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[ May 21, 2025 by Rob Kurver 0 Comments ]

CASA25: Four Half-Days. One Bold Vision.

This year, CASA25 isn’t just another conference—it’s a curated experience built for people who want to go deep, move fast, and leave with real takeaways.

We’ve designed the event around four high-impact half-day blocks, each focused on a critical theme shaping the future of CPaaS. Whether you’re a platform builder, a telco innovator, a go-to-market strategist, or an AI realist, there’s a block that speaks to you.

And alongside the main track, we’re introducing hands-on workshops—led by our Silver and Gold sponsors—designed for those who want to dive deeper, collaborate, and walk away with tools, not just talk.

Here’s how it all comes together:

Day 1 Morning – The Future of CPaaS: From Ethics to Intelligent Engagement

This opening block sets the tone. We explore the State of CPaaS, how AI is really impacting the communications industry, and how ethics, trust, and intelligent orchestration are becoming must-haves—not nice-to-haves.

Expect to leave with: frameworks to future-proof your business, fresh thinking on responsible AI, and a new lens on customer experience.

Day 1 Afternoon – Real-World CX: Messaging, Orchestration & Leadership

We shift gears into practical territory. Messaging is evolving fast. Customer expectations are rising. And the companies that win are the ones that can adapt—not just with tech, but with leadership.

Expect to leave with: use cases that work, insight into evolving CX playbooks, and ideas for leading through industry change.

Day 2 Morning – Go-To-Market Playbooks: Telcos, Channels & Strategy

This block is all about growth. We unpack the playbooks for building scalable go-to-market engines—whether you’re a telco, a platform, or somewhere in between.

Expect to leave with: actionable GTM models, partnership insights, and new ways to align sales, product, and ecosystem.

Day 2 Afternoon – Network APIs & What’s Next

The final block is future-focused. We’ll explore the momentum behind Network APIs, why they matter, and how to turn potential into performance. This session leads directly into our Analyst Summit.

Expect to leave with: clarity on API monetization, upcoming trends, and real stories from the front lines of Open Gateway.

And Then: The Analyst Summit – Powered by GSMA Open Gateway

New this year: a special half-day Analyst Summit (special invite required) hosted with GSMA Open Gateway, focused exclusively on Network APIs. Designed for product leaders, analysts, and platform architects, this session goes deeper into the business models, technical realities, and collaboration required to make Network APIs successful at scale.

No fluff. No filler. Just impact.

CASA25 isn’t about being everywhere at once. It’s about being in the right room, at the right time, with the right people.

And yes—there will be killer dinners, rooftop drinks, and late-night conversations that spark the next big idea.

Because some of the best breakthroughs happen over a cocktail, not a keynote.

Join us. Bring your brain. Leave with momentum.

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[ May 11, 2025 by Rob Kurver 0 Comments ]

More Impact, Less Noise: Why CASA25 Will Be Different (and Better)

We’re doing it differently this year. Not just because we can—but because the industry needs it.

The CPaaS space is moving fast. AI is rewriting the rules. Network APIs are breaking silos. Security and trust are front and center. And the convergence of telcos, platforms, and intelligence means one thing: we need less talk, more action.

Welcome to CASA25: the impact-first experience.

Member-Only = Higher Signal, No Noise

This year, we’ve made a bold call: CASA25 is for members only. Why? Because the magic happens when people don’t have to pitch, prove, or posture. When they’re in a room of equals, peers, challengers. When they can say what’s really going on—and ask the questions that matter.

If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room. At CASA25, you’re in the right room.

With 180 curated attendees, this is where CPaaS insiders connect, create, and collide.

The Right Vibe: Tobacco Theater

Our new venue—the iconic Tobacco Theater in Amsterdam—matches our energy. Intimate, edgy, and full of character. No expo halls. No plastic booths. Just conversations that matter.

Picture this: deep dives in the main track, real-world use cases on stage, workshops happening in the shadows—tucked away in breakout spaces where alliances are forged and deals are born.

