At Convene 2018, IEEE ComSoc had the pleasure of receiving the annual IEEE MCE iCON Award. This honor celebrates an event that has demonstrated excellence in innovation, content curation, community building, and financial stability and growth.

The winner of the iCON 2018 Award was the 2017 IEEE Wireless Communications & Networking Conference (WCNC). IEEE WCNC is the world premier wireless event to exchange ideas and information on the advancement of wireless communications and networking technology. The award was accepted by co-chairs Andrea Goldsmith of Stanford University and Katie Wilson of Santa Clara University, whose outstanding leadership drove results for and led advancement for the conference’s long-term goals.

IEEE WCNC was recognized for their mission to incorporate diversity, the latest technologies, and both industrial and academic forums. Through their efforts, IEEE WCNC almost doubled their attendance, grew their exhibits from 7 to 31, and exceeded their budgeted surplus by $70,000. Led by an organizing committee that was 42% female, including two female co-chairs, this event is exemplary of how future events can grow, evolve, and be representative of today’s technology industry.