Smart City Awarded 10-year Contract with San Diego Convention Center Corporation
September 13, 2015
Smart City Networks, an event telecommunications and technology services company for the convention industry, has been awarded a new contract with the San Diego Convention Center Corporation, which manages, markets and operates the San Diego Convention Center, following a competitive bid process.
The 10-year deal will allow Smart City to provide additional services and upgrades for the venue. Smart City has served as the SDCCC’s technology provider since May of 2000.
The agreement, which went into effect July 1, includes a design established for 800 new Cisco 3702 access points – an upgrade that will allow for a greater number of guests and their wireless devices to access the Internet at ever-increasing speeds.
Other key features of the agreement include an upgrade to the building’s existing telephone switch, a digital signage system, and the installation of Neutral Host Distributed Antenna System (DAS).
The DAS will accommodate the exponential increase in cellular network traffic that is seen during some of the building’s largest networking shows, such as ESRI User Conference and Comic-Con.
“Smart City has been a trusted partner of the San Diego Convention Center for the past fifteen years, and we are thrilled to extend our partnership into the next decade,” said Carol Wallace, president and CEO of the San Diego Convention Center Corporation.
She added, “These planned technology upgrades will ensure that San Diego is one of the premiere meeting and convention destinations in the country.”
Under the contract, Smart City will continue to offer comprehensive telecommunications and Internet services for the venue, including high-speed Internet access, network cabling, telephone services, WiFi and turnkey data networking services.
“We appreciate the opportunity to continue our long-term partnership with the San Diego Convention Center,” said Mark Haley, president of Smart City Networks.
He added, “Our commitment to providing the technology solutions necessary to take the SDCC guest experience to the next level remains our top priority. We are excited to have the opportunity to add an additional DAS to our network of installations including Washington DC, Charlotte and most recently the Phoenix Convention Center.”
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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