Since its launch, FutureNet World has stood at the intersection of telecom innovation and strategic transformation. Born in Europe, the event quickly established itself as the definitive platform for operators, vendors, and thought leaders pushing the boundaries of network automation and AI-driven telecom operations.

Within just a few years, FutureNet World reshaped conversations around the future of CSPs, drawing top-tier speakers, global sponsorships, and thousands of attendees from over 90 countries. Insight-rich keynotes, operator-led panels, and innovation showcases turned it into more than a conference — it became a focal point shaping digital telco roadmaps across continents.

In 2026, the landscape shifts again: FutureNet World officially announces its expansion to the United States. This move marks a strategic leap to tap into the North American market — a region experiencing accelerated investment in 5G, Open RAN, and autonomous networks. The U.S. edition will not mirror Europe; it will scale the dialogue and deepen its relevance across global telecom communities.

The U.S. Market: A Strategic Growth Destination

A Mature Conference Ecosystem with Untapped Potential

The United States commands the largest global share of the professional conferences and exhibitions industry, with the market valued at over $14 billion in 2023, according to Statista. Technology-specific gatherings, especially within telecom and enterprise IT, consistently attract high-caliber audiences and international decision-makers. Events like MWC Las Vegas, CES in Las Vegas, and RSA Conference in San Francisco have demonstrated both longevity and relevance, building a high bar for content, vendor showcases, and executive engagement. This level of maturity offers a well-established framework into which FutureNet World can enter—while also identifying clear opportunity gaps for more targeted, analytical forums focused specifically on telecom network automation and AI transformation.

Why the U.S. Delivers Strategic Advantage

No other region matches the U.S. in combining a deep innovation ecosystem, a robust digital infrastructure, and executive-level decision-making power across both private and public telecom interests. Multiple industry indicators highlight the U.S. as the leading source of telecom-related R&D spend, with firms like AT&T, Verizon, AWS, and Microsoft investing billions annually into network modernization, AI, and edge computing. Hosting FutureNet World on American soil will instantly unlock proximity to these global leaders. It gives C-suite executives a platform unparalleled in its regional relevance, while simultaneously acting as a draw for international counterparts looking to connect in a U.S.-based setting specifically tailored to telecom’s next wave.

Fuel from U.S. Economic and Investment Trends

U.S. federal and private sector investment in telecommunications has reached historic levels. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed into law in 2021, allocates $65 billion specifically to broadband deployment and telecom innovation, positioning the American market as a front-runner in digital infrastructure development. According to the FCC’s data, over $42 billion from the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program alone is now being distributed across states.

• Capital-intensive activity: In 2023, U.S. telecom capital expenditure reached nearly $80 billion, according to USTelecom.
• 5G acceleration: The U.S. contributes over 40% of global 5G infrastructure investments, driven by competition between national carriers and hyperscalers.
• Startup density: Key metro areas, particularly in California, Texas, and New York, host the highest density of telecom tech startups globally.

In this high-velocity environment, FutureNet World’s expansion in 2026 will gain direct access to the investors, disruptors, and enterprise buyers reshaping how telecom networks are designed, deployed, and monetized. With U.S. market conditions aligned across public policy, private capital, and technical innovation, the rationale for geographic expansion is not speculative—it is commercially and strategically sound.

Why 2026 is the Right Time for Expansion

Shifting Industry Dynamics Are Redrawing the Events Landscape

Trade shows and industry events in the tech and telecom sectors have entered a new growth phase. Between 2021 and 2023, global B2B events rebounded sharply, with Statista reporting the exhibition industry’s global revenue reaching $34.4 billion in 2023, up from $17.6 billion in 2021. Projections suggest continued expansion through 2026, driven by increased demand for face-to-face engagement and high-value networking.

Technology-centered conferences, especially those focused on telecom, AI, and networking, are seeing heightened attendee volumes. Analysts at UFI – the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry attribute this to the accelerating pace of transformation in enterprise ICT infrastructure and the need for platforms that facilitate real-time collaboration across global teams.

