Georgia World Congress Center Keeps Everyone Connected at ISTE Show

July 27, 2014

When the Georgia World Congress Center welcomed more than 20,000 attendees during the 2014 ISTE conference at the beginning of July, the venue was challenged to make sure everyone stayed connected.

ISTE (The International Society for Technology in Education) is the premier membership association for educators and education leaders engaged in advancing excellence in learning and teaching through the innovative and effective uses of technology in PK–12 and teacher education.

Because of the technological nature of the show, ISTE depends heavily on wireless connectivity to support their exhibitors.

To meet ISTE’s infrastructure needs, the GWCC showcased its expansive network during the event, supporting more than 13,600 concurrent connections and 24,000 unique devices in a 24 hour period.  Last year’s ISTE Conference in San Antonio had 6,700 simultaneous users connected at one time.

“The ISTE Conference is extremely demanding from an internet and wireless perspective due to the large number of technically oriented BYOD (Bring your own device) attendees,” said Jennifer Ragen-Fore, senior director of Conference Services for ISTE.

He added, “CCLD and Meru were great partners in the design and implementation of the ISTE 2014 network resulting in the largest number of concurrent users and bandwidth utilized in the history of the ISTE conference."

CCLD Networks, the Georgia World Congress Center's exclusive telephone and internet provider, recently overhauled the facility's event network infrastructure.

A year in the making, the network upgrade was completed in June of 2013. Microsoft was the first major client to benefit from the upgrade during their MGX FY14 event the following month.

 

Add new comment

Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here. New Wave Experiences Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024. Enhanced Technology Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space. Refreshing New Design & Fine Art The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights. Sustainable Spectacles Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles. The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.