The 21st annual Real-Time Communications (RTC), an Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) conference, was held on the 7th and 8th of October, 2025, at the Illinois Institute of Technology. The event gathered researchers, students, and industry professionals from various regions of the globe in order to share ideas on the upcoming trends of real-time communication technology. The two-day conference showcased the top-level convergence of artificial intelligence, quantum computing, sensor networks, and next-generation emergency communications and gave attendees an early glimpse into the future of converged, intelligent communications systems.
A Theme of Integration and Innovation
In an interview with Carol Davids, the Founding Director of the RTC Lab and long-time organizer of the conference; she emphasized this year’s focus on integration of emerging technologies.
“When this conference began 21 years ago, it was called the VoIP Conference — focused on voice over IP,” Dr. Davids explained. “Now, real-time communication has become so embedded in our daily lives that we hardly notice it. The goal today is to integrate new technologies like quantum internet, vehicle-to-vehicle communications, and sensor networks into these multimedia systems.”
RTC 2025 continued its tradition of adapting to the constantly and rapidly ongoing technological evolution. The discussions included many state-of-the-art technologies like programmable real-time networks, multimedia applications, and quantum computing, all converging on the theme of connectivity and real-time adaptability. This year also introduced expanded tracks such as Emerging Technologies and Communications Quality and Reliability (CQR), reflecting how rapidly innovation continues to reshape the field.
Artificial Intelligence Takes Center Stage
According to Thomas Costello, artificial intelligence and machine learning were the unifying themes across all seven tracks.
“Each track — whether it was programmable networks, WebRTC, or next-gen emergency communications — shared a common thread of AI,” Costello said. “Technology is evolving so fast. Just a few years ago we had ChatGPT, and now there are countless AI-powered tools reshaping how we communicate and process data.”
He noted that AI’s influence is becoming indistinguishable from machine learning itself, marking a new era in communication technologies that are increasingly adaptive, intelligent, and predictive.
Highlights and Impactful Research
This year’s research track drew significant attention, receiving 31 submissions from researchers worldwide. Of those, 10 were accepted, with six ultimately presented due to travel and visa challenges. Davids shared that one of the RTC Lab’s ongoing projects — a software-defined radio implementation enabled by machine learning — was among the featured papers.
“It’s exciting to see student enthusiasm translate into research,” she said. “Every year, new volunteers and researchers join these projects, expanding our scope and innovation.”
The poster sessions, now in their second year, offered a platform for undergraduate, graduate, and early-career researchers to present works-in-progress. Davids highlighted how these sessions bridged the gap between seasoned professionals and new entrants in the field.
“It’s important for students to present their work, even at early stages,” she said. “The feedback and community interaction help clarify ideas, inspire new directions, and build confidence.”
Behind the Scenes: Challenges and Community
Costello shed light on the logistical and financial challenges of organizing a global conference in a post-pandemic environment. “People became used to virtual interactions,” he said. “But the in-person experience — the networking, the exchange of ideas, the hands-on discussions — is irreplaceable. That’s what makes RTC special.”
Raising funds and coordinating with sponsors proved to be more challenging this year, but the payoff was clear: a vibrant, interactive event that strengthened ties between academia and industry. “This conference is not commercial,” Davids noted. “It’s about passionate people sharing knowledge that drives real-world impact.”
Both organizers praised the volunteers who made the conference possible. “The dedication of the student volunteers was remarkable,” Costello said. “They jumped in wherever needed and ensured everything ran smoothly. Their enthusiasm embodies the spirit of RTC.”
Message to Incoming Students and Researchers
When asked what advice they’d offer to students eager to present at huge conferences like RTC, both emphasized engagement, communication, and collaboration.
“Share your work,” said Davids. “You need feedback from your community — even critical feedback helps you grow.”
Costello added, “Network with industry professionals and professors. Many of our past student participants are now leaders in tech companies. Take initiative, join lab projects, and be open to opportunities — even if they take you across the globe.”
The Student Perspective
As a volunteer assigned to monitor the East Hermann Hall sessions on October 8, I witnessed firsthand the diversity of discussions; from quantum computing to real-time 911 communication systems. The technical depth and real-world applications made each session uniquely engaging, and the experience highlighted the value of collaboration across disciplines.
Being a computer science masters student, it’s incredibly fascinating at how fast paced the world of technology really is. You learn one skill, try to master it, and before you can achieve that, the next hot trending skill is already in the industry. Listening to many professors and researchers share their work, as much as it made me realize how behind I was on a lot of things, it planted an immense urge to never stop learning, and of course, an unmountable admiration towards the said researchers. The ideas, the evolution; I got to see it in real-time and it was the best experience ever.
It reminded me of this one quote: The more you know, the less you know. It’s a paradox, reflecting the Dunning-Kruger effect, where greater knowledge only leads you to a greater awareness of how much is unknown.