Change Before You Have To: Boingo CEO’s MWC Keynote on Resilient Venues

At Mobile World Congress (MWC) Las Vegas—one of the telecom industry’s largest gatherings—Boingo CEO Mike Finley took the keynote stage to share perspective on the connected future. As digital transformation accelerates across industries, connectivity has become essential to how businesses operate, compete and grow—evolving from a support function to a central force that shapes experiences, decisions and outcomes. Against this backdrop, Finley’s message was clear: in a world of constant change, venues must build infrastructure that’s resilient, intelligent and ready for what’s next. 

To navigate this change, Finley emphasized Boingo’s guiding principle to “change before you have to.” Staying ahead of the curve isn’t optional—it’s a strategic imperative. For venues—from airports and stadiums to hospitals and convention centers—that means embracing digital transformation not just to keep pace, but to lead. Finley outlined four principles that will shape the next era:  

Connectivity is the foundation. Leading organizations prioritize connectivity as mission-critical infrastructure. Reliable, high-performance networks power real-time operations, enable digital experiences and create the framework for innovation across every sector. 

Convergence unlocks potential. The future of connectivity is converged. Integrating public cellular, private 5G, and next-generation Wi-Fi creates a streamlined network environment that supports diverse use cases—from high-speed streaming to secure IoT systems. Converged networks break down silos, allowing data to flow freely, systems to communicate and smarter decisions to be made. For venues, this means more agility, better insights and scalable infrastructure that adapts to evolving needs.  

Network security safeguards business. As networks become more sophisticated, the stakes get higher. Venues must prioritize multilayered security strategies that protect data, systems and people. From encrypted communications and intelligent surveillance to real-time threat detection, resilient infrastructure demands security that’s built into every layer. In today’s environment, safety and reliability go hand in hand.  

Innovation drives transformation. Innovation isn’t a buzzword—it’s a blueprint. The most successful venues are those that think with vision and build with purpose. Whether it’s deploying AI-powered systems, enabling frictionless experiences, or creating smart environments that respond in real time, innovation is what turns infrastructure into a strategic advantage. 

Connectivity, convergence, security, and innovation aren’t just technology trends—they’re strategic pillars for venues looking to thrive in a fast-moving world. At Boingo, we help venues bring these pillars to life—powering seamless connectivity, enabling smart infrastructure and delivering resilient networks that scale with demand. Whether you’re navigating digital transformation or preparing for what’s next, we’ve got you covered with solutions designed to adapt, evolve and grow alongside your business. 

Explore our solutions for transportation, sports & entertainment, military bases, federal agencies, healthcare, commercial real estate, hotels and multifamily to learn more.