George Grant’s Post

𝗖𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗜𝘅𝗗 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 6 & 7 June | 10:00 – 18:00 hrs | Pakhuis de Zwijger, #Amsterdam Join us this Thursday and Friday at the fourth edition of the PublicSpaces #Conference with the theme ‘Taking Back the Internet’. Through panels, keynotes, roundtable sessions, lectures, art and culture, we will work our way towards an internet where we set the rules collectively. CivicIxD will be contributing to two events in the programme, see below: On Thursday, Lector Martijn de Waal will be one of the panelists at the 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗱𝘀 session, together with Mieke Van Heesewijk (SIDN Fund), Neil Smyth (Alkemio), and Koos Steenbergen (Ministry of Interior Affairs), and host Sophie Bloemen (Commons Network). During this panel, the following questions will be explored: Are the commons a way to “take back the Internet”? Then, important questions are: How do digital commons contribute to a transformation where communities are at the helm? How can we design our digital infrastructures to contribute to self-determination and democratic practice? More info: https://lnkd.in/eJm2dhqU On Friday, as part of the CivicIxD project 'Pubhubs: toward a public digital infrastructure'(https://lnkd.in/ebWtgUR8), we organised the workshop: 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗛𝘂𝗯𝘀: 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗢𝘄𝗻 𝗛𝘂𝗯, where we will demonstrate the beta version of the PubHubs platform and engage with the audience. As an organisation, how would you like to set up your own Hub? What components are important for your organisation, and how would you like to shape moderation? What do you see as the main advantages as well as stumbling blocks to using PubHubs? In the workshop, we will be joined by Jan de Besten (Pubhubs); Esther Hammelburg, PhD (AUAS); Harold Pflug (AUAS); Martijn de Waal (AUAS); Eva Oosterlaken (AUAS) and together design a Hub for a number of different organisational contexts. Join us, your input is needed! More info: https://lnkd.in/ePgDZphd >> Get your tickets for the PublicSpaces Conference below: https://lnkd.in/e7Q2DYTY #CivicIxD #HvA #PublicSpaces #Commons #Pubhubs #digital #public

#NMHCOPTECH 2024 is almost here, and this year's show promises a combination of continuity and change. Continuity, because the breakdown of the audience looks remarkably similar to previous years (today's article breaks the attendance down). Change, because this year we will see the launch of #RETTC, the Real Estate Technology and Transformation Center. RETTC is #NMHC's new subsidiary focused on technology and related interests. From next year, #OPTECH will become a RETTC event. To mark the occasion, #20for20 and RETTC will be jointly launching a new paper, "The State of Multifamily Connectivity," designed to provide a foundation for multifamily leaders charged with making decisions about the digital infrastructure (Wi-Fi, smart tech, etc.) of their communities. All of this and much, much more in this pre-show post - give it a look! https://hubs.la/Q02TsXsr0

The latest AdvisorTech Expo was different than the others, because of this big lesson: It’s not just WHAT you know … It’s what you know HOW TO DO with it. Implementation was a major focus for the Expo this year. How to put the latest tech innovations to good use. How to use them in real-life situations in your practice. How other advisors use tech for growth, efficiency & client service. Practical lessons and hard-won experience is what we used to back this up. While that’s always been a focus for the Expo — this was the FOURTH annual event, if you can believe it — this year we really cranked it up a notch. We did this based on YOUR feedback. (So if you received a feedback form recently, take it seriously!) In addition to live Q&As, access to innovators, breakout rooms and more — here’s how we did it: → ADVISOR’S PANEL >> How to leverage Social Media Marketing << Lisa Guo, CFA, Sam Lichtman, Zael Miransky, CFP, President, CEO, Aravind Sithamparapillai and Mark McGrath, CFP®, CIM®, CLU® were brilliant in this one. Really good, experience-grounded advice for how they got started (and kept going) to become successful #financialplanning voices social media. → EXPERT SESSION >> Implementing Estate Planning into your Practice << Estate planning is a niche expertise that’s only getting more and more important. Advisors and planners who can provide this specialization quickly start to stand out. We were lucky to have a session and Q&A with Jordan Atin. Estate planning nerds like us 🤓 were gobsmacked at being able to get Jordan for this one — he teaches this topic at Osgoode Hall and is one of the top-rated lawyers in the country when it comes to estate planning. → ADVISOR SESSION >> Implementing Technology to Manage your Team << FPAC’s own Christian Battistelli CFP® led this one, and it was a masterclass. He gave a demo of four low-cost tech platforms from outside the #FinTech world. Why? Because they have driven incredible efficiency at his firm. Literally HUNDREDS of hours (and dollars) saved. Seriously Want to know the tips, tricks and secrets shared at these and other practical sessions on tech implementation? Starting to regret that you missed out? Well, if you registered by last week’s event deadline, we’ve got good news for you … All these videos are still available for you to watch. And you can even earn CE credits too. Follow your Expo login instructions to find out how. P.S. Thanks again everyone for a great Expo!

