At Alter New Media, we believe in the power of innovation and disruption to create meaningful change, and the 3rd annual Unconventional Awards held at the Fontainebleau Waterbleau Terrace in Las Vegas, Nevada, was hosted by T-Mobile for Business perfectly exemplified that belief. As we reflect on this incredible event, I’m thrilled to share the highlights from an evening dedicated to celebrating leaders and organizations that have pushed boundaries and made significant impacts across industries.
Our Global Entrepreneurship Week Nevada team member Ben Laifsky stands with author Malcolm Gladwell Post book signing. Malcolm’s latest book is entitled Revenge of The Tipping Point.
Malcolm Gladwell’s presence as a special guest at the event added an exciting touch to the evening. Known for his insights into how small shifts can drive transformative results, Gladwell generously gifted guests copies of his latest book, Revenge of the Turning Point, setting the tone for a night that celebrated the bold thinkers reshaping their industries.
The Unconventional Awards were divided into four key categories: Innovation in Community, Innovation in Customer Experience, Innovation in Industry, and Innovation in Employee Enablement. Each category showcased the creativity, resilience, and forward-thinking leadership of organizations changing the game in their fields.
One standout in the “Innovation in Community” category was 3AM Innovations, whose AI-powered platform FLORIAN uses T-Mobile’s 5G network to provide real-time tracking of firefighters during emergencies, saving lives and setting a new standard for public safety. Another community-driven innovator, VCU Rice Rivers Center, earned first place for their initiative to protect endangered Atlantic sturgeon. Using real-time tracking technology, VCU reduces environmental risks while engaging the local community in conservation efforts.
In the “Innovation in Customer Experience” category, Easterseals Southern California collaborated with Floreo VR to develop a virtual reality platform that teaches transportation safety to individuals with autism. This initiative enhances safety and broadens access to life-changing opportunities for a community that often faces significant challenges in accessing them.
First Student also stood out for using T-Mobile-powered electric school buses and driver tablets, which significantly improved safety and communication between parents, schools, and drivers in real time.
One of my favorites was the “Innovation in Industry” category. Sony Electronics and CBS Sports earned top recognition for their incredible use of T-Mobile’s 5G technology to revolutionize live sports production at the PGA Championship. They’re setting a new industry standard by leveraging real-time, high-speed coverage.
Miller Electric Company also made waves by modernizing downtown Jacksonville’s transportation system by integrating autonomous vehicles supported by T-Mobile’s 5G private network, proving that the future of smart cities is already here.
In the “Innovation in Employee Enablement” category, Infosys truly shone, introducing an AI-powered, mobile-first platform supported by T-Mobile’s 5G network to enhance productivity and engagement for over 300,000 employees. Siemens Energy followed closely behind, leveraging real-time data access and collaboration tools to improve field service operations at remote power plants for over 500 engineers.
The Malcolm Gladwell Tipping Point Award presentation was a special moment of the night. The University of Miami Department of Informatics and Health Data Science received this prestigious honor this year for its Media and Innovation Lab (MIL) project. By distributing MIL Boxes equipped with T-Mobile-powered devices, they provide real-time health data to reduce hospital visits and expand access to care, particularly for underserved communities. In recognition of their trailblazing work, they were awarded $30,000 to donate to a charity of their choice.
As part of the awards, each first-place winner received $25,000 for a charity of their choice, with second and third-place winners awarded $10,000 and $5,000, respectively. First-place winners and the Tipping Point recipient were also featured in Wall Street Journal Custom Content and iHeartRadio ad campaigns, giving them a well-deserved national spotlight.
The Unconventional Awards highlighted how creativity, bold leadership, and a willingness to challenge the norm can lead to incredible results. At Alter New Media, we’re proud to be a part of a movement that celebrates those pushing industries forward and impacting their communities in meaningful ways. It’s inspiring to see companies harnessing the power of technology and innovation to create a better, more connected world.
I look forward to continuing to champion organizations that are making waves and can’t wait to see what the next year holds for innovation and progress.
Unforgettable Unconventional Performances
