How to Optimize the
Venue WiFi Experience

 

When attending an event at any venue, we expect WiFi access – not only as patrons but also as vendors. However, these users have distinct needs, requiring two separate networks. In today’s always-connected world, customers expect internet access wherever they go. They want to share their event experiences in real time with their friends and family, and the event managers want to encourage that viral amplification. For businesses managing venues or network infrastructure, providing reliable connectivity should be a top priority.

Different use cases have different connectivity requirements. Event attendees expect high-speed Wi-Fi in common areas while vendors require a secure, dedicated network for sales and inventory management. It’s also crucial to consider the critical ad-hoc demands of security and maintenance.

Venue Internet connection reliability

The one thing most venue owners and managers can agree on is that they regularly have issues with internet and network connectivity.Initially, they believed adding WiFi would suffice, neglecting the diverse needs of different network users. This resulted in customer frustration, as the available Wi-Fi was often congested and overloaded.In an attempt to improve the situation, they may have added more hot spots which may not have helped. And they may have thought the problem was coverage or congestion when in fact it was something else. A holistic view is essential to identify the real needs and implement effective solutions. Often, a series of small, targeted changes can make significant improvements.They also didn’t count on all the additional use cases that connectivity would enable. Originally, adding wireless capabilities may have been done to make the customers happy, not realizing that this also provides new options to the sales vendors, the maintenance teams, and security. Suddenly, we have connected employees who have become mission-critical to the success of any event.This highlights the network’s importance as a revenue-generating tool, not just a luxury. Here are key considerations for building effective venue networks.

 

High-capacity public space WiFi

When going to an event at a venue, (arena, stadium, or an outdoor location), attendees have come to expect connectivity at all times. In today’s world, this constant connection for communication and sharing is the norm.

 

This is where high-capacity WiFi becomes a crucial service. While attendees can use their own 4G and 5G connections, many venues provide dedicated WiFi networks to deliver event updates.

 

High-capacity WiFi is now a standard expectation at events, allowing venue owners to directly reach attendees with real-time updates and targeted promotions. This direct communication enhances the event experience and drives sales.

 

Professional sports events often provide dedicated apps that allow fans to participate in the event in near real time. They also advertise real-time specials throughout the venue to keep sales rolling.

 

People want to be connected the whole time to make their experience better. They also want to know about all the deals so they can snag a cool souvenir to remember the event by.

 

The end-user appreciates the connection to share the experience with others as well as seeing what the venue owner has to offer.

 

However, it doesn’t end with the end-user.

 

Reliable WiFi improves sales

Let’s not overlook the key use cases for facilitating sales within the venue. WiFi allows the point of sale (POS) systems to be connected anywhere they are required. This untethers sales from fixed locations, enabling mobile transactions and maximizing sales opportunities.

 

As the venue owner, you should offer online services that are useful inside the venue and for real-time promotions to those in attendance. These targeted offers, exclusive to event attendees, maximize engagement and sales. This is why connecting them to the public network is essential.

 

Vendors and sales teams require a separate, highly secure network for payment processing. This network must be free from congestion and capable of real-time data processing. Since their primary needs are payment processing and inventory updates (not voice communication), and most POS systems have built-in WiFi, additional equipment is typically unnecessary.

 

Maintenance teams rely on real-time connectivity

In many venues, there are checks that need to be done prior to any event. To do this, you may have checklists for the inspection teams to review and update in real-time so that it’s clear the equipment works and is safe for the upcoming event.

 

Amusement parks need to check each piece of equipment prior to opening the rides or letting teams perform on a stage.

 

For example, they want real-time updates so that wireless connectivity can send a message back to a central team letting them know which rides are ready for traffic.

 

Also, if something is not working properly, your repair team can be dispatched. Even if experts are off-site, issues can be addressed promptly, as visual documentation is highly effective. Sharing live video with remote experts can further expedite repairs and ensure the repair team arrives with the correct parts. This minimizes downtime and improves customer satisfaction.

 

Security teams benefit with live data

Security teams play a critical role at live events. From a connectivity standpoint, two-way radios are essential for live dispatch, as there are no substitutes for real-time voice communication.

