It’s the People!
This quarter, that fundamental business principle has never been more apparent. We firmly believe that our people are our greatest asset. Our real strength lies in the exceptional individuals who make up our Smart City family and I wholeheartedly commend them for their commitment to service and hard work in recent months.
It’s why we are proud to introduce an exciting, new initiative this quarter that emphasizes our team members’ professional growth and advancement. We have successfully launched the CAT Promotional Evaluation Testing Program, which offers a clear path to promotion while recognizing those team members that show potential. As we launch this new initiative, we want to continue showcasing the incredible efforts of our team members at all levels throughout our organization.
From our 5-Star Committee to the Midyear Review, to special highlights on our traveling technicians, to so much more, all these pieces make up a larger picture of the work Smart City has done this quarter, and we could not be prouder of our team.
It’s the people who manage to assist in bringing the amazing events that we’ve seen throughout this quarter to life. For every Beyonce concert, Comic Con, Garden Show, and Mary Kay Event that graces one of our partnered convention centers, there is a local Smart City team ready to do whatever it takes to install the show efficiently and effectively, ensuring the events’ success.
But it’s not just our people who deserve special commendation. We like to think our Smart City family extends beyond just those with our company’s name on their badges. The people behind our partnered convention centers also deserve special recognition. We are all an integral part of the meeting and events industry, working side-by-side to provide gamechanging technology solutions, and stellar customer support.
This issue of the Pinnacle is a tribute to all the special individuals, and we are very excited to share it with you. As always, thank you to our incredible team who continue to excel far beyond any expectations as we continue our forward momentum!
To the Top!
It’s the People. We have great people who want to do well, who are capable of doing great things, and who come to work fired up to achieve them. Great people flourish in an environment that liberates and amplifies their energy. It’s the People. We have great people who want to do well, who are capable of doing great things, and who come to work fired up to achieve them. Great people flourish in an environment that liberates and amplifies their energy. It’s the People. We have great people who want to do well, who are capable of doing great things, and who come to work fired up to achieve them. Great people flourish in an environment that liberates and amplifies their energy. It’s the People. We have great people who want to do well, who are capable of doing great things, and who come to work fired up to achieve them. Great people flourish in an environment that liberates and amplifies their energy.. It’s the People. We have great people
Smart City Networks was pleased to join VenueConnect 2023 in Pittsburgh, PA at the end of July, where our exhibit booth offered us an incredible opportunity to connect with like-minded industry professionals, as well as support the Diversity and Inclusive Leadership Committee fundraiser. It was a chance to gather with individuals from across the nation who share our passion for the meetings and events industry.
Being a leading voice in the telecommunications realm for nearly four decades, our network of connections runs deep. Thus, having the chance to not only reconnect with old friends but also forge new relationships was an incredible experience. One of the many highlights was reconnecting with Courtney Dyer, former General Manager at our partnered convention center in Virginia Beach who was honored at VC23 with a well-deserved Lifetime Achievement Award!
Smart City strives to remain an industry leader by staying up to date on the latest news and updates from the meetings and events industry not only on a national level, but also on a global scale. With that in mind, we were excited to attend the International Association of Convention Centres’ (AIPC) annual conference, AIPC 2023, in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg. This is the 13th year Smart City has participated as a business partner in AIPC.
“Smart City has always believed that the true strength of our industry lies in the meaningful connections we build with one another,” Mark Haley, President of Smart City, said in a comment on this year’s event. Pictured left, Mark Haley with Oak View Group President Greg O’Dell, and Chief Operating Officer at George R. Brown Convention Center Luther Villagomez.
Smart City Networks was a sponsor for the recent Connect Marketplace in Minneapolis. Two of our executive team members, Dennis O’Gara and Chris Pendleton, along with our local GM, Brian Clear, had the privilege of supporting our client, Meet Minneapolis. During the event, they engaged with the Minneapolis Convention Center team, including Executive Director Jeff Johnson and Associate Director of Sales Deb Taylor, pictured below.
The event also provided an opportunity to reconnect with many of our industry friends and association clients, including Juan Lopez, the National Sales & Marketing Manager for the Tampa Convention Center, also pictured below.
We want to give a special shoutout to one of our Network Administrators, Gamil Abd-Elmalek, who was promoted recently to Sergeant in the Nevada Army National Guard. Gamil says he is excited for this opportunity to lead and mentor soldiers, and we are so proud of his service and his commitment to the greater good. His many accomplishments both at Smart City and in the National Guard are admirable and we are lucky to have him on our team!
Keith McNeely is a staple of Smart City Networks, with over 40 years of dedicated service since our company’s inception. He is one of the very first employees of Smart City and is the current Senior Director of Technology at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio.
Throughout his extensive career, Keith has worn multiple hats, leading various teams, including his current role as the head of our 5-Star committee, which pushes our team members to uphold our standards of excellence across the nation. His dedication has significantly contributed to our company’s success, a fact appreciated by both our San Antonio team and the entire organization.
In August, the San Antonio team celebrated Keith’s 69th birthday, a testament to his enduring commitment. Happy Birthday Keith!
