Pat Swan
Pat Swan, Global Account Manager with showNets, LLC, develops and oversees the implementation of network services for high-priority corporate clientele such as Salesforce, Amazon, and the American Society of Hematology.
How to Ensure You Have the Needed Bandwidth for Your Meeting
February 4, 2016
Wireless access is something every show organizer needs but few understand. Here are some great tips to think about before and during an event to ensure your attendees stay connected.
In Advance of the Event
• Know your requirements before you talk to a venue or managing vendor. Consider all of the space you're using and the needs in each room. Don't omit any relevant space.
• Are your attendees device heavy? Many now carry two or three devices and use wireless for all of them. This is important information for your venue/vendor.
• Consider last year's complaints as information that can help your current venue/vendor understand your needs.
• What do your attendees do on the wireless network? Do they primarily check email, or do they engage in a lot of downloading/uploading? If the latter, you'll likely need more bandwidth.
• Will you have an app in use? If so, send it out in advance of the show and encourage attendees to download it before they arrive. If everyone tries to download on-site at once, say, at registration, you run the risk of overload and might have problems with the app.
• Are you doing any polling during your events? Share the details with your venue/vendor with respect to room location and frequency.
• Include Internet needs on your speaker questionnaires. Ask if they will use the Internet in any form (wireless or hardline) and, if so, what they will be doing.
• Avoid surprises. For example, tell your Internet staff in advance if you plan to give every attendee a gift device that they all are likely to turn on at once. Your staff must know of such potential heavy use to plan correctly -- or advise against it if the available network cannot handle such a load.
On Site
• Monitor your hashtag and respond to Internet issues.
• Check your bandwidth in different locations during the event and record your findings; verify that it's what you ordered. Use online tools such as speedtest.net.
• Give attendees a place to go if they have issues. Create an Internet Help Desk, or be sure you can send them to the registration desk to find help
• A tip we often give: Know that wireless cannot travel through water; think of people as water. If you're in a crowded area and are having connection problems, move to a less crowded area.
Advice for Attendees
• Post tips (or provide a handout at registration) on what attendees should do if they can't connect, such as the following.
• For smartphones:
- Turn your device on and off.
- In the Wi-Fi settings, instruct the device to forget the network and then re-connect.
- Turn your Wi-Fi off for 15 seconds, then turn it back on.
- Know if you have a 2.4 or 5.0 GHz device; if you have 2.4, consider upgrading.
• For problems with computers:
- Manage your network settings by removing networks you don't use anymore; this forces your computer to find them again, which serves to refresh the settings.
- Quit all applications (to start clean) and turn off or restart.
- Try using a different web browser than you typically use (e.g., Chrome instead of Internet Explorer). The login site might perform better with some browsers than others
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.
At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:
Protecting Natural Resources
MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.
Committed to Community
Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.
MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.
Fostering Diversity & Inclusion
To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.
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