We're now less than a week away from the Internet of Things World Forum, located in Dubai. This premier industry event, on December 6-8, will showcase many of the exciting transformations made possible by the Internet of Things (IoT) gaining momentum across the globe. The agenda is packed with keynotes by industry leaders, breakout sessions, a hackathon, a startup showcase, and a smart-city tour of Dubai. But there are two events I'm particularly proud to highlight.

Research and Innovation Symposium

Designed for industry leaders, academic researchers, R&D directors, and technology professionals driving IoT, the symposium provides unique insight into the emerging technologies and research that will shape the future of IoT. This year, the symposium will explore "the two faces of IoT"-the endless possibilities for innovation, and the haunting technology questions and challenges that must be addressed and overcome as we move toward an ever more connected world. The symposium will run in two information-rich 75-minute sessions over the course of two days. It will highlight the insights of distinguished speakers from around the world representing perspectives from industry, government, and academia. If you want a glimpse into the future of IoT, don't miss it.

Cisco Innovation Grand Challenge

Our second annual Innovation Grand Challenge brings six amazing startups to Dubai to compete for their share of$250,000 in cash prizes. This global competition aims to recognize, promote, and accelerate the adoption of breakthrough IoT technologies and products. The IoT World Forum is the culmination of a six-month process, which started in June with 3,000 participants from 101 countries. These entrants were narrowed down to 15 semi-finalists, and then-a most difficult task-to the six finalists who will give their pitches live, on stage, on Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 8:00-9:45 a.m. Before that however, meet them and hear about their marvelous ideas in person at The Hub demo area.

We have seen that the Grand Challenge can help catapult winners onto the world stage, with expanding opportunities. Last year's top prize winner, Berlin-based relayr, has since gone on to secure$11 million in venture funding, and has deployed its technology solution throughout Cisco's openBerlin Innovation Center, transforming the brick structure into a smart building that automatically adjusts light, temperature, and air quality, depending on conditions.

Are you going to the IoT World Forum? If so, I hope you'll join me at the Research and Innovation Symposium, and the Innovation Grand Challenge finals in addition to all the other exciting keynotes and industry presentations. If you want to join in virtually, be sure to follow the conversation on Twitter by searching#IoTWF.

Our events next week highlight how the future of IoT is showing up today-in enterprises, startups, cities, and universities around the world.