Capital Is Flowing Back Into Innovation-Led Events

Following a cautious investment climate in 2022 and early 2023, funds are returning to tech sectors with renewed focus. Morgan Stanley’s 2024 Tech, Media & Telecom Outlook noted an expected 8% CAGR in global ICT investments from 2024 to 2026, with the majority flowing into advanced connectivity, AI integration, and business automation.

Event organizers and exhibitors are responding. By early 2024, participation rates in U.S.-based telecom events rose 18% year over year, according to Tradeshow Executive, making it the fastest-growing category within enterprise vertical expos. FutureNet World’s 2026 timeline aligns with these trajectories, positioning it within a market primed to fund, attend, and benefit from globally curated, content-driven shows.

Enterprises Need Collaborative, Execution-Ready Platforms

Telco operators and enterprises moving toward digital maturity require more than vendor showcases. Today’s decision-makers favor immersive formats where strategy, operational frameworks, and use-case engineering intersect. From CIO roundtables to multi-stakeholder POCs, the demand for live collaboration environments has never been clearer.

FutureNet World’s expansion taps directly into this shift. The 2024 State of Enterprise Technology Adoption report by IDC revealed that 76% of U.S. telcos prioritize in-person, peer-centric forums to accelerate digital transformation planning. Launching the U.S. edition in 2026 ensures alignment with this rising demand, offering a purpose-built platform when the market seeks precisely this type of engagement.

• Exhibitors will benefit from renewed industry confidence and investment.
• Attendees will have access to insights grounded in execution, not theory.
• Sponsors will tap into a tech-native, decision-making audience hungry for solutions.

Each of these dynamics reinforces the same conclusion: 2026 isn't just a good time to expand—it's the moment when the ecosystem calls for it most clearly.

Key Technologies Driving U.S. Telco Interest

Network Automation and AI: The Core of Modern Telco

U.S. telecom operators are prioritizing investments in network automation and artificial intelligence to meet the demands of a hyperconnected economy. According to a 2023 STL Partners report, over 80% of North American telcos ranked automation among their top three technology priorities for 2024–2026. Automating network operations reduces costs, accelerates service delivery, and enables predictive maintenance. AI models—from intent-based networking to closed-loop service assurance—are now active in live deployments. Verizon, for example, leverages AI-driven traffic management to dynamically balance 5G loads, improving user experience in real time.

5G Maturity and the 6G Horizon

As 5G buildouts reach urban and suburban completion, U.S. carriers are shifting focus to real-world monetization and early-stage 6G planning. The FCC’s 6G Task Force, launched in 2022, has catalyzed R&D across universities and private-sector labs. AT&T and T-Mobile are among the operators already piloting mmWave enhancements and edge-centric architectures. Meanwhile, 5G Standalone (SA) deployment is gaining momentum, with Dish Wireless leading the pack—claiming 70% U.S. population coverage on its SA core as of Q4 2023. Expect discussions at FutureNet World U.S. to delve into spectrum agility, energy-efficient radio tech, and AI-optimised RAN slices.

Rise of Smart Infrastructure and IoT-native Models

Intelligent infrastructure is reshaping the U.S. connectivity model. From connected logistics to precision agriculture, telcos are tailoring offerings for specific verticals powered by IoT. The number of active IoT connections in North America surpassed 3.5 billion in 2023, according to IoT Analytics, and the compound growth rate through 2027 is forecast at 18%. This growth is accelerating demand for edge computing, cloud-native orchestration, and private 5G networks. Verizon’s partnership with the NFL to deploy 5G-enabled venue management at stadiums shows what’s possible when IoT, automation, and ultra-low-latency networking converge.

AI in Customer Experience and Operations

Carriers are reinvesting in customer-centric AI platforms to streamline experience and boost ARPU. Gartner predicts that, by 2026, over 70% of telecom customer interactions will involve machine learning-based agents or recommender systems. U.S. operators are already deploying AI for sentiment analysis, dynamic QoS allocation, and proactive fault resolution. Comcast’s virtual assistant “Xfinity Assistant” now handles over 20 million customer inquiries per month with a 70% resolution rate—an automation success that saves hundreds of hours in call center operations daily. These innovations aren’t only improving service—they’re transforming cost models and driving scale.

