Still seems weird that the SATELLITE show is in May this year. Still haven’t quite got my head around it, but it promises to be a show rich on discussion, talking points, and perhaps controversy as the industry debates its future in an IoT, 5G world. In this edition of Via Satellite, we preview several elements from the SATELLITE show. We look at some of the new faces who will grace SATELLITE for the first time, and examine what they will bring to the discussion.

We have radically revamped our Awards to make them more dynamic and even more exciting. We are introducing a new award, Satellite Technology of the Year (STOTY), alongside our Satellite Executive of the Year (SEOTY) award. But, for the first time ever, the winners will be announced on the day, and you can vote for your favorite. For the first time, we are working without a safety note. It is both exciting and nerve-wracking, as we won’t know the winner until very shortly before the lunch itself.

No doubt, one of the key talking points at the event will be the future of Inmarsat, which has made news across the globe, as the company could be set for new owners. Inmarsat has been the subject of much speculation over the last year, so this could be one of the big news stories to hit the sector this year.

All that remains is looking forward to what we hope is a sun-laden Washington in May to enjoy a SATELLITE show that will be bigger, better, and more dynamic than it has ever been. Please be aware of sub-standard imitations that promise much, but deliver nothing in the way of end users and rich discussions. This is what sets SATELLITE apart. It marries ambition with relevance and end users with satellite companies in a way that no other event in this sector does. We look forward to seeing you there!