Challenge fund launched to upgrade broadