Vertical: Venues
Application: Live streaming
Ecosystem: Cisco, NTT Data
Private Network: 5G
RAI Amsterdam has become the first exhibition and conference organization in Europe with a private 5G network. This new technology, which has only been available in the Netherlands since December 1, 2023, represents the next step for RAI Amsterdam as a convention center. The private 5G network, currently the safest, fastest, and most reliable mobile network, will first be utilized from February 5 to 9 during Cisco Live, one of the world’s largest IT events. “We are increasingly developing from a traditional exhibition and conference location into an innovation platform and knowledge center where events take place,” said Bret Baas, IT and Digital manager at RAI Amsterdam.
New technologies like 5G are important to both RAI Amsterdam’s customers and their own operations, ensuring advanced capabilities are possible during events while also helping make venue infrastructure smarter. The private 5G network specifically allows for safe, fast data transfer without network overload issues that exist with Wi-Fi. It also eliminates the need for cables.
The network pilot was installed in just six weeks thanks to collaboration between RAI Amsterdam, NTT Data, and Cisco. According to NTT Data Netherlands’ General Manager Jeroen van Hamersveld, “5G accelerates the digital transformation in various sectors, including the conference and event industry. Thanks to the private 5G network, both RAI and its customers can develop new concepts and innovations, such as the Internet of Things.” In addition to the Cisco Live event, RAI Amsterdam also foresees 5G enabling new innovations at other hosted events like Intertraffic Amsterdam, IBC, and Interclean. Other future possibilities include support for self-driving vehicles, real-time TV broadcasts, and more.
