This blog is a repost from the U.S. Department of Commerce, originally published on April 24, 2024.

This June, two agencies within the U.S. Department of Commerce are coming together to advance communications technology for public safety.

The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology Public Safety Communication Research Division (NIST PSCR) have complemented each other’s work for more than a decade on projects ranging from public safety innovation challenges to technology development.

This year, the two agencies will host the second annual 5x5: The Public Safety Innovation Summit. There, leaders in public safety, government, industry, and academia will collaborate to build the future of public safety technology.

What is 5x5?

5x5: The Public Safety Innovation Summit is a three-day summit in Chicago from June 25-27.

5x5 unites leading experts involved in emergency communications technology, including public safety personnel, industry leaders, technology researchers, innovators, and government officials. 5x5 is a collaborative experience focused on exchanging technical lessons learned, spreading new ideas and sparking conversations.

Be Inspired. Expand your knowledge by hearing industry professionals, government officials, and public safety leaders talk about research breakthroughs, staying motivated in their mission, finding success in technology, and turning obstacles into new ideas for R&D and operations.

Build Connections. Network with colleagues during panels and breakout sessions, and connect with peers and professionals outside your day-to-day experience to gain new insights into public safety communications.

See and do. With over 70 technology demonstrations planned, take part in testing and experimenting with the latest public safety communication technologies. Whether you’re a researcher, public safety official, or developer, discover innovative solutions designed to help responders stay safe and save lives.

What to expect at 5x5 in June?

Attendees can expect an exciting line-up of activities:

Three Plenary Sessions. This year’s 5x5 will feature three plenary sessions, showcasing innovative new technologies for public safety.

In the Taking Flight: PSCR’s PULSE Accelerator Pitch Session, seven teams of innovators from PSCR’s Pulse Accelerator program will present their investor pitches on drone use for public safety applications to a diverse panel of judges for feedback.

In the Public Safety Advancements Around the Globe session, representatives from around the world will speak on recent public safety technology advancements and unique challenges for their countries.

Lastly, in the Results from the First Responder Smart Tracking (FRST) Challenge, we will hear about the prize challenge, which aims to provide better situational awareness technologies for responders. Attendees will see action from the field-testing phase, watch exclusive video footage from the event, and learn about the next phase.

Five Keynote Sessions. This year we will welcome five keynote speakers to share insights on their experiences within the public safety communications field.

We are honored to host U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell; Chicago Police Department Lieutenant Jermaine Harris; Southern Platte Fire Protection District Fire Chief and FirstNet Authority Board Chair Richard Carrizzo; NIST PSCR Division Chief Dereck Orr; and FirstNet Authority Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Joseph M. Wassel.

70+ Tech Demos and 40 Breakout Sessions. Expand your technology horizons and harness a collaborative networking environment through hands-on interaction with various technology demos and breakout sessions. Our hand-picked demos and interactive sessions cover topics from location services and situational awareness to mission critical services to user experience.

Register Today!

Whether you are a researcher, industry professional, government official, or public safety personnel, 5x5 is the place to be for all thing public safety communications. With keynote sessions and plenaries, over 70 live technology demos, and numerous breakout sessions including technical deep dive discussions, this year’s 5x5 will expand your knowledge and understanding of public safety technology while building new connections with other leaders in the field.

If you haven’t already, be sure to register for 5x5 today! For more information on speakers, sessions, technology demos, contact information and more, visit the 5x5 website.

See you in June!