Smart City’s Orlando team joined with hundreds of business professionals in support of Visit Orlando at their Insights Luncheon & General Session. The event featured a series of informative presentations, offering updates about the destination, and invaluable insights shared by several prominent figures within the local community. A particular highlight was the unveiling of exciting research on the $87.6 billion economic impact of the travel industry on Orlando.
Smart City would like to congratulate Alex Gilliam (Operations Manager, Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center) and Nycole Smith (Customer Service and Sales Manager, Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center) for graduating from Rapport Leadership Breakthrough One (LB1) this quarter.
Alex and Nycole have shown incredible dedication and tenacity to our company and we are honored to have leaders like them representing our company. Alex and Nycole are great examples of our hardworking Smart City team who always strive to reach the very top!
Our NRG team has had an incredibly busy 2023 with massive events like the Final Four basketball tournament and the Houston Livestock and Rodeo Show. They also have spent a lot of time prepping for another exciting season of Houston Texans football, which includes upgrading NRG Stadium. With all that going on, our local Houston team members decided to unwind with a few games of Pickleball. It was an excellent opportunity to relax and have a little fun!
There are a few major milestones in life. These include: Your first loose tooth, the first time you watch The Wizard of Oz, and of course, the first time you get to stand next to the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile. This iconic ride stopped in front of the Virginia Beach Convention Center and our General Manager Ryan McCart had the extreme honor of taking a picture with it. No comment on whether he tried to take a bite out of it or not…
This quarter, we would like to bring to you a special Employee Spotlight. Rather than just highlighting one individual, we decided to shine a light on a particular group of team members who represent Smart City’s commitment to nationwide service. To all our roaming technicians, this is your spotlight!
In the meeting and events industry, it is the technicians who help keep the Wi-Fi on, ensuring the technology hums seamlessly. These dedicated professionals are the backbone of Smart City, and have mastered the art of running lines, configuring ports, managing switches, and handling the overall maintenance of the equipment that allows for a show to be successful.
Within our extensive network across the nation, we are fortunate to have passionate local technician teams operating in all of our partnered convention centers. Nevertheless, there are instances where a full-facility, high-tech event requires additional support in addition to the local team. An example of this occurred in September at the Seattle Convention Center for PAX West, one of the nation’s largest gaming events. We extended a request for reinforcements from other Smart City locations in the region, and quickly our enthusiastic team members answered the call.
Technicians from Anaheim, Atlantic City, and Hawaii, as well as Event Coordinators from Sacramento and Hawaii, all arrived in Seattle to contribute their expertise and skills to make the event a huge success. We would like to thank Kevin Romero and Bryan Flores from the Anaheim Convention Center, Amon Carthan from the Virginia Beach Convention Center, David King, and Aria Godina from the Hawai’i Convention Center, and JQuandrei Ellis from the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in Sacramento for their hard work in assisting our local team in Seattle for PAX West 2023. Their commitment to delivering quality service to all Smart City customers made this one of the best years ever for the thousands of gaming fans in attendance. Teams Work!
And this spotlight extends to all our roaming technicians who answer the call to service and assist in events outside of their own convention centers. Their willingness to travel to various venues across the county provides a valuable opportunity to observe other technicians at different locations to see similarities and differences. They then bring back newfound insights to their respective convention center teams, establishing a unified operating procedure across all Smart City teams.
Smart City would like to extend our sincere congratulations to the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, Florida, for celebrating its monumental 40th Anniversary. It is a significant occasion that reflects four decades of growth in the meeting and events industry. Since opening its doors in 1983, the OCCC has seen several significant upgrades as it adapted to the ever-changing needs of exhibitors and attendees. It has undergone four expansions, and multiple renovations, always with the intent of keeping Orlando one of the premier meeting destinations in the country. Over the years, the OCCC has become an iconic landmark in Florida and has hosted many of the largest and most influential events in the entire country.
As they celebrate 40 years of excellence, Smart City takes immense pride in our strong partnership with the OCCC. We have been fortunate to celebrate much of this success with the Center over the last 20 years as we continue to provide cutting edge technological solutions tailored to OCCC. Our close collaboration has helped our company rise to meet OCCC’s unique and evolving needs. There have been incredible strides made in technology over the years and we have seen firsthand how great technological solutions, paired with stellar customer service and a state-of-the-art venue can elevate the experience of all attendees and event organizers. We continue to be excited for what the future holds. Here is to another 40 years!
Oak View Group, the new private management and food service partner for Chicago’s McCormick Place, has named veteran executive Samuel R. Thomas Jr. as the new Senior Vice President & General Manager of the McCormick Place campus. Samuel has been the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Events DC, responsible for managing daily operations for the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
Smart City has enjoyed working closely with Samuel over the years at Events DC, and we wish him all the best in his next exciting endeavor! A farewell party was held in Samuel’s honor and pictured next to Samuel includes Smart City’s General Manager Jim Erickson, Owner of Dynamic Concepts, Inc. (DCI) Pedro Alfonso, Director of Marketing and Business Services at DCI, Gabrielle Alfonso, and DCI’s Chief Operating Officer Ron Watkins
Smart City would like to congratulate Patrick Drake at the Phoenix Convention Center & Venues for being named the new Director of Sales. Patrick joined the City in 2018 as sales manager before serving as interim venue manager, and was appointed to his new position in July. Smart City looks forward to continuing our working relationship with Patrick as we strive to deliver exceptional event service to the Phoenix Convention Center.
