Within the multi-billion-dollar live music industry, innovation is key. Exciting new technology is powering concert experiences in diverse new ways, energizing crowds and leaving less connected venues in the dust. With so much transformation at play, how can venue owners start meeting the latest trends?

As leaders of supporting concert technology, Hospitality Network is here to help. Learn why leveraging concert technology is so important before discovering the six trends that are trailblazing innovation within live music experiences.

• The Importance of Leveraging Concert Technology
• 6 Live Music Technology Trends Supercharging the Concert Industry
  • Wearable Concert Technology
  • Live Music Augmented Reality
  • Online Concert Ticketing Insights
  • Mobile Tech Integration With Music
  • Hybrid Concert Events
  • A Focus on Sustainable Concerts

The Importance of Leveraging Concert Technology

From intimate theaters to massive festival grounds, all kinds of concert venues need to implement exciting technology to stand out within a competitive, resurgent concert industry.

According to Billboard, Live Nation saw a 36% increase in revenue from 2022 to 2023, with an adjusted operating income (AOI) up double from even pre-pandemic numbers. An industry once thought dead is not only back — it’s bigger than ever.

With such a high demand for exciting live music experiences, consumers & artists alike expect premier quality technology within their venues. Failing to meet these expectations is a recipe for a disappointing experience, potentially leading to reduced ticket sales and fewer event bookings going forward. The best way to ensure satisfaction is through not only staying on top of concert industry trends, but exceeding them.

6 Live Music Technology Trends Supercharging the Concert Industry

So what do you need to implement at your venue to satisfy concert attendees? Here are six of the most exciting concert technology trends that fans of live music can expect at connected venues both today and in the future — all powered by connected concert WiFi technology.

Wearable Concert Technology

The world’s most popular concerts are leveraging wearable technology to make a more interactive live music experience. Take, for instance, The Taylor Swift Eras Tour; thousands of attendees are given wristbands at the start of the show to layer crowd-based lighting effects throughout the concert, supercharging an already electric experience. Whether via bracelets, glasses, necklaces, or other accessories, wearable technology boosts concert production value while giving attendees a collectible souvenir for life.

Wearable technology typically leverages radio, infrared, or Bluetooth technology to achieve synchronization with live music. Radio & infrared tech uses specific wave frequencies to connect with and light up technology, while Bluetooth devices connect to attendee phones, which in turn connect to the internet and transmit signals.

Live Music Augmented Reality

Augmented reality, often abbreviated as AR, is a technology that augments a computer-generated image onto a user’s view of the real world via a phone, pair of smart glasses, or another piece of AR-enabled connected technology. Like wearable technology, augmented reality can boost already exciting concert experiences with an additional layer of storytelling and visual awe. Some artists may want to project a giant animation during certain songs; others may have a more abstract visual in mind. Whatever the case, augmented reality can boost the visual appeal of a concert.

Online Concert Ticketing Insights

Buying physical tickets is a thing of the past. Via the rise of online ticketing websites, mobile tickets have become the overwhelming standard for modern event ticketing. Online platforms don’t just give consumers a convenient way to buy tickets; event organizers can leverage these platforms to access comprehensive analytics about concert demographics and how attendees purchase tickets.

For every ticket purchased online, ticketing websites can consolidate data about consumer demographics, where the buyer found the artist, what time of day they purchased the ticket, and more. Combined data from every individual ticket provides comprehensive insights to consumer behavior for both individual events and your venue as a whole.

Mobile Tech Integration With Music

Beyond ticketing, mobile technology offers exhaustive capabilities for integration within concerts. Generally, mobile technology allows concertgoers to instantly connect with diverse fans — from those at the concert to those around the world. In turn, supporting mobile technology allows concert venues to provide both a better attendee experience and gain free marketing to new customers.

Take social media integration, for example. The vast majority of concert venues already leverage social media marketing — according to a study from Eventbrite, 95% of venues surveyed use Facebook, 87% use Instagram, and 85% use Twitter. Concert venues can leverage these platforms by encouraging attendees to tag them in any pictures shared. Then, by sharing stories on Instagram or retweeting pictures, venues can showcase all they have to offer while simultaneously providing a platform for fans to connect.

Hybrid Concert Events

From concerts to convention centers, virtual streaming technology has become a mainstay across the hospitality industry. Hybrid concerts took hold during COVID-19 with no signs of letting up in relevance; Statista found that as of August 2020, 73% of music fans had watched a live stream, while 60% said they plan to continue watching live streams after in-person concerts return.

Combining internet-connected cameras, audio equipment, and streaming software, hybrid concerts can provide additional event revenue and inherent future marketing. Whether a free stream with ads or a ticketed online event, hybrid concerts can boost event income. Plus, when combined with on-site social media, hybrid concerts can give a comprehensive look at concert experiences at your venue, enticing future attendance.

A Focus on Sustainable Concerts

Sustainability has become a large priority for consumers across industries. According to a study from McKinsey & Company, 78% of US consumers say that a sustainable lifestyle is important to them. Accordingly, concert venues — including arenas & stadiums — need to reflect these changing values via sustainability initiatives.

Via connected technology, venues can increase their sustainability and track just how sustainable they are. Renewable energy usage, water efficiency, and waste reduction are all trackable by connected software — leading to finer-tuned sustainability efforts and key certifications from organizations such as LEED.

Stay on Top of Concert Industry Trends With WiFi Technology From Hospitality Network

From augmented reality to sustainable venues, every concert technology trend relies on responsive WiFi infrastructure to deliver exciting experiences. Without reliable internet access, modern concert technology sputters, slows down, or fails entirely — leading to attendee frustration instead of jubilation.

Hospitality Network provides industry-leading WiFi solutions across the hospitality space, including for all kinds of concert venues. Our high-capacity solutions are built from the ground up for your venue, delivering Concert WiFi crafted to meet your unique technology needs. Request a consultation and learn what our expert team can do to push your venue into the future.

Concert Industry Trends With & Without HSIA

How Hospitality Network HSIA Supports Concert Technology Infographic (Free Download)

The post 6 Concert Industry Technology Trends Redefining Live Music appeared first on Hospitality Network.

• High Capacity WiFi 101: What is High Capacity WiFi?
• How are High Capacity WiFi Routers Different From Normal WiFi Routers?
• Why High Capacity WiFi Access Points are Essential for Hospitality Businesses
  • High Capacity WiFi for Hotels
  • High Capacity WiFi for Sports Stadiums
  • High Capacity WiFi for Convention Centers
  • High Capacity WiFi for Event Venues

High Capacity WiFi 101: What is High Capacity WiFi?

High capacity WiFi, also known as “high-density WiFi,” refers to a WiFi network built to supply accessible, reliable internet to a large number of devices in a given space. These networks can support anywhere from hundreds to thousands of wireless clients at once — all while maintaining a responsive, consistent network.

The installation of high capacity WiFi consists of careful planning, thoughtful placement of access points, and leveraging the appropriate hardware. This starts with determining how many users will be using your network, and what they will be using the network for.

For example, 600 users streaming live video will require a very different output compared to 300 users who are only browsing the Internet. WiFi throughput required is measured in bits per second, whether kilobits (kbps), megabits (mbps), or even gigabits (gbps). Additional considerations should be taken for what devices will be used; smartphones, tablets, and laptops all have different needs.

How are High Capacity WiFi Routers Different From Normal WiFi Routers?

Much like how high capacity WiFi networks are built to supply WiFi to a large number of devices, high capacity WiFi routers are routers specifically built to support higher capacity WiFi networks. Oftentimes, however, one router alone is not enough to carry an entire high capacity WiFi network.

Instead, high capacity WiFi networks leverage several routers and access points across a venue — carefully planning network access to sustain reliable internet. Different routers with alternate needs may be used for guests, employees, and potential exhibitors. Access points, meanwhile, are wireless network devices that extend coverage of existing networks‚ servicing as connected between and to routers. Both routers and access points require intentional placement to maximize efficiency, noting potential dead-spots in walls and higher volume areas of a venue.

Why High Capacity WiFi Access Points are Essential for Hospitality Businesses

High capacity internet access is absolutely essential for hospitality businesses. From stadiums to hotels, nearly every business requires a high capacity network to satisfy guests and sustain internet access. Here are a few specific examples, plus the unique internet concerns of each.

High Capacity WiFi for Hotels

Depending on the size of your hotel, internet networks may be servicing anywhere from dozens to thousands of guests, and that’s before hosting potential events with guests that may or may not be staying on property. In turn, high capacity WiFi is an essential consideration for hotels.

Specific concerns hotels need to address when installing high capacity WiFi include property size, wall thickness & composition, higher-density areas (including lobbies and offices), and also seasonal concerns about higher volume months of the year. Whatever the size and needs of your venue, leveraging a trusted vendor of managed WiFi is essential to ensuring your network works.

High Capacity WiFi for Sports Stadiums

Amidst the sweeping highs and lows of a game, fans still want to stay connected during a game. During time-outs and game breaks, hundreds to thousands of fans often check their devices at the same time; in a study from 2022, researchers found the majority of stadium visitors stay connected during their experience. In these moments, high capacity WiFi is key to supporting internet access for all fans.

For sports stadiums, high capacity WiFi installation has to consider stadium size & security needs, alongside what other stadium features leverage internet access (including POS systems and interactive stadium jumbotrons).

High Capacity WiFi for Convention Centers

Convention centers host professionals conducting important business and industry-leading speakers. With high-stakes conversations, thousands of devices, and a bevy of presentations, convention centers need to leverage powerful, consistently reliable high capacity networks.

For installation within convention centers, high capacity networks must consider typical amounts of attendees, typical numbers of vendors, and capabilities featured within the convention center (including potential for conference webcasting and other convention center industry trends).

High Capacity WiFi for Event Venues

From rocking live concerts to raucous stand-up performance, special event venues cater towards diverse event needs. In turn, these venues need a powerful network capable of withstanding high capacity crowds with differing demographics, wants, and needs.

Hospitality Network installs capable high capacity networks for special event venues, capable of providing internet to all events without re-installation. For network installation, special events venues generally need to consider overall venue size and technological needs of typical events hosted there (including projection needs, alongside potential interactive events).

Leverage High Capacity Hospitality WiFi Solutions With Hospitality Network

Whatever the hospitality business, high capacity WiFi installation is essential to internet access for venue guests. With the need to balance access point installation with network power, high capacity WiFi installation should be trusted to the experts.

Hospitality Network has diverse network installation experience from across the hospitality industry, including stadiums, hotels, convention centers, and events venues. Request a consultation today and discover how we can support high capacity WiFI custom-tailored to your venue.

The post High Capacity WiFi 101: A Guide for the Hospitality Industry appeared first on Hospitality Network.

Providing WiFi at a sporting event is no longer a luxury; today, smart stadiums are defined by their access to the internet and the unique experiences that connectivity provides to guests. For stadiums to excel with modern consumers, they need to leverage smart WiFi designs, built by professional technicians.

When considering upgrading your stadium WiFi system, it is important to explore not only the technical solutions to providing stronger connectivity to fans, but also how to leverage that connectivity to drive positive experiences and increased revenue.

Why Do Stadiums Need to Prioritize WiFi Design for Responsive WiFi?

Gone are the days where fans go to stadiums just to watch a game — today, fans crave a holistic experience when they pay a premium to watch their team live. Whether in baseball parks, basketball arenas, or football stadiums, fans expect far more than a live sporting event; WiFi is intrinsically linked to these new experiences.

Here are just a few of the advancements stadium fans expect with their ticket — and why responsive WiFi design is essential to each.

Better Organic Advertising Through Fan Social Media Engagement

Social media engagement has risen as an essential way for businesses to gain free, organic marketing. Through strategies such as hashtag campaigns, photo opportunities, and community management, brands can encourage and spur interaction with social media users, leading to higher views on posts and potential conversions into customers.

Encouraging social media engagement is vital for stadiums. With effective marketing, stadiums can leverage QR code implementation, sharing online polls about game events, and even the potential to be featured on a stadium screen to get fans talking online.

Of course, for fans to access social media in stadiums, venues need to ensure access to a responsive, reliable WiFi network. Without thoughtful stadium WiFi design, fans won’t be able to access social media; even with solid in-stadium marketing, fans will grow frustrated at their lack of ability to participate in campaigns. This leads to a decrease in fans participating in organic marketing, which may cost sponsored businesses the potential of new customers. In turn, responsive WiFi needs to be a priority.

Improved Stadium Experience Across Consumer Demographics Using Football Fan Apps

For modern stadiums, fan experiences are intrinsically linked to IoT. Through football stadium fan apps, venues can streamline access to tickets, can help attendees order food, let hardcore fans check scores around the league, and more. Creating an integrated environment within the stadium can allow for a more positive fan experience as well as bolster points of sale throughout the venue, potentially driving greater revenue. These app features provide technological advancements that range from quality-of-life improvements to fundamental changes in how fans view the game — offering impressive utility to casual and die-hard attendees alike.

Again, a stable network connection is essential to accessing these smart stadium capabilities. Skillful stadium WiFi design makes all of these features easily accessible, turning them from superfluous benefits to integral parts of the stadium experience. Plus, as fans turn to social media to showcase their immersive new experiences in real-time, your venue gains even more productive social media engagement.

How to Design WiFi Coverage for Stadiums & Arenas

With so much of the modern stadium experience relying on internet connection, it is clear why skillful WiFi network design is essential to stadiums. Typical mobile carriers are not sufficient enough to handle the data demand of a high-volume event. How, then, can stadiums and arenas design WiFi coverage to extend reliably throughout a stadium?

