U.S. firm Smart City Networks, which provides technology services for the convention industry, has renewed its service contract with the Charlotte Convention Center (CCC), extending their partnership to provide telecommunications and internet services.
Smart City and the Charlotte Convention Center have agreed to renew the existing contract for a 12-year extension.
Smart City has been the exclusive internet, telecommunications, and electrical service provider for the CCC since its opening and is now set to continue services until March 31, 2032.
“We are excited to renew our agreement to provide the latest technology enhancements to the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) and Convention center,” said Smart City Vice President, East Operation, Tim Wortman.
Working in tandem with Smart City, the CRVA is in the process of enhancing the technology offerings at the Charlotte Convention Center including Internet, Wi-Fi and Distributed Antenna System (DAS) services. The DAS upgrade will include additional service providers and increase cell service coverage. The project will also expand Wi-Fi capability, providing a high-density infrastructure throughout the existing public areas and meeting rooms, as well as the additional spaces created by the expansion. The DAS services upgrade should be available to clients and guests in the summer of 2020, and the high-density upgrades will culminate with the expansion completion in late summer of 2021, the company said.
The Charlotte Convention Center has been chosen to host the 2020 Republican National Convention Media Hub from August 24-27, 2020. Delegates of the United States Republican Party will select the party’s nominees for president and vice president in the 2020 U.S. presidential election. Smart City services will be utilized for the live televised events, and up-to-the-minute voting results available to thousands of attendees.
The convention center has 280,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space. The ballroom spans 35,000 square feet with banquet seating for up to 1,800 guests. Pre-function areas extend the ballroom space by 15,000 square feet.