G’Day Network!   I’ve somehow convinced the powers in charge of this event to select me to play futurist in a slide free oration that pitches my ‘top tech trend’ against a suite of actual top tech inventors and experts (hi Olga Hogan, Arnan Mitchell & Laura Bellino!). As the first architect in the mix at this surprisingly large and well patronised event, I must admit I am not particularly clear about the format, the competition, and the general vibe- so no expectations, which is a great starting point! That said, I do define my job as ‘helping people believe in things that don’t exist yet’ and also as ‘specialising in things I’ve never done before’ so this should be a heady mix of the two.   I’ve got 180 seconds to run a mellifluous and tight little package out to the crowd. I’ll try to minimise swearing and jam in a few jokes, and hopefully have something tangibly intangible enough to sway the hearts and minds of well versed and smarter people than me. If I am able to rouse the enthusiasm of the crowd to align with whatever it is that I imagine is going to be ‘big’ then I’d love to have your roars in there as familiar voices.   Let me know if you can come along, or don’t let me know, just grab a ticket! https://lnkd.in/gjc4rUaK #TechTrends #EmergingTech #Networking #Innovation #techcommunity #medtech Decibel Architecture

CONNECTED 2024 brought together nearly 200 citizens, city leaders, and technology partners to drive smart region initiatives in Arizona. This milestone event showcased the innovative projects of our civic partners: City of Avondale, AZ, City of Buckeye, City of Chandler, Arizona, City of Goodyear, City of Mesa, City of Phoenix, City of Scottsdale, City of Surprise, and City of Tempe, alongside our corporate partner, Salt River Project. Why it Matters: Efficiency through collaboration: Bringing diverse stakeholders together to accelerate project implementation. Showcasing innovation: Highlighting successful smart city projects that can be replicated elsewhere. Building connections: Facilitating introductions between city leaders and technology vendors for future partnerships. Discover how collaboration is steering Arizona towards a sustainable future. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dsyWZv-F

🌟 Last week, we had the incredible opportunity to showcase Orbisens at the Road to START Summit 2025 in Berlin. This flagship event, organized START Berlin, featured a high-stakes pitch competition, insightful keynotes, and invaluable networking opportunities. Being part of such a dynamic environment reinforced how having a tangible product makes pitching groundbreaking ideas so much easier. While videoconferences are great for introductions, demonstrating the superiority of our concept and why it’s precisely what the market needs is far more effective in person. 🌍 Orbisens is more than just a modular environmental sensor—it’s the "nervous system" of an AI-powered city. With its sleek design, modularity, and ability to address today’s most pressing challenges, Orbisens truly resonates with people. Seeing the product in action helps them grasp its potential immediately, making our conversations more impactful. It’s moments like these that highlight how much easier it is to communicate the value and market relevance of Orbisens when people can see and interact with it firsthand. 💡 The feedback we received confirmed that the wide range of applications for Orbisens—from environmental monitoring to urban resilience and smart city solutions—sparks curiosity and inspires bold visions for the future. 🚀 Now, we’re looking to take Orbisens to the next level. To scale, innovate, and bring our vision of smarter, greener cities to life, we’re actively seeking investors who share our passion for reshaping urban living. 🤝 If you're interested in being part of the journey to revolutionize how cities think, sense, and respond, let’s connect! Together, we can turn this vision into reality. #SmartCities #EnvironmentalMonitoring #AIInnovation #SustainableFuture #InvestInTech