 

However, if security teams can access data for tracking crowds and problem areas, they can proactively dispatch security support before issues escalate.

 

It could be as simple as diverting walking traffic to take an alternate route or opening more doors or moving some barriers. It would help if they could do this proactively rather than reacting after it’s already a problem.

 

Picking the right partner can solve both problems

For each solution, it pays to partner with the right team. Just setting up the network and testing the hot spots is not enough. Planning is essential. In this context, reliable and secure WiFi is a necessity for today’s sales environment.

 

Your options can be to do it yourself with partners or deploy a managed WiFi solution offloading the wireless network. Either way, you need to trust your partners for the complete end-to-end solution. Making the network a success is in everyone’s best interest. You need to ensure that you talk to all the teams that rely on the network and have your partner address each need.

 

For high-capacity WiFi, you need to plan for the best end-user experience so that each person remembers the event with great memories. You want them to share the experience with others in real-time. Making sure that they’re keeping up to date with each event and sale is essential for all.

 

For sales teams, using a solid WiFi network that will keep their network online and connected without congestion is key to business success. They also need to keep their inventory up to date by reaching out to the runners to restock what they can in real time.

 

To have a partner that can design and plan this network is not enough. It makes more sense to have them support you throughout the project, beginning to end. Then have them test the network along with all your sales devices prior to some events to ensure everything is working as it should be.

 

On-site presence during a few events is recommended to monitor network traffic and address problems in real time.

 

Network monitoring is critical.

 

A positive attendee experience, including seamless communication with friends and family, is the desired outcome.

 

Vendors and sales teams should be satisfied with the network’s reliability so much so that they don’t even have to think about it.

 

In summary, venue owners and managers frequently encounter challenges with Internet and network connectivity.  While simply adding WiFi initially seemed sufficient, this approach failed to address the diverse needs of all users, leading to customer frustration due to network congestion and overload.

 

Simply adding more hot spots often proves ineffective, as the core issue isn’t just coverage or congestion, but a lack of holistic planning. By examining the entire network, teams can pinpoint the real needs and implement targeted changes for significant improvement. Furthermore, owners underestimate the diverse uses of connectivity. What began as a customer satisfaction initiative became essential for sales vendors, maintenance teams, and security personnel—all critical to event success. This shift highlights that the network is not a luxury but a vital revenue-generating tool.

 

It’s important to recognize that you’re building a single network serving multiple purposes:

  • Attendees: This end-user expects high-capacity WiFi in all common areas to stay connected with friends and share their experiences online.
  • Sales Vendors: This end-user requires a secure, dedicated network for real-time sales processing and inventory updates.
  • Maintenance: This end-user can resolve issues faster through daily checks, data collection, and live video troubleshooting, minimizing downtime and improving customer satisfaction.
  • Security: This end-user benefits from proactive problem identification and prevention, as well as data collection for analysis.

By addressing these needs with a well-planned network, venue owners can transform WiFi from a luxury into a vital tool for generating revenue and enhancing the overall event experience.

 

Partnering for Network Success

When choosing a network partner, especially in wireless solutions, finding a sound provider that offers comprehensive end-to-end support is crucial. A strong partner can guide you through every stage, from initial planning and integration to final implementation and ongoing management via a dedicated US-based Network Operations Center (NOC).

 

A partner should be skilled in evaluating technical challenges, integrating core technologies, and managing project execution daily. With a focus on wireless communications, networking, and security, the partner should also provide robust post-integration support through its NOC team.

 

Consider Wifinium, a provider of critical, commercial-grade connectivity solutions. The Wifinium team designs, builds, and manages wireless networks that can be large, indoor, or outdoor. The company offers in-depth knowledge of wireless and network design and implementation with extensive experience in the education, transportation, government and venue verticals.

 

Born from Business Information Group, Inc. (BIG Wireless), Wifinium’s project teams include industry-leading professionals with extensive experience in turnkey end-to-end design, implementation, integration, testing and turn up of wireless networks.

 

Wifinium serves clients across North America with a stronghold of partners and clients in the Northeast United States and a rapidly growing client concentration in the Southeast. The company’s leadership boasts more than 200 years of cumulative experience working with wireless technologies.

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