February Tech Bytes: Wi-Fi Love, Getting Lost, Humanless Check-In and More

February 21, 2019

This month, we’re recapping the latest tech news you need to know in an easily digestible format. Have news to share with us for March? Drop me a line at kogletree@tsnn.com.

Who can say no to faster, more reliable Wi-Fi?

Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center Dallas got a wireless upgrade this year thanks to Smart City Networks, which installed a new distributed antenna system (DAS) to expand the cellular service coverage and capacity at the facility.

“This new system is going to make a noticeable difference for everyone who attends an event [at KBHCCD],” said Mark Haley, President of Smart City Networks. “This upgrade, combined with our wireless network investment, reiterates our commitment to deliver exceptional experiences through technology in Dallas.”

Covering 2.2 million square feet of space with strong Wi-Fi isn’t an easy task; the system required 11,000 feet of coaxial cable, 106,000 feet of fiber-optic cable, 172 remotes and 252 antennas. The payoff for meeting planners and their attendees, however, will be great.

“This technology upgrade is going to be a game changer for our facility,” said Rosa Fleming, KBHCCD’s interim director. We agree!

If you had $1 for every time you got asked where the restrooms were…

As much as you love your attendees, helping them navigate the ins and outs of your event’s facility doesn’t always, ahem, take priority.

Thankfully, Orange County Convention Center is doing the work for you (if you’re convening there, that is) with its new OCC Campus Wayfinding app, launched Feb. 1. It’s available for download in the App Store and Google Play.

The Robin to OCCC’s Batman — wayfinding kiosks that were installed on the campus early last year — the app offers turn-by-turn directions (Google Maps style) to help users get around. As a bonus, it doesn’t require connectivity to a cellular network or Wi-Fi to function once downloaded, so even if the internet backfires, no one will get lost.

“This mobile application is an extension of our employees,” said OCCC’s IT Project Leader Mike Distler. “It was designed to convey simple, easy-to-follow directions for anyone who might need a little assistance when visiting the Center of Hospitality.”

Hotel apps are nothing new, but this one’s cool.

MGM Resorts has finally launched a mobile app, enabling users to make reservations, check in and gain access their room all from their phone. You could say it’s about time (InterContinental launched an Android app way back in 2010), or you might just appreciate the fact that you can access a ton of Las Vegas properties — Bellagio, ARIA, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and more — plus other destinations like MGM National Harbor, in one convenient location.

For attendees who might be less familiar with Las Vegas than most show organizers are, the app contains great content on dining and entertainment options around town. Another nice feature is how easy the app makes check-in and check-out, eliminating the need to talk to an actual person if your last night in town involved a later evening than you’d planned.

While the technology isn’t there (yet) for you to use your phone as an actual key at MGM properties, you can use the app to print a room “key” from one of the mobile check-in kiosks in the lobby and quickly be on your way.

Now that’s one way to show off new tech installs.

In honor of their 15th anniversary of working together, WorldStage event technology services gave New York event venues Metropolitan Pavilion and Metropolitan West a heck of a present: a major tech makeover. Then, they celebrated it all with 500 event professionals at a major bash (complete with technology demos) held Jan. 22.

“The relationship between an event venue and entertainment technology provider has to be strongly collaborative and involve innovation, and that was exactly what the January event showcased,” says Scott Isebrand, COO for both venues.

Located in the Chelsea neighborhood, the venues were outfitted with shiny new LED lighting fixtures, laser projectors, roll-down projection screens, LED monitors, passive speakers and more. At Metropolitan Pavilion, WorldStage enhanced its in-house inventory with digital mixers, wireless systems and even more speakers.

It goes without saying that there’s nothing like a good party to showcase what a venue can do.

“The evening gave us a chance to show some different options to event planners,” said Shelly Sabel, WorldStage’s director of design.

 

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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