Come see Antero Group at #APATX24! We're excited for this week's upcoming APA Texas Chapter Conference at the Marriott Dallas Allen Hotel & Convention Center in #AllenTX. Be sure to stop by booth 7 to connect with our team, chat about some of our newest initiatives, and grab a few goodies! We are returning as a Silver Sponsor to support the conference this year and are proudly sponsoring two insightful sessions that we encourage you to attend: 📅: October 17, 2024, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM - The Catalyst room ✅ A Tale of Three Area Plans: The Knope-esque Fever Dream Join staff from the City of Denton—including Associate Planner Sean Jacobson, Principal Planner Julie Wyatt, AICP, Historic Preservation Officer/Principal Planner Cameron Robertson, Senior Planner Mia Hines, and Development Review Manager Angie M.—as they dive into the ambitious efforts behind the Northeast Denton Area Plan, Southeast Denton Area Plan, and Design Downtown Denton Plan. Together, they'll discuss how Denton is crafting land use policies, improving mobility, and implementing programs that respect the city's culturally rich history while attending to its growth. Don't miss out on the additional conversation about their planning approaches, innovative community engagement methods, and lessons learned. 📅: October 18, 2024, 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM - The Moonlight room ✅ Pass the Chips; Lessons Learned From The Expansion of Semiconductor Manufacturing in Texas Presented by Rob Rae, AICP, Director of Development Services for the CITY OF SHERMAN, and Tom Yantis, Assistant City Manager for the City of Taylor, Texas, this session will provide insights into attracting semiconductor plants and navigating the complex planning, infrastructure, and housing challenges involved and learn how these two communities are positioning themselves to meet the needs of a critical industry that has been the focus of significant interest, especially in light of the #CHIPS Act of 2022. #UrbanPlanning #TexasPlanning #ResilientCommunities #SustainableGrowth #CommunityEngagement #DowntownRevitalization

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿? What an interesting first day it has been at the 𝙐𝙉𝙄𝙏𝘼𝘾 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙐𝙧𝙗𝙖𝙣 𝙏𝙚𝙘𝙝 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙀𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙩𝙮! The conference focus are local residents from marginalized communities and their ways to engage with technology, exploring how we can use “tech for good” while knowing that this tech could also lead to oppression. This conference takes place in the context of the international guidelines on people-centered smart cities, with #collaboration as yesterday's central theme. To me, especially the talk by Ruth Nelson was very inspiring. 👉 She shared that participation must not be only a box that one ticks in smart city projects, but that real collaboration is necessary. 👉 My key takeaway from her presentation was to ask ourselves: 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙚𝙘𝙝𝙣𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙜𝙮 𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧? 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙡𝙤𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙘𝙤𝙤𝙡 𝙩𝙚𝙘𝙝 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙬𝙚 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙘𝙪𝙨 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙗𝙡𝙚𝙢 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙤𝙡𝙫𝙚 𝙞𝙩 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙗𝙪𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙘 𝙩𝙚𝙘𝙝. 👉Though full participation can be costly and time-consuming initially, it will save time in the long-term since the consequences of NOT participating are dire. As in smart cities in general, we should therefore focus on the long-term gain and not only on short-term solutions. I am looking forward to two more days of the conference and gaining many more insights. Thank you to UNITAC Hamburg for making the conference hybrid so that I was able to join online on short notice! #smartcities #equity #collaboration #peoplecentricity

Attending the Smart Cities conference today and sat through one of the most powerful presentations I have heard for a long time from #findyafeet . So much potential for all of us but especially young people. Get on it :)

FiberConnect 2024, Nashville – Accelerating Our Fiber Future The Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) hosted an impressive event in Nashville from July 28-31, set against the city's vibrant backdrop. The event was a hub of innovation and collaboration. Here are 3 key takeaways from our team: 1. Open Networking: FiberConnect 2024 excelled at fostering an inviting atmosphere for networking. Attendees were eager to share experiences and collaborate, creating meaningful connections. 2. Preserving CATV in the Fiber Transition: Genexis' ONTs, which preserve CATV services, attracted notable interest from cable operators exploring the move to fiber, helping them maintain revenue and leverage existing infrastructure. 3. Speeding Up Fiber Deployments: The urgency to accelerate fiber rollouts was a key theme. Genexis' OLT-independent ONT, with its "installation in under 10 seconds" sparked intense discussions, especially given the skilled labor shortage. Read the full blog via the link in the comments!