U.S. Telcos Shift Gears: Digital Transformation at Full Speed

Accelerating Toward Digital-First Models

American telecom providers are ramping up transformation efforts, pivoting from legacy infrastructure toward agile, software-defined operations. Fierce competition and rising customer expectations aren't just nudging operators—they’re forcing an overhaul. As of late 2023, 87% of U.S. telcos reported active digital transformation initiatives, according to TM Forum’s Digital Transformation Tracker. That number is trending upward, with nearly half targeting full cloud-native operation within the next three years.

Operating models are evolving fast. Traditional revenue frameworks built around voice and connectivity are giving way to experience-driven, data-centric strategies. The shift is visible at scale: companies like AT&T and Verizon are investing billions in restructuring their backend systems, automating workflows, and deploying AI-driven customer service solutions. Digital isn’t a buzzword. It’s the baseline.

Architectures Reshaped by Cloud, Open RAN, and Edge Intelligence

At the core of this transformation sits a trio of game-changing technologies: cloud-native networks, open RAN, and mobile edge computing. Each contributes a distinct layer of flexibility and scalability that legacy systems cannot match.

• Cloud-native architectures allow operators to run network functions as microservices, improving resiliency and enabling continuous integration and deployment. T-Mobile, for example, is leveraging hyperscale environments to reduce downtime and launch new services in real time.
• Open RAN is dismantling vendor lock-in. By decoupling hardware from software, carriers such as Dish Network are creating disaggregated, interoperable networks that reduce both capital and operational expenditure.
• Edge computing enables ultra-low latency services, critical for use cases like autonomous vehicles and real-time analytics. Companies including AT&T and Lumen Technologies are already rolling out distributed edge nodes across metropolitan hubs in preparation for commercial-scale 5G services.

The convergence of these technologies is not theoretical—it’s underway. U.S. telcos are using programmable infrastructure to launch network slices, prioritize enterprise-grade services, and explore monetizable industry verticals like manufacturing and smart cities. The technological foundation isn’t aspirational; it’s being built right now.

FutureNet World U.S.: A Nexus for Scalable Collaboration

FutureNet World’s move into the American market in 2026 comes at a high-leverage moment. With operators actively sourcing modular, interoperable solutions, the show is positioned to facilitate the kind of direct dialogue that accelerates decision-making. Buyers want solutions that scale. Vendors want commercial traction. FutureNet World U.S. enables both.

Expect connectivity between Tier-1 carriers and cloud providers, software vendors, and systems integrators to take center stage. The U.S. expansion offers a rare platform for procurement leaders and tech developers to align roadmaps, deploy proofs-of-concept, and fast-track deployment pipelines. Abstract partnerships will give way to executable alliances.

In short, the U.S. telco industry isn’t waiting for transformation to happen—it’s engineering it. As FutureNet World crosses the Atlantic, the momentum is real, the players are ready, and the architecture for the next decade of connectivity is finally taking shape.

A Transformational Stage: What FutureNet World U.S. Will Mean for the Industry

Opening Doors to North American Leaders

Moving FutureNet World to the U.S. in 2026 introduces a high-value opportunity for telco operators, solution providers, and technology disruptors across North America. By anchoring in one of the most dynamic telecom markets in the world, the show becomes directly accessible to Tier 1 carriers, agility-focused enterprises, and emerging vendors entrenched in the region’s innovation ecosystem. Expect increased engagement from names such as Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Comcast, whose proximity to the event will open new pathways for collaboration and product validation in a live setting.

Executive Leadership on the Global Stage

With the expanded platform, FutureNet World U.S. will stimulate executive-level storytelling at scale. CTOs, CIOs, and heads of digital strategy from both startups and industry incumbents will use the event to showcase new partnerships, co-innovation models, and network transformation programs. These sessions won’t just inform—they’ll shape the global strategic roadmap for AI-led network automation and service orchestration. Digital innovation leaders will use the show to publish playbooks with demonstrable outcomes, turning stages into boardrooms and engagement zones into deal tables.