“As sales manager, Patrick has been pivotal in attracting top-tier events to the Phoenix Convention Center,” Todd Zuccato, General Manager of Technology Services in Phoenix, said. “We are excited to see what he can accomplish in his expanded role. Expect a bright future for events in Phoenix!”
Richard Lewis has spent more than 50 years dedicated to musical theater and bringing shows to Sacramento, and this year the President and CEO of Broadway Sacramento will step away from the stage for the last time. Richard has been a part of the Sacramento arts scene almost his entire life and he has made a substantial impact on the Arts world.
Smart City Networks has been partnering with Broadway Sacramento to bring productions to the newly renovated SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center since the building’s reopening with Hamilton in September 2021, and Richard has helped ensure a seamless process as we assist in creating memorable experiences for all that attend Broadway Sacramento events. We would like to thank Richard for his partnership with Smart City, and his dedication and service to the Sacramento performing arts culture. His presence will be missed!
Smart City’s Midyear Business Review saw our executive team gather at our corporate office to both review the year’s accomplishments and strategize on the future. It was two full days of important conversations regarding innovation, growth, and the future of Smart City. And of course, we want to wish a special congratulations to our Midyear Trivia Champions: The A+ Team! We learned that we are a very competitive group of individuals, which explains our passion to always strive to reach the very top!
Smart City has remained the leading voice in the telecommunications industry for over 40 years due to our enhanced standards for excellence set through our 5-Star program. The program establishes a core set of operating procedures that center around safety, service, network integrity, quality, and performance. Our 5-Star Committee recently held their Annual Planning Meeting at our corporate office in Las Vegas in preparation for 2024. Each member of the committee has been selected for their unique knowledge and experience, and we thank them for their time and dedication to Smart City.
Amidst all of our corporate meetings, it is always important to add in some fun! Our team took a trip to the Paradox Museum in Las Vegas where our minds melted, our sense of direction was challenged, and our perception of what was real or not was constantly challenged!
Smart City tapped into our musical side this quarter as we helped provide services for a series of high-profile concerts throughout our partnered convention centers. The results were an electrifying musical experience that helped light up both St. Louis and Houston.
One of the most popular performers on the planet, Beyoncé, graced the stage of the Dome at America’s Center as part of her Renaissance World Tour. Our robust network infrastructure played a pivotal role in delivering an unforgettable experience to the thousands of fans eager to share their excitement on social media. We had over 10,000 concurrent users on our Wi-Fi during the event, and seamless connectivity was a key factor to ensuring event success. Smart City is proud to have played a part in such a monumental moment in musical history!
Beyoncé did not just stop in St. Louis during her Renaissance World Tour, but rather lit up stages across the entire United States. Among her many stops, Queen Bey hit many major cities where Smart City is fortunate to have a presence in. From Charlotte to Washington DC, to Miami, and even to Las Vegas where Smart City holds its corporate office. Beyoncé’s reach truly knows no bounds!
Meanwhile, in Houston, Texas, the NRG Stadium welcomed the sensational international superstar Karol G. It was an incredible night of music and dance, but we wanted to take a moment to highlight the team who put in the time and work to get the concert up and running. Connectivity is important for fans enjoying the show, but that also translates to more efficient ticketing and security processes, all of which help create a better experience for attendees.
Smart City loves providing services for blockbuster musical acts and our commitment and expertise demonstrate why we are the preferred technology solutions partner of choice for venues like NRG and America’s Convention Center Complex.
Smart City, with the precision and care of a seasoned gardener, helped nurture the Arett Lawn and Garden Show held in September at the Atlantic City Convention Center. Much like tending to a garden, we provided our stellar network infrastructure, cultivating the perfect environment for this event to fully bloom. Arett Sales Corporation, the leading distributor in the realms of lawn, garden, home, and outdoor living across the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest was behind this event, and we took considerable pride tending to this event’s network needs.
Smart City and the Tampa Convention Center recently welcomed back the Prince Hall Shriners for their Annual Imperial Convention in August. This marked the group’s return to Tampa after their last convention in the city in 2016, and the fourth time overall the event has been held in this community.
The Prince Hall Shriners are part of the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine (AEAONMS) and have been an important cornerstone of the Tampa community throughout the years. The Annual Imperial Convention highlights youth mentoring, hospital visits, health walks, and scholarships, all of which highlight a commitment to service and charity. To commemorate the AEAONMS enduring presence and contributions to the Tampa community, Visit Tampa Bay paced a special paver along the Tampa Riverwalk.
Cosplay has been strong throughout the summer season, with a series of events that give attendees the chance to embrace their favorite fandoms. The best part is seeing so many dedicated fans show up coast to coast! Events highlighted in Pinnacle include Otakon at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington D.C., SacAnime in Sacramento, Anime Expo in Los Angeles, and Comic Con in San Diego. All these events have attendees bringing serious costume game!
