From November 15 to 17, 2023, the city of Panama became the epicenter of innovation in communication technologies with the 15th edition of the IEEE Latin-American Conference on Communications (LATINCOM) 2023. Organized by the Communications Society (ComSoc) of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Panama Section, in collaboration with the Technological University of Panama (UTP) and the National Institute of Advanced Scientific Research in Information and Communication Technologies (INDICATIC AIP), the event exceeded all expectations.
The conference, which attracted participants from around the world, stood out for its robust program that brought together industry experts and academics in a vibrant exchange of ideas, research, and innovation. With 110 scientific papers proposed, 51 were selected and presented in 13 technical sessions, showcasing the diversity and quality of contributions. In addition, five keynote speeches by world-renowned leaders addressed crucial topics such as edge computing, artificial intelligence in communications, and cybersecurity.
The keynote presentations at IEEE LATINCOM 2023 were nothing short of groundbreaking, offering profound insights into the future of communication technologies. Renowned experts from around the globe took center stage, addressing critical themes that are shaping the landscape of the industry. Falko Dressler, a distinguished professor in Telecommunication Networks at the Technical University of Berlin, kicked off the series with a visionary talk on “6G Virtualized Edge Computing,” delving into the integration of high-performance computing into the transition towards 6G. Venkatesh Ramaswamy, MITRE’s Chief Technologist for NextG, provided a compelling exploration of the road to 6G, emphasizing the pivotal role of Automation and Artificial Intelligence. Michele Nogueira, an Associate Professor at the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil, illuminated the critical intersection of Data Science and Cybersecurity, offering a comprehensive overview with a focus on networking aspects. Emilio Calvanese Strinati, the Program Director for Nanotechnologies and Wireless Networks for 6G at the French Atomic Energy Commission, brought a fresh perspective by envisioning post-Shannon era communications, emphasizing semantic, goal-oriented, and reconfigurable intelligent environments. Finally, Muriel Médard, a professor at MIT, introduced the concept of Guessing Random Additive Noise Decoding (GRAND), an innovative universal decoding algorithm with implications for signal processing and network communications. Each keynote not only showcased the speakers’ expertise but also fueled anticipation for the transformative advancements on the horizon in the field of communications.
Hector Poveda, General Co-Chair of the organizing committee, along with Eduardo Ortega Barría, National Secretary of Science, Technology, and Innovation of Panama, welcomed participants during the opening ceremony. This event managed to attract 102 participants, with an impressive 70% of international attendees. The quality of the 209 communication professionals involved in presenting scientific papers demonstrated the global appeal and relevance of LATINCOM 2023.
The event organizers spared no effort in providing unforgettable experiences outside the academic program. The welcome reception, held at the end of the first day, provided a relaxed setting for participants to exchange ideas while enjoying shaved ice and violin music. The gala dinner, held in the luxurious Sytxth Hall of the Riu Plaza Hotel, was the social highlight with saxophone performances, folkloric presentations, and the awarding of certificates to outstanding scientific works, all supported by PROMTUR PANAMA.
The presence of prominent members of IEEE ComSoc, including Stefano Bregni, Director of Conference Operations, highlighted the event’s international significance. Media coverage from over 20 outlets, including TVN, SERTV, El Capital Financiero, and La Exitosa, underscored the relevance and impact of LATINCOM in the scientific and technological field.
The success of IEEE LATINCOM 2023 has consolidated Panama as a potential host for future conferences of this magnitude. The quality of the organization, international participation, and positive media coverage have put Panama on the map as a destination for high-level scientific events.
IEEE LATINCOM 2023 was not only a showcase of the latest trends in communications but also a social and cultural experience in an exceptional setting. Those who had the privilege of attending will undoubtedly carry with them not only advanced knowledge but also unforgettable memories of Panama and its hospitality. For those who missed this event, there is hope for equally exciting future editions. Until the next LATINCOM!