As 2018 wraps up, we take a look at some tech events that heralded the year.
PP-18
One of top technology events that heralded the year 2018 is the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference 2018 (PP-18) that held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 29 October to 16 November.
The PP-18 is one of the topmost tech events of 2018 as the ITU, being a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN), is the body responsible for issues that concern information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the world.
Also, the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference is the supreme decision-making body of the ITU that convenes representatives of the Union’s 193 member states every 4 years, which makes PP-18 the foremost tech event of 2018.
At PP-18, ITU established 4-year roadmap and elected a management team with Nigeria losing out as ITU member states elect first female bureau director.
Also at PP-18, Nigeria and 12 other countries got ITU membership seats
Telecom World 2018
ITU Telecom is part of the (ITU), and the ITU Telecom World is the global platform for governments, corporates and tech SMEs to accelerate ICT innovation for economic growth and social good, which underscores its importance as a foremost tech event.
Smart digital development headlined the opening of ITU Telecom World 2018, where it became known that commercial superfast 5G networks will start deployment after the year 2020, even with MTN’s CEO alluding Africa is not ready for 5G technology yet.
While ITU Telecom World 2018 delved into timely set of topics including connecting the unconnected; the future of telecommunications; wireless technologies for Africa; technological developments and impacts in 5G, and more, the 2019 edition which will hold in Hungary in September will focus on smart digital innovations that can enhance lives, and the key role that SMEs can play within the ICT ecosystem [Read more here].
eNigeria 2018
eNigeria is a Conference and Exhibition organized by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
eNigeria 2018 Conference and Exhibition held between November 5 to November 7 and had in attendance IT stakeholders, experts from the industry, academia, Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government, private sector, investors, start-up entrepreneurs among other IT dignitaries.
The conference and exhibition was targeted at gathering local and international IT experts to discover new opportunities provided by increasing advancement in technology innovation.
It is also to encourage start-ups and ICT entrepreneurs, aimed at accelerating the development and access to digital products, services to millions of Nigerians, and to ultimately create Africa’s largest single digital market by 2020.
GITEX 2018
GITEX is an annual consumer computer and electronics trade show, exhibition, and conference that takes place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
In its continuous efforts to foster the growth of technology ecosystem, the NITDA showcased Nigeria’s ICT innovation at the 2018 edition of the annual consumer computer and electronics trade show.
It was at GITEX 2018 that Dr. Isa Pantami, Director General of NITDA announced that Nigeria is working on a framework for the adoption of blockchain technologies in the financial sector of the economy.
Google for Nigeria
Google for Nigeria brings together users, partners, stakeholders and friends of Google in the country, providing a platform for the Internet giant to highlight its commitment and look at new products and investments for the region.
The Internet giant held second edition of the event in July, where the foremost tech company announced more products and programs to help more people in Nigeria and across Africa benefit from the opportunities the web has to offer.
The Internet search giant also announced the launch of Google Station to power free WiFi for over 200 million Nigerians at the Google for Nigeria 2018 event [Read more here].
SMWLagos
Social Media Week Lagos (SMWLagos) is a weeklong conference that provides ideas, trends, insights and inspiration to help people and businesses understand how to achieve more in a hyper-connected world.
The event features a central stage for keynotes and panels, multiple rooms for workshops, masterclasses and presentations, and an area dedicated to co-working, networking and interactive installations.
At the 2018 edition of the event, 10-startups pitched disrupting products and services at the LaunchedInAfrica, a platform for African-led early-stage startups to showcase products and services that are disrupting industries across the continent [Read more here].
CES 2018
Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is an annual trade show organized by the Consumer Technology Association.
Held in January at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States, the event typically hosts presentations of new products and technologies in the consumer electronics industry.
At the 2018 edition of the show, Director-General (DG) of the NITDA, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, underwent a VR immersion, even as Byton unveiled a car that emphasizes on in-cabin experience of passengers, with multiple independent displays and a ginormous 49-inch, wrap-around front screen.
Apple Special Event
Apple special events are a thing to go as mouthwatering products are especially released by Apple during the events.
The premium flagship smartphones maker announced the launch of iPhones XS, XS Max, and XR at its Cupertino headquarters in California on 12th September.
MWC 2018
Mobile World Congress (MWC) is a GSM Association (GSMA) event that is the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry.
It incorporates a thought-leadership conference that features prominent executives representing mobile operators, device manufacturers, technology providers, vendors and content owners from across the world.
Nokia launched its curved glass design Nokia 8 Sirocco smartphone at the MWC 2018 event, where Samsung unveiled novel Galaxy S9 phone with augmented reality features.
Did we miss out on any tech event held in 2018 that should have made this list, let us know with a comment below.
