It seems like everyone now has a tablet computer or is planning to purchase one. One recent technology-industry analyst estimates that 30 million tablet computers will be sold this year in the United States and 60 million will be sold in 2012. The extraordinary expansion of the use of tablet computers like iPads, smart phones and other…
It seems like everyone now has a tablet computer or is planning to purchase one. One recent technology-industry analyst estimates that 30 million tablet computers will be sold this year in the United States and 60 million will be sold in 2012.
The extraordinary expansion of the use of tablet computers like iPads, smart phones and other devices that depend upon Wi-Fi networks for Internet connectivity are creating new stresses for exhibitors, attendees, show organizers and facilities who participate in the more than 10,000 exhibitions that take place each year in the United States.
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) released the results of its study that examines how organizers, exhibitors and facility managers view some key issues surrounding the growing use of internet connectivity in exhibition centers.
IAEE Chairman Vinnie Polito points out that "the Wi-Fi survey report is another example of how IAEE has initiated important research into contemporary issues that require new solutions." We want to develop new thinking and new solutions about Internet connectivity at exhibitions and events, and we think the time to craft solutions is now, before things get out of control."
Some of the key findings of the study include:
– Currently, 23 percent of exhibition facilities offer free Wi-Fi in all areas of the building. Two percent do not offer any Wi-Fi connectivity at all. Twenty-one percent provide Wi-Fi at a charge but only in public spaces like lobbies, hallways and cafes, while 24 percent offer Wi-Fi in public areas for free.
– Facility managers have differing views about Wi-Fi. The vast majority, 66 percent, believe Wi-Fi is an amenity that must be paid for to offset its costs to the building. Only 34 percent believe it is a significant source of new revenue.
– Show organizers also have differing opinions about Internet access. Only 11 percent say it should be provided at no cost in public spaces; but, show organizers and exhibitors themselves should pay fees to use the service in meeting rooms and exhibit halls. Forty-four percent feel that they are entitled to free Wi-Fi throughout the building. Another sizable group (37 percent) says they recognize there are real costs associated with providing Wi-Fi and are willing to pay reasonable costs to obtain it.
– An overwhelming majority of show organizers (90 percent) say that attendees should be able to receive free Wi-Fi but only 48 percent of facility managers agree. This is the one issue in which there is a substantial difference in views between the two groups.
– While 76 percent of show organizers say they actively negotiate fees for Wi-Fi in meeting rooms and exhibition halls, only 48 percent say they would consider an alternative venue if they were unable to reach an agreement with facility management. This may explain why 83 percent of facility managers say they sometimes waive or renegotiate the posted Wi-Fi fees.
– The popularity of purchased LAN, Wi-Fi cards and other micro cell devices is growing among show organizers and exhibitors. Almost 60 percent of show organizers say they now own such access devices, while 77 percent of exhibitors own them.
Among the conclusions of the report:
– The issue of access to high-speed, high-quality Internet connectivity is bound to grow as more devices are purchased.
– Ensuring the quality of seamless connectivity to the Internet will become a key issue as more and more exhibitors depend on high-speed, high-quality access to provide data and information to their exhibit booths.
– Facility management and show organizers must agree about ways to ensure reasonably-priced and dependable access for all users.
– The differing expectations among organizers, exhibitors and facility managers are not yet so dramatic as to prevent agreement on key issues. IAEE will encourage industry organizations to come together to develop new Wi-Fi best practices, guidelines and protocols to ensure fair access to all users as bandwidth continues to become more crowded and chaotic.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