At Smart City, we dress up as a different kind of superhero. We are the Smart City Tech-Squad, working from the shadows, ensuring dastardly villains like No-Internet-Man or The Slow Connector do not disrupt service for exhibitors and attendees during these awesome events. Whenever the Smart Signal is deployed into the catwalk, we know there are lines to drop and install, VLANS to assign, equipment to program and test, and even a sponsored attendee buyout to broadcast. Our signature weapon is our stellar customer service smile, which can turn any rainy day into a sunny one! Whenever the Smart City Networks logo shows up at an event, people can rest easy knowing that they are in the capable hands of the Smart City Tech-Squad.
The 2023 Pokémon North America International Championships took place at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, attracting trainers and players from all around the nation for a chance to win Championship Point payouts and thousands of dollars’ worth of prizes. Smart City was on hand servicing the event to make sure everyone stayed connected, and also kept an eye out for those devious villains at Team Rocket!
Plays well with others Organized Competitive
PIKACHU
Big Squishy
Full of Hot Air
Smokey
Short Temper Fiesty
A collection of high-profile gaming events swept through Smart City’s partnered convention centers this quarter. Gen Con at the Indiana Convention Center & Lucas Oil Stadium is the largest tabletop game convention in North America, while Greater Columbus Convention Center hosted fun events like Astra and the Origins Game Fair. On the west coast, the iconic Pax West at the Seattle Convention Center expanded its reach by an entire city block into the newly opened and upgraded Summit building. All these incredible events highlight a competitive gaming spirit in a fun atmosphere and Smart City was working behind the scenes to provide the ultimate power up.
The International Conference on Machine Learning (ICML) held at the Hawai’i Convention Center (HCC) in July marked the organization’s 40th international conference and represented the first time it had ever been hosted in Hawai’i. This was the largest event in terms of network deliverables by Smart City in its 7-year tenure at HCC.
A series of robust streaming demands challenged us like never before as the full circuit easily experienced over 80% utilization within the first two days. In total, the physical network build encompassed 130 network endpoints facility-wide. This event boasted the largest hosted Wi-Fi seen in the past decade at HCC; with a full facility 7,000 user wireless buyout configured. Smart City’s wireless specialists from the Network Operations Center, Doug Sowell and Michael Hertweck devised a deployment strategy that required augmenting our capacity 70% above the existing infrastructure. The capstone of the event was the wireless network design for the 4,000-seat General Session room. This hall hosted Nobel Prize-Winning Keynote speaker Jennifer Doudna, contributing biochemist to the gene-editing technology, CRISPR.
The local team was led by Hawaii-based GM, David Bachler with oversight spearheaded by Northwest Regional Director, Jim Snook. Hawai’i Team boasted new faces: locally based Aria Godina (Event Coordinator) and David King (Technician) were quick to find the appropriate speed and cohesion necessary to pull off successful execution. Senior Technician, Taylor Harris from our Smart City Phoenix Team was also an invaluable addition, lending operational experience and insight; his efforts were sizable to our overall success.
The accomplishments of ICML 2023 embodied many of the core business principles of our company, none more important than ... Team’s Work. We remain humbled and grateful for the opportunity to actualize our abilities with this prestigious client.
The Miami International Auto Show is a staple of the Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC) and this year, the event came ready to cruise with a versatile line-up that had a strong emphasis on electric vehicles. Electric cars are the future, and with more consumers shifting from gas to electric, the major manufacturers came ready with new models that included the iconic GMC Hummer EV, Ford F150 Lightning, Cadillac LYRIQ and the Nissan Ariya. A special element of the event included the Indoor EV Test Track, powered by FPL EV Charging Network which offered attendees an incredible opportunity to explore and experience the latest electric vehicles up close.
Smart City may not deal in horsepower, but we know the lengths it takes to properly fuel and energize an event. Trusting our skilled technicians to run the proper lines, install CAT 5 cabling, and get exhibitors connected is always our top priority.
Anime Expo (AX) returned to the Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC) in July, celebrating its 32nd Anniversary. Smart City provided technology solutions to Show Management for event Attendees from over 60 countries. In addition, the show floor had over 400 exhibitors, producing over 1,000 hours of entertainment programming. AX is the largest anime convention in North America and the highest attended show for LACC, reaching approximately 100K people per day.
One of the interesting aspects of Smart City’s service is operating in places people do not expect. The benefit of massive events that take place in and around the convention center means that some services extend outside the venue. For AX, we extended fiber for their Entertainment stage and provided services for the Food Trucks and Beer Gardens, services were also extended to Gilbert Lindsey Plaza for Ticketing and Registration trailers, with cabling run for RFID scanners throughout the entire convention center. Overall, it was a tremendous success for such a large event!
The Smart City Anaheim Convention Center team supported Amazon Web Services (AWS) re:Inforce 2023 this quarter. The security learning conference featured AWS experts and industryleading customers with content from AWS leaders and AWS Security Competency Partners including CrowdStrike, Datadog, Palo Alto Networks, Snyk, and Wiz. With assistance from visiting technicians Earvin Claros and Gabe Sanchez from our Los Angeles team, and Taylor Leabhart from the San Diego team, the Anaheim team co-located the full facility client network and supported connections into the entire meeting space, including services for multiple event vendors.
