Free internet access brings in the business
The sight of a multitude of techies busy with their laptops at the Hawaii Convention Center is an indicator that the marketing strategy to attract major groups like engineering associations is finally achieving its aim according to a report in Pacific Business News on June 22.
Providing free Internet access upon request is just part of an overall strategy to seek new business and nurture repeat bookings, said Davis, general manager of SMG, which manages and markets the center. He said 2007 had proved to be “a banner year” for engineering conferences in Honolulu, and a ray of hope in a market that has net been looking too bright either in Hawaii or the mainland.
At least 10 engineering or tech-related groups with an estimated 21,000-plus attendees either have held meetings or booked convention space at the center from February of this year through May 2008. That compares with three similar groups and 8,000 delegates from July 2005 through all of 2006.
Free broadband was introduced for the first time at the center in early June, at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers’ international microwave symposium and was a runaway hit.
Wayne Shiroma, an engineering professor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa who was chairman of the microwave conference, said the recent spate of conferences brings a new dimension to how UH can serve as an economic engine for the state.
He commented that UH could be used to bolster tourism apart from increasing the work force and producing technological innovations.
Report by Chitra Mogul
