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10 must-hear speakers at 5G Techritory 2024

October 16, 2024

The annual 5G Techritory forum is approaching rapidly – we’ll see you in Riga and online on October 30-31. So, it’s time to introduce you to just some of the 90+ speakers scheduled to address the attendees at this year’s event. 

With “Technology Shaping Tomorrow’s Territory” as this year’s main topic, you’ll hear from experienced industry leaders and representatives of both the public and private sectors. 

Registration for the event is open – reserve your spot here. 

Here are 10 speakers at 5G Techritory 2024 you can’t miss:

1. Mr. Javier Albares Bueno

Mr. Albares Bueno leads the 5G/6G Program at the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS-JU), a public-private partnership between the European Commission and 6G-IA. 

Previously, he served as Head of Telco Solutions at Here Technologies, a location technology firm focusing on positioning and automation. He has also held leadership roles at GSMA and Telefonica-O2, focusing on strategy and innovation. With over two decades of experience in the telecom industry, Javier has driven various initiatives in 5G and future business models.

Hear Mr. Javier Albares Bueno:

  • Opening panel discussion – Charting the Course: Priorities for European Connectivity Leadership on October 30, 9:50 (EET), Opening Ceremony stage

2. Ms. Leslie Shannon

Ms. Shannon leads Trend and Innovation Scouting at Nokia, identifying connectivity-related tech disruptions and opportunities in robotics, drones, generative AI, and, in particular, augmented and virtual reality AR/VR. 

She’s also the author of Interconnected Realities and co-author of Virtual Natives, exploring the future of XR and how the new generations are transforming human-computer interactions.

Hear Ms. Leslie Shannon:

  • Immersive XR Technologies and Digital Twins for Tourism, Education, and Cultural Preservation on October 30, 17:00 (EET), Innovation & Technology stage

3. Mr. Benjamin Brake

Since March 2022, Mr. Brake has headed the Digital and Data Policy Directorate-General at the German Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport, reporting directly to the State Secretary for Digital. 

Previously, he spent a decade leading IBM’s Berlin office, representing the company’s policy interests, and held positions in the German Bundestag and the Federal Ministry of Justice.

Hear Mr. Benjamin Brake:

  • What can policymakers do to promote the 5G ecosystem and to make 6G a success? on October 30, 14:00 (EET), Policy & Strategy stage
  • AI Race – Policies for Adoption in Europe on October 30, 11:00 (EET), Policy & Strategy stage

4. Ms. Evika Siliņa

Ms. Siliņa became the Prime Minister of Latvia in September 2023, bringing years of experience in public administration and politics. Before her current role, she served as the Minister for Welfare and a Parliamentary Secretary in both the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of the Interior. Before entering politics, she worked as a sworn attorney.

Hear Ms. Siliņa:

  • Opening Ceremony on October 30, 9:00 (EET), Opening Ceremony stage

5. Mr. Christian Pegel

Mr. Pegel has served as Minister of the Interior, Building and Digitalisation for Mecklenburg-Vorpommern since 2021. Previously, he was Minister for Energy, Infrastructure and Digitalisation and Minister for Energy, Infrastructure, and Rural Development in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and led the State Chancellery. 

Pegel, a qualified lawyer, has been active in politics since the late 1990s, shaping policy across multiple sectors in the region.

Hear Mr. Pegel:

  • 5G for Telemedicine and Autonomous Maritime Services: Innovations from Mecklenburg-Vorpommern on October 30, 15:00 (EET), Policy & Strategy stage

6. Dr. Alexia González Fanfalone

Dr. González Fanfalone leads the Connectivity Services and Infrastructures Unit at the OECD, overseeing policy work on digital connectivity. With over a decade of experience in digital policy and communication regulation, she has authored more than 20 OECD publications on digital transformation. 

Before joining the OECD, she served as an economic advisor for Mexico’s Federal Telecommunications Commission. She holds a PhD in Economics. 

Hear Dr. González Fanfalone:

  • Opening panel discussion – Charting the Course: Priorities for European Connectivity Leadership on October 30, 9:50 (EET), Opening Ceremony stage

7. Mr. Robert Mourik

Mr. Mourik has been the Chairman and Commissioner of Ireland’s Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) since 2022 and has nearly 30 years of experience in the telecoms sector. 

He has held leadership roles at Cubic Telecom, Telefonica, and Vodafone Group. Mourik started his career in the Dutch Department for Transport and Telecommunication and served as Telecom Attaché at the Netherlands’ Permanent Representation in Brussels. 

Hear Mr. Mourik:

  • Opening Ceremony for Day 2 on October 31, 9:00 (EET), Opening Ceremony stage
  • 6G: Resetting the mobile industry structure on October 31, 11:30 (EET), Policy & Strategy stage

8. Mr. Colin Willcock

Mr. Willcock is the Chairman of the 6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association (6G-IA) board. He holds leadership roles in key European telecom organizations – Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS-JU) and European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI). 

With over 30 years of experience in the telecommunications industry, Mr. Willcock has worked in various roles ranging from software development to standardization. He has been deeply involved in European research projects and played a pivotal role in developing the TTCN-3 testing language. He is currently head of Research Alliances at Nokia.

Hear Mr. Willcock:

  • Why 6G: The European Priorities on October 31, 10:30 (EET), Policy & Strategy stage

9. Ms. Anne Stephan

With over 20 years in telecommunications, Ms. Stephan serves as Vice President of Critical Infrastructure & Networks at Rohde & Schwarz. Previously, she played a key role as VP of Mobile Network Testing. 

A strong advocate for talent development, Anne actively participates in mentoring and leadership programs. Her expertise spans technology, critical infrastructure, and the future of cognitive cities.

Hear Ms. Stephan:

  • Mastering the Waves for Maritime Autonomy – Keynote Presentation on October 30, 12:00 (EET), Policy & Strategy stage

10. Mr. Dan Sjöblom

Since February 2017, Mr. Sjöblom has been the Director General of the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS) and currently chairs the European Regulators Group for Postal Services (ERGP). He previously chaired the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) and was Vice-Chair of the Eastern Partnership Electronic Communications Regulators Network. 

Before his current role, Mr. Sjöblom led the Swedish Competition Authority from 2009 to 2017 and has held various positions at the European Commission. 

Hear Mr. Sjöblom:

  • Opening Ceremony on October 30, 9:00 (EET), Opening Ceremony stage
  • Cybersecurity Ecosystem – Public & Private partnership in Cybersecurity on October 30, 17:00 (EET), Policy & Strategy stage

And much more!

These are just a few of the 90+ speakers you’ll have a chance to hear at 5G Techritory 2024. Find the full agenda here, and plan your schedule for October 30–31 in advance!

Register for free