Smart City Networks renews Seattle Convention Center deal

Smart City Networks has signed a new seven-year agreement, with a three-year extension option, to keep supporting the Seattle Convention Center. The deal extends a partnership that began in 1992 as the venue plans future infrastructure and wireless upgrades.

Why it matters: - The renewal keeps a 30-plus-year technology partnership in place at one of Seattle’s major event venues. - The agreement gives Seattle Convention Center continuity as it plans infrastructure investments and prepares for next-generation wireless demands. - Smart City Networks remains a dedicated partner for venues that rely on complex, high-capacity event connectivity.

What happened: - Smart City Networks won a new seven-year agreement, plus a three-year extension option, to continue serving the Seattle Convention Center. - The partnership between Smart City Networks and Seattle Convention Center began in 1992. - The companies said the renewal reflects a shared focus on reliable service, technology planning and support for the venue’s changing needs.

The details: - Seattle Convention Center has worked with Smart City Networks for more than 30 years through major shifts in event technology and how organizers, exhibitors and attendees connect. - The new agreement supports continued work as the venue evaluates future infrastructure investments. - Seattle Convention Center is also preparing for the next generation of wireless technology. - Smart City Networks says it builds technology roadmaps around each venue’s operational priorities, existing infrastructure, event schedule and long-term goals. - The company’s services include infrastructure planning, network design, implementation, on-site service and event support. - Seattle Convention Center hosts technology-intensive events with complex network requirements and high expectations for the attendee experience. - Jennifer LeMaster, SCC president and CEO, said the venue has worked intentionally with Smart City Networks to build an integrated sales and service culture that understands the facilities and anticipates planners’ needs. - Mark Haley, president of Smart City Networks, said the company is focused on local service, industry knowledge and long-term planning for the venue.

Between the lines: - The renewal suggests Seattle Convention Center wants a long-term technology partner rather than a series of one-off upgrades. - Smart City Networks is positioning its specialization in convention centers and event venues as a competitive advantage. - The arrangement also gives the company another example of a decades-long client relationship to point to as it markets its venue-focused model.

What's next: - Seattle Convention Center will continue supporting current events while reviewing future connectivity needs across the campus. - The venue and Smart City Networks will keep evaluating technology investments as event demands evolve. - The agreement could run for up to 10 years if the extension option is used.

The bottom line: - Seattle Convention Center is locking in a long-term technology partner as it prepares for bigger network demands and future wireless upgrades.