - 24, 2003. Over 300 business and academic leaders from around the world came to the Thompson Conference Center and LBJ Auditorium for the event.

The symposium featured many different aspects of the changing wireless industry. The Thursday events primarily focused on current industry challenges and future growth. The symposium covered key perspectives on the industry, including broadband, venture capital, and wireless startups. Some of the highlighted speakers from the Wednesday and Thursday panels and plenary talks included:

• John Muleta, Chief, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, Federal Communications Commission
• Michael J. Marcus, Associate Chief of Technology, Federal Communications Commission
• Mihir Ravel, Vice President, Technology & Corporate Development, National Instruments
• Donald P. Shaver, Director, Communications Systems Laboratory, Texas Instruments
• Raj Singh, Founder, LCC International, Telcom Ventures, XM Satellite Radio, Aether Systems

Symposium attendees ventured over to the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum on Thursday after the technical talks. The event started with an open bar, and exclusive access to the museum exhibits. After an elegant plated dinner, Sheriff J.B. Smith of Tyler County, Texas gave a humorous talk about his experiences as a Texan and a lawman. The Sheriff offered many priceless pieces of advice, focused on being able to laugh at yourself and with others.

Friday's presentations were of a more technical nature, beginning with a plenary talk on ultrawideband by Professor Moe Win of MIT and then moving on to four parallel technical session tracks. The session tracks featured research findings from industry professionals and academics from around the world. Most sessions were filled to overflowing up until the 5:00 pm finish time.

Photos of the event are available online on the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering website.

The dates for next year's program have been set; the 2004 WNCG Wireless Networking Symposium will be held October 20-22, 2004.