Smart City Overhauls Hawai’i CC’s Data and Wireless Network in 27 Days

November 26, 2016

Smart City Networks, an event telecommunications, and technology services provider for the convention industry, completed a complete overhaul of the Hawai’i Convention Center’s data and wireless capabilities in 27 days, an industry record.

“This project under normal circumstances would have required three to four months to plan, purchase and receive components, contract construction, install equipment, configure, test, and deploy,” said Smart City Networks President Mark Haley. “Our team worked tirelessly to meet this record deadline and this serves as an example that our organization is ready and able to meet our partners’ needs.”

Smart City completed the project, assumed control of the facility’s network services and became fully operational just four weeks after being hired.

This project includes design and installation of 100 new access points with antennas, 29,000 feet of Category 6 networking cable, and 11 sets of patch panels, connectors and other hardware and supporting components.

“Smart City has been a tremendous partner and the Hawai‘i Convention Center is proud to be working with such a fine organization,” said Jennifer Nakayama, director of operations at the Hawai’i Convention Center. “Their emphasis on elevating service levels to our event clients and building staff shows their commitment to being proactive, as well as their alignment with the Hawai‘i Convention Center goals of putting the customer first.”

Smart City ordered and took delivery of the 100 access points for the network which was designed by the company’s wireless engineering team.

The organization’s facilities on the mainland collected Core Network Equipment and 20 Edge Switches and shipped it to the company’s headquarters in Las Vegas, where network engineers configured and shipped the components to Oahu.

Four lifts were rented and delivered to the Convention Center for the network installation to take place.  A crew of 5 technicians and one foreman oversaw the physical installation of the Access Points and category six cabling.  This crew installed it all in under two weeks.

 “We took great measures to not only commission this equipment and get it operational in a fraction of the time most other companies would require, but also to set up network addresses and services to the convention center’s permanent tenants early in the process,” said David Langford, Smart City’s vice president of technology.

He added, “Our goal is always to help the in-house venue partners keep their businesses operational and minimize any downtime as we upgrade their systems.  Additionally, Smart City expanded the IPv4 capabilities by adding IPv6 capabilities as well.”

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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