Since 1998, Smart City has been the trusted technology partner for the Mary Kay Seminar in Dallas. This year held particular significance as Mary Kay celebrated its incredible 60th anniversary, and our dedicated team at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center (KBHCC) felt privileged to contribute to this enduring legacy.
Our role involved setting up our reliable network infrastructure, both hardwired and wireless, to cater to the needs of Mary Kay throughout their 16-day event at KBHCC. Additionally, we provided our network services to facilitate the live streaming of their general sessions. This provided the opportunity to deliver Mary Kay’s inspiring message both at the convention center and around the world.
Each summer, Fire Rescue International (FRI) becomes the central meeting ground for thousands of fire and emergency service leaders, attracting participants from across the nation and around the world. The event serves as a platform to discuss all areas of emergency service. It draws hundreds of exhibitors, showcasing the latest and greatest fire service innovations in gear, equipment, technology, and much more.
This year, FRI took place at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, MI, and our dedicated local Smart City team was on-site, ready to fight any metaphorical fires that can accompany event move-in. This year was especially significant, as the International Association of Fire Chiefs celebrated its 150th anniversary, making this FRI an even more incredible occasion.
The Santa Clara Convention Center (SCCC) is thrilled to announce an exciting partnership with the Triton Art Museum, which is based in the Santa Clara community. Ever since Oak View Group assumed management of SCCC in 2019, a collaboration like this one has been a top priority. This art project is named “The Big Red Chair Project” and is the brainchild of talented local artist, Eve Page Mathias. This art collection came to life during the challenging times of the pandemic and served as Mathias’ way to bridge the emotional gaps created by the separation from her friends and loved ones. SCCC feels deeply privileged to showcase these beautiful works of art throughout the venue, adding to its already wonderful aesthetic.
Smart City has been a steadfast service provider of The Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo for an impressive 13 times over the past 24 years, spanning across our partnered convention centers in Los Angeles, Anaheim, and San Diego. The August 2023 edition held at the Anaheim Convention Center was entirely dedicated to the vibrant restaurant and foodservice community, providing unparalleled access to the latest menu trends and cutting-edge design innovations.
In a fun twist, CoffeeFest was co-located with this event, allowing attendees to meet suppliers, educators, and experts in the specialty coffee & restaurant community. Smart City initially supported CoffeeFest in Washington D.C. in 2004 and will support it again at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando this November. Handling two events at once is nothing new for Smart City and our team worked diligently to service both events.
We Care and Give Back. We believe with our success comes the responsibility to give back to your communities. We seek to contribute to our communities in ways that reflect broadly held values, have meaningful impact, draw on our unique strengths as a company, and wherever possible reinforce our business objectives. We Care and Give Back. We believe with our success comes the responsibility to give back to your communities. We seek to contribute to our communities in ways that reflect broadly held values, have meaningful impact, draw on our unique strengths as a company, and wherever possible reinforce our business objectives. We Care and Give Back. We believe with our success comes the responsibility to give back to your communities. We seek to contribute to our communities in ways that reflect broadly held values, have meaningful impact, draw on our unique strengths as a company, and wherever possible reinforce our business objectives.
August marked not only the return of children to school, but also a resurgence of events dedicated to the well-being of our young learners. One such event was the Back-to-School Care Faire held at the Virginia Beach Convention Center (VBCC), which is focused on providing families the opportunity to tap into essential school resources within the Virginia Beach community.
This event, which welcomed all local families at no cost, hosted more than 100 youth-focused community partners. Its significance cannot be overstated, and it serves as a vital pillar of the Virginia Beach community. Recognizing its importance, Smart City demonstrated their commitment to service by donating a premium Wi-Fi buyout, ensuring seamless connectivity for all attendees.
The Great Backpack Build, held at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC), marked the exciting start of A Gift For Teaching’s Ready for Back-to-School campaign, proudly presented by Walt Disney Resort. This event reached an amazing milestone, with a jawdropping 20,000 backpacks built for brighter futures. These packs were filled with essential supplies, all made possible through the generous contributions of companies and supporters.
Creating this incredible experience would not have been possible without the invaluable support of committed community partners. They stepped up with over $165,000 worth of production services, venue space, and materials. By working together on these meaningful collaborations, the Orlando community provided crucial educational resources to those in need. As the trusted partner for the OCCC for more than two decades, we are proud to see the venue host such an important local event.
Smart City’s Cincinnati General Manager Arnold Chavez joined the Duke Energy Convention Center in the Push 4 Pencils Charity Campaign this quarter. On behalf of Smart City some desperately needed school supplies were donated to the cause. It further speaks to Smart City’s desire to use our voice to make an impact in our local communities. We thank our committed team members who remain dedicated to helping those in need, and we thank great organizations and campaigns like Push 4 Pencils.
