In-person events remain in high demand. According to a recent Eventbrite survey of 2,000 Americans, 52% of attendees anticipate attending more events in 2023. As we enter the Fall season, the energy and excitement of outdoor events are particularly attractive as many continue to seek opportunities to reconnect with colleagues and friends in person. Despite the challenges posed by high inflation, attendees are prepared to spend at these events. The same Eventbrite survey highlights that 70% of those polled intend to either maintain or increase their spending at events in 2023 over 2022.

With the increased popularity of in-person events and the rapid advancement of technology, venues must be ready to meet the demands of tech-savvy attendees. From live streams and interactive experiences to multimedia and hybrid events, internet access and WiFi connectivity are no longer optional; they have become indispensable. Event internet serves as the foundation for your digital operations, and reliable WiFi connectivity can significantly impact your guests' experience from the moment they enter your space.

In fact, a recent survey of event planning professionals found that meeting space layout and technology were the top two drivers of venue selection. This criterion applies to both indoor and outdoor locations, as organizers and participants anticipate a consistent level of service across all event spaces.

Are you confident that your outdoor spaces are fully equipped to handle large-scale live events this Fall? Here are three ways inadequate internet and WiFi can derail your outdoor event.

#1: Poor Guest Experience and Missed Opportunities for Engagement

Attendees rarely consider internet access until it's absent, and then it becomes their primary concern. This is especially true for outdoor events, where expectations can be even higher. Organizers must ensure continuous, reliable internet access for both staff and attendees as events flow from indoors to outdoors. Inadequate connections can disrupt the event, jeopardizing guest experience and essential components like digital media displays, wireless security systems, event apps, and live streams.

Furthermore, if guests are without internet access, they lose access to email updates and cannot share their experiences on social media. iPass reveals that attendees now carry an average of three mobile devices, relying on them to manage their event schedules, stay connected with work and family, and engage on social platforms. In today's connected era, disruptions in connectivity can quickly spread into negative buzz, complaints, and criticism, potentially impacting the reputation of the venue and the event.

#2: Disruptions to Streaming and Broadcasting

In today's world, streaming is vital, and weak connectivity can cause significant problems for event staff, presenters, and attendees. Live stream interruptions disappoint viewers, while low video quality, buffering, or downtime results in frustration and dissatisfaction. Such issues can damage host, sponsor and presenter reputations in addition to casting a negative perception of the event.

Live outdoor events often involve significant investments in production, advertising, broadcasting rights and promotional considerations. Disruptions can limit the exposure and reach of sponsors, advertisers, and partners and result in loss of viewership, reduced ad revenue, or even refunds to disappointed customers, thus leading to financial setbacks.

#3: Interrupted Point of Sale (POS) Transactions and Loss of Revenue

Strong internet and WiFi connections are crucial for commerce, and downtime can result in significant revenue loss for the venue and vendors. In fact, connection issues can cause up to 40% of attendees to abandon purchases, according to a recent Eventbrite study. With high guest turnout during event season, relying on the same public network as guests for POS systems is risky.

So, how can you safeguard against interrupted Point of Sale transactions? Leverage dedicated private networks with consistent WiFi service for POS and event staff. The private network helps to facilitate Point of Sale and essential communications for event support teams, ensuring immediate processing of transactions and coordination between volunteers and staff.

Need Reliable Internet & WiFi for Your Fall Event?

As in-person events continue to regain popularity and technology advancements reshape the event landscape, the importance of reliable internet access and WiFi connectivity cannot be underestimated. With attendees eagerly anticipating live experiences and being willing to spend more on events, venues must be prepared to meet their expectations. A poor internet connection can not only disrupt the guest experience and hinder engagement but also lead to streaming and broadcasting disruptions, affecting the reputation of presenters and event perception. In addition, interrupted Point of Sale transactions due to inadequate connectivity can result in significant revenue loss.

Rely on Xpodigital.

Xpodigital can enhance your outdoor event by ensuring strategic placement of Wireless Access Points (WAPs) throughout the outdoor venue and providing adequate coverage throughout the event space that will result in full connectivity, minimal interference and reliable internet for event vendors and attendees. Xpodigital will make sure your venue's internet bandwidth, speeds and access are scalable to the needs of your event to keep audiences engaged and provide a dedicated support team to ensure that you maintain stability and avoid costly outages and downtime.

For over 20 years, event planners and venues have relied on Xpodigital to help design, install, manage and support their internet and WiFi networks to better optimize their events, maximize revenue, free up valuable internal resources and improve their overall attendee experience. Learn more about Xpodigital’s industry-leading event technology support and service at: www.xpodigital.com/event-technology