ExCel London case study

Cutting-edge communications for the UK’s newest exhibition and conference centre

ExCeL London [The London International Exhibition Centre] was designed to stand out as one of the most technically advanced venues in Europe. As such, a sophisticated communications network was a must. To attract big-name exhibitors – as well as the visitors they want to meet – the Centre needed to offer flexible, advanced communications services across 65,000 square metres of exhibition space. In just eight months we designed and project-managed the installation of a complex communications network that provides secure data, voice and video services throughout the venue – helping exhibitors and visitors to connect and do business.

Leading Europe in technical innovation

ExCeL London is the UK’s newest exhibition and conference venue. Located on a 100-acre campus in London’s Docklands, it is home to two large exhibition halls as well as banqueting and conference suites, retail outlets, restaurants, hotels, apartments and function rooms. We supplied a cutting-edge data, voice and video communications network to provide flexible, secure communications services throughout the venue.

Creating a futuristic venue

To help make events a success for exhibitors and visitors, ExCeL wanted to provide sophisticated communications facilities. But it also wanted its network to support new communications technologies as and when they become available. Timo Bayford, Head of IT at ExCeL, explains: “Our vision was to get it right first time, and build an IT and telecommunications platform that would support potential future requirements.”

The search began for a communications partner to help achieve this. We took on the project design and management as well as ongoing responsibility for all voice and data services at the venue. “Organisations are increasingly looking to external partners to manage their communications,” comments Trevor Goddard, Account Manager at ntl:Telewest Business. “We have a proven track record of supporting mission-critical systems for both the private and public

sectors.”

Taking ownership, delivering results

The large scale of the project was a real challenge. And with an eight-month deadline, timescales were tight. But we worked closely with other well known IT companies to make sure that all the hardware, software, and networking systems, as well as telephone services including pay phones and mobile phone facilities, were ready and working on time.

Timo was impressed with our determination to deliver results.“ntl:Telewest Business doesn’t provide excuses or put up obstacles relating to technical challenges that arise every day. They work flexibly in a difficult environment to provide solutions that keep ExCeL ahead of the field for voice and data services.”

Making connections, doing business

Visitors to ExCeL find it’s easy to stay in touch with the outside world. Event organisers can request wireless hotspots or total wireless coverage of the venue. And thanks to our in-built mobile telephony solution mobile phone users can be sure of finding good reception where ever they are. In addition, secure IT links allow exhibitors to access their office network, email and the Internet.

Cutting-edge communications also allow event organisers to connect with visitors in new and powerful ways. Internet-based television (IPTV) has been used for a number of events, successfully delivering high-quality images to desktops and plasma screens. This was particularly effective during the National Indoor Windsurfing Championships when a live webcam feed was streamed to plasma screens at the London International Boat Show. “Technology-wise, there isn’t really anything that ExCeL and ntl:Telewest Business can’t do within this venue,” says Timo.

What it has made possible

Hosting events as diverse and challenging as the World Travel Market, Oracle Apps World and The London International Boat Show, the venue has been put to the test and has passed with flying colours. “ExCeL now boasts more Information and Communications Technology (ICT) facilities than almost any conference and exhibition centre in theworld,” says Timo.

With help from ntl:Telewest Business, Timo believes that ExCeL will continue to exceed the expectations of exhibitors and visitors alike, supporting innovative events with state-ofthe-art technology. “We wanted a leading-edge partner with foresight,” he concludes. “ntl:Telewest Business has proved to be just that partner.”