To ensure effective coverage, venues should consult the experts. Using a team specialized in smart stadium technology, stadiums can leave design to highly-skilled, experienced technicians who know how to circumvent typical pain points. Here are some of the strategies knowledgeable technicians will use when designing stadium WiFi.

Leverage the Appropriate Bandwidth

Bandwidth is key to providing consistent, reliable WiFi access in stadiums and arenas. Referring to the maximum amount of data transmitted over an internet connection in a given amount of time, outdated stadium networks are often overloaded by users due to low bandwidth. Without the bandwidth to support enough users, networks slow down, and occasionally stop working altogether.

A skilled WiFi technician can calculate the exact bandwidth needs of a venue based on venue size and maximum capacity. Needs will vary depending on the scale of your stadium or arena — experts can determine exactly what is necessary and generate a solution customized to your venue’s needs.

Locate Dead Spots Throughout the Venue

WiFi signals rely on transmitting invisible connective waves across space; in turn, they need the space to actually transmit and reach devices. Dead zones, or areas in a venue that a WiFi signal doesn’t reach, occur when that space is obstructed or extended beyond what a signal can handle. These can occur due to obstacles like thick walls, bulky metal furniture, and high distance between WiFi access points.

It can be quite simple to locate WiFi dead zones; what’s harder is fixing them. Whether manually or using software, a WiFi expert can pinpoint where WiFi cuts out and determine how to fix it; potential solutions include moving an obstruction, moving an access point, or installing an additional access point to ensure reliable coverage.

Invest in Proper Network Security Measures

Sometimes, even with appropriate bandwidth and minimized dead spots, networks can experience slowdown. These issues can often be traced back to security breaches. Bad actors know stadiums are ripe locations for public WiFi access — whether for their own personal WiFi use or stealing user data, stadiums need to protect themselves from these users.

There are several techniques stadiums can use to increase network security. Networks can leverage captive portals, landing pages displayed to new users within a network requesting information such as name or ticket number, to keep unwanted users out. Stadiums can also implement content filters, restricting access to websites with questionable security.

Hospitality Network: The Clear Choice for Implementing Stadium WiFi Design

Efficient WiFi network design is absolutely essential to modern stadiums. From social media engagement to online concessions, so many of the features fans crave hinge on a strong internet connection within the venue itself.

Looking to optimize the WiFi design in your stadium or arena? Hospitality Network is a leading provider of smart stadium solutions. Our team has handled some of the largest football stadiums in the country — experienced at bringing thorough WiFi design to venues of all shapes and sizes, from installation to management. Contact us today and learn how we can help innovate your stadium.

The post Harnessing Stadium WiFi Design for Better Fan Network Access appeared first on Hospitality Network.

2022 marks the 40th anniversary of Hospitality Network — a leading technology solutions provider for the hospitality industry. Through four decades, Hospitality Network has consistently remained on the cutting-edge of hospitality IoT — connecting guests with the innovative content they crave. From In-Room Entertainment to Managed WiFi, the company offers a comprehensive suite of solutions that make it easy for guests to stay connected while on your property.

Four Decades of Hospitality Connectivity Innovation

Hospitality Network (HN) has always been built on a foundation of innovation. Founded in 1982 by Chris Tyson, Hospitality Network originally provided satellite-based television programming to rural hotels in Texas. A few years later, the company moved its headquarters to Las Vegas, Nevada and became the entertainment and technology provider to many of the world’s largest hotels and iconic gaming properties known worldwide.

Since its humble beginnings, HN has rapidly expanded its product offerings and client base to become a leading provider of hotel technology solutions nationwide — remaining a leader in innovation. With a dedicated and experienced team of professionals, HN offers unparalleled quality and performance, consistently meeting the high standards of our clients including MGM Resorts, Caesars Entertainment, Penn National Gaming, Inc and Boyd Gaming.

How has Hospitality Network remained on the cutting-edge of the industry? By constantly innovating its products and services. In recent years, the company has been at the forefront of the latest hospitality connectivity trends — building connected rooms in hotels, including Internet of Things (IoT) solutions that enable hotels to control lighting, thermostats, window blinds, and even leverage panic buttons for safety from a central platform.

Trailblazing Modern Convention Centers & Stadiums

The company’s commitment to innovation has paid off, receiving several awards and widespread industry recognition. Since 1993, HN has been a staple within the hotel casino industry, servicing some of the world’s largest hotels— including the MGM Grand Las Vegas and Caesars Palace. The Las Vegas Convention Center chose Hospitality Network and Cox Business as the official telecom providers for all of their events. The company was also enlisted by Choice Hotels as a qualified vendor to help hotels meet rising bandwidth and WiFi standards.

In the realm of stadium WiFi, Cox Business and Hospitality Network were listed as the technology founding partners of the Las Vegas T-Mobile Arena in 2015. They were also selected as an official Technology partner for Allegiant Stadium and State Farm Stadium — further expanding their reach over stadiums and arenas and cementing themselves as power players in the field. With high-bandwidth solutions and adaptable network design, it’s clear why HN is a trusted provider for stadiums.

Delivering Intuitive, Modern In-Room Entertainment

Expanding from their satellite-television roots, Hospitality Network has remained an industry-leader in In-Room Entertainment. HN IRE, one of the most recent advancements from the team at Hospitality Network, is a cloud-based In-Room Entertainment solution offering many features and benefits. The system gives hotel and venue guests the ultimate IRE experience, with access to streaming content as well as hotel and local information, on-site dining and entertainment options, and more.

HN IRE also allows hotels to generate ancillary revenue through its built-in digital marketing capabilities. With HN IRE, hotels and venues can create and manage custom content relevant to their guests and targeted to specific demographics. This content can upsell services and amenities, promote local attractions, or even advertise deals, packages, and upcoming events. HN IRE is a complete marketing tool that helps hotels increase revenues, drive guest satisfaction, and reduce operational costs — the product of 40 years of continuous innovation.

Developing a Lightning-Fast, Next-Generation WiFi Platform

In addition to its suite of in-room entertainment solutions, Hospitality Network also consistently reinvents hospitality WiFi solutions. By integrating their sister company Blueprint RF’s new, next-gen DG2 platform, HN now offers a WiFi platform built specifically for the hospitality industry — including content filtering, high availability clustering, and full layer seven bandwidth distribution capabilities.

Blueprint RF’s DG2 platform integration into Hospitality Network’s offerings provides hoteliers with a complete end-to-end solution for their property’s connectivity needs. From In-Room Entertainment to Managed WiFi, Hospitality Network now offers a comprehensive suite of solutions that make it easy for guests to stay connected while on properties. With competitive pricing and a commitment to innovation, Hospitality Network is poised to continue its leadership role in the hospitality technology space.

