Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center Extends Contract with Smart City Networks in San Antonio
May 17, 2015
The Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio has extended its contract with Smart City Networks for an additional 10 years, effective July 1, 2018.
The contract extension, which was approved during a city council meeting, will allow Smart City to provide additional services and upgrades for the venue. Smart City has served as the facility’s technology provider since Jan. 14, 1999.
“Smart City has enjoyed a long-term partnership with the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, and we look forward to providing the facility with high-quality technology as the convention center’s expansion is completed early next year,” said Mark Haley, who heads Smart City Networks.
He added, “With the help of the convention center team, we have crafted a business model that ensures continued upgrades throughout the term of the agreement.”
The City of San Antonio, which owns and manages the facility, extended the contract, which will allow Smart City to immediately upgrade the center’s Category 6 cabling to enhance voice and data distribution services while more than tripling the density of its wireless coverage.
In addition, the center’s primary backbone will be increased from 1 to 10 gigabit capability. This upgrade will allow for a greater number of guests and their wireless devices to access the Internet at ever-increasing speeds.
“Our current expansion will ensure that San Antonio can attract new, larger events to our city,” said Michael Sawaya, director of sports and convention facilities for the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. “Our partnership with Smart City and the proposed network upgrades will enable our much larger venue to be a ‘smarter’ venue capable of handling any event’s technology needs.”
Under the extended contract, Smart City will offer a full suite of services at the venue, including high-speed Internet access, network cabling, telephone services, WiFi and turnkey data networking services.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
Add new comment