In September, Alianza hosted Navigate 25 in Salt Lake City, a three-day gathering of leaders and innovators across telecommunications filled with connection, conversation, and discovery. Over the course of the event, more than 600 attendees and 40 sponsors came together to explore the latest innovations in cloud, on-premises and hybrid communication platforms, share insights, and build meaningful connections.
A major highlight of the week was the launch of the Intelligent Communications Fabric – a new category that unifies communications infrastructure and orchestration to deliver high-value experiences across fixed and mobile networks.
Navigate 25 also had some spectacular keynotes that set an inspiring tone for the event. Tim Urban examined the miserable art of procrastination, taking a deep dive into the human psyche and providing some tips and tricks for a more productive work ethic, and Dallas Seavey shared lessons on leadership and team building from his record-setting Iditarod runs. Additionally, analyst presentations from Dom Black and Dean Bubley added more context and insight, providing data-driven looks at market trends and the evolving landscape.
Breaking it Down with Steve Gleave
To get a deeper look at what made Navigate truly stand out, I sat down with Steve Gleave, Alianza’s VP of Growth Marketing and the architect behind much of the event to hear some of his insights and perspectives.
JW: What made Navigate different from other conferences you’ve been to?
SG: I think there are a lot of things that make Navigate special, but three in particular stand out to me.
First, value. Despite the cheaper price point, Navigate’s experience rivaled many more expensive events. Attendees received an experience that was rich, engaging, and accessible – they could attend sessions, interact with experts, and genuinely connect with peers across a full three days of education and networking. Sponsors, on the other hand, enjoyed high-quality booths with clear visibility, genuine foot traffic, and digital promotion that went well beyond the industry norm of a quick “thanks to our sponsors.” The expo itself was carefully executed, spacious, and well designed. I think this combination of a well-run expo and a genuinely positive environment created an atmosphere where everyone was able to focus on learning, connecting, and enjoying the event.
JW: So, when we say “value” it’s not even entirely about cost – it’s also about experience. You created an environment where the event could be what it truly was. How does that clarity of purpose show up in the experience itself?
SG: Navigate is, at its core, a high-quality, accessible customer event. Everyone feels welcome and seen, regardless of title. And it’s not just functional; it’s a considered, crafted, creative, and connected experience. Honeycomb booths, charging hives, locally-sourced themed swag, a night at the museum – each element is designed to tie together with the brand and overall experience. At first blush, some of this could be considered abstract, but we were simultaneously celebrating Navigate’s location – the Beehive State – and the fact that bees are truly incredible navigators. This really helped bring our theme alive, and attendees absolutely came away feeling like the event was cohesive, intentional, and enjoyable.
JW: It’s clear that every detail was carefully thought through. Beyond the physical experience, what role did storytelling or the way the event was guided and structured shape how people experience Navigate?
SG: The way we guide the event, particularly through the emcee narrative, is just as important as the physical setup. Conferences can be dry, but weaving a story throughout the event provides contrast, practical lessons, analogies for the industry, and a bit of light relief. It keeps people engaged, reinforces key themes, and makes the experience memorable. Every moment and transition is deliberate, hopefully reflecting a deep understanding of the content and the audience.
Wrapping Up Navigate25
Steve’s insights really underscore what made Navigate 25 such a standout event: good value, thoughtful design, a focus on people, and an experience that felt cohesive, engaging, and just a little bit unexpected. From the high-quality expo to the carefully curated and thoughtful branding to Steve’s excellent job emceeing the entire event, Navigate delivered an event that inspired, informed, and energized everyone that attended.
If you missed it, there’s always next year! Navigate 26 will be back in Scottsdale, Arizona and we’d love to see you there. Mark your calendars for (September 9–11, 2026), bring your curiosity, and get ready for another amazing Navigate experience.