Continually Improve Processes. How do we know if a process needs improving? The answer: It always does. We can always get better. We strive continually to improve our processes, help people do their jobs better, and produce higher quality at lower cost. Continually Improve Processes. How do we know if a process needs improving? The answer: It always does. We can always get better. We strive continually to improve our processes, help people do their jobs better, and produce higher quality at lower cost. Continually Improve Processes. How do we know if a process needs improving? The answer: It always does. We can always get better. We strive continually to improve our processes, help people do their jobs better, and produce higher quality at lower cost. Continually Improve Processes. How do we know if a process needs improving? The answer: It always does. We can always get better. We strive continually to improve our processes, help people do their jobs better, and produce higher quality at lower cost.
Life is never dull at a Smart City Networks convention center, so even as the summer months bring a lull in events at some venues, it also presents the perfect window to upgrade the current infrastructure. One such instance unfolded recently at one of our newest venues, the I-X Center, where a significant network upgrade led to impressive results.
Our goal was to both modernize and standardize the network at I-X Center to better resemble that of our other locations. The first step required replacing the existing 1GB circuit with a burstable 10GB circuit. This circuit increases the available public addresses for events that require a public presence. Once the circuit was installed, we worked with the building to get added power into the MDF (Main Distribution Frame). The additional power was needed to support all of the new equipment we planned to install. Our technician, Ryan Kennan, then installed the new UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) equipment that powers the new core. Once Ryan installed the newly reconfigured Cisco switch, we were able to get the new circuit up and successfully decommission the old circuit.
After the core switch was up it was time to reconfigure the Cisco switches in preparation for the replacement of the HP edge switches. As summer ended, events started to pick back up in the center. This fall season will be busy as we will continue to upgrade and install new gear between events. Once completed, we will have replaced the HP core, HP edge switches, the Samsung controller, Samsung access points, UPS, firewalls, and DHCP server.
We would like to give a big boost to everyone in our Network Operations Center (NOC) for assisting the local technicians at the I-X Center in getting the new network up, as well as give a special shoutout to our Circuit Analyst Tina Shields for procuring the new circuits. And again, a big thank you to our on-site technician Ryan, for all his hard work. Teams Work!
Smart City Networks takes pride in serving a diverse array of iconic football stadiums and arenas across the nation. One of our valued partners is the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, the revered home of the NFL Colts. Our role for the Colts weekly games is extensive, covering virtually every facet of the event, as we are the administrators of the network.
In addition to delivering Wi-Fi connectivity to every individual entering the venue, our responsibilities encompass an impressive array of systems and services. This includes network connectivity and support for VoIP phones, security cameras, access control, lighting control, HVAC systems, audio equipment, video boards (jumbotrons), concession stand registers, ticket scanning, streaming services for radio stations, NFL statistics, X-Ray machines, on-field photographers, and much more.
To put our scale into perspective, consider this astonishing fact: The video network responsible for the captivating displays on the stadium’s video boards within the seating area processes an astronomical amount of data. At its core, an Arista switch handles uncompressed video, managing a mind-boggling 43.34 petabytes (PB) of data in a 24-hour period. This equates to a staggering 4 terabits per second (Tbps) or 501 gigabytes per second (Gbps). To break it down further, 43.34 PB translates to 43,340 terabytes (TB) or a staggering 43,340,000 gigabytes (GB).
As a fascinating aside, in the upcoming seasons, all concession stands are poised to transition from traditional static menu boards to an IPTV network featuring digital monitors. This transformation will necessitate the installation of hundreds of Cat-6 cables, additional switches, and the delivery of menu monitor content through our network. Furthermore, approximately 1,400 TVs currently receiving their feeds via coaxial cables will be converted to IPTV, involving even more Cat-6 cables, additional switches, and a substantial increase to the data flowing through our network. It is just one of the many ways we work to Continually Improve Processes and to keep Smart City at the forefront of enabling seamless and innovative experiences within the Lucas Oil Stadium and beyond.
Smart City is thrilled to announce the extension of our partnerships with two remarkable cities. Our partnership with the City of Kansas City, MO, at the Kansas City Convention and Entertainment Facilities has been extended for another year. This extension is a testament to the exceptional relationship we have built over the last year. Not only does it signify our commitment to enhancing the financial landscape of the city, but it also underscores our dedication to elevating the quality of services provided to the customers who utilize the venues.
Equally exciting is the announcement of a 5-year contract extension with one of our long-standing partners, the Orange County Convention Center. This extension solidifies a 20-year relationship, highlighting our unwavering commitment to providing cutting-edge products and services tailored to the meetings and events industry.
Smart City Networks has always been at the forefront of innovation, and with these recent contract extensions, we can continue our journey of financial improvement and service quality enhancement for these wonderful cities. We are deeply honored that the Orange County Convention Center and the Kansas City Convention and Entertainment Facilities have entrusted us with the crucial task of delivering advanced technology services to their valued customers.
These extensions stand as a clear demonstration of the remarkable partnerships we’ve forged and the bright future that lies ahead as we continue to innovate and excel in our field. Thank you for your continued support and trust in Smart City Networks!