Become a Part of Hospitality Network’s Future

Looking ahead, Hospitality Network is well-positioned for continued success. The company’s suite of products and services is more relevant than ever in today’s connected world, and its team of experts is ready to help hotels meet future challenges. Leveraging partnerships with some of the most prominent technology pioneers worldwide, such as Cisco, LG, and Aruba, Hospitality Network will continue to forge ahead with their affiliate companies, Blueprint RF and Cox Business, to provide services on a local, national, and enterprise level. Leverage the cutting-edge of Hospitality IoT and contact Hospitality Network today.

The post Celebrating 40 Years of Service & Innovation at Hospitality Network appeared first on Hospitality Network.

Creating a successful trade show takes time, effort, and planning. One of the most critical aspects of putting on a great show is having quality vendor turnout. However, getting vendors to attend your event can be difficult if you are not equipped with all the necessary amenities they have come to expect, like HSIA, access points, etc. One way to ensure that vendors will want to attend your event is by offering reliable event WiFi. This article discusses why reliable WiFi is essential for trade shows and how you can use it to increase vendor turnout, thereby resulting in greater revenue opportunities.

Common Trade Show Problems

Trade shows are filled with new people, products, and opportunities. However, they can also be chaotic environments with many moving parts. It is not uncommon for trade show organizers to run into problems with a lack of vendor turnout due to technical issues. The three most common technical problems that can occur during these events are:

Problem #1: Lack of Internet Connectivity

One of the most common—and potentially catastrophic—problems at a trade show is a lack of Internet connectivity. If your venue does not have reliable, high-speed internet, exhibitors cannot connect to their e-commerce platforms, process credit card transactions, or even send and receive emails. It can lead to lost sales, frustrated exhibitors, and angry customers.

Problem #2: Slow or Unstable WiFi Signal

Another common problem is a slow or unstable WiFi signal caused by too many people trying to connect to the same network, interference from other devices on the show floor, or simply an overloaded network. As a result, exhibitors and attendees alike may have difficulty connecting to the Internet, broadcasting presentation materials, live streaming, or accessing essential files stored in the cloud.

Problem #3: Difficulty Connecting to Conference Networks

If your venue hosts conferences or other events that require attendees to connect to an internal network, you may occasionally run into problems with people being unable to connect or losing their connection intermittently. This can be caused by outdated network hardware, incorrect network settings, or simply too many people trying to connect simultaneously.

Why Is Reliable WiFi Important for Trade Shows?

At its core, a trade show connects people with products and services. Here are some reasons why providing WiFi is vital for trade show vendors.

Vendors Need Internet Access to Exhibit Products and Services

To showcase their products and services properly, trade show vendors need to be able to connect to the Internet. The trade show WiFi system allows them to load website pages, showcase digital products, stream video content, post to social media, and connect with their company data. Without Internet access, many of the products and services that vendors want to exhibit can’t be shown properly.

Vendors Require WiFi Access to Sync with Their Smart Technology Systems

An increasing number of trade shows are incorporating smart technology features into their exhibits. For example, many exhibits now use tablets or large touchscreen displays to interact with visitors. For these devices to work properly, they need to be connected to the Internet via WiFi. Otherwise, they’ll be expensive paperweights.

WiFi Enables Vendors to Connect with Customers and Other Exhibitors

WiFi also allows vendors to connect with customers and exhibitors through email, social media, chat apps, and VR live experience platforms. This connection is required to enable vendors to build relationships with potential customers that can continue long after the trade show is over.

WiFi Allows Online Viewers to Participate Live

Finally, trade show Internet allows attendees to live stream and share their experience with viewers who can’t physically be at the venue. This live streaming capability gives trade shows an added layer of publicity and can help attract more attendees in future years.

How Can WiFi Help Make Your Convention Facility More Accommodating?

WiFi is the backbone of a more connected and smarter convention center. With the right system in place, WiFi can help improve the overall quality of your services.

Reduced Wait Times

One of the most frustrating things for guests is waiting in line to use a service. By offering WiFi-enabled kiosk systems, you can drastically reduce the time your guests have to wait in line by allowing them to check in.

Kiosks are quickly becoming commonplace in large venues as they provide a quick and easy way for guests to check in, get directions, or find information about an event. Not only will this reduce wait times for your guests, but it will also free up staff members to focus on other tasks to ensure the best trade show experience possible.

Improved Customer Service

Another benefit of offering WiFi is that it can help improve customer service. By allowing guests to use their own devices to access information or connect with staff members, they can receive help much easier and efficiently.

In addition, some WiFi systems come with features like location tracking that can be used to provide personalized recommendations or targeted ads. For example, if a guest is trying hard to find a specific product or service booth, you could use location tracking to send them a notification about where they can find it. This targeted content can benefit guests and improve their experience at your trade show.

WiFi Can Provide Convention Venues Monetization Opportunities

Although WiFi is an essential service your guests will expect, there are many ways in which leveraging your network effectively can help generate positive ROI.

Partnership with Local Businesses

Convention venues can reach out to local businesses to see if they are interested in sponsoring the venue’s WiFi. It is a wonderful opportunity for companies to get exposure and attract new customers. In addition, businesses may also be interested in advertising on the venue’s website or social media platforms. By partnering with local businesses, venues can generate additional revenue and provide a service that benefits both parties.

Tracking Attendees’ Performance for Future Marketing Strategies

Tracking attendees’ performance is an excellent way for venues to see what areas of the event space need improvement and what areas are doing well. This data can also be used to improve the venue layout and services offered. In addition, this data can provide customized marketing experiences for future visitors.

Develop Better Strategies to Attract Future Vendors

By understanding how attendees use the venue’s WiFi, venues can develop better marketing strategies for attracting future vendors. This data can analyze which venue areas are most popular and which times of day are busiest. This information is valuable for vendors who want to ensure that as many people see their products or services as possible.

How to Increase Attendance at Trade Shows by Using Better WiFi Coverage

Offering reliable and fast WiFi coverage is the best attraction any convention venue can offer. So how can you make sure your venue has optimal coverage? There are a few things you can do to make sure your trade show has the best WiFi coverage:

Perform a WiFi Site Survey

The first step in improving WiFi coverage is having a WiFi specialist review your property and perform a site survey. This will help you identify weak signal areas and pinpoint where to make changes. It will also help determine how many access points are needed to cover the entire space. Hiring a professional company to conduct a site survey will help ensure that you receive an accurate analysis of your venue space. They will also provide recommendations on how to better optimize the WiFi signal throughout the property.

Use Enterprise-Grade Equipment Designed for Large Facilities

When it comes to WiFi, not all equipment is created equal. You’ll want to ensure you’re using enterprise-grade equipment designed for large venues so that your signal is strong and stable. High-quality access points and routers are necessary to provide a reliable trade show WiFi system.

