In 2004, Messe Frankfurt was the first trade fair organizer to introduce WiFi throughout its grounds. The company is now taking this a step further: Starting in January 2012, wireless internet access will be free on the entire exhibition grounds at all of Messe Frankfurt’s own fairs.
“Messe Frankfurt is the first German organizer to provide its visitors and exhibitors with free WiFi services throughout its site,” said Dr. Andreas Winckler, managing director of Messe Frankfurt Medien und Service GmbH and vice president of Services.
Surfing, sending email or establishing a secure wireless connection to one’s own company network is now possible thanks to the extensive WiFi infrastructure. The only thing required is a smart phone or a laptop with standard WiFi capability. Free internet access means international guests can avoid often expensive roaming charges from their mobile providers. Messe Frankfurt continues to offer customised WiFi solutions for exhibitors requiring greater bandwidths at their stands.
“Mobile internet access will quickly become the standard for exhibitors and visitors,” said Kai Hattendorf, vice president of Digital Business. “In fact, one in eight visitors to this year’s Musikmesse installed our smartphone app on their iPhone or Android mobile.”
Digital services such as apps (small mobile phone programs, including, for instance, the complete exhibitor catalogue, hall plans and up-to-the-minute information on the current fair) have been offered by Messe Frankfurt since 2010 to complement all of its own events.
“Free access to the internet makes it even easier to use these complementary services,” said Dr. Winckler.
Providing free wireless internet access is just another aspect of Messe Frankfurt’s commitment to providing innovative new services to its customers. The first event to feature free WiFi will be Heimtextil 2012, which will open its doors on January 11, 2012.
