Smart City Networks wins new Colorado Convention Center deal

Smart City Networks has landed a new three-year agreement, plus a two-year extension option, to remain the exclusive technology services provider at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver. The deal starts an immediate Wi-Fi 7 rollout that is scheduled to finish in 2027 and aims to boost capacity for large events.

Why it matters: - The agreement keeps Smart City Networks in place at one of Denver’s biggest event venues through at least three years, with a possible two-year extension. - The Wi-Fi 7 upgrade is designed to improve wireless performance for conventions, trade shows and other high-density events. - The project adds to a growing list of convention centers moving to Wi-Fi 7 for heavier device and application demand.

What happened: - Smart City Networks won a new three-year agreement to remain the exclusive technology services provider at the Colorado Convention Center. - The contract includes a two-year extension option. - The partnership between Smart City Networks and the Colorado Convention Center dates to 1998. - Wi-Fi 7 deployment begins immediately and is scheduled for completion in 2027. - The venue is in Denver.

The details: - The upgrade will modernize the venue’s wireless foundation. - Smart City Networks will support the center with infrastructure planning, network design and implementation, on-site support and event-specific services. - The company says the approach is tailored to venues, organizers, exhibitors and attendees. - Smart City Networks completed the country’s first convention center Wi-Fi 7 deployments at the Henry B. González Convention Center in San Antonio and the Miami Beach Convention Center. - The completed wireless environment is expected to deliver greater capacity, efficiency and performance for high-density event use. - Lance Zanett, general manager at Legends Global, said the venue needed a partner that understands both the technology and convention center operations. - Zanett said Smart City’s specialized knowledge and the on-site team led by Debbie Olivas and Jim Snook were major differentiators in the renewal decision.

Between the lines: - Smart City Networks is positioning itself as a venue-only specialist, not a general commercial technology provider. - That focus gives the company a chance to reuse lessons from other convention centers across its portfolio. - The renewal suggests the Colorado Convention Center is prioritizing operational fit and long-term support as much as network speed. - Mark Haley, president of Smart City Networks, said convention centers and event venues are the company’s only business. - Haley said the long relationship shows the value of combining strategy, infrastructure, implementation, local service and event support in one team.

What's next: - Smart City Networks and the Colorado Convention Center team will coordinate planning and installation around venue operations and the event calendar. - The Wi-Fi 7 rollout will continue through 2027. - The venue will use the upgraded network to handle higher connectivity demands as event technology needs keep rising.

The bottom line: - The deal locks in a long-running vendor relationship while setting up a major wireless upgrade for a high-traffic convention venue.