Wireless 2010: Predictions for the year ahead

Wireless 2010: Predictions for the year ahead

Topic of discussion

Thoughts/Predictions of the wireless industry for 2010

* mobile devices
* applications
* storefronts
* social media
* market forces, government policy, capital markets, Canadian mobile industry, global environment

Panel

Michael Urlocker: Director, Equity Research Technology Hardware Analyst – GMP Securities L.P.

Michael Urlocker, joined GMP in November 2007 to cover the Technology sector. Michael has 15 years experience as a research analyst specializing in technology, telecommunications and related fields. He is the #3 ranked technology analyst in Brendan Woods’ latest survey. In 2001, he was ranked as the #1 telecom equipment analyst by Brendan Woods and was a key member of the UBS team that was ranked #2 in 2002 telecom equipment.  Prior to joining GMP, Michael founded a management consulting firm specializing in corporate strategy and disruptive innovation. Michael is a graduate of the University of Waterloo’s Engineering program and of Carleton University’s school of Journalism. Prior to joining the investment industry, Michael worked as a technology reporter at the Financial Post and as a foreign correspondent in India.

Krista Napier: Senior Analyst, Canadian Competitive Intelligence and Emerging Technology – IDC Canada

Krista brings to her role deep insight from her research into emerging Canadian ICT companies as the lead analyst for IDC Canada’s Technology Innovation Watch report series which highlights up and coming Canadian technology stars, and her support of IDC’s Canada’s Market Acceleration Program – an initiative designed to help emerging Canadian IT companies succeed in bringing their products and services to market.  Krista’s research in this area is sought after by investors, large and small technology companies, and government organizations looking to better understand these companies and trends and support the commercialization efforts of these innovative technology start-ups. As an industry speaker and media commentator, Krista is at the leading edge of the emerging Canadian ICT market.

As lead analyst for IDC Canada’s Competitive Intelligence practice, Krista works with the IDC Canada analyst team to deliver strategic and tactic insight into the changing competitive dynamics of the Canadian ICT sector.  Leveraging publicly available information and primary research vehicles such as IDC’s research panels and executive interviews, Krista monitors and analyzes current competitive trends to help clients secure competitive advantages in today’s rapidly changing environment.

Krista is completing an MBA part-time at the Schulich School of Business at York University, and holds an Honors of Bachelor of Business Administration from Wilfred Laurier University where she graduated with distinction.

Ronald Gruia: Principal Analyst, Telecom – Frost & Sullivan

Ronald Gruia is the Program Leader and Principal Analyst for Emerging Telecom at Frost & Sullivan, where he covers topics such as NGN transitional technologies, 4G, IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystems), FMC, VoIP, Carrier Messaging/Value Added Services Platforms, IPTV, IP Centrex, Broadband Access, Triple Play Services, IP telephony, Enterprise Communications Systems and Unified Communications, among others. He has spoken at conferences such as Supercomm, VON, 3GSM, CTIA, Futurecom, VMA, TMIA, VMA, IMS Expo, IPComm, Fierce IPTV, Intel Communications Summit, VON Canada, IP World Canada and Comdex Canada.

Ronald also writes articles for various publications (such as IMS and NGN Magazine, VoIP Magazine, Telecommunications Magazine, Telemanagement and Processor Magazine), has appeared on Report on Business Television and BNN (Canada), TV Decision (Brazil) and Telecom TV (Spain), and is often quoted in publications including Business Week, Forbes, Wired, API, MarketWatch, Reuters, Network World, IT Business, IT World, San Jose Mercury News, National Post, Globe&Mail and CIO Magazine. He is an MIT graduate in Electrical Engineering, and has accumulated years of experience in the telecom industry (held several roles at Nortel Networks’ Enterprise Division, where he earned a U.S. patent).

Moderator: Jeff Mucci, RCR Wireless, Publisher

Jeff has served in executive leadership roles including Board Director, Chairman, CEO, President, SVP and General Manager within private equity sponsored and public technology companies. He has secured over $ 300 million in debt and equity from top tier financial institutions including Morgan Stanley, Bank of America, Wachovia, CIT, Nautic Partners, and Spire Capital and been responsible for leading $100 million companies with over 450 employees. Specific companies include Clearwire Technologies, Metropolitan Fiber Systems (MFS) / RealCom Office Communications, ConnectSouth, Advance Radio Telecom (ART), Ucontrol and Xspedius.

Prior to founding Arden in 2006 as a platform to advise, operate and acquire middle market companies in the communications, media real estate and energy service sectors, Jeff served as President and COO of CCNG, Inc., a diversified investment & operating company with a portfolio of telecom, energy service and luxury golf development companies.

Before entering the technology industry in the early 90’s, Jeff developed or brokered over $50 million in commercial, industrial and investment real estate with The Linpro Company and CB Richard Ellis. Jeff graduated from Clemson University in 1985 with a BS in Financial Management and a real estate minor.

When: Feb 1, 2010  6:00 PM   to  9:00 PM
Where: MaRS Centre Auditorium
101 College Street, Toronto

This is a free event, but registration is required.