IAEE Releases White Paper on Wi-Fi and Mobile Challenges in the Exhibitions and Events Industry
April 8, 2012
With more and more smartphones and other devices on the showfloor that require additional Wi-Fi and mobile bandwith, convention and meeting venues’ existing networks are being tasked with keeping up with the demand.
To address this issue, the International Association of Exhibitions and Events released its White Paper, “Wi-Fi and Mobile Challenges in the Exhibitions and Events Industry”, in response to bandwith concerns expressed by various segments of the industry.
The IAEE Wi-Fi and Mobile Bandwidth Task Force was created to work on this effort.
"The explosive growth of tablet computers and smartphones is revolutionizing the way business is conducted," said IAEE President Steven Hacker.
He added, "While there is much to celebrate, the downside of the phenomenon is placing extraordinary strains upon bandwidth and connectivity, which have become vital elements for the success of most exhibitions and events.”
In order the gather information of the bandwith issue, a survey was sent in April 2011 to IAEE exhibition organizer, exhibitor and facility members.
Here are some of the viewpoints offered from exhibitors, attendees, facilities, show organizers and Internet service providers:
Exhibitors have higher expectations about the quality of the Internet connectivity when purchasing services.
Because attendees’ connectivity experiences outside the convention facility are frictionless, many do not understand the complex issues that exist when so many consumers are forced into a confined space, such as a convention facility, at one time.
Facilities want assistance from show managers to eliminate rogue access points from the exhibition floor to reduce interference with the facility’s network.
Show management is more aggressively utilizing Wi-Fi as a sponsorship and advertising tool.
The increasing demand for wireless Internet access could, in the future, impact the ability of providers to maintain the technology required to deliver consistent hard-wired connections and a range of connectivity options.
“IAEE is pleased to have produced an essential learning resource thanks to the participation of members who are both consumers of internet connectivity and providers and hosts of infrastructure,” Hacker said.
He added, “We know that many members will find the White Paper very helpful in understanding the challenges we must manage and that ultimately we must all collaborate to develop solutions."
The IAEE White Paper, “Wi-Fi and Mobile Challenges in the Exhibitions and Events Industry”, is available for purchase at www.tradeshowstore.com.
The white paper is free to IAEE members and costs $39.95 for nonmembers.
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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