The curtain just closed on Enterprise Connect 2025. This is the last year for Enterprise Connect in Orlando, and I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia and pride in how far we’ve come as an industry. When I first attended this event back in 2016 as head of product at IntelePeer, the industry’s spotlight was firmly on UCaaS with a hint of CCaaS. At that time, few were discussing CPaaS or the idea of fully programmable communications. But by 2018, we planted our CPaaS flag, introducing a new enterprise-focused CPaaS platform and an entirely different conversation to Enterprise Connect.
Seeing how far programmable communications, AI, data, and analytics have come since then – and how they now dominate nearly every conversation at Enterprise Connect – is a testament to the rapid pace of transformation in our industry. It’s fair to say that this year’s event marks a key turning point: it feels like the end of one era and the dawn of another, where these once fringe technologies are now table stakes for companies looking to thrive.
A Landmark Year for the CPaaSAA Innovation Village
Without a doubt, the CPaaSAA Innovation Village was one of the highlights of the year. With an expanded 1,200-square-foot booth and seven exhibitors, we had our largest presence yet. Attendees and participants got an up-close look at the latest in converged communications, programmable comms, APIs, and AI.
Even more exciting were the three panels we hosted:
- The Impact of Network APIs on Enterprises
I had a chance to sit on a panel with BT, Aduna, and Vonage, where we discussed the rise of Network APIs and why enterprises should be paying attention. - The Future of Intelligent Engagement
I was honored to host this panel with Flexcom and Vonage where we discussed the convergence of communications platforms, and their impact on enterprise engagement with customers and employees. - The Latest CPaaS Showcase Challenge
This year Speechmatics, WhiteLabel Communications, and Broadband Dynamics faced off with three incredible (and very different) solutions. My recommendation? Look at how all three should fit into your communications strategy!
The buzz wasn’t just for show – real business is being conducted in the Innovation Village. Broadband Dynamics is just one example: they closed multiple deals directly from contacts made at last year’s village. Several other exhibitors made new strategic partnerships and laid groundwork for upcoming projects.
And to top everything off, we had our third annual member’s dinner at the Four Seasons hotel. A big shout out to this year’s hosts: BT and KeyBanc Capital Markets. The discussions, connections, and food make this dinner a highlight for us every year.
For anyone wondering if presence at an industry event can yield tangible ROI, the CPaaSAA Innovation Village is living proof that it can.
AI, Data, and Analytics at the Core
It’s been a topic of conversation for years, but AI, data, and analytics are now fully entrenched in the enterprise communications landscape. From chatbots to advanced analytics suites capable of dissecting every user interaction, these capabilities have gone from nice-to-have to must-have. Nearly every booth at Enterprise Connect 2025 had a unique angle on how these technologies are driving improvements in:
- Customer Experience
Personalizing interactions at scale, handling inquiries more efficiently, and boosting satisfaction scores. - Employee Performance
Equipping teams with data-driven insights and tools to collaborate seamlessly, often in real time. - Operational Efficiency
Simplifying workflows, reducing operational costs, and delivering robust analytics that highlight exactly where to invest next.
In just a few years, these technologies have moved from hype to being the backbone of modern solutions – and it’s exciting to see the creative ways companies continue to refine and expand them.
Looking Forward to Enterprise Connect 2026 in Las Vegas
What’s next for Enterprise Connect 2026? We’re headed to Las Vegas! This move promises a new experience with multiple industry events taking place simultaneously, giving attendees the chance to go wide with a broad view of Enterprise Communications technologies while going deep into vertical-specific solutions – healthcare is just one example. If 2025 proved anything, it’s that the pace of innovation isn’t slowing down, and next year’s event will offer a must-attend convergence of ideas and strategies that will shape our industry’s future.
If you’ve been on the fence about attending, this is your chance to jump in with both feet. From forging new partnerships to discovering the latest breakthroughs, there is no better way to stay connected to what’s next in communications technology.
As we close the book on Enterprise Connect 2025, one thing is certain: the communications landscape will continue to evolve—likely even faster than we can imagine. The CPaaS Acceleration Alliance will be right there at the forefront, championing innovation and collaboration. We can’t wait to see you in Las Vegas next year for Enterprise Connect 2026. Make sure to mark your calendars – this is one you won’t want to miss!
Robert has spent over 25 years using technology to solve operations challenges, improve employee experience, and create winning customer experiences. As CMO and head of product at IntelePeer, he pioneered the expansion of CPaaS beyond developers and into the enterprise with no-code/low-code automation, integrated AI, and off-the-shelf campaign and analytics tools. Robert loves creating new things and is always asking big "what if" and "what's next" questions. Today he is working with technology and communications providers to expand their offerings, effectively reach new buyers, and create value for customers and shareholders alike.
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