Work with a Professional WiFi Company

Another great way to improve your WiFi coverage is to work with a professional company specializing in setting up WiFi for venues like yours. They’ll be able to advise you on the best way to set up your network and make sure everything is working correctly. They will also provide on-site tech support during events to ensure your attendees have a great experience.

Hospitality Network As Your Trusted Trade Show WiFi Partner

If you’re looking for a professional company to help you with your WiFi needs, contact the experts at Hospitality Network. With over 40 years of experience providing network technology solutions to hospitality venues, we specialize in providing reliable and fast WiFi for convention centers, hotels, and other large venues. We offer a variety of services, including:

• Increased Bandwidth & High-Speed Convention Center WiFi
• Advanced Convention Services & Property-Specific Guest Services
• WiFi network design, installation, and management
• Professional sales staffing
• On-site tech support
• Marketing enablement and support

We understand that every trade show is different, which is why we offer customized solutions to fit your specific needs. We’ll work with you to determine the best way to set up your network and make sure everything is running smoothly.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you provide an exceptional WiFi experience for your next event. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have and provide a free quote for our services.

The post Increase Trade Show Vendor Attendance Using Reliable Event WiFi appeared first on Hospitality Network.

For concerts and other live events, WiFi access is crucial for both performers and audiences alike. Venues have adapted their approach and now install WiFi systems and smart technologies that can handle the large numbers of users and network traffic expected during a major event.

Read on to discover the many ways in which WiFi is being used at concerts, both indoors and outdoors, and to learn about some of the considerations venues need to make when curating their own WiFi infrastructures and smart technology systems.

Why Do Venues Need WiFi Services?

A venue’s primary source of income comes from booking successful events. In order to establish a loyal and returning customer base, venues must offer quality services that meet the needs of the promoters, performers, and attendees.

After all, happy customers are repeat customers. One of the best ways to keep your customers happy is to provide them with strong and stable WiFi access. Here are four reasons why your venue needs reliable WiFi services.

WiFi Is a Necessity for All Live Events

Most people nowadays love to share their life experiences on multiple social media outlets. Sharing photos and videos has become one of the strongest motivations for people to attend live events. Part of the draw of an artist or a concert includes the social capital attendees will gain from participating in the live event.

Music Fans are Willing to Pay for Live Coverage

Nowadays, people are willing to pay for live streams of events – from music performances, to Twitch gaming streams. As a tool to promote a larger audience, live streaming can provide a wonderful gateway for fans to participate, even when they are physically unable to attend – as the whole world learned during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Live Sports Events Require Massive Data Use

The average American consumes 3.64GB of data per day. Users within stadiums consume similar amounts of data — however, when you go to a live sporting event, the number of users increases exponentially. Stadium Tech Report found that on average, each user at Super Bowl LIV in Miami consumed 595.6 megabytes of data over the course of the game — adding up to 26.42 terabytes of total data consumed.

As you can see, having a reliable and stable WiFi connection is now a requirement for all types of live events. Performers and live coverage event promoters expect it, and attendees demand it.

WiFi Services Allow More Monetization Opportunities

A common practice among many businesses is to offer customers the ability to log in to their WiFi networks in exchange for some personal information, or to watch an advertisement clip. The revenue opportunities that venues can take in during an event attendees’ WiFi login process is a major factor to consider.

Opportunity to Collect Customer Data

When customers log in to your venue WiFi, you can collect useful contact information like their name and email address. The data is extremely valuable, as it allows you to quickly create a database of potential customers you can reach out and market to for future events, provided you seek customers’ consent before doing so.

The login process is a perfect opportunity to engage with your attendees and gain insight into their profiles and interests. Through the consumer login process, and consistent with your privacy policy, which you should make available to customers, you can gather information such as the types of devices used to connect to WiFi and leverage the interests of individuals to target advertising for upcoming events. This process is also helpful in creating and supporting and anticipating guests’ needs.

With this data, you can offer more personalized content and experiences to enhance the entire live event experience.

Offer Partnerships With Event Promoters

Events and artists make a big chunk of their revenue from selling merchandise. The WiFi login portal page for your event is an excellent platform from which to advertise and sell merchandise.

There’s partnership potential where a venue might help the artist or event planner to market and sell their merchandise through its WiFi login page — a great way to generate additional revenue for the venue while also providing value to the event promoter.

Cross-Selling and Upselling Events

Another way to monetize your venue WiFi is cross-selling and upselling current and future events. Today, most event sales and purchases are accessible online — so if someone is attending a concert at your venue, you can use the opportunity to upsell them on VIP tickets or exclusive online merchandise. Or, if they’re attending a conference, you can cross-sell them on future events that might interest them.

Increased Marketing Partnership

By offering WiFi services, you are opening up your venue to increase marketing partnership opportunities. Businesses always look for new and innovative ways to reach their target audiences. You can provide businesses with the ability to brand their login page, advertise their products and services, and even offer coupons and discounts.

WiFi Services Can Help Venues Run Efficiently

Every business owner knows that controlling costs is one of the keys to running a successful operation. There are many different ways to save money by pairing various smart technology functions with your venue’s WiFi system.

IoT Enablement Smart Technology Tracking Features

When a customer connects to a venue’s WiFi network, the venue can track that customer’s movements and behavior. This information can help venue managers understand what areas of the venue are used the most, what times of day are busiest, and even how long customers spend in each area.

Using Tracking Features to Improve Customer Experience

The information gathered from tracking a customer’s location can be used to adjust and improve the overall customer experience. For example, if a venue sees a high amount of foot traffic in one area compared to another, they may decide to move some of their furniture or displays around to encourage more traffic in the less popular area.

On the other hand, if they see that customers are only spending a few minutes in one area but much longer in another, the venue may decide to add more seating or make other changes to encourage customers to spend more time in that location.

Helping Venues Save Money

WiFi services can also help venues save money by reducing energy costs. Many newer routers and access points come with energy-saving features that can make a big difference to your bottom line.

For example, some devices will automatically power down when they’re not in use or go into standby mode when there’s no activity. These features could lead to savings on your electric bill each month.

How Can Venues Provide Sufficient WiFi Coverage?

One of the most common complaints from event attendees is that they can’t get a good WiFi signal. It is crucial for venues to consider how they can ensure strong, reliable WiFi that can handle many users at once. There are many factors that are essential for a venue to be able to provide good WiFi coverage.

High Bandwidth

One of the most important factors for good WiFi coverage is high bandwidth. Higher bandwidth means more data can be transferred per second, which is essential for many users who may be streaming video or working on tasks requiring a lot of data transfer.

Multiple Skillfully Placed Access Points

Another vital factor is multiple skillfully placed access points. Having multiple access points ensures that there are no dead spots in the coverage area and that all users can connect to the network regardless of where they are in the venue. This feature is crucial for outdoor concert WiFi installation in particular, due to the fact that it can be challenging to place access points in optimal locations while ensuring they remain protected from the elements.

