The Rise of Live Streaming and Why Your Event Needs Impeccable Cellular Connection
September 14, 2017
From Facebook Live to Periscope to YouTube, live streaming is more popular than ever. In fact, some marketing analysts have dubbed live streaming “the future of social media.” You can live stream everything from a backyard softball game to a congressional hearing.
The big money is in live streaming professional sports games, fashion shows and music festivals. Big-name brands are investing significant sums in sponsoring live streams. T-Mobile sponsored the YouTube stream of the Coachella music festival, and 7Up is rumored to have spent upwards of $30 million to sponsor festivals and DJs in 2014.
“(Live streams) are a terrific way to partner with a brand and bring the festival experience to consumers who can’t make it to the event,” Matt Frampton, vice president of sales with the Pitchfork Music Festival, told IEG’s Sponsorship Report last year.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that live streaming is so popular; mobile video consumption rises 100 percent per year, according to YouTube. And live streaming drives engagement. Facebook found people comment 10 times more on Facebook Live video than regular video.
What does this all mean? If you’re an event organizer, facilitating live streaming needs to be an important part of your planning checklist. But even if you’ve meticulously designed every other detail of your event, it means nothing if you can’t connect your stream.
Cellular connection plays a key role in live streaming events. Without it or a reliable internet connection, your live stream might be over before it even begins. That’s where passive distributed antenna systems (DAS) can help. This time- and cost-effective technology has helped event organizers across the country and could help you facilitate live streaming at your next event.
Cellular connectivity for live streaming
You have connectivity options for live streaming, including Wi-Fi, ethernet and cellular, just to name a few. The latest 4G LTE cellular networks and mobile hotspots provide streaming-optimal data speeds of between 2-5 megabits per second, but those speeds aren’t achieved without difficulty.
Live streaming events can be a challenge, especially outdoor events in remote areas that can be affected by distance to the nearest cell phone tower, and natural obstructions like mountains and trees. For large events with large crowds, cellular signal can also be hampered by bandwidth and reliability concerns.
One way to overcome these challenges is with a passive DAS, also known as commercial cell phone signal boosters. This solution works by capturing the cellular signal from nearby cell towers via antennas and routing the signal to a cellular booster. The booster then amplifies the signal and redistributes it throughout the area using smaller antennas, with signal power increased up to 32 times.
Unlike competing active DAS, which is an infrastructure- and cost-intensive solution, passive DAS does not require approval from the Federal Communications Commission and takes just a few days to install. One of the other standout attributes of cell signal boosters is that they’re carrier agnostic. Whether your event patrons use major carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon and Sprint, or a smaller regional carrier, they get the same amplified signal.
Added benefits of a robust cellular connection
Live streaming represents an important revenue stream but engaging with event patrons is just as important. A strong cellular signal means patrons can interact on social media and with any official event apps, and connect with friends. All without organizers needing to worry about whether a Wi-Fi network will become overloaded.
For better or worse, the days of simply enjoying a festival, concert or other events for the performance itself are gone. Live tweeting, Instagramming and live streaming (either officially or unofficially) are key components to a successful event. Without the right connectivity, your event could appear lost in the Stone Age.
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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