The Format: One Track. Many Sparks.

We’re keeping the main track tight. No filler. Just a curated sequence of keynotes, panels, and rapid-fire sessions designed to inspire action. You’ll hear from industry pioneers, startup rebels, and global telcos shaping the future—live and unfiltered.

Alongside: invite-only workshops and roundtables. Small rooms. Big energy. From AI frameworks to API monetization to trust-building in a fragmented ecosystem—this is where the real work gets done.

What You’ll Leave With

A dozen real ideas to take back and implement Fresh connections with people who actually matter A fire in your belly and a notebook full of notes And maybe—just maybe—a new venture, product, or partnership

Why We’re Doing This

Because in Year 3 of CPaaSAA, we’re not chasing volume—we’re chasing impact. CASA isn’t just an event. It’s our annual moment to shape what’s next for this industry. Together.

See you in September. Bring your brain. Bring your edge. Bring your full self.

Because this isn’t a conference. This is CASA.

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Conference
[ March 27, 2025 by Rob Kurver 0 Comments ]

CASA25 Event – Code of Conduct

Introduction

We are dedicated to providing a respectful, inclusive, and safe environment for all participants at CASA25. This Code of Conduct outlines our expectations for behavior from all sponsors, attendees, speakers, volunteers, and staff involved in our event.

Expected Behavior

  • Treat all participants with kindness, respect, and consideration, valuing a diversity of views and opinions.
  • Be considerate in your speech and actions.
  • Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and speech.
  • Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow participants.

Unacceptable Behavior

Unacceptable behaviors include, but are not limited to:

  • Harassment, intimidation, or discrimination in any form.
  • Verbal or written comments that harm an individual or group on the basis of attributes such as race, religion, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, national origin, ethnicity, or profession.
  • Inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images in public spaces (including presentation slides).
  • Unwanted physical contact or sexual attention.
  • Disruptive behavior during presentations or at other event venues.

Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior

Unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated. Anyone asked to stop such behavior is expected to comply immediately. If a participant engages in unacceptable behavior, the event organizers may take any action they deem appropriate, including expulsion from the event without warning or refund.

Reporting Unacceptable Behavior

If you are the subject of, or witness to any violations of this Code of Conduct, please contact event organizers immediately. All reports will remain completely confidential.

Remember, by fostering a respectful and inclusive environment, we can ensure the event is enjoyable and beneficial for everyone. This Code of Conduct applies both within event venues and in public spaces when an individual is representing the event.

The organizers reserve the right to revise this Code of Conduct at any time without notice and to apply their interpretation of the code in all instances. All decisions are final and not subject to appeal.

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Conference
[ March 23, 2025 by Rob Kurver 0 Comments ]

Announcing CASA25: A New Chapter in Amsterdam’s Cultural Heart!

We’re thrilled to announce that CASA25 will take place at the historic Tobacco Theater in Amsterdam on September 22nd. This 19th-century former tobacco warehouse in the vibrant cultural district offers an intimate setting that perfectly aligns with our evolving vision.

This year, we’re embracing a “Less Talk, More Impact” theme. Expect compelling themes like the transition from messaging to rich messaging, Network APIs intertwined with CPaaS, and a special focus on AI & Data. We’ll delve into the shift from the web and app economy to the conversation economy, highlighting the huge opportunities driven by AI. This transformative track will underscore why AI is more crucial than ever in shaping our industry.

Diversity and inclusivity have always been at the core of our events. We’re committed to featuring a global lineup of speakers and sponsors, ensuring fair representation from all backgrounds. Whether you’re a potential sponsor or a speaker with a groundbreaking idea, we invite you to be part of this exciting journey!

Join us in Amsterdam for an unforgettable experience filled with impactful insights, networking opportunities, and a touch of Amsterdam’s charm. Secure your spot early—spaces are limited!

For more details, visit the event site. We can’t wait to see you there!

