New technology is next step as innovation center
Amsterdam, 1 February 2024 - RAI Amsterdam is the first exhibition and conference organization in Europe with a private 5G network. With this new technology, which has only been available in the Netherlands since December 1, 2023, the RAI is taking the next step as an innovation center. The private 5G network, which is currently the safest, fastest and most reliable mobile network, will be used for the first time from February 5 to 9 during Cisco Live, one of the largest IT events in the world.
RAI Amsterdam is the first exhibition and conference organization in Europe with a private 5G network. The new technology will be used for the first time from Feb. 5 to 9 during Cisco Live, one of the world's largest IT events. Click on the photo to download the royalty-free, high-resolution image.
"We are increasingly evolving from a traditional exhibition and conference venue to an innovation platform and knowledge center where events take place," said Bret Baas, manager of IT and Digital at RAI Amsterdam. "New technologies are of great importance to both our clients and ourselves. They make more technologically possible during events, such as flying around with drones or showing and forwarding videos in the highest quality. At the same time, it helps to make our building smarter, which is important for crowd control and sustainability, for example."
Next step mobile internet development
The private 5G network is a result of the digital transformation RAI Amsterdam has initiated. According to Baas, the exhibition and conference organization is leading the way in Europe with this. "5G is the next step in the development of mobile internet. It ensures the safe and fast transfer of data. One of the big advantages of a private 5G network is that, unlike with Wi-Fi, network overloading hardly ever occurs anymore. In addition, 5G does not require cables. And it offers exhibitors and customers many more possibilities and allows us to be very flexible towards them."
With the help of cooperation partners NTT Data and Cisco, the new network for this pilot was built in a short time. Jeroen van Hamersveld, general manager NTT Data Netherlands: "5G is accelerating digital transformation in various sectors, including in the conference and event industry. Thanks to the private 5G network, both RAI and its clients can showcase new concepts and innovations, such as the Internet of Things."
Ready for the future
During IT trade show Cisco Live, the RAI's private 5G network will be available for the first time. According to Edwin Prinsen, general manager of Cisco Netherlands, the construction of 5G is an example of the successful collaboration between Cisco, RAI and NTT Data. "Delivering a private 5G network within six weeks is an impressive achievement. This pilot is beneficial for both RAI Amsterdam and us. A successful launch allows us to deploy interactive real-time video during Cisco Live in Amsterdam for on-site live streaming without long cables, which makes everything much easier. Moreover, it opens the door to other innovative applications that, for example, help better manage large streams of visitors. With this private 5G, RAI Amsterdam is ready for the future."
Besides the potential for Cisco Live, Baas also sees many opportunities for other events: "For example, at Intertraffic Amsterdam or IBC, a lot of communication between equipment takes place. And during cleaning event Interclean a lot of cleaning robots drive around. Then our private 5G network ensures that this goes without a hitch."
Baas outlines what else is possible in the future: "Self-driving cars are going to use 5G networks. In fact, it's crucial, because you can't have a delay if a car has to respond to a traffic sign. And also for television broadcasting, as has already happened for Charles' coronation in Britain, people are going to use 5G to make sure that there is no delay in transmitting increasingly heavy images and that everything is well secured."
About RAI Amsterdam
RAI Amsterdam is an international event and conference organization. Since 1893, RAI Amsterdam has been bringing people together, connecting and inspiring them by organizing and facilitating meaningful encounters. Whether it is a public event, a large conference, an international trade fair, a dance event or a theater performance. In 2023, over 1.5 million visitors found their way to RAI Amsterdam. Visitors to RAI Amsterdam spend around 200 million euros annually in the city of Amsterdam on hotel accommodation, cabs, public transport, restaurants and stores.
Read more from us: here.
