ESSA presented a number of management examples highlighting variables that need to be considered at events large and small, indoor and outdoor. The Association of Event Organisers sampled exhibitors, organisers and visitors, feeding back current needs and raising the question of future trends and opportunities that may become available if the technology platform allows it. Surprisingly, expectations of visitors are somewhat lower than was initially thought and indeed, what can be supplied. The meeting’s outcome found a clear need to help all parties understand the issues of using Wi-Fi in an exhibition and the effect wireless connectivity has on usability for all at the show. There’s a strong desire to avoid any draconian process enforcing rules and regulations; rather the drive was to provide resources to allow anyone wanting to use Wi-Fi in the halls with sufficient information for them to understand what will and will not work and plan accordingly. In every application there is a finite amount of bandwidth available for use, which is susceptible to interference. Once this maximum is exceeded, the system is full and simply will not work. This only becomes apparent when the show opens. Elements identified as contributing to the capacity issue included iPads on stands through to wireless routers being used on hard-wired connections within a stand and smartphone activities. Surprisingly, a few items such as microwaves and coils of cables creating induction loops were also found to contribute, along with cameras and microphones. All are manageable to some degree with clear planning needed to establish usage requirements. The greatest unknown is the visitors’ Wi-Fi requirements. The associations agree education is key, and a clear understanding of customers’ needs should be established right at the start. The next step for each group is to take the research findings and identify what ‘common statements’ are needed to explain the challenges and usage practices to customers and suppliers. Supporting materials for use across the industry are also intended to bring clarification that can then be used for more effective planning to reduce any unknowns. Once we have a common understanding, we can look further into what will be a range of solutions depending on circumstances. There’s no quick fix, but all associations are committed to finding a way forward.