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Conference
[ October 25, 2024 by Rob Kurver 0 Comments ]

Combatting Telco Fraud while Moving into the 5G Era: Strategies for Operators and Tech Partners

As the telecom industry transitions into the 5G era, the challenge of combating fraud remains a critical concern for operators and technology partners alike. The recent CASA24 event in Amsterdam brought together industry leaders to discuss the pressing issues surrounding telco fraud and explore strategies to address them. It was part of the bigger discussion during the event on improving customer experience and the benefits of transitioning to the use of Telco APIs to enhance security and to benefit from direct access to a variety of other network functions, as also standardized under the Open Gateway initiative of the GSMA.

Key Challenges in Telco Fraud

When examining the current landscape of fraud within the telecom sector we see that messaging-related fraud—encompassing SMS and channels like RCS and WhatsApp—poses significant financial risks. Millions are lost due to grey routes, artificial inflation of traffic (AIT), credential theft, phishing attacks, and a staggering volume of spam.

While SMS has been a reliable method for delivering services like one-time passwords (OTPs), its credibility is increasingly under scrutiny caused by high rates in some markets that drive customers toward alternative solutions. Regional disparities in pricing influence how different markets experience fraud, the attractiveness of messaging solutions for authentication purposes could be improved by introducing variations in pricing as done by WhatsApp.

The Evolving Nature of Fraud

As fraudsters continuously adapt their tactics, understanding who is most affected is crucial, with also the human element in fraud through social engineering tactics that exploit vulnerabilities irrespective of technological advancements. 

While Rich Communication Services (RCS) can mitigate some SMS fraud issues, new types of fraud are emerging alongside these innovations.

Various stakeholders—including end consumers, operators, aggregators, and brands—are all impacted by fraud. The erosion of trust in messaging necessitates ongoing innovation and the development of new solutions to combat evolving threats.

Navigating the Complexity of 5G

With the rollout of 5G networks, expectations are high for improved security measures. However, new technology introduces complexities related to end-to-end security protocols and interoperability among different generations of networks (2G, 3G, 4G). The slow global evolution further complicates these challenges.

Leveraging New Technologies

As we look to the future, it’s clear that new technologies will play a pivotal role in addressing telco fraud. The introduction of APIs offers exciting possibilities for enhancing customer experiences while simultaneously increasing their security (with robust security measures as API’s allow third-party access to network functions). Telco APIs can streamline authentication processes and improve overall service delivery, which is why initiatives like Open Gateway/Camara are also aimed at standardizing APIs to achieve a universal availability. 

Conclusion: A Collaborative Approach

The decline of SMS A2P messaging underscores an urgent need for operators and tech partners to adapt to a rapidly changing landscape. Future strategies must focus on leveraging new technologies—secure APIs—to create more secure environments. Collaboration among operators, technology partners, and developers will be essential in addressing evolving threats while maximizing the potential benefits offered by 5G network capabilities.

In summary, as we move deeper into the 5G era, it is imperative to remain vigilant against fraud. By fostering innovation and prioritizing security measures, we can build a more resilient industry capable of withstanding the challenges posed by increasingly sophisticated fraudsters.

Gilbert Relou, Head of Consultancy & Strategic Development, Kaleido Intelligence

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[ October 21, 2024 by Rob Kurver 0 Comments ]

CPaaS Acceleration Summit 2024: Unlocking Growth through Network APIs

At CPaaS Acceleration Summit 2024, the sentiment surrounding network APIs was notably optimistic. The GSMA Open Gateway initiative and Project CAMARA were highlighted as pivotal movements, particularly with active participation from leading operators like Deutsche Telekom, e& enterprise, KPN and Telin, all of which are advancing commercial deployments. The event’s timing was significant, occurring just days after Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson announced a joint venture with 12 global telcos aimed at accelerating the monetization of network APIs. This milestone is expected to enhance the commercial rollout of network APIs across the telecom industry, marking a crucial step forward in leveraging these technologies for growth.

