What is 5G?
5G internet delivers much faster data download and upload speeds, wider coverage as well as more stable connections. Current 4G data speeds offer about 45Mbps on average, but 5G offers download speeds of at least 10-20 times that speed or even 1000 times faster in laboratory conditions. For reference, these download speeds can enable you to download an entire HD film in less than a second. The more efficient use of radio spectrum also enables more devices to access mobile internet simultaneously.
Lightning Fast Internet
A prime example and leader in utilizing 5G is the Los Angeles Convention Center where it was the first convention center in the US to adopt 5G technology. The installation provided internet connections for over 25000 guests at lightning speeds.
HD Video Content everywhere
With bandwidth increasing 100-fold, not only expect faster, richer images to be brought forward but full HD videos without buffer or lag. Event Marketing and event announcements will be able to take advantage of video live coverage.
Video Live streaming
Live streaming particularly benefits from the higher bandwidth as delivering streams from events can now be broadcasted to any device in real time. Panel discussions can not only be broadcasted on a conference screen, but also be accessible to anyone who has access to a smartphone in HD.
Augmented Reality
Increased bandwidth and speed also mean that complex digital information can facilitate augmented realities for viewers of the event. Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality, both in which are being more commonly used in current events will become increasingly popular. A fully personalized digital agenda for each attendee will not only mean reading your timetable on your phone or checking the back of your badge. While attending events, interactive attendee profiles will feed guests with all the information you need while walking through the venue including the ability to tell you who to meet, where to go and what to do next.
The internet of things
Analysts expect that wearables technology such as digital gadgets, watches and/or glasses which are constantly connected and online will increase significantly. These will be a game changer at events. Forgot a name of guest while speaking with him? Your wearable will show you who you are talking to including other relevant information. Can’t find the next workshop venue or exhibitor booth? Your wearable will show you the way.
From an event organizer point of view, consider the internet of things as an eco-system which reports and repairs everything, immediately. Light/Sound system faces an issue? A message is sent automatically to your tech support. Catering is running out of beer or water? Your supplier is already on the way to stock up. Your check-in system has by then already sent the number of checked-in guests in real-time to a number of devices connected to your IOT event planning system.
Virtual reality – Will it replace events or the need to be actually present?
This has been discussed years ago but could become a new topic with full access to 5G for attendees and event venues. When looking further into the future, imagine guests that aren’t able to attend events would be able to “virtually” participate and experience it in real time. A conference could consist of real attendee and virtual avatars and you can interact with both types of guests at the same time. While 3D hologram development improves at a significant rate, 5G could be the game changer to generate 3D holograms of actual guests and transmit this data in real-time.
What changes do you hope or expect to see for events with 5G? leave your comment below.