Interview with Ros Irving - Capacity Media

Télécoms Sans Frontières spoke to Ros Irving, Chief Executive Officer of Telecoms and Technology Group of Capacity Media, TSF’s partner since 2012.

TSF and Capacity Media will soon celebrate their 12th year partnership anniversary. Read the full interview to learn more about this partnership, TSF’s impact and Capacity Media’s commitment to sustainability and #KeepingTheWorldConnected.

TSF: Can you introduce yourself and share an overview of Capacity Media?

Ros Irving: My name is Ros Irving, and I've been with Capacity Media for 15 years. I am the CEO of our Telecoms and Technology Group, which comprises six linked brands: Capacity Media, International Telecoms Week, the Global Leaders Forum, BroadGroup, DataCloud Events, TowerXchange, and the Women in Tech World Series. Our brands focus on the digital infrastructure market, serving our customers with 26 events worldwide, a digital magazine, and a membership community. We are also launching a new brand that will unite all six of these.

TSF: The relationship between Capacity Media and TSF began more than 10 years ago. Can you share what this partnership means to you and Capacity Media?

Ros Irving: It's hard to believe it's been that long. I vividly remember when I first heard the story of how TSF came into being. I found it incredibly moving and powerful. The story of displaced people in Kosovo asking TSF founders to pass on messages to their families highlighted the basic human need for communication and reassurance during times of crisis. This deeply touched my heart.

From a business perspective, Capacity Media's global events platform connects leading players across the digital infrastructure market. We use the hashtag #KeepingTheWorldConnected to highlight our customers' role in this. Supporting TSF felt like a natural synergy because our events, much like TSF's work, aim to connect people across the globe without any political or religious affiliations. Our global reach allows us to promote TSF’s work to a wider audience, enhancing its impact.

“Supporting TSF felt like a natural synergy because our events, much like TSF's work, aim to connect people across the globe without any political or religious affiliations. Our global reach allows us to promote TSF’s work to a wider audience, enhancing its impact.”

TSF: Can you tell us more about the International Telecoms Week (ITW) and the charity run organized in partnership with Console Connect at ITW?

Ros Irving: I'm proud that we generate awareness through our events. Our 5K charity run at ITW has become quite famous and well-associated with the event. For the past 10 years, around 100 to 150 dedicated and brave participants get up early to run. It has become a networking event in its own right, fostering connections among attendees.

Although the number of runners is small compared to the total attendees at ITW, the promotion of the run through our event website and social media gives it significant reach. We aim to pique people's interest in TSF's work through this unique and engaging activity. Console Connect has been a generous partner for many years, supporting the run and helping spread the word.

TSF: Capacity Media has pledged to reduce the carbon footprint of its activities. Can you tell us more about the actions you've implemented?

Ros Irving: Addressing climate change is crucial. We are a signatory to the Net Zero Carbon Events Pledge, which over 200 events businesses have signed. This pledge sets out a collective commitment to tackle climate change and drive towards net zero by 2050.

Specifically, at ITW this year, we have partnered with Scala Data Centers to support an initiative that partially offsets carbon emissions from transportation, accommodation, and other event-related activities. More details are available on the event website. We recognize that organizing events has a significant carbon impact, but bringing thousands of people together annually can save many from making multiple business trips, reducing overall carbon footprints.

TSF: Are there other topics you promote at Capacity Media?

Ros Irving: Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are key areas for us. We recently acquired the Women in Tech World Series, dedicated to advancing equity within technology. Our mission is to create platforms that bring our global communities together. Promoting business and showcasing industry developments while actively working towards a more equitable and fair economy is essential.

We believe diversity is crucial for innovation and a fundamental value that enriches our communities. Our events amplify underrepresented voices, celebrate diverse perspectives, and provide inclusive spaces for all participants. We also focus on minimizing our environmental footprint by selecting accessible venues, promoting eco-friendly practices, and reducing paper usage with digital products.

In addition to supporting TSF, we aim to continue this partnership for many years, helping to reach more people through our networks.

“Our mission is to create platforms that bring our global communities together, promoting business and showcasing industry developments while actively working towards a more equitable and fair economy.”