Network X, one of the most significant global telecom events, has come to a close. Held at the Expo Porte de Versailles in Paris, France, this year’s gathering welcomed exhibitors and participants from all over the world, showcasing the latest innovations and trends in the telecom industry.
At Deveo, we meticulously track exhibitor and attendee data, and we have done the same for this year’s Network X event. We’re pleased to share some insights and key figures from this year’s gathering that reflect the vibrant atmosphere and the high level of engagement among participants.
Here’s a breakdown of the statistics from this year’s event, and don’t forget to download the full report for a comprehensive analysis!
Attendees: Who Came and From Where?
Looking back at the previous edition of Network X, the event welcomed around 4,000 attendees. With growing excitement surrounding the event, expectations for 2024 were high, with projections targeting about 5,000 attendees. The final count fell slightly short of the target, with approximately 4,500 participants, but it still demonstrated a strong turnout, emphasizing the event’s significance in the global telecom calendar.
Analyzing the attendee demographics, 23% were Communications Service Providers (CSPs), who are important industry buyers, while the remaining 77% were vendors. Almost 85% of the CSPs were executives from traditional broadband operators, indicating the continued dominance of broadband in the telecommunications sector. This trend is consistent with previous observations at the event.
Geographically, most attendees were from Europe (around 73%), with a noticeable international presence, as seen in previous editions. France unsurprisingly had the highest number of attendees due to the local nature of the event. However, there was a surprising increase in participants from Turkey and the USA, possibly due to the “Global prpl Summit” event held just a day before Network X, encouraging international travelers to attend both events.
On the other hand, Germany had fewer attendees than anticipated (less than 5%), possibly because the country hosts other major telecom events like Angacom and Connected Germany, diverting attention elsewhere. Although there were regional differences, the global representation remained strong.
Last year, there were 126 exhibitors, but this year the number increased to 154, with a majority (43%) from Europe as well. The distribution of these exhibitors by region stayed quite similar to the previous year, indicating a steady level of international involvement. The technologies and software presented this year show progress in 5G and FTTH (Fiber to the Home), and also stressed the rising significance of sustainability and AI integration in the field of telecommunications.
Among the CSPs: Who Were the Key Players?
The telecoms industry’s major players such as Orange, Vodafone, Slovak Telecom, and SFR were all present at Network X 2024. In addition, Tier 1 telecom companies from the top 10 countries also made a strong showing at the event.
One of the significant insights from this year’s Network X was the high level of seniority among the attendees. Our analysis showed that 46% of CSP participants held CxO-level positions (10% Chief level and 25% Managers) with decision-making responsibilities across various areas such as strategy, development, and technology, marking a noticeable increase compared to last year when only about a third of attendees were at this level. This increase reflects the growing prestige and importance of Network X as a must-attend event for top executives.
With such a high concentration of influential leaders and decision-makers, Network X continues to secure its position as a key event for people looking to drive innovation and growth in the telecom industry.
What’s Next for the Industry?
At DEVEO, we stay dedicated to offering valuable insights and support to our clients, not just at Network X but at every important event throughout the year. Our team works hard to make sure you have the data and advice you need to get the most out of each event and boost your business results.
As the telecom industry continues to grow and evolve, we’re excited to see what next year will bring for Network X and beyond. We’ll be here to keep you informed about the latest trends and opportunities.
For more information about Network X or how we can help you at future events, feel free to contact us. We’re always happy to share our knowledge.
Also, for more details and in-depth data from Network X 2024, download the full report!