Appropriate Channel Width

For multiple access points to work well together at a venue, they must be configured with appropriate channel widths. Channel width refers to the amount of spectrum available by the Access Point. A wider channel width means more data can be transferred, and the network can support more users. Wide channels are crucial to allow for the transfer of large amounts of data and the high numbers of users at event venues.

Captive Portals

Finally, captive portals are essential for ensuring only event-goers have access to your network. Captive portals are landing pages that are displayed to users when they try to connect to a network. They typically require users to log in or register before they can gain access to the internet. This system prevents outsiders from hijacking your bandwidth and ensures your WiFi connection is dedicated to only your event attendees, performers, and employees.

Partner With Hospitality Network to Update Your WiFi System

A strong WiFi system is no longer a luxury for businesses — it’s a necessity. In areas like stadiums, arenas, and other concert halls or venues, people constantly use their devices for everything from work to streaming entertainment, sharing their experiences, and connecting with others. If your venue doesn’t have a reliable WiFi system to accommodate those needs, you risk losing out on potential customers.

With over 40 years of experience, Hospitality Network has been a leader in providing high-speed WiFi solutions for businesses in the hospitality industry, including concert venues, stadiums, and arenas. We partner with venues of all sizes to ensure their customers and clients have the best on-site experience possible.

What sets Hospitality Network apart from other providers is our focus on customizability. We understand that every business is different, so we work with each of our partners to create a tailor-made solution that meets their specific needs and budget. Whether you need to upgrade your existing system or install a new one from scratch, we can help to generate a solution.

Contact us today to learn more about our services or get started on your custom quote.

The post How Venues Adapt for Indoor and Outdoor Concert WiFi appeared first on Hospitality Network.

More Opportunities for Live Streaming on Social Networks

In the past, one of the most significant issues with live streaming was that the technology wasn’t always reliable. Dropouts and poor video quality were common, which made live streaming more of a hassle than it was worth. However, that is no longer the case, thanks in part to the inception of 5G internet technology. With speeds that can reach 10 times faster than 4G, you can provide high quality live streams with fewer of the technical issues of the past.

Current Technology Allows for More Viewers

Another historical issue with live streaming was that only a limited number of people could view the stream simultaneously — meaning that if you had a large event, only a small portion of your audience could actually tune in and watch it live. Thankfully, this is not as big of an issue for event coordinators, as the number of people who can view a live stream has increased dramatically. Now, venues can reach far more people than before, thanks to the adoption of solutions like HN High-Speed Internet Access (HSIA) technology to provide a seamless streaming experience to a large audience.

Technology Allows for Social Media Integration

Combining HN’s internet speed and social media capabilities, it is possible to integrate live streaming into your social media platforms. Streaming viewers can watch events in real-time and actively participate in the discussion on social media, allowing you to create a more immersive experience for your audience and connect with them on a personal level.

Technology Allows Improved Execution and Production of Special Events

A steady stream of recent technological advancements have allowed for drastic changes in the event production collaboration process. Thanks to leaps in communications technologies over the years — including instant messaging, video conferencing, and live drone interactive video — it’s easier than ever for event planners to stay in touch with one another and to cross-coordinate their efforts. What’s more, there are now many software applications specifically designed to help event planners collaborate on everything from budgeting to logistics.

More Sophisticated and Customizable Event Production

Although pyro-technology and laser shows are almost always fun and often impressive, designing and transporting the necessary equipment can be both cumbersome and costly. The advances in event production technologies make it possible to create more sophisticated and customizable events than ever. For example, teams can utilize tools like projection mapping and drones to create stunning visual displays that were previously only possible with physical props and materials. Moreover, new audio technologies make it possible to produce loud, crystal-clear sound without the need for bulky speakers or amplifiers.

Technology Increases Revenue Through Virtual Event Attendance

Many event venue owners and organizers used to be skeptical of investing in technology for their events, and often argued that the return on investment (ROI) was not worth the expense. However, this could not be further from the truth in recent years. Integrating technology into your event can increase revenue and attendance while providing a more memorable and inspiring experience for your guests — below are just a few ways how.

Improved Audience Insights

Technology can help you gain valuable insights into your audience to better tailor your events to their needs and wants. For example, you can use Google Analytics to track which marketing channels drive the most traffic to your event page. You can also use surveys and polls during the event (either online or in-person) to get feedback from attendees on what they liked and didn’t like about the event. All of this information may be incredibly helpful in planning future events that are more likely to appeal to your target audience and generate more revenue.

Increase Merchandise Sales

Technology can aid in increasing monetization opportunities for events by facilitating the sale of merchandise. If you’re hosting a virtual event, consider setting up an online shop where attendees can purchase items like t-shirts, hats, mugs, and even digital products like ebooks or audio recordings of the event. Offering souvenirs is a great way to generate additional revenue while also giving attendees something special to remember.

More Opportunities for Event Revenue Through Digital Signage

In the past, event venues relied on print materials like flyers and posters to promote upcoming events. However, this is no longer the most effective way to reach potential attendees. With digital signage, you can change your event information in real-time — giving potential last minute attendees up-to-date, transparent information and encouraging ticket purchases up to the start of an event. Digital signage is often more eye-catching and engaging than traditional print materials, so your attendees are more likely to remember your event.

Digital signage also has the potential to offer increased interactivity through the use of QR codes, which can easily direct customers to merchandising pages. With their ability to allow customers to learn about products, view and receive exclusive discounts and promotions, and make one-click purchases, QR codes are a simple way to increase profits.

Technology Increases Personalization and Revenue Opportunities Through Data Collection

For every business, data is an essential tool to better understand key elements like revenue sources and customers’ needs — and the events industry is no different. Data can be collected in several ways, including through social media, surveys, live streaming, and check-in apps. This data can then be used to improve the event experience, generate leads, and even close sales. By understanding who your attendees are and what they want, you can curate an event that is better targeted to their needs — and that is more likely to meet your revenue-based goals.

Increased Opportunities for Audience Engagement

When you know more about your attendees, you can engage with them on a more personal level by creating events that speak to their specific interests. For example, if you’re planning an event for millennials or Gen Zers, you might consider using smart technology integration to layer in features like social media participation opportunities, so that attendees can share their experiences with their followers in real-time.

Technology Increases Convenience for Attendees Through Mobile Ticketing

Mobile ticketing is one of the most convenient ways technology has transformed the events industry. Mobile ticketing allows attendees to purchase and access tickets on their smartphones, eliminating the need for paper tickets or will-call lines. Not only is this more convenient for attendees, but it also allows event planners to track ticket sales in real-time and adjust strategies accordingly. Additionally, mobile ticketing can help reduce costs associated with printing and mailing paper tickets, and has the added benefit of being more environmentally friendly by reducing paper waste.

