The Metro Connect USA 2025 conference, held at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa, brought together over 2,900 attendees from across the digital infrastructure industry. This year’s event was marked by exclusive venue access, insightful discussions, and significant industry developments. Here are the top five highlights:
1. Exclusive JSA TV Interviews Live from Metro Connect USA
JSA was actively engaged at Metro Connect USA 2025, conducting 24 exclusive interviews with industry leaders and innovators. These live sessions provided attendees with real-time insights into network expansion, mergers and acquisitions, sustainability initiatives, and the evolving telecom landscape. The interviews are available for viewing on JSA’s YouTube Channel, offering valuable perspectives from key figures in the industry. Join JSA’s 192k+ subscribers on YouTube!
2. Networking with a View at the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort
For the first time, Metro Connect USA 2025 took over the entire Marriott Harbor Beach Resort, creating a dedicated environment for networking, collaboration, and confidential discussions. Although rain moved many of Monday’s activities indoors, Tuesday provided an opportunity to enjoy meals and networking events against the stunning backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean from the Marriott patio. This exclusive setting enhanced the overall experience, allowing attendees to connect and network with a view!
3. In-Depth Discussions on Industry Trends
The 2025 Metro Connect USA agenda was packed with visionary discussions on the future of digital infrastructure. Notable topics discussed and sessions included:
- Legendary Keynotes – The conference kicked off with opening remarks and a welcome from organizers, followed by a much-talked about visionary keynote from industry leader and DigitalBridge CEO Mark Ganzi that delved into “Decoding the AI Hype.” This was followed by additional keynote chats and a robust Keynote address on the “State of the Market” that provided critical insight into the industry, including key trends, stock performance and notable M&A activity.
- Public Funding – A deep dive into the effects of BEAD funding on connectivity and commercial dynamics, particularly in underserved areas. These discussions explored how initial BEAD projects are maturing and the significant impacts they’re having on the industry.
- Consolidation – Panels explored the dynamics of consolidation and restructuring in the sector, with discussions around delayed data center deliveries, overbuilding challenges, and how these factors impact FTTH business cases and network projects.
- Evolving Networks – Attendees witnessed the transformation of network construction and operation, driven by open access initiatives and enhanced automation, promising better user experiences and operational efficiencies.
These conversations provided invaluable insights into the current and future landscape of digital infrastructure, empowering attendees to stay ahead of these critical trends.
4. Comprehensive Guide to the BEAD Program
A notable resource introduced at the conference was a detailed guide to the BEAD program, offering profiles of the 10 states with the largest allocations and 12 additional states of interest. The guide covered each state’s connectivity landscape, BEAD proposals, and other ongoing initiatives, serving as a valuable tool for stakeholders planning to engage with the program.
5. Engaging Social Agenda
Metro Connect USA 2025 featured a vibrant social agenda, including networking lunches, community meetups focusing on middle-mile and long-haul fiber, and a Beer & BBQ event. One of the JSA team’s favorite moments was Wednesday morning’s Women in Digital Infrastructure community meetup, which provided the opportunity to network while discussing challenges around DEI across digital infrastructure. These gatherings provided relaxed settings to forge new connections, discuss emerging trends, and expand their professional networks, enhancing the collaborative spirit of the conference.
Looking Ahead
Metro Connect USA 2025 set the stage for another year of innovation, investment, and collaboration in the telecom and digital infrastructure sectors. Be sure to save the date for next year’s Metro Connect USA 2026 taking place February 23 – February 25, 2026!
For those who couldn’t attend this year’s conference, join JSA’s 192k+ subscribers on YouTube to check out JSA’s exclusive interviews filmed live and onsite at Metro Connect 2025 to hear valuable insights into the event’s key trends and discussions.