Highlighting U.S. Leadership in Cybersecurity, AI, and Network Automation

U.S.-based companies lead most telco innovation indices in cybersecurity, predictive analytics, and machine learning. According to the World Intellectual Property Organization, American firms filed over 25% of global telecom AI patents in 2023. By relocating part of its annual focus to the U.S., FutureNet World creates a natural funnel for those innovations to enter mainstream industry dialogue. Attendees can anticipate live demos and case studies from AI-driven analytics platforms, proactive threat prevention frameworks, and zero-touch operational architectures developed in Silicon Valley, Austin, and beyond.

FutureNet’s move accelerates cross-pollination between regions, giving EMEA, APAC, and LATAM attendees a front-row seat to U.S.-grown capabilities. In doing so, the show becomes not just a marketplace of ideas, but a crucible of industry reinvention.

Building Global Bridges: From London to Silicon Valley

FutureNet World as a Catalyst Between Innovation Ecosystems

Since its inception in London, FutureNet World has positioned itself at the intersection of telecom and innovation. Its move in 2026 to expand into the U.S. forms a deliberate link between global tech innovation hubs—London, New York, and San Francisco. Each of these cities leads in different aspects of the telecom and technology stack. London, with its strong policy and standards influence; New York, housing major telecom enterprises and investment communities; and San Francisco, the undisputed epicenter of digital innovation and AI development.

FutureNet World’s strategy directly connects these ecosystems, enabling telecom professionals, AI researchers, software vendors, and infrastructure providers to engage across geographies. By aligning stakeholders from European and U.S. markets under a unified framework, the event creates a space where pioneering ideas translate into commercially viable solutions faster.

Fueling Cross-Border Collaboration and Applied Knowledge Exchange

The 2026 expansion introduces a new format that promotes live collaboration between international expert panels. Sessions involving CTOs from Tier-1 operators in Europe and tech disruptors from Silicon Valley will merge alternative viewpoints into forward-thinking agendas. Case studies presented by cloud-native U.S. telcos alongside legacy operators pushing toward autonomy in Europe will map real transformation journeys in both mature and evolving markets.

Engagement isn’t confined to the main stage. FutureNet World’s content model integrates curated roundtables, startup-investor matchmaking, and tech-lab think tanks designed for co-creation. Knowledge doesn’t stop at dialogue—it’s channeled into actionable frameworks through pre- and post-event working groups run in partnership with industry bodies like TM Forum and GSMA North America.

Engaging Emerging Markets Through U.S. Connectivity

By anchoring the next edition of the show in the U.S., FutureNet World taps into a broader network of markets throughout LATAM, Southeast Asia, and Africa. Many of the venture funds and infrastructure investors attending from the U.S. maintain portfolio pipelines in these regions, while global operators with presence in the Americas—such as Telefónica, América Móvil, and MTN—use U.S.-based offices to coordinate international rollouts.

• LATAM representatives gain faster access to scalable, AI-ready platforms showcased at the event.
• Startups from Asia entering via U.S. innovation hubs find commercial traction with global CSPs active at the show.
• African operators exploring edge and 5G monetization connect with cloud vendors and integrators deploying at scale in the U.S. market.

This loop strengthens FutureNet World’s identity—not just as a telco event—but as a developmental engine for global telecom ecosystems converging on innovation, autonomy, and vertical growth value chains.

Investing in Telecom Innovation: Opportunities for Stakeholders

FutureNet World’s move to the U.S. in 2026 introduces a high-impact platform for investors, telecom operators, tech innovators, and enterprise strategists to converge around a shared objective: accelerated telecom innovation. With telco-as-a-platform models maturing and connectivity infrastructure undergoing radical redefinition, investment interest is intensifying across the board.

Capital Meets Use Case: What Investors Are Looking for

Venture capital and corporate investors are tracking three key vectors of growth within telecom today: network automation, enterprise-grade connectivity, and platform-based business models. According to PitchBook data from Q2 2023, VC investment in telecom and connectivity startups exceeded $2.7 billion globally, with 34% of deals targeting network orchestration and AI-driven automation platforms. The U.S. market accounted for over 60% of those investments.

