Case Studies
Wi-Fi really makes sense for ExCeL exhibitions and events
A venue with wide appeal
ExCeL London, the international exhibition and conference centre in London Docklands, hosts exciting events such as the London International Boat Show, British International Motor Show and World Travel Market. It attracts visitors and exhibitors from all over the UK as well as from abroad. Many events at ExCeL London are aimed at the business-to-business sector, but there are also lots of shows that are open to the general public who're looking for a great day out.
BT Openzone extends ExCeL's service
ExCeL London was one of the first companies to set up its own wireless internet service, which was geared to the needs of event organisers and businesses exhibiting at the shows and conferences.
But, as the Head of IT & Communications at ExCeL London, explains: "We realised there was a gap – we weren't offering the same level of service to show visitors. That's why we wanted BT Openzone to step in. We've been a BT Openzone hotspot for about four years now. The first event at which we made BT Openzone available was the 2003 London International Boat Show, one of our largest and most prestigious events."
Internet access for everyone
ExCeL London wanted to do more to open up its wireless internet offering and to expand the scope of where visitors can connect while they're at the centre.
BT Openzone was the ideal choice, enabling users with a wireless-enabled laptop or PDA to download files and access emails at broadband speeds*.
Working alongside ExCeL's own teams, BT Openzone staff have a presence at many of the events. They provide the support needed to make sure anyone who wants to use the service has the best possible experience.
According to the Head of IT & Communications, BT Openzone has improved the overall ExCeL experience for its visitors, whether they're on international business or having a family day out. BT Openzone provides an easy-to-use and very accessible service for anyone.
The World Travel Market
ExCeL London's most extensive use of BT Openzone so far has been for the World Travel Market, held annually in November. The service is made available throughout the main boulevard and extended into the exhibition halls and the show's press office.
The event attracts over 30,000 visitors each day for four days. "For an event of this size, it's essential to have the best customer service support in place. A team from BT Openzone works alongside my own engineers, and I am very pleased with the way we work together to deliver a great experience for our visitors."
The World Travel Market is a business-to-business event, and a good proportion of those attending are international travellers or will be travelling throughout the UK.
For ExCeL, it's important for the centre to offer a wireless internet service that fits with visitors' travel itineraries and enables them to do whatever they need while at the centre.
"Visitors can log in to use BT Openzone on arrival at the airport, or while waiting for the train to ExCeL London, continue using BT Openzone while they're with us and then at various points on their homeward journey."
"A team from BT Openzone works alongside my own engineers, and I'm very pleased with the way we work together to deliver a great experience for our visitors."
"Making BT Openzone available means we can help our visitors. They benefit from a single, seamless Wi-Fi service as it's easy for them to connect wherever they are – no need for them to sign up to different providers at different locations.
Visitors can easily buy BT Openzone access before or at the start of their journey and carry on using it, making the most of the freedom to roam freely online, using a wireless-enabled laptop, throughout our venue.
Having BT Openzone at the World Travel Market is a real boon and an important feature of the event; journalists can quickly file their reports or check their emails, and visitors can book tickets online for corporate events or just check their flight times."
The Head of IT & Communications feels sure that visitors to ExCeL London's business events are likely to come to the centre again for other shows that are open to the general public, such as the motor shows. Providing BT Openzone means the centre can appeal to them in the same way as it appeals to its business visitors, and allow them to be 'always on'.
They also appreciate that more and more people – and not just business travellers – expect to be able to use the internet and email when they're away from home or the office.
"We need to look at the bigger picture. At ExCeL we understand that providing a fast, reliable wireless internet service is becoming one of the prerequisites for the success of almost any kind of event."
* Availability of BT Openzone is subject to coverage and you need a wireless-enabled device. Terms and conditions apply.
Want to set up wireless internet access for your visitors?
If you're interested in partnering with BT Openzone and would like to speak to one of our sales team please get in touch.