NOCTalk: Expert Tips for Flawless Conference Internet & WiFi
Event planners understand that reliable internet connectivity is essential for delivering a seamless conference experience. Yet, the complexities of setting up robust networks often go unnoticed until issues arise. NOC, which stands for Network Operations Center, is a term used by enterprise network engineers to indicate tier 3 (top level) support.
In the latest episode of NOCTalk, Jo Fostock, Director of Event Technology at Xpodigital, sat down with Cory White, Manager of Network Engineering, and Seth Vogt, Senior Project Manager at Xpodigital. Together, they shared practical advice and insider knowledge on how to ensure flawless internet and WiFi for conferences of any scale.
Here’s a summary of the tips offered in the interview:
Tip #1: Ask the Right Questions About Venue Networks
Before committing to a venue, it’s crucial to evaluate its network infrastructure and capabilities. Cory emphasized the importance of asking detailed questions upfront to avoid surprises during the event. Consider asking:
When was the venue’s last major technology refresh?
Is bandwidth dedicated to your event or shared with other guests?
What is the venue’s design and density capacity for large gatherings?
Additionally, unconventional venues such as beaches or abandoned buildings are becoming popular for events. These unique locations often require tailored connectivity solutions that go beyond standard setups. Asking these questions early can help you anticipate challenges specific to your venue and make informed decisions about supplemental technology needs.
Tip #2: Build Redundancy Into Your Network Setup
A reliable network setup requires redundancy to prevent disruptions during critical moments. Seth shared a cautionary tale about a venue that, prior to working with Xpodigital, experienced a complete network failure due to insufficient backup systems. To mitigate this risk, planners should ensure failover mechanisms are in place and test them thoroughly before the event begins. Redundancy isn’t just a safety net - it’s a necessity for high-stakes events.
As conferences evolve, the demand for hybrid solutions continues to grow. Cory discussed how emerging technologies like AI and 5G are influencing event connectivity but cautioned against relying solely on unproven innovations. While these advancements hold promise, redundancy remains critical in ensuring smooth operations, especially when integrating new technologies into your setup.
Tip #3: Calculate Bandwidth Needs Accurately
One common mistake event planners make is misjudging bandwidth needs. Cory explained that estimating based on home internet speeds can be misleading for large-scale events. Instead, calculate bandwidth requirements based on attendee numbers and expected device usage - typically two to three devices per person. This ensures adequate coverage and avoids connectivity bottlenecks during peak usage times.
Bandwidth demands are also increasing as in-person conferences make a strong comeback with interactive content and hybrid participation models becoming more prevalent. By accurately assessing your bandwidth needs now, you’ll be better prepared for future trends in event connectivity.
Tip #4: Avoid Common Pitfalls Like Relying on Hotspots
A frequent misconception among planners is that hotspots can replace professional network setups for events. However, as Cory explained, hotspots often fail in crowded environments due to limited airspace and interference from enterprise-grade equipment. For high-demand scenarios, professional infrastructure is essential to ensure consistent connectivity throughout the event space.
By 2030, event venues will likely evolve further to accommodate hybrid working needs with dedicated work hubs throughout their spaces. While virtual-only events are declining in popularity, understanding how professional-grade infrastructure supports growing bandwidth demands will remain critical as conferences continue to innovate.
Partner with Experts You Can Trust
As Jo concluded during the interview, partnering with an experienced network provider like Xpodigital allows planners to focus on delivering exceptional attendee experiences without worrying about technical challenges.
With over 20 years of expertise supporting world-class events, Xpodigital provides tailored solutions that ensure flawless internet and WiFi connectivity for any venue or scenario. Visit our Convention Internet page to learn more.