Why this trend matters: automation lowers operational costs and boosts scalability, while telco-as-a-platform strategies unlock vertical revenue streams. Investors are looking not just for infrastructure-heavy innovation but also for API-centric platforms that open gateways to industries like logistics, automotive, and healthcare.

FutureNet U.S.: A Live Arena for Investment and Deal Flow

In 2026, FutureNet U.S. will become a live showcase of commercial projects, MVP launches, and co-innovation frameworks. Stakeholders should expect curated sessions on capital formation, joint ventures, and technology spin-outs. Startups will pitch edge-native solutions, while Tier 1 operators reveal ROI metrics from AI-led network control pilots.

Strategic investment workshops will align venture partners with technical leaders from telcos. Think of roundtable formats where discussions move beyond funding rounds to product-market fit, enterprise co-deployment, and GTM scalability.

Track Record of Impact: Examples from Past Events

• Telenor Group’s Network AI Hub gained traction post-exposure at FutureNet World London 2022. Key partnerships with Nordic startups followed within 6 months.
• Hewlett Packard Enterprise launched its Private 5G as-a-Service model after showcasing edge automation capabilities in a closed-door FutureNet session in 2023.
• MATRIXX Software attracted new enterprise clients after a keynote reveal on real-time monetization engines, leading to deployments in four telecom markets.

These examples illustrate a consistent pattern: visibility at FutureNet catalyzes interest, simplifies technical due diligence, and propels market entry within a compressed timeline.

As FutureNet lands in the U.S., the implications for investment dynamics are immediate. Will private equity consolidate infrastructure plays? Will digital-native telcos attract Series B funding at telecom events? The platform is being built for those questions to surface—and be answered.

Strategic Partnerships: A Core Theme of the U.S. Event

The 2026 U.S. edition of FutureNet World will place strategic partnerships at the center of its programming. The show’s agenda will highlight how collaboration between telcos, technology vendors, enterprises, and public institutions generates measurable value and unlocks new commercial models.

Partnerships Powering Telco Transformation

U.S.-based telcos are pursuing ecosystem-driven innovation at pace. Rather than building everything in-house, operators are investing in co-creation and partnering with hyperscalers, vertical solution providers, and government agencies. These joint ventures fuel progress in automation, AI integration, and edge computing, particularly in enterprise-focused use cases.

• Telco-vendor collaborations are accelerating the deployment of Open RAN and disaggregated network architectures, streamlining cost structures and expanding interoperability.
• Telco-enterprise alliances bring 5G and private network capabilities directly into manufacturing plants, logistics hubs, and remote operations.
• Public-private partnerships are reshaping critical infrastructure projects, especially in rural broadband and digital inclusion programs across the U.S.

New Announcements and Collaboration Forums

FutureNet World U.S. will feature a curated track for ecosystem collaboration. Expect exclusive joint announcements from leading telcos and their strategic partners, platform reveals from cloud providers, and new multi-stakeholder initiatives. The event format includes:

• Executive roundtables focusing on AI-driven service orchestration and dynamic network slicing.
• Deal-signing sessions with real-time access to senior decision-makers and digital leads.
• Interactive co-creation labs spotlighting open-source contributions and industry sandboxes.

Enabling Cross-Industry Innovation

The intersection of telecom and vertical industries will stand out at the U.S. event. FutureNet World 2026 will serve as a launchpad for integrated initiatives across core sectors:

• Smart cities: Partnerships between municipalities and network providers will showcase real-time traffic management platforms, energy routing systems, and AI-powered civic services.
• Connected healthcare: Demonstrations will reveal how hospital networks are leveraging 5G for real-time imaging, remote diagnostics, and mobile triage units.
• Mobility hubs: Collaborations with automotive OEMs and public transit authorities will explore seamless V2X connectivity, autonomous vehicle networks, and predictive maintenance regimes.