Context

The CPaaS Acceleration Alliance is focused on fostering the growth and widespread adoption of communications PaaS offerings. The alliance unites a diverse array of stakeholders, including CPaaS providers, technology vendors, sales partners, industry experts and media representatives, all working collaboratively to enhance the CPaaS landscape.

Launched at Mobile World Congress 2023, the GSMA Open Gateway initiative is a transformative effort aimed at establishing a standardized framework for mobile operators. The framework enables operators to expose their networks as accessible platforms for developers. By providing APIs that facilitate secure access to mobile network capabilities — such as messaging, location services and billing — the initiative empowers third-party developers to create innovative applications and services. Ultimately, these advancements can lead to enriched customer experiences and new revenue opportunities for network operators, positioning them as vital players in the digital ecosystem.

Key highlights from the CPaaS Acceleration Summit

This year’s event attracted a diverse array of participants, including global network operators such as BT Business, Deutsche Telekom AG, e& enterprise, Koninklijke KPN NV and Telin, alongside representatives from the GSM Association. Key players in the communications PaaS landscape, including 2600hz, CM.com NV, EnableX, Infobip, Sinch AB and Vonage, were also in attendance, along with leading technology vendors like BICS, Cisco Systems Inc., Ericsson, Radisys and Speechmatics, plus startups Akixi, Enreach, Glide, Nabstract and Sabrhub.

It opened with an in-depth exploration of emerging growth opportunities for network operators through network APIs. While still in the early stages, the current deployment landscape demonstrates significant progress. As reported by the GSMA, service providers have successfully deployed and commercially launched CAMARA-compliant network APIs across 27 countries as of October – up from 23 in May. The first day of the summit featured several key discussions, emphasizing the potential of network APIs to drive innovation and revenue growth for telcos.

Read the full 451 Research Market Insight Report here.

Raul Castanon, Senior Analist, 451 Research (S&P Global Market Intelligence)

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[ September 30, 2024 by Rob Kurver 0 Comments ]

Beyond the AI Hype (And What It Means For Your GTM)

Let’s cut right through the noise – everyone in the field of Customer Experience and Unified Communication ‘s obsessed with AI. You can’t throw a rock without hitting a “game-changing” AI solution promising to revolutionize your CX. 

In this article I’d like to combine some learnings from CASA24’s AI and GTM tracks. Because they are so interestingly intertwined in today’s market. 

It’s Finally About People Again

I held a keynote at CASA24 – a cut-the-crap talk about the role of AI in the context of Customer Experience. After the past few years of AI as ruler of our industry, I was happy to see that one of the key take-aways of my keynote was also the punchline of so many inspiring speakers this year: it’s not about technology. It’s about people. It was refreshing to meet so many knowledgeable people at CASA24 who share more or less the same perspective.  

Pressured Into AI

After speaking to over 100 business and IT leaders in the past couple of years, I’ve realized that most do not believe that AI is actually a silver bullet. Nonetheless, Enterprise Connect 2023 kicked off a sense of FOMO among C-level execs and started a snowball effect in hijacking the CX conversation. It became clear that, in the words of Kevin Kieller, AI would become ‘the new battle ground’.’ Or as Forrester’s Max Ball put it: “Folks get pressured into the AI space for the sake of the AI space”. 

To me it’s simple: 

If you’re not sure what you’re buying and are even clueless about the use cases – which seems to be true for the majority of execs according to Forrester’s latest Pulse – AI is not (yet) for you. So far, the empirical evidence suggests that it will turn out to be an expensive gadget that leaves your customers frustrated. And that’s where my HUMAN framework kicks in. If you’re interested, I’ve expanded on the framework in this article on LinkedIn Pulse. And I’ll do a quick recap at the end of this article. 

What Is The Core Problem You Solve? 