Augmented and Virtual Reality

With the advent of augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), event planners now have the opportunity to create truly immersive experiences for their attendees. AR/VR can be used for everything from product demonstrations to virtual tours of event venues. This cutting-edge technology has the capacity to take the events industry to new places in the coming years.

Blockchain Technology

Blockchain is one of the newest technologies making its way into the events industry. Blockchain is a distributed ledger system that allows for secure, transparent transactions between two parties. This could potentially be used to track attendee badge scanning, verify accreditations, or manage sponsorships and exhibitor contracts. As blockchain technology continues to evolve, it will likely significantly impact how events are planned and executed.

Increase Expectations in Venues

As technology advances, event planners expect their venues to have the infrastructure to support all their needs in addition to a reliable, high-speed internet connection to handle large volumes of data. At the same time, they will expect the venue to provide various technological equipment, such as wayfinding signage, self-service kiosks, and other digital tools such as digital advertising, contactless payments, and admission kiosks to enhance the attendee experience and maximize monetization opportunities for events.

To attract and retain customers, businesses in the events industry must keep up with the latest trends and technologies. Instead of fumbling in the dark and researching each new development separately, venue owners can partner with a technology solution company — such as Hospitality Network — to provide a comprehensive solution for their needs.

Let Hospitality Network Help You

At Hospitality Network, we pride ourselves in our ability to provide the infrastructure necessary to support the needs of various venues, in addition to supplying high speed internet capable of handling high volumes of data.

Our team of experts will work closely with you to understand your specific needs and create a custom solution that meets your budget and requirements. We know that not every venue is the same, which is why we offer flexible and scalable solutions that can be easily tailored to your unique needs.

If you’re ready to take your event venue to the next level, contact Hospitality Network today and let us show you how we can help.

The post 5 Ways Technology is Powering and Changing the Special Events Industry appeared first on Hospitality Network.

So, what does that mean for your hotel? In this article, we’ll explore the 5G impact on the industry and how this future technology in the hospitality industry can improve the whole operating system.

What Is 5G Technology?

5G is the next generation of mobile network technology. With speeds up to 10 times faster than 4G, it has the potential to revolutionize the way we live and work. This technology enables new forms of communication and allows for unprecedented levels of connectivity. As we become increasingly reliant on technology, 5G will play an essential role in meeting our ever-growing demand for data.

Two of the main benefits of 5G technology over older forms of internet connectivity are improved network speeds and higher bandwidth.

Improved Network Speeds and Latency

One key benefit of 5G is its improved network speeds. With the promise of data rates ranging from 10 Gbps to 50 Gbps, this new technology has the power to greatly minimize the time in which users need to wait to use the internet. 5G also has significantly lower latency than 4G, which can help reduce communication delays.

Higher Bandwidth for Data-Intensive Applications

5G also offers higher bandwidth than 4G, making it ideal for data-intensive applications — including streaming HD video, downloading large files, and using cloud-based services. With 5G, a higher volume of users can enjoy a far more seamless and enjoyable online experience while sharing the same network.

How Will 5G Technology Improve the Customer Experience in Hotels?

It’s no secret that technology has a huge impact on the hospitality industry. With faster internet connectivity and more widespread use of mobile devices, hotels are under pressure to provide guests with the best possible experience. 5G technology offers hotels the ability to revolutionize the hotel customer experience by providing faster, more reliable internet access, and improving overall responsiveness.

Increased Download and Upload Speeds

When on vacation or traveling for work, many travelers take time to update social media posts spotlighting their current location. With 5G technology, users will be able to upload photos and videos at lightning-fast speeds without worrying about buffering or a slow internet connection. Even while uploading high quality videos to YouTube or other video sharing platforms, a 5G network will help ensure no lag or delay in the upload process. While at your property, this superior connectivity ensures excited guests can connect with their peers virtually without interruption.

Seamless Multimedia Content Streaming

As mentioned earlier, 5G also enables hotel guests to leverage higher bandwidth for data-intensive applications — including streaming multimedia content without technical issues. Beyond streaming consistency, 5G technology will be able to support UHD for both live and on demand streaming. This accessibility and quality is perfect for travelers who want to catch up on their favorite TV shows or movies while on vacation. With 5G, they can enjoy a seamless and uninterrupted experience — especially in tandem with expansive in-room entertainment options.

Effortless Setup for Conventions and Meetings

The hotel business is all about hosting events — whether that be large-scale conventions, conferences, or meetings. With 5G technology, setting up for these events could be a breeze. 5G networks provide the necessary bandwidth and connectivity to accommodate large groups of people. Even with the heaviest internet usage, a 5G network can handle traffic without any issues.

Improved Smart Home Features

5G technology can also improve smart home features in hotels. Guests can control the temperature, lighting, and other aspects of their room using a mobile app. In certain rooms, they can even use voice commands to activate these features. Using these features, guests can enjoy a hassle-free and comfortable stay.

Benefits of Using 5G technology for Hotel Customer Services

The effects of technology in the hospitality industry can also directly impact how hospitality professionals serve their guests. In the past, when staff communication was based on telephone and walkie-talkies, there was a higher chance of human error within hospitality communication — leading to unhappy guests and stressed-out employees. With 5G technology, the hotel industry can experience a much-needed upgrade in customer service.

Faster Check-In and Check-Out

Gone are the days when all reservations were made over the phone with receptionists entering information into a hotel computer system. Recent years have seen a shift towards online reservations — yet the check-in and check-out process is still mostly done manually.

With 5G technology, this outdated system can be improved. Hotels can offer mobile check-in and check-out experiences for their guests — saving time and reducing chances of human error.

Improved Room Service

In older hotels, room service is often delayed due to a lack of communication between the kitchen and guest rooms. By utilizing the superior connectivity of 5G technology, this delay is longer an issue. Guests can order room service through a mobile app and staff can share real-time updates on the status of their orders — allowing guests to enjoy their meal without a long wait time.

Better Customer Engagement

5G technology will also allow hoteliers to engage with their guests better. With the help of sensors and analytics, hotels can collect data about their guests’ preferences and needs. This information can provide personalized experiences, which can lead to increases in customer engagement.

In addition, compiled data can help hotels better use their marketing strategies. Instead of using a one-size-fits-all or trial-and-error approach, they can target their promotions to a specific group of guests.

Increase Management with Cloud Systems

The hotel industry is rapidly moving towards the use of smart cloud systems. 5G networks provide the necessary bandwidth and connectivity to support these systems and enable hotels to manage multiple properties from a single platform.

Data from different properties can be accessed in real-time, making it easier for hotel managers to detect and resolve issues quickly instead of waiting for reports from each individual location. In turn, overall hotel efficiency can increase.

