Bella Center Copenhagen's implementation of an innovative and efficient Wi-Fi-solution serving more than 25,000 users simultaneously, has been nominated for the AIPC's esteemed 'Innovation Award 2017'. The new Wi-Fi-network, dubbed 'Tomorrow's Wi-Fi Today', was successfully implemented at the Copenhagen-based congress center ahead of staging the largest congress ever staged in the Nordic countries, the ESMO 2016, in October 2016. Overnight, with the new Wi-Fi system in place, Bella Center Copenhagen became the first congress center worldwide to service such large a number of delegates at the same time.
The motive for the large-scale Wi-Fi initiative was a forward-looking strategy by Bella Center Copenhagen's owner, BC Hospitality Group, who wanted to increase focus on the fast-changing needs of organisers, exhibitors and delegates alike. Today, all of these target groups expect to have access to the same kind of speedy and reliable internet connection as they have at home, and to be able to manage business matters whilst 'on the go' and handle e-mails, stream video presentations, carry out video calls, etc.
The changing market situation created a huge technological challenge for the congress center, whose approx. 100,000 m² - including numerous nooks and thick concrete walls - made it difficult to receive signals in all corners of the venue. On top, the new solution also had to secure roaming between Bella Center Copenhagen and BC Hospitality Group's three hotel venues in Copenhagen and thus, eliminate the need for separate hook-ups at each venue.
As a result, senior management decided to create the first ever congress and conference center worldwide with a 'future-proof' and flexible wireless network service. And now, the exact same initiative has been valued such an inspiration for the congress industry worldwide, that AIPC's judging panel has nominated "Tomorrow's Wi-Fi Today" for its AIPC Innovation Award 2017.
"It is key to our clients, congress organisers, exhibitors and delegates alike, to be able to handle the digital part of their business at home and abroad, and since we make a living of high-end services at the Bella Center Copenhagen, a future-proof technological solution, such as the one we have invested in, is crucial in a highly competitive market. We are honoured to be among this year's AIPC nominees and look forward to share our knowledge and learnings with fellow colleagues from across the world," says Allan L. Agerholm, CEO of BC Hospitality Group and Bella Center Copenhagen.
Mr. Agerholm will present Bella Center Copenhagen's 'Tomorrow's Wi-Fi Today'-initiative at two separate sessions during AIPC's annual meeting in Sydney. Both the AIPC jury and attending delegates are able to vote for their favourite 'Innovation Award' candidate. The winner of the Innovation Award will be announced at the AIPC Awards Dinner on July 4th 2017.
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"Tomorrow's Wi-Fi Today" at a glance
- The innovative network solution is based on a brand new router technology (802.11ac wave 2) and is the first of its kind amongst congress and conference centers worldwide.
- The solution was tailor-made to offer a sublime and stable service for more than 25,000 concurrent users of one single network.
- Almost 500 access points with intelligent antennas and active optical fiber connection are strategically located across Bella Center Copenhagen's halls, auditoriums, rooms, etc.
- The solution was also successfully implemented at all other hotel and conference venues of BC Hospitality Group, including; Copenhagen Marriott Hotel, AC Hotel Bella Sky Copenhagen, Crowne Plaza Copenhagen Towers and Comwell Conference Center Copenhagen.
- IT partner on the initiative was Ruckus Wireless, who with a brand new ZoneFlex technology and high yielding access points and backbone secured that any of BC Hospitality Group's guests at any of its venues typically will have a minimum of 20 MB up/down at their disposal.
About the AIPC
AIPC, the International Association of Convention Center, is the industry association for professional convention and exhibition center managers worldwide, representing a global network of more than 175 leading centers in 57 countries with the active involvement of more than 900 management-level professionals. AIPC is committed to encourage and recognize excellence in convention center management, and to provide the tools to achieve high standards through research, educational and networking programs. Learn more about the AIPC right here
About the AIPC Innovation Award
The AIPC Innovation Award was established in 2007 to reflect AIPC's mission of "encouraging and recognizing excellence in convention centre management". The award focuses on projects or initiatives that represent innovation in the true sense of the word - i.e. the development of new, more creative and/or effective approaches to misc. aspects of convention center management, operations or marketing, and the award considered a great source for both new ideas and recognition for center achievements. Learn more about the AIPC Innovation Award right here
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