According to Gartner, 80% of businesses are knee-deep in AI exploration to bridge the CX gap. And vendors are tripping over each other to talk about how cool their AI products are. I get their commercial opportunism. But it’s also dangerous.

The numbers in my HUMAN AI presentation are a wake-up call to the entire industry. Forrester, PwC, Gartner, McKinsey, Harvard Business Review, Deloitte… Even CMP’s consumer survey in 2023… They all show how poor many ‘AI-led’ experiences are. And it’s on us, as an industry, to fix that. 

We’ve become so fixated on the “coolness” of AI that we’ve forgotten what truly matters: helping organizations create memorable experiences that feel real, authentic, and – dare I say it – HUMAN.

Luckily, tides are turning. Industry leaders like Sinch get that the value is not so much in the technology, but helping businesses do better – and then figure out the role of their technology. Sinch’s director of AI Joachim Jonkers (follow that man!) displayed how they partner with customers to build stuff based on validated use cases. 

He amazed the audience with the ‘simple ’- and award-winning –  example of their customer Moet ik Naar De Dokter (Dutch for Do I Need To See A Doctor). Solving actual social issues with the help of automations, voice recognition and AI. That is the kind of use case driven example we need more of! 

Do You Differentiate?

I briefly touched on the increased importance of differentiation in a GTM panel discussion. It’s always been a pillar for any marketing strategy, and yet I’m saying so much of the same. But if everyone is doing the same stuff and talking the same talk, how can you differentiate? And if we’re driving fuzzy, unclear propositions, how will buyer committees know what and when to buy? 

Enreach’s head of AI Anne Bakker painfully pointed out in another panel session, that most marketers don’t really understand AI and mix up definitions. Could that be a reason for the lack of differentiation? I truly believe so. Every revenue leader (marketing or sales) in the industry should have it on the top of their continuous task list. Because as a rule of thumb, most CX technology vendors can’t differentiate on features. Or the ‘AI-led’ claim. Not if every vendor has mostly the same stuff – which they do. 

You say your products are now AI-led or AI-orchestrated? Great, but in most cases it simply doesn’t represent the actual status. But more importantly, buyers won’t choose you because you are ‘AI-led’. So what’s your real story? Why should customers pick you over all the other solutions? 

Is your brand credible enough? Can you substantiate your claims with powerful and specific use cases? It takes serious brand and product marketing efforts to find a credible and favorable position. Not to mention the deep collaboration across teams. It is tough, but also very much worth it.  

Buyers Don’t Buy AI Fluff Anymore

My previous point makes a smooth transition to this one. Wynter’s exhaustive message testing on B2B websites found that B2B buyers are getting fed up with AI as the focal point of messaging. AI-focused website messaging is turning off more and more people and even creates resistance. Partly because it’s becoming table stakes, partly because the products are not clear and value props are fluffy. 

Most ‘AI-led’ stuff has the smell of the future without the taste. There is a major gap between the promise for tomorrow and what we set out in the market today. With a few exceptions of course. This raises questions, like: aren’t we overselling AI today? And what is the actual value that buyers (and their customers) get when they buy our products? 

I encourage you to focus heavily on 2 or 3 of your most valuable use cases. It will tell buyers why they should care about your AI product. And how they, or their customers, will profit in the real world. Like Wynter is asking: isn’t it time for vendors to zag? I say: amen. And at CASA 24 it became clear here are some vendors who are leading the way with a value-first narrative. Speechmatics, Sinch, Enreach, Deepdesk, EnableX, I see you!

What About Your Business Model?

Lastly, we need to talk about business models. I led a session about the future of AI. And even though I don’t like the crystal ball (we’re always missing the mark) there was one subject that marveled me: we’re jumping into an era of new licensing models. 

It’s needless to say that we’re heading into a future where AI will take over more and more mundane tasks  from agents. No-one is denying that; not even me 😉 And in the end that will be a good thing for all involved. But it’s bringing another kind of headache; the kind that makes you wish for the old headache to return. Marketing leaders – together with Sales leaders, Finance and the whole C-suite – should consider the viability of their licensing models. 

