Phoenix Convention Center’s First Responders Receive New Public Safety System
July 30, 2016
Smart City Networks has received final approval for a public-safety distributed antenna system it installed last year at the Phoenix Convention Center.
Smart City Networks partnered with system integration firm Connectivity Wireless Solutions (CWS) to design, install, manage and commission the customized, turnkey system that ensures first responders can maintain communication with each other in case of an emergency.
“Bringing together large numbers of sports fans or conventioneers creates critical public safety concerns,” Smart City Networks President Mark Haley said. “First responders must be able to communicate when responding to fires, medical emergencies and other extreme conditions.”
Strict fire codes and other safety regulations make these types of emergency communications systems uncommon in convention centers. The public safety DAS system meets all National Fire Protection Association 2015 standards, including circuit survivability, two-hour fire-rated housing and cabling and system monitoring.
Smart City and Phoenix Convention Center officials recently were presented with the fire marshal’s “green tag,” symbolizing the project’s completion and fire inspection approval.
Smart City and CWS initiated the public safety DAS at the same time they installed and began managing the convention center’s cellular DAS last year. The cellular DAS project came online in time for the convention center to serve as media headquarters for the 2015 Super Bowl in Phoenix.
DAS employs a network of mini antennas to boost signal strength, eliminate dead zones and remove interference from phone and radio frequency signals. It is especially helpful in exhibit halls and other locations where concrete structures, steel reinforcements and intricate architecture can block signals and lines-of-sight. Weak and interrupted radio signals can literally become a life and death situation when firefighters, medical professionals and other first responders lose communication with dispatchers and each other in emergency situations.
“Smart City’s and CWS’s technical knowledge, experience in digital infrastructure and commitment to problem solving positioned us to recognize, analyze and provide a custom solution for special challenges presented by the Phoenix Convention Center’s unique venue design, building materials, and public safety requirements,” Haley said.
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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