Improve Staff Efficiency

In older hotels, staff have to manually reset all aspects of a room before turning them over to new guests. With the introduction of 5G technology in the hospitality industry, management teams can easily use smart home functions for tasks such as turning off lights and lowering room temperature in empty rooms. These technology-based solutions will help increase hotel staff efficiency and lower energy costs.

How Can Hotels Prepare for 5G technology?

Although 5G technology is the future of the hotel industry, businesses still have to balance technological benefits with setup costs. 5G technology is about more than the cost of new infrastructures —  it’s an opportunity for hotels to future-proof their business and create a competitive advantage. Here are some ways that hotels can prepare for the arrival of 5G technology:

1. Ensure that the properties have the necessary infrastructure for 5G connectivity. This includes installing 5G-compatible antennas and routers and upgrading the WiFi network to support the higher speeds and bandwidth requirements of 5G.
2. Prepare marketing plans and strategies for 5G, including creating landing pages on their website that highlight the benefits of 5G and how it can improve the guest experience. These campaigns should be targeted ads that promote 5G-enabled rooms and services to create guest interest before 5G is available on the property.
3. Work with technology partners to ensure that the property’s systems are ready for 5G so that the front desk terminals, in-room IPTV entertainment systems, hotel phone systems, departmental applications, security systems, and any other system that will be using the network are able to connect seamlessly.
4. Educate and train the staff about 5G technology and how it can be used to improve the guest experience. With proper training, staff will be prepared to answer any questions that guests may have and understand how to best leverage a stronger connectivity to increase productivity across the property.
5. Plan ahead for initial glitches. As with any new technology, there will be some teething problems. Hotels should have a contingency plan for when things go wrong to help with any issues and have a dedicated team to manage and monitor the 5G network.

Let Hospitality Network Be Your Technology Partner

5G technology is the future of network connectivity in hotels. Outclassing other networks in nearly every facet, 5G technology can improve the hospitality experience for guests and hospital staff alike. As 5G becomes the norm, hotels need to prepare to support this technology to stay relevant.

As a hotelier, integrating new technology into your existing infrastructure can be overwhelming. As a leading provider of hotel technology solutions, Hospitality Network can help you future-proof your property and give you a competitive edge. For over forty years, Hospitality Network has refined the art of providing innovative technology solutions to numerous iconic convention venues and brands in the hospitality industry.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you take advantage of 5G technology on your property.

The post 5G Technology for Hotels: How it Will Transform the Industry appeared first on Hospitality Network.

Read on to learn how the internet capabilities of smart stadiums have often eclipsed features found in many convention centers. Then, explore which smart stadium solutions conference centers should also consider implementing.

How Has IoT in Smart Stadiums Advanced Past Convention Centers?

Thanks to a combination of higher funding and fan interest, stadiums have evolved their IoT capabilities. Stadium fans have high expectations for connectivity while watching their favorite team. Today, any stadium lacking these capabilities risks disappointing fervent sports fans. For stadium owners and operators, strong Internet connectivity is an absolute necessity.

Convention center attendees are beginning to expect their events to offer similar connectivity. Because most convention centers lack these capabilities, implementing IoT connectivity solutions can distinguish a convention center as an industry leader. Innovative connectivity can also serve as a selling point for your property, helping book bigger and better events.

Leveraging Smart Stadium Solutions For Modern Convention Center Design

Here are just a few ways stadiums use smart building solutions, and how these capabilities can extend to convention centers.

Use IoT Devices to Gain Insights Into Guest Experience

Before the dawn of connected devices, coordinators had a far harder time setting up stadiums and events for the best guest experience. Guest feedback was available via word of mouth and print surveys. Evaluating event layouts and success, however, came down to feel and best practices, rather than analytics.

Connected solutions revolutionized stadium planning. By utilizing IoT devices, stadiums can monitor, analyze, and generate insights to optimize guest experience and engagement.

Stadiums track guests through a variety of means. Many smart stadiums offer experiential apps, helping fans explore player bios and up-to-date scores. These apps also allow stadium organizers to track visitor movement, with permission from users.

Other stadiums track visitors through engagement with digital kiosks. Tracking through kiosks helps stadium coordinators pinpoint which areas garner the most traffic, and when.

These same insights are also valuable for convention centers. Centers can leverage tracking through aforementioned technology or utilize convention-centric solutions such as RFID name tags. Whatever the tech, analytics help improve convention center design. Analytics from IoT devices help convention planners optimize their layouts to best support guests and create flow.

Improve Wayfinding for Event Staff and Attendees

Stadiums can also provide cutting-edge wayfinding to their guests. At smart stadiums, navigation is as easy on the first visit as it is on the thirtieth. Modern venues often combine software and signage to streamline wayfinding.

The same apps that track guest experience can also provide guests with interactive, digital maps of a stadium property. Intuitive digital maps allow for GPS navigation to specific stadium storefronts, similar to a car’s navigation system.

Stadium signage also supplements guests journeys through a stadium, in tandem with navigation apps. Signs provide additional reinforcement, reassuring that fans are on the right track as they navigate from their phones.

Because convention center layouts change from event to event, wayfinding is valuable to event attendees and staff alike. Digital maps can put staff back on track if they become lost within a new event layout. Attendees, meanwhile, can explore sprawling spaces with ease, targeting booths and exhibits where they want to prioritize their time.

Create Immersive Convention Center Experiences

Smart stadiums bring diverse, engrossing experiences to their fans. From seamless social content sharing to augmented reality, stadiums constantly innovate to improve the sports viewing experience.

Like smart stadiums, convention centers can focus on making their exhibitions completely immersive experiences. Opportunities for social media content, augmented reality, and more are just as applicable to convention center spaces as stadiums.

The Importance of Reliable Convention Center WiFi

All the above smart building solutions have one thing in common: they need a reliable, powerful WiFi network to run properly and efficiently.

Insights from tracking, whether from a kiosk or mobile device, are uploaded to the cloud through an Internet connection. Wayfinding apps can only connect to up-to-date maps and GPS while online. Social networks, augmented reality, and other attendee experiences similarly depend on an Internet connection.

The key to a smart convention center, then, is a trustworthy WiFi network solution, like one from HN. Once implemented with the appropriate bandwidth for your convention center’s size and scope, WiFi provides limitless opportunities to boost the convention center experience.

Equip Your Smart Convention Center With WiFi Solutions From Hospitality Network

Many convention centers have immense room to grow with their technological capabilities. Whether via offering a more immersive guest experience or leveraging attendee analytics, convention centers can improve their attendee experience by using smart stadiums as an example. Whatever the improvement, convention centers need the support of an adaptable WiFi network.

Hospitality Network specializes in providing high-bandwidth WiFi networks for convention centers. Our team of professionals can help design, install, and manage your convention center’s network, allowing you to focus on running great events. Contact us today and request a consultation.

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