Typically CCaaS and CPaaS vendors contract deals on ‘per seat’ basis. The more agents, the more attractive the deal. When AI will eventually become so good that it will actually push out agents, how can you secure your bottom line results? On the panel, not everyone convinced me with their answers.

Business models are going to need innovation and renovation. Data consumption models, feature bundles, API call pricing, event-based billing; there is a jungle to explore. And I know from experience that these discussions can be brutal. 

Like a wise woman (just making this up, it’s not clear whose quote this is) once said: the best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, the second best time is now. Great advice for our business models as well! 

The HUMAN Framework: Injecting Soul Back into CX

Let me close off with a quick summary of my HUMAN Framework. HUMAN stands for five principles that can take your customers’ AI strategy from ‘meh’ to marvelous. That is, if you start with the use cases. 

Heartfelt, Unified, Measurable, Actionable, and Natural.

1. Heartfelt: it’s all about the context. Use AI to help deliver large-scale heartfelt dialogues AND processes. Understand the context of a conversation and then anticipate. 

2. Unified: One Story, One Experience. AI isn’t the hero; it’s the glue that binds your touchpoints together. Make sure your AI communicates across channels and modalities. Get rid of disjointed handoffs or confusing interactions. You should have done that a long time ago.

3. Measurable: Forget the boring KPIs like average handle time. Seriously, who cares? The real question is: did your AI-driven interaction turn a frustrated customer into a happy one? Did it save a client from jumping ship? Those are the metrics that matter.

4. Actionable: The conversation doesn’t end when you hang up or log off. From boring classification tasks to sending confirmation emails, create a secret weapon that keeps things moving behind the scenes, freeing up your humans to handle the heavy lifting.

5. Natural: The worst thing AI can do is sound like… well, AI. Nobody wants to feel like they’re talking to a robot. Not even you. So, let the AI do the grunt work, with real-time suggestions, data lookups, and customer insights, while people bring the magic..

Bring The Soul Back To CX

I’m a musician. And my favorite type of music is anything that has a black origin. Jazz, Black Gospel, Funk… Why? Because it has soul, it’s vibrant, it feels alive, it’s always moving. I had that same vibe at CASA24. And now, onwards. Let’s bring that soul back to CX! Our customers, employees and even investors will thank us later.

Hans Kramer, Founder&CEO, So Remarkable

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[ September 19, 2024 by Rob Kurver 0 Comments ]

Accelerating Innovation and Customer-Centric Solutions: Key Takeaways from CASA24

After an incredible three days at CASA24, it’s clear that something special unfolded at this event. The first two days brought together around 150 attendees—senior and mid-level thought leaders, telcos, CPaaS providers, technology companies, and analysts/advisors. What made this gathering unique was not just the caliber of people, but the openness and transparency in discussions. Competitors shared the stage, speaking candidly about the industry’s challenges without the usual sales or marketing spin. The result was a high-level conversation that pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in the communications industry.

Day One: Telcos Must Embrace Open Networks and Customer-Centric Use Cases

The first day focused heavily on telcos and their need to transform from infrastructure providers to technology companies. This has been a long-running narrative, but the conversation finally feels actionable with the rise of open networks, network APIs, and initiatives like GSMA’s Open Gateway and Project Camara.

A key takeaway from day one is that while the technology is in place, the real challenge is customer engagement. Telcos need to work more closely with their customers to develop use cases that solve specific needs for verticals like healthcare, logistics, and finance. As the day progressed, it became clear that success in the future will hinge on understanding and addressing customer pain points, not just relying on the capabilities of the technology.

Day Two: From Customer Experience to Scaling Solutions That Matter

Day two picked up on the customer-centric theme, starting with Adrian Swinscoe’s keynote referencing Steve Jobs’ famous 1987 quote: “You’ve got to start with the customer experience and work back toward the technology.” The morning sessions reinforced that successful products come from truly understanding the customer’s needs before diving into development. Presentations from telcos and CPaaS providers showed how they are evolving to embrace this approach, but the real challenge remains aligning technology with real-world customer pain.

