Free wifi tops bookers’ priorities

Venue bookers are more likely to prioritise free wifi over any other aspect, according to new research. The study revealed that a huge 86% of bookers ask if the wifi is free, regardless of the quality.

Half of event organisers enquire into how many devices can be supported by the wifi at the same time, while a comparatively low 34% wanted to know the upload and download speeds. Offering ‘Grade A+’ wireless internet with up to 40mb per second, free hard-wired internet is also available for organisers and delegates who want to use video conferencing at the Lane End Conference Centre. The centre hopes their focus on sustainable internet will meet the expectations of bookers.

Other statistics included:

• 97% of bookers ask if extra wifi capacity can be made available
• 87%of bookers ask if wifi covers the whole venue
• 82% of bookers ask which parts of the venue have weak wifi coverage
• 54% of bookers ask if there is a data capture process in place to access wifi
• 15% of bookers ask if the venue has a wifi contingency plan

“We all know that the expectation is that wifi should be free, and that venues that do not offer free wifi are deemed to be behind the times,” said director of sales and marketing and Lane End, Heni Fourie. “Event bookers need to ask more questions about the wifi to ensure that it is suitable and meets the requirement of the delegate – the fact that the wifi is free is irrelevant if it’s inefficient and not fit for purpose.”