Hey ChatGPT, please write me a Jacoby’s Jabber article. Jacoby’s Jabber is a section of Smart City’s Quarterly Pinnacle where Jacoby muses on a corporate event or a travel experience, he went through in the last few months. Make it catchy and fun in a way that members of our team won’t forget the name of this section during our next Trivia event like they did a few weeks ago...I don’t use you often ChatGPT, but after attending Content Marketing World 2023 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, I understand that Artificial Intelligence is here to stay, and it is better to embrace the future. Oh, and last thing, please make it so people cannot tell I used ChatGPT to write this article. Make it so the only way they would know if I used you was if I accidentally cut and copy this prompt along with my article! But don’t worry, I’d never do that….
I’m kidding! I didn’t actually use ChatGPT to write this month’s Jacoby Jabber but following my experience attending the phenomenal Content Marketing World event in September, I have a newfound curiosity for Artificial Intelligence and its potential to help Smart City reach the very top! What truly resonated with me during my time at the conference was how profoundly AI is reshaping the entire landscape for content marketers and businesses alike. AI is now a major component of almost every specialized marketing tool, and couple that with the enthusiasm it generated at the event, it makes it abundantly clear that if don’t utilize it soon, we’re going to be left behind. There are so many different applications for AI, and we’re only scratching the surface toward its full capabilities. Yes, that means it comes with some dangers and a few unknown variables, but it is vital that we adapt to the evolving digital landscape before things go too far. We find ourselves in uncharted territory, and I can’t wait to chart out a brand-new future for Smart City in this era of AI. Our approach will be cautious and careful, but rest assured, we will be dedicated in our pursuit!
Even though I’ve waxed on about Artificial Intelligence throughout this article, it was not my only focus at the event. Content Marketing World was a great opportunity to connect and network with like-minded content creators and marketers who all were united in their goal of finding the best ways to present their products to their customers. Seeing these diverse perspectives was an excellent way to compare notes and learn fresh ideas that better my approach toward our marketing strategies.
Of course, attending this event in Washington DC was serendipitous, as it allowed me a chance to see another one of our outstanding local teams in action. I have now had the privilege of seeing four different local Smart City teams in action, each led by a unique General Manager, and each offering a distinct approach. From the moment I met with Jim Erickson and started my trek through the gorgeous Walter E. Washington center, I was struck by how well Jim knew everyone we encountered. He said hello to nearly everyone we passed, and it highlights his and his team’s commitment to customer service and personal relationships. So, I just wanted to end this with a special thank you to the Washington DC team for their time, and especially their patience, as I explained to them my mission of recreating the TV Intro for “The West Wing” with them!
con·tent mar·ket·ing [content marketing]
NOUN
a type of marketing that involves the creation and sharing of online material (such as videos, blogs, and social media posts) that does not explicitly promote a brand but is intended to stimulate interest in its products or services:
“social media is an integral part of content marketing” · “an effective content marketing strategy”
Alexia Puckett
Dina Shogren
Tyshon Reid
Nicholas Urquiza
Kenneth Nguyen
Erika Rios
Bryan Flores
Raquel Boyd
Adam Maloney
James Zarharchuck
Angel Hernandez
Francisco Cruz
Tim Overall
Katrina Palenzuela
Donald Brewer
Cary Rose
Gamil Abd-Elmalek
Albert Janak
Connor Wellentin
Richard Zarzosa
Clayton Gowiski
Dante Kosirog
Lester Michael
Taylor Leabhart
Amon Carthan
Nicco Evans
Chris Wharry
Rey Crespo
Tami Perez
Michael Crusoe
Shawn Lowery
Earnest Wallace
Jonah West
Mohammed Nouwass
Nathan Reeves
Tracy Gorman
Keith McNeely
Sal Bernal Flores
Samuel Pierre
Crystal Daniels
Alexis Mayfield
Mark Fullen
Giovanna Recinos
David Lopez
Ben Behnkendorf
Christy Hogan
Juan Lopez
Madison Grimes
Alejandro Patino
Jennifer Roeder
Stephen Martin
Jim Erickson
Adrian Juarez
Alex Gilliam
Ryan Kraber
Kristin Reed
Jen Way
Dayshaun Womble
Jomari Paguia
Jacoby Bancroft
Cody Campbell
Rennie Brown
Danielle Castillo
Arnold Chavez
Bill Duke
Kevin Patch
Terrell Collins
Michael Malone
Jennifer Mezquita
Our team has experienced significant growth this quarter, with the addition of 14 new employees. This reflects our outstanding work environment and commitment to our Smart City family. Smart City offers lucrative benefit packages to our employees which not only includes the essentials such as paid time off, medical, dental, and vision coverage, but also valuable perks like tuition reimbursement, unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning content, and a brand-new mentorship program designed to encourage connections between employees and our executive team. It represents our commitment to providing the best working environment for our team members and helping set them up for success.
And as we look ahead to the rest of the year, our focus remains firmly on building the ideal Smart City team. We are continually in search of exceptional candidates who embody our core business principles and can help us continue our rise to the very top! Our referral program has proven highly successful in attracting top-tier talent, and we encourage all current Smart City employees to recommend friends and family whenever applicable. We thank all of our employees for their stellar work this quarter, and we extend a warm welcome to all the new faces joining the Smart City family!
Michael Crusoe - CSSR I - Washington DC
Melody Doucet - CSSR II - Las Vegas
Keanu Harry - CSSR I - Houston
Patrick Hemenway - Technician - Orlando
Stephanie Johnson - Help Desk Admin - Las Vegas
Dante Kosirog - Technician - San Diego
David Lopez - Technician - San Diego
Jomari Paguia - Technician - San Diego
Katrina Palenzuela - Event Coordinator - Orlando
Pamela Reip - Staff Accountant - Las Vegas
Omar Santiago - Technician - San Diego
Ross Tchernaev - Help Desk Admin - Las Vegas
Earnest Wallace - CSSR I - San Diego
Connor Wellentin - Technician - Seattle
At Smart City Networks, we are all about empowering our teams and creating an environment where solutions are architected through collaboration. We have learned that everyone thrives when we celebrate team success, recognize innovation, and embrace individuality. To learn more about a career at Smart City Networks click here!
Orange County Convention Center
I would like to nominate Jessica Torres as our Employee of the Month. Jessica has shown her ability to care and give back countless times, specifically with the success of all departments. When Andrew was horribly injured in an accident, Jessica gave me the help I needed to fill his shoes during very trying times. Jessica was also there to help the Event Coordinators with any questions on products or policy they may have. Jessica has been one the main contributors to the success of the 5 Star program and has been our safety officer for many years. Her uncanny knowledge of policy and procedure is an absolute asset to not only the Orlando team but, to the company.
Santa Clara Convention Center
Sergio is always willing to help out and jump in whenever the need arises. Whether it be a site visit with a client, laying and taping the lines for exhibitors, or talking through trouble calls. He is willing to work any hours that are required. He is patient with colleagues and customers alike. He has grown tremendously in his knowledge and understanding of the Products and Services we offer (AESOP). He never complains and he is someone we can depend on. He has recently started CAT Training for learning Tech skills to be more of service.
Los Angeles Convention Center
I would like to nominate Earvin Claros for employee of the month. Over the past few months, Earvin has been a vital member of the team. He voluntarily took on the leadership responsibilities of the Operations Supervisor when they were unavailable for Anime and has continually sought out ways to improve his technical skills. He has traveled to multiple centers to assist with large shows and shares his experiences with the team to enhance our overall operation. He is an asset to the team in LA!!!
JULY
TAMMY CLARK - 16 YEARS
JEN WAY - 15 YEAR
NICHOLAS URQUIZA - 13 YEARS
DANE HARDY - 10 YEARS
ALEXIS MAYFIELD - 10 YEARS
MIKE HERTWECK - 10 YEARS
BRAY PABALAN - 6 YEARS
TANIA RAMOS - 5 YEARS
SARAH FINNEGAN - 5 YEARS
ERIC MOWREY - 5 YEARS
DINA SHOGREN - 5 YEARS
GAMIL ABD-ELMALEK - 1 YEAR
COURTNEY DIEM - 1 YEAR
ALEXIS FLORES - 1 YEAR
CLAYTON GOWISKI - 1 YEAR
CARY ROSE - 1 YEAR
DAVID LANGFORD - 23 YEARS
JESSE GALLEGOS - 11 YEARS
BRIAN CLEAR - 10 YEARS
MARK THOMPSON - 8 YEARS
CODY CAMPBELL - 7 YEARS
ALEXUS GAMMAGE - 7 YEARS
MATTHEW CHITWOOD - 7 YEARS
ETHAN CANTU - 4 YEARS
MICHAEL GARTRELL - 4 YEARS
MICHAEL BROWN - 2 YEARS
EARVIN CLAROS - 2 YEARS
CRYSTAL DANIELS - 2 YEARS
JOSHUA GUAJARDO - 2 YEARS
ANTOINETTE IBARRA - 2 YEARS
KARINTIA MARISCAL - 2 YEARS
ALLEGRA QUIBAN - 2 YEARS
WALTER QUINTANILLA - 2 YEARS
RICHARD ZARZOSA - 2 YEARS
NATHANIEL BACKUS - 1 YEAR
ERIKA RIOS - 1 YEAR
MICHAEL RUPPRECHT II - 1 YEAR
CHRISTIAN DEJESUS-CRUZ - 1 YEAR
STEVEN SEPULVEDA - 1 YEAR
JULIA SLOCOMBE - 26 YEARS
GREGORY SMITH - 24 YEARS
TINA SHIELDS - 19 YEARS
ROB CARTAGINE - 14 YEARS
JENNIFER MEZQUITA - 12 YEARS
PAUL RUSSELL - 12 YEARS
ALICE TAYLOR - 10 YEARS
NYCOLE SMITH - 9 YEARS
RENNIE BROWN - 7 YEARS
SAL BERNAL FLORES - 6 YEARS
CARA KROENKE - 5 YEARS
ALEJANDRO PATINO - 5 YEARS
RAQUEL CHAVEZ - 2 YEARS
MICHELE POPP - 2 YEARS
RYAN KRABER - 1 YEAR
KYLE RAINEY - 1 YEAR
SERGIO RAMIREZ ORTIZ - 1 YEAR
MOHAMAD SUMRED - 1 YEAR
CJ YUMANG- 1 YEAR
