What Does The Arrival Of 5G Mean For The Events Industry?

You may have heard about the imminent arrival of 5G, but apart from speeding up our ability to upload and share our favourite pics on social media (it’s okay, we’re all guilty of it – aren’t we?); download movies faster; and having better, more reliable internet connectivity, what impact will the introduction of 5G have on the live events industry?

Don’t let talk of new tech leave you feeling bemused, come with us as we delve in and take a ‘superfast’ look at what we can expect from the new kid on the block, 5G.

WHAT IS 5G ANYWAY?

First things first, what is 5G?

Of course, there are probably far more complex definitions out there of what 5G technology is, but let’s try and keep it simple: 5G, in short, is the fifth generation of mobile networks.

Following on from its predecessors 3G and 4G, the launch of 5G mobile internet connectivity promises to deliver faster internet speeds, improved connection during peak times and in busy locations, plus reduced lag between requesting and being served content – all in all providing an improved and superior experience with your mobile device(s).

The geeky bit: did you know that all wireless communications are carried over radio frequencies? It is this process that allows you to connect to the internet, make calls and send texts. 5G technology will operate on higher frequency bands, that will provide more capacity and allow for the faster transmission of more information.

Okay, now we’ve established a little more about what 5G is and how it will work, let’s take a look at why it matters in the world of events.

HI 5G EXPECTATIONS

What impact will the roll out of 5G have on live events?

There’re suggestions that 5G download speeds will be 100 times faster than 4G; and with increased mobile bandwidth and reduced latency, comes the opportunity to really begin thinking about how the roll out of 5G will impact on the design of events, the utilisation of event tech and how it can drive, even more than is currently possible, seamless, personalised and immersive experiences for event attendees.

Even though 5G isn’t set to be fully in use until 2020 and is therefore likely to be a few years off from being the mainstream network, here at In2Events we will be keeping our finger on the pulse in relation to the developing opportunities that will most likely be realised with the adoption of 5G at live events, such as:

  • More reliable and high-quality live event streaming.

  • The increased uptake and improved delivery of live virtual reality streams from events.

  • Enhancements in augmented reality and the possibility to overlay targeted and detailed information onto live images of the physical event environment, which can then be served directly to delegates.

  • Optimised use of event wearables and apps.

  • Growth in the use of the Internet of Things (IoT) within the event venue landscape.

  • The improved generation of delegate data, providing deeper attendee insights.

  • Improved event security.

With 5G set to eradicate, or at least reduce, the requirement for Wi-Fi at events, there’s also the opportunity for event planners to drop, or minimise, this cost line from event budget sheets.

With so much potential, you can begin to understand why there is such a buzz from the events industry about 5G technology.

Undoubtedly, as momentum builds there will be more information surfacing in relation to 5G and its use cases within the events sphere…and, we don’t know about you, but we’re excited to see where this mobile evolution takes us.

Watch this space.