The afternoon split into parallel tracks. One track explored AI and its transformative role in product development. However, the two key tracks for this discussion were on go-to-market strategies and the convergence of cloud communication platforms.

Go-to-Market in the 21st Century

The go-to-market track emphasized how sales and lead generation must evolve alongside customer needs. The days of traditional marketing and outreach are over, and companies need to adopt new strategies to generate demand. Sessions focused on verticalization—getting precise about customer segments and building solutions for their specific pain points. The service provider playbook, featuring almost 100 use cases, provided real-world examples and best practices for telcos and technology companies looking to innovate.

The Convergence of Cloud Communication Platforms

Meanwhile, the other breakout track focused on the convergence of UCaaS, CCaaS and CPaaS platforms. The key takeaway here? The technology isn’t the problem anymore. What’s holding companies back are people and processes. Whether you’re a telco or a cloud communication provider, the industry needs to adopt more flexible platforms that cater to specific customer needs. It’s about bringing the right teams together, giving them the resources and space to innovate, and using proven venture builder processes to scale impactful solutions.

Day Three: Members-Only Working Sessions for Actionable Results

The final day of CASA24 was a more intimate, members-only affair. We spent a focused six hours in working group sessions that delved into the key topics driving the industry forward. The day started with a roundtable for revenue leaders, which was initially scheduled for an hour but extended to two. Why? Because generating revenue remains the ultimate challenge and priority for everyone in the industry.

In parallel, we had working groups on AI, security and trust, and telco APIs. These sessions weren’t just discussions—they were about setting practical, tangible objectives and key results for Q4. The goal? To ensure that we’re not just talking but driving real, measurable progress. At the CPaaS Acceleration Alliance, acceleration is at the heart of what we do, and this day underscored that mission. We’re all starting to understand the next big step—accelerating outcomes and results that will shape the future of our industry.

Wrapping Up with Fun and Collaboration

Beyond the structured sessions and insightful panels, the feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive. Attendees mentioned that CASA24 delivered the “best content in years,” and this speaks to the openness and sharing mindset that truly set the event apart. There’s something unique happening here—a collaborative spirit that’s pushing the industry forward. It’s not just about technology anymore—it’s about people coming together to solve real problems and create meaningful impact.

We closed day two with a lively showcase challenge, where attendees got to experience some of the latest innovations firsthand. It was a fun way to wrap up the formal sessions before heading into the member dinner, where connections were strengthened and ideas flowed freely.

In the end, CASA24 captured the full picture: from telco transformation and opening networks, to focusing on customer development and new ways to build companies that succeed. It’s not just about technology anymore—it’s about people, process, and solving real-world problems.

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[ September 11, 2024 by Rob Kurver 0 Comments ]

The CASA24 CPaaS Showcase Challenge: Shaping Up to Be the Best Yet!

The CPaaS Acceleration Alliance (CPaaSAA) is back, and this year’s CASA24 CPaaS Showcase Challenge promises to be the most exciting and groundbreaking yet! We are bringing together four powerhouse companies that represent the best in the Communication Platform as a Service (CPaaS) ecosystem. This year, we are honored to have Sinch, Radisys, Vonage, and Deutsche Telekom participating, each offering unique perspectives as platform service providers, telcos, and technology providers.

These companies are not just industry leaders; they represent the innovation that drives the CPaaS landscape forward. They’ll showcase their latest advancements and demonstrate how they are shaping the future of communications. As always, the showcase will be a dynamic forum for exchanging insights, exploring new technologies, and understanding how CPaaS is evolving to meet the demands of our interconnected world.

