Associations plan education process for Wi-Fi

Monday, February 06, 2012

The exhibition industry’s three major associations have committed to an industry-wide education process to ensure Wi-Fi services at exhibitions can meet the connectivity demands of organiser, exhibitors and visitors.

A technical working group established last year with representatives from the Association of Event Organisers (AEO), the Event Services and Supplier Association (ESSA) and the Association of Event Venues (AEV) met at the Event Production Show at Olympia on 1-2 February to debate ongoing concerns around Wi-Fi services and provision at exhibitions.

The three associations used the meeting to report back on the research projects undertaken following the working group’s inaugural encounter last year. These consisted of the AEV surveying member venues to ascertain the current provision, management process and an indication of intent to upgrade systems.

ESSA then presented a number of management examples highlighting some of the variables that need to be considered at large and small, indoor and outdoor events. The AEO meanwhile, sampled the exhibitors, organisers and visitors, feeding back the current needs and raising the question of future trends and the many opportunities that may become available if the technology platform allows it.

“The commitment by all parties to identify and find solutions to issues, across the industry, is one of the great strengths of the three associations working together,” ESSA and AEV co-director and chair of the meeting Chris Skeith said.

“The key outcome from the meeting is that there is a pressing need for all parties to be involved in an education process to ensure that we increase the understanding within the industry, but most importantly for exhibitors and visitors.”

Delivering adequate Wi-Fi services at exhibitions has becoming an increasingly difficult task because demand exceeds what can be provisioned using current infrastructure and technology management practices. Among the key contributors to Wi-Fi usage are the rise of mobile show apps, along with demand for sophisticated Internet connectivity from exhibitors.

Representatives from the three associations kicked off the Wi-Fi technical committee initially though an industry forum at Reed Exhibitions’ offices last October. The group will meet again during the London International Wine Fair at Excel London on 23 May.