subject: Is Wifi Functionality A Must-have For A Successful Conference? [print this page] In this new age of computer wizardry, is WiFi connectivity at a conference centre a hindrance or a help?
The answer depends on who you ask and in what capacity they intend using the latest WiFi technology.
Many of the major conference centres now offer WiFi as one of the features in their arsenal of attention-grabbing treats. And why not? Adding WiFi technology to a conference centre is bound to enthuse any tech-head guest who wants to show off his state-of-the-art Mac notebook while he doodles with his grunge-art wallpaper design or instantaneously uploads his blog comments about the boring as all get-out conference he is attending.
Meanwhile, a couple of rows back, Ms I'm-So-Over-This-Conference-Stuff is browsing the latest sales at the department store close by the conference centre so she can head over there during the lunch break.
But, what's this? Centre front row sits the former school nerd busily checking and re-checking the speaker's statistics on his maths program. His calculations bring up an error in the speaker's argument, so he quickly sends the results through to the laptop perched centre-stage.
The entire room giggles quietly as said speaker's laptop announces the arrival of a new message with a loud hooter. With his intense concentration broken, he interrupts his lecture to read Mr Front Row's assertions and announces hesitantly that one of his slide rule equations may, in fact, be incorrect. He suggests to his now distracted audience that he will double-check this new theory during the next break and get back to the assembled group with his findings.
So, what impact do these distractions, plus the many others that are occurring simultaneously, have on the conference participants and how do they feel about the click, click, clicking of numerous keypads all around them?
The renowned psychologist Dr Phil McGraw said recently during a televised interview that nowadays we are so overwhelmed by the stimulus overload that invades our daily life, we are losing the ability to focus on the more important issues. Hmmmm, point taken.
With more and more conference centres acceding to their clients' demands to install WiFi connectivity to their conference rooms, it is the role of conference organisers to define how and whether WiFi is necessary or even relevant on a conference by conference basis.
Would it be more practical to allow WiFi during specified breaks but cut the switch during active discussions or speaker's presentations?
On a more positive note, an active media blogger recently noted that the advent of WiFi in the conference room will spell the end of lousy speakers. He noted,Don't be surprised if, in future, you see a room full of conference attendees with their heads bowed, and they won't be praying.
He also referred to our desire for instantaneous information, especially in the broadcasting of news events. He summed it up this way, When you have a press conference, WiFi connections, weblogs plus a room full of journalists, it can be very powerful. It will change the dynamics of communications.
So it stands to reason that a conference venue full of WiFi connected participants is going to present a variety of challenges to conference organisers. It also sounds the death-knell for poor speakers who can't actively engage their audience.
As WiFi connections become just another feature on offer by the majority of upscale conference centres, savvy conference organisers will have to assess the merits of offering this service to their participants and what, if any, benefits are to be gained.
Perhaps once the novelty of WiFi in conference venues has settled down, we will experience a sense of dj vu by recalling how mobile phone etiquette was gradually introduced as a result of disgruntled cinema and restaurant patrons who objected to the perceived interruptions caused by mobile phones ringing off the proverbial hook. We can only wait and watch in wonder.
