How to Sensor: Accelerating Smart City Sensor Programs

Session details:

Subject: Speaking Proposal: “How to Sensor – A Life Cycle Approach to Smarter Cities”

Dear Sensors Converge,

I hope this message finds you well.

I would like to propose a keynote session for your upcoming Sensors Converge 2026 focused on a topic of growing relevance to municipalities nationwide: establishing a standardized, repeatable approach for identifying, procuring, and deploying sensors in Smart Cities.

Proposed Title:

"How to Sensor: Accelerating Smart City Sensor Programs"

Session Overview:

As Smart Cities mature, the needs for sensors are becoming clearer and more consistent across communities. Each category of application—whether mobility, safety, environment, or infrastructure—has distinct requirements. Too often, cities reinvent the wheel, working through their own trial-and-error process.

This session introduces the Sensor Life Cycle, a standardized framework that captures best practices from real-world deployments and translates them into actionable tools. From requirements definition to procurement to long-term operations, the Sensor Life Cycle equips cities with RFI/RFP templates, contracting models, and governance structures that normalize comparisons between products, ensure the right questions are asked of vendors, and establish terms that balance quality, cost control, and flexibility.

Key Takeaways for Attendees:
A structured methodology to assess, categorize, and deploy sensors aligned with city priorities

Standardized tools and templates to accelerate RFI/RFP processes and contracting

Best practices for vendor evaluation, performance testing, and lifecycle management

Insights into governance models like the “Sensor Council” that foster collaboration and shared learning

Strategies to reduce duplication, manage risk, and capture value in fast-evolving technology markets

Why This Topic Matters:

City leaders are expected to deliver innovation and measurable outcomes under tight budget and resource constraints. By drawing from established best practices, cities can shorten procurement cycles, avoid common mistakes, and strengthen negotiating positions with vendors. Standardization ensures faster adoption, more predictable performance, and greater long-term value—while keeping room to absorb rapidly changing capabilities.

Whether attendees are beginning their Smart City journey or scaling established programs, this session will provide a practical blueprint for navigating the sensor ecosystem with confidence and efficiency.

I would be honored to contribute this session to your agenda. Please let me know if you need additional details or would like to schedule a follow-up.

Thank you for your consideration.

Best regards,
Paul Hoekstra / Marcel Verheijen
Smart City Mobility Counci / Amplify Now Global

| [email protected] | [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulhoekstra/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcelverheyen/