ARCIA Professional Development Conference & WA State Networking Dinner 2025

Following a fantastic conference in 2024, we’re headed back to Perth in April 2025 to deliver vital content to the radio and critical communications community.

This year the program has expanded to include two half-day workshops, running on Wednesday 2 April followed by a day of conference presentations and a closing panel, running on Thursday 3 April, from 9.00 AM - 5.00 PM. 

The WA State Networking Dinner runs in the evening following the conference on 3 April 2025, where ARCIA will announce the WA State Professional of the Year Award — nominations close Friday, 7 March 2025. Nominate now >>

Venue: Aloft Perth Hotel in Rivervale | The Springs, 27 Rowe Ave, Rivervale WA 6103

Dinner ticket sales close Thursday, March 27 for the WA Networking Dinner.

Sign up to become an ARCIA Member and save $$$ on every ticket purchased. 

ARCIA Partners will receive a code to book tickets — Contact us for more information >>

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WORKSHOPS | Wednesday 2 April, 2025

WORKSHOP 1: Private Cellular Networks (4G/5G) - The Fundamentals of the Technology and System Designs 
Presented by: Simon Lardner | Head of Wireless Business, Vocus 
9.00AM - 12.30PM 
This workshop is an introduction to the technical and commercial framework behind private cellular networks. It will provide students with the skills to be able to outline the key elements and components of a typical private cellular network . Students will gain an understanding of the fundamental drivers behind the technology, as well as the key elements behind developing a business case for network deployment. Students will be able to describe the evolution from 4G to 5G, along with the associated migration paths.

The course will cover:

• Background to cellular networks (1G to 5G) and the fundamental philosophies behind them.
• Differences between Public/consumer cellular networks and private/industrial networks.
• The technical and commercial benefits and limitations of industrial cellular networks.
• The architecture of private cellular networks.
• The complexities and issues especially associated with 4G/5G Public Safety networks
• Basic solution system design & the building blocks of a solution.
• An analysis of 5G compared to 4G, along with the migration paths available to network owners.

WORKSHOP 2: The TAK Imperative: Why Australia Mission Operations will Embrace this Unifying Common Operating Picture
Presented by: Graham Tait | Mesh Solutions Lead, Hypha, Neil Jamieson |Group CEO, Hypha and Matt Franks | Senior Solutions Engineer, Hypha
1.30PM - 5.00PM
As we explore TAK (Team Awareness Kit) to understand what it is, its opportunity for application and explore various use cases, this workshop will be an opportunity to hear from the experts and experience some hands-on training with TAK.

TAK delivers an interoperable unified common operating picture (COP) based on non-proprietary, open-source software developed and continuously updated by the US Department of Defence.

Australian public safety agencies and emergency management organisations can embrace the civilian TAK stream as a unified operational picture, that fits in the hands of remote emergency workers and is also available to benefit private-sector users too, including park operations, marathon and festival organisers and other large events and operations.

Hear how this life saving approach to technology use can serve Australia:

• Hear about strategies for deploying TAK on an enterprise scale, from device selection to end user training and adoption
• Observe in-depth case studies on the use of TAK for special events, law enforcement tactical operations, wildland firefighting, and search and rescue
• Learn about the large range of communications options for using TAK in remote/off-the-grid conditions
• Discuss the inclusion of TAK in interoperable communications planning, as a compliment to P25 radio, and as a scalable alternative to proprietary silos

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CONFERENCE PROGRAM | Thursday 3 April, 9.00AM - 5.00PM

The Perth conference features a jam-packed stream of critical communications presentations, closing out with an expert panel. Stay tuned - The conference program is coming soon!

CONFERENCE STREAM

• How Public Safety Agencies Optimised Critical Comms During the Paris Olympics
• Digital LMR and Location Services – Battle of the Titans
• Starlink Direct to Cell - The New Zealand Experience and the Impact & Opportunity for Australian LMR Users
• AI, IoT & LoRaWAN: Transforming Ultra-Early Fire Detection for Forestry, Infrastructure, and Climate Resilience
• CASE STUDY: Pathways to Deploy 3GPP Mission Critical Broadband Services (MCX), with Icon Water (ACT) “Move from Narrowband to Broadband”
• Navigating Australia’s Airwaves - Exploring Spectrum Opportunities
• Standards Progress for LMR to Hybrid Narrowband & MCPTT Solutions
• More presentation announcements coming soon...

PANEL DISCUSSION 

• The Use of Satellite Communications in the Critical Communications Environment – Separating Fact from Fiction
  In recent years we have begun to see the use of satellite communications in critical communications environments like never before. Whilst we know and understand that technology, coverage and access has changed considerably in the last few years alone, whilst some organisations have jumped in with both feet to adopt it’s use as part of an overall communications ecosystem, others are currently less supportive.
  In this panel session we will look to separate fact from fiction with regard to its application and use; consider the threats and opportunities within the traditional LMR environment and we will also explore the barriers to entry that prevent some from making a move towards the adoption of the currently available solutions.

Stay updated on event information by following us on LinkedIn or subscribe to our Mailing List.

More information on the conference can be found on ARCIA's website>>

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ARCIA WA STATE NETWORKING DINNER | Thursday 3 April, 6.00 PM-10.30 PM

Join us post-conference for a relaxed dinner and celebrate the WA State Professional of the Year Award winner! We're proud to announce that Brad Hogg will be our emcee and guest speaker for the night, so get ready for an evening of laughter and legendary cricket tales. 

Networking drinks start at 6.00 PM with dinner to follow at 7.00 PM. Everyone is welcome to attend, whether an ARCIA member or not, including partners. 

Gather your colleagues and support your radio and critical communications peers, whilst enjoying a great night out including entertainment and great food and drinks. 

Bookings close on 27 March, so don't delay booking your seat or table! 

Need accommodation in Perth? Book accommodation via this link by March 3 to secure your corporate rate for the Aloft Perth (Special Events Rate)

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*The conference organisers have the right to make changes to the agenda at any time and without notice. Please check close to the conference date for the latest speaker program.