Across these collaborations, the common thread remains consistent—strategic alignment produces faster results, scalable architectures, and new revenue models. FutureNet World U.S. will not only document this evolution—it will actively accelerate it.

Looking Ahead: What FutureNet World U.S. Means for the Global Industry

Redrawing the Boundaries of Global Telco Collaboration

The move to the United States signals more than just geographic growth—it redefines the landscape of international telecom cooperation. As FutureNet World plants roots on American soil in 2026, the industry gains a new annual pivot point that reflects and shapes global connectivity trends. This shift responds directly to market evolution: artificial intelligence, network automation, and digital infrastructure scaling are now global concerns, not regional goals.

Telecom operators, vendors, and technology partners no longer operate in silos. With transatlantic innovation cycles shortening and collaborative ecosystems forming faster than ever, the event’s stateside debut intensifies the world’s shared focus on agility, interoperability, and monetization strategies. U.S.–Europe cross-pollination will no longer be theoretical—it will be scheduled into the event calendar.

FutureNet World as the Industry’s Timekeeper

In its new dual-continent format, FutureNet World steps into the role of a global progress checkpoint. Momentum will build not just year over year, but across venues. The London gathering continues to anchor spring strategy sessions, while the U.S. edition offers a fall moment of reflection, benchmarking, and technical re-calibration. Expect to see layered trendlines emerge—what launched in Europe will mature in the U.S., and vice versa.

Emerging themes like telco cloud orchestration, GenAI operations, and network slicing will be scrutinized from multiple market vantage points. Discussions will adapt to local regulatory pressures, talent dynamics, and investment climates. But the mission remains aligned: enable operators to transform networks into intelligent platforms for service growth and customer-centricity.

Mapping the Road to 2026: Key Milestones

• Mid-2025: FutureNet World will announce its U.S. host city following a multi-region evaluation of innovation hubs, accessibility, and operator demand. Early indications point to a strong shortlist including Austin, San Jose, and Boston.
• Late 2025: Keynote speaker lineup and theme tracks will be confirmed, with a focus on U.S. regulatory outlook, commercial models in 5G standalone, and lessons from cloud-native architecture deployments.
• Spring 2026: Inaugural U.S. edition launches, creating an immediate biannual cadence of insight. Telecom executives, hyperscalers, AI specialists, and infrastructure investors will convene to co-author a new chapter in telco modernization.

Every city, every year, every agenda—FutureNet World’s evolution solidifies its role as the telecom industry's pulse check. With its U.S. move, the show doesn’t just extend its footprint; it mirrors the very networks it supports—borderless, intelligent, and always-on.

Setting the Stage for the Next Telecom Frontier

FutureNet World’s move into the U.S. market in 2026 launches a new chapter in telecom’s evolution—one defined by cross-border innovation, executive-level collaboration, and ecosystem convergence. The decision to expand was never about geography alone; it was about aligning with a market where digital transformation priorities, 5G monetization, and AI-driven network automation are not just on the roadmap—they are already in deployment.

The U.S. edition of FutureNet World will bring global experts into direct dialogue with American telco leaders who are actively reshaping their networks and business models. From CTOs rethinking core infrastructure strategies to AI specialists deploying intelligent service orchestration, the stage will host decision-makers driving real outcomes. This event offers a rare opportunity to stay ahead of where the industry is going, not just report on where it's been.

Be Part of the 2026 Transformation

• Save the Date: FutureNet World U.S. will debut in 2026 with dates and venue to be announced soon.
• Pre-Registration: Early interest is already gaining momentum. Sign up now to receive pre-launch access and exclusive event updates.
• Stay Connected: Engage with the FutureNet community, join regional meetups, and subscribe to ongoing insights and speaker announcements leading up to the show.

Build the Future by Sharing It

The pace of telecom innovation accelerates when knowledge flows freely across borders, businesses, and disciplines. FutureNet World U.S. isn’t just an event; it’s a platform for aligning global vision with regional execution. Those who invest now in collaboration, idea exchange, and strategic foresight won’t just keep up—they’ll lead.

Ready to navigate what's next for telecom? The countdown to 2026 starts now.