The Future is Everywhere

The 2011 Iridium Partner Conference

The neon lights of Bourbon Street weren’t the brightest thing in New Orleans when Iridium partners assembled for the 2011 Iridium Partner Conference. “The most unique city in America,” was the ideal setting for partners working with the most unique and farthest reaching network to collaborate, interact, showcase solutions, as well as discuss accomplishments and future endeavors.

The Conference, which took place January 25-28, attracted more than 400 attendees from 130 Iridium partner companies around the world. Themed “The Future is Everywhere,” the Conference earned the title of largest Iridium Partner Conference to date.

Iridium CEO Matt Desch officially opened the conference by welcoming partners, and by reporting on the state of the company as well as the overall marketplace. He was followed by other members of the executive team, who presented detailed overviews of product roadmaps, vertical markets, the Iridium NEXT program and network upgrade plans. Industry analyst Tim Farrar, president of TMF Associates, also provided an informative outsider’s view of Iridium’s position in the mobile satellite services (MSS) space.

A captivated audience listened while the keynote speech was delivered by world-renowned entrepreneur and technologist Elon Musk, president and CEO of Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX). Musk gave a report on the successful launches of the new Falcon 9 rocket, which will be the primary launch vehicle for Iridium NEXT, and discussed his vision for the role commercial companies can play in space transportation. It undoubtedly illustrated the powerful alliance that has been formed between Iridium and SpaceX, and spoke to the level of success expected by the Iridium NEXT constellation.

The two days of events also featured multiple breakout workshops dedicated to specific Iridium product lines and vertical markets. Iridium was pleased to open the floor to guest speakers who provided firsthand experiences of Iridium and shared their thoughts on opportunity and growth.

One of the Conference’s most significant successes was its bustling Exhibit Hall. Approximately 39 exhibitors showcased their latest products, solutions and applications enabled by the Iridium network. The Exhibit Hall allowed partners to forge connections and facilitated conversations about future innovation.

Iridium took the opportunity to celebrate its success in the social media space by keeping new and potential followers engaged in Conference activities and encouraging the use of a custom #hashtag (#IridiumPartners). Conference attendees created further social buzz by taking to Facebook and Twitter to publicize their experiences. For example, one partner posted “SkyHawk members are privileged to [hear] Elon Musk speak at Iridium Partner Conference in New Orleans,” while another tweeted, “Visit Sattrans booth, see our products and meet our staff during the 2011 Iridium Partner Conference in New Orleans Jan. 25 -28 #IridiumPartners.”

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