NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association will host its annual NATE UNITE show in Las Vegas from February 23 to 26, bringing together communications infrastructure contractors, climbers, and suppliers for what organizers promise will be the event’s biggest year yet.
Amanda Stegall, chair of NATE’s trade show committee, and Stephanie McCall, Director of Events and Marketing, outlined key highlights during a recent episode of NATE’s Climbcast podcast, hosted by Brian Bicknese, Director of Safety & Education.
Keynote and New Features
Wireless Estimator will provide full coverage of the show and invites suppliers and service companies to brief its staff on new products and services to be unveiled on the Las Vegas exhibit floor.
This year’s keynote speaker is James Lawrence, who completed 100 Ironman triathlons in 100 days, weathering extreme conditions that mirror what tower technicians face daily. “He’s gone through what our climbers go through,” McCall said. “They have to weather all kinds of weather elements.”
The event kicks off with a whiskey-and-cigar welcome reception featuring whiskey tastings and a professional cigar roller. More than 25 conference sessions will span three days and address safety, technology, and industry challenges. Additional information is available here.
Focus on Practical Innovation
For the trade show committee, success isn’t just about booth traffic. “We want to see real conversations happening between attendees and our exhibitors,” Stegall said. “If one person or contractor leaves saying I found something that I can use, I feel like that’s a success for us.”
The committee emphasizes balancing innovation with real-world application. “Innovation is great, but only if it can work at 200 feet up in the air in the elements,” Stegall noted. “We really try to focus on solutions that help make the job safer, faster, more efficient, but that don’t overcomplicate things for the climbers.”
The showcased equipment undergoes real-world testing by NATE’s Safety and Education Management Committee to ensure practical applicability in daily use.
Speed Networking Returns
One of the fastest-growing sessions is speed networking, now in its third year. The Monday afternoon event allows contractors to make quick pitches to potential suppliers or customers they might not otherwise engage with, followed by an evening reception to continue promising conversations.
Breaking Down Misconceptions
Stegall addressed a persistent misconception about the event. “I see so often in social media and in Facebook groups, particularly, that NATE is just for suits and ties, that it’s for people who’ve never been on a tower,” she said. “That is absolutely wrong. NATE is built for everyone in telecom. If you’re a climber, a technician, a safety manager, or operations, there is a place and space for you at NATE .”
Both Stegall and Bicknese, who spent years as contractors before joining NATE, emphasized the value of learning from peers across the industry. “Some of the best connections I made over my career were at NATE,” Bicknese said.
Preparation and ROI
Organizers urged attendees to download the NATE app to access session schedules, exhibitor information, tower stage demonstrations, and safety materials. For exhibitors, McCall recommended using the lead capture system available through the registration portal and following up after the event.
The exhibit hall schedule maximizes attendance by avoiding scheduling conflicts. A Wednesday evening reception in the exhibit hall creates additional networking opportunities. “It’s always easier to engage when there’s food and drinks, and you’re able to break that ice a little bit more,” Stegall said.
The Bigger Picture
McCall emphasized the event’s unique role in the industry. “I imagine [tower climbing] could be pretty isolating,” she said. “Being around people who you can bounce ideas off of and learn from and be just around your people and networking—I don’t think there’s any place else in the industry for our community to gather.”
Stegall hopes attendees leave with “a renewed commitment to safety and professionalism in our industry,” adding that she consistently returns from NATE with new ideas to improve operations, from booking platforms to cold-weather gear.
NATE UNITE 2027 will be held in Orlando at the Rosen Shingle Creek resort.