A Diverse Line-Up Reflecting the Entire CPaaS Ecosystem

  • Sinch: A global leader in cloud communications, providing messaging, voice, and video services to enterprises. Sinch is constantly pushing boundaries to deliver seamless communication experiences.
  • Radisys: A cutting-edge technology provider specializing in open telecom solutions that help operators and enterprises deliver high-value services faster.
  • Vonage: Known for its API-driven solutions, Vonage has transformed how businesses engage with customers, providing reliable, flexible, and scalable communication tools.
  • Deutsche Telekom: One of the world’s leading integrated telcos, it brings a wealth of experience and scale to the table, offering insights into how telcos can leverage CPaaS to innovate and enhance services.

Judged by Top Industry Experts

To ensure the CASA24 CPaaS Showcase Challenge delivers maximum value, we’ve gathered an esteemed panel of judges—leading figures from across the industry. These judges will pose critical questions to each participant, challenging them to go beyond the surface and reveal the intricate details behind their platforms, technologies, and strategies. This format will allow our audience to gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed in the CPaaS space, from innovation to implementation and beyond.

Live Demos and a Grand Finale

This year’s challenge will culminate as the grand finale of CASA24, taking place on Tuesday evening. And what better way to wrap up this dynamic event than by showcasing live demos from the participating companies? These demos will move beyond theory and discussion to demonstrate the real-world solutions and key advances that our industry is delivering today. You’ve heard everyone talk about the industry’s growth and innovation—now it’s time to see it in action.

With live demonstrations from Sinch, Radisys, Vonage, and Deutsche Telekom, this event promises to be a true highlight, offering a rare look into the innovations that are transforming communications in real time.

What We’re Excited to See

What excites us the most about this year’s challenge is the range of different perspectives and approaches these four participants will bring. Whether it’s a focus on cloud communications, telecom infrastructure, or enterprise solutions, each company has a unique way of interpreting the future of CPaaS. We’re eager to see how they’ll tackle industry challenges, present their innovations, and ultimately, wow us with their vision for the future of communications.The CASA24 CPaaS Showcase Challenge is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for the CPaaS ecosystem, and we’re confident it will inspire fresh ideas and partnerships that will drive the industry forward. Don’t miss the grand finale—where the future of CPaaS will be brought to life!

Kevin Nethercott, Managing Partner

CPaaS Acceleration Alliance

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[ September 9, 2024 by Rob Kurver 0 Comments ]

The Curious Case of the Missing Headshots (And Our Solution at CASA24)

Organizing an event like CASA24 is a journey full of surprises, but I never thought one of the most difficult parts would be… tracking down a decent headshot!

You’d think that for a crowd of industry professionals, having an up-to-date LinkedIn profile would be standard. Yet here we are, a week before our big event, and let me tell you—the struggle is real. We’ve got over 65 amazing speakers lined up, from top telcos to AI pioneers, but getting a good, high-res photo of them? That’s another story.

Some of these speakers have headshots that must have been taken when Nokia was still making those indestructible brick phones. Others? A single low-resolution photo from a networking event in the distant past. We’ve spent far too many hours scouring the internet, asking marketing departments, and, in a few cases, praying to the Photoshop gods to salvage a blurry image.

It’s become an unspoken truth in this industry: the people shaping the future of communications don’t have time for an updated LinkedIn profile pic.

But because we’re all about solutions, not problems, we’ve come up with a creative fix! We’re adding something special to CASA24 this year: professional headshots for all attendees. Yup, you read that right. Along with the insights, the networking, and all the great sessions, you’ll also get a chance to upgrade your LinkedIn game. We’ve got a photographer on-site, ready to capture you in all your industry-expert glory.

So if you’ve been dodging that “Update your profile” prompt on LinkedIn for far too long, fear not. CASA24 has your back. Just show up, strike a pose, and leave with a photo that won’t leave people guessing, “Is this the same person?” every time you show up to speak.

After all, we’re in the business of communications. Let’s make sure we’re looking as sharp as the ideas we’re sharing!