Immersive tech demos and cross-sector partnerships drive smart city innovation

PHOENIX, Ariz. – (March 24, 2025) The Connective, Greater Phoenix’s regional smart city consortium, is hosting CONNECTED 2025, its second annual event uniting city leaders and technology vendors. The event will showcase the latest smart city technology, facilitate cross-region collaboration, and demonstrate the impact of innovative projects on citizens. On March 27, 2025, from 3:30 to 7:00 p.m. MST at Venture Cafe Phoenix, attendees will step into virtual reality cityscapes, manipulate 3D-printed urban models, interact with AI-powered traffic systems, and more technologies shaping the future of cities.

CONNECTED 2025 offers city leaders opportunities to gather, explore and share successes, while building partnerships with others engaged across urban innovation. The event provides a unique platform to advance knowledge sharing and technology transfer towards transforming urban living across not only individual cities but the region as a whole.

“CONNECTED 2025 brings together city leaders, tech innovators, and urban planners to tackle our region’s most pressing challenges,” said Dean Duncan, Managing Director of The Connective. “This event enables city leaders to learn about and adopt new technologies, while tech vendors can showcase their solutions. Our goal is to foster collaborations that create tangible benefits for our communities.”

The event’s agenda includes live technology demonstrations, featuring a virtual reality digital engagement room, augmented reality tools, and 3D printing technology. City leaders will present their smart city programs and learn from peers. Technology vendors will showcase solutions that address urban challenges and improve city services. A dedicated wing for higher education partners, including Arizona State University, Grand Canyon University, and the University of Arizona, will highlight student-led projects. These include a metaverse space for citizen engagement and a challenge through the City of Phoenix, demonstrating the next generation’s role in shaping smart cities.

“CONNECTED 2025 at Venture Café Phoenix is for anyone interested in Metro Phoenix’s transformation into a world-class, smart region,” says Michael Hammett, Director, Phoenix Office of Innovation. “Last year, we explored digital twins, augmented reality, and autonomous vehicles. This year, Phoenix and other cities and towns will showcase our latest advancements and see the future of Smart Cities from industry leaders.”

Local government leaders, state and regional partners, smart city industry and technology leaders, and community innovators are encouraged to attend. Participants will gain valuable insights into smart city technologies that enhance quality of life and efficiencies, collaborate on impactful initiatives, and become an integral part of shaping the future of the Greater Phoenix region.

To learn more about CONNECTED 2025 or to register, visit https://www.connective.city/connected-2025