Smart City Networks Improves Cellular Coverage at San Diego Convention Center
July 20, 2017
Smart City Networks has completed a new distributed antenna system (DAS) designed to exponentially expand the cellular service coverage and capacity at the San Diego Convention Center.
“This new system is going to make a noticeable difference for everyone who attends an event or convention at the San Diego Convention Center,” said Julia Slocombe, vice president of western region operations for Smart City Networks, a telecommunications provider for the convention industry.
She continued, “This was a massive upgrade, but it reiterates our commitment to deliver exceptional experiences through technology and San Diego’s commitment to be one of the leading meeting and convention destinations in the world.”
Completed this month, the two-year DAS system installation project involved plotting and installing hundreds of miniature antennas at secure points throughout the convention center that connect to the networks of different cellular carriers, including AT&T and T-Mobile.
The new system reduces gaps in coverage created by steel or concrete pillars, isolated niches and other architectural features that disrupt the signal between the phone and the devices receiving the messages, resulting in the elimination of dead spots and improved reliability of the network.
“We are excited to offer our guests and customers yet another amenity to continue to make our facility the region’s premier gathering place,” said Clifford “Rip” Rippetoe, president and CEO of the San Diego Convention Center Corporation.
He added, “The DAS will amplify mobile broadband coverage throughout the facility, eliminate dead spots, improve reliability in areas with heavy demand and increase network capacity.”
As part of the DAS improvements, Smart City also installed a two-way radio system throughout the convention center that allows communication anywhere in the facility.
“Not only does this improve the convention experience for the people who attend events at our facility, but we’ve been able to improve our own internal communications to provide a higher level of support to our clients,” explained Karen Totaro, SDCC executive vice president and general manager.
San Diego City Councilmember Chris Ward applauded the enhancement to the center, citing it as one more amenity that makes San Diego even more attractive as a conventions and meetings destination.
“This convention center is able to bring about 900,000 visitors to San Diego every year to experience the wonders we have here as a city and as a region,” Ward said.
He continued, “We certainly hope the upgrades we are celebrating here today will make it even more inviting to have people come and use this facility.”
The installation of the new DAS system at the SDCC is just one of several technology upgrades Smart City Networks has recently completed as part of its continued mission to deliver a better digital experience to convention centers across the country.
“This project wouldn’t have been possible without the collaboration of everyone involved,” said David Langford, vice president of technology for Smart City Networks.
He added, “We had to work hand-in-hand for two years to complete this – but everyone made it happen.”
Watch a video of the special ribbon cutting event marking the completion of the SDCC technology project here.
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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