The Convention Industry Council (CIC) has joined the IAVM-led Wi-Fi Coalition whose members include a cross section of the convention industry professionals.
“Wi-Fi, while a key commodity that many meeting attendees and consumers feel the need to access, is not free. The cost of bandwidth, and other related factors, affect its efficiency, making it even more imperative to deliver a successful connection for a meeting or event,” the CIC said in a press release. The coalition was initially formed to address the backlash against venues blocking personal Wi-Fi devices and the subsequent involvement of the FCC.”
The Wi-Fi Coalition’s main goal is to establish standard operating principles and rules that ensure a reliable Wi-Fi environment for all users. A “common sense standards” is currently being developed.
“We believe that delivering an exceptional technology experience at meetings and events requires a new level of collaboration and dialogue between venue managers, service providers, show organizers, meeting planners, exhibitors, and guests,” said Vicki Hawarden, CMP, president and CEO of IAVM. “We are thrilled to see the coalition bringing these groups together, and we are confident that this new effort will lead to meaningful results.”
The Wi-Fi Coalition members include
Vicki Hawarden, CMP, CAE—IAVM
Fred Peterson—Massachusetts Convention Center Authority
Mark Haley—Smart City Networks
Mark Sims—Javits Center
John Rissi—PSAV, CIC APEX Chair
David DuBois, CAE, FASAE, CTA, CMP—Intl. Association of Exhibitions and Events
Cathy Breden, CMP—Intl. Association of Exhibitions and Events
Chris Brown—National Association of Broadcasters
Ryan Stowger—Intl. Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions
Barney Lavengood—Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium
Michael Owen—EventGenuity
Brett Mitchell—Overland Park Kansas Convention Center
Glenda Brungardt—HP Marketing
Jim Wurm—Exhibit & Event Marketers Association
Stacey Knoppell—Baltimore Convention Center
Russell Rice—Convention Sales Professionals Intl.
To better understand this topic, please read Part 1 and Part 2 of our series, “The Wi-Fi Dilemma.”
