The Birmingham-based NEC is the first venue in the UK to adopt WaitTime, an artificial intelligence solution that provides real-time measurement of venue capacity and crowd density. By developing this new relationship with WaitTime, the venue, which attracts 2.3 million visitors annually, has further enhanced its data capabilities. Capacity counting is safe and sharper, compliant venue operations are maintained and the software provides robust crowd data and business intelligence information.
With a majority of ‘Venue Protect’ COVID safety measures still in place, WaitTime’s patented technology also alerts the NEC to capacity issues across the site. The data can then be used to trigger operational responses and inform the teams on real-time capacity levels.
Another integral aspect of the investment is the venue’s Wi-Fi upgrade, utilising technology developed by the globally renowned, Cisco. This Wi-Fi upgrade has installed 1800 state-of-the-art Wi-Fi access points eliminating all black spots in all public spaces.
In addition to replacing the Wi-Fi, all wired, corporate and event networks have also been replaced giving greater capacity and bandwidth which supports organisers and exhibitors, increasing connectivity at events and broadening access to more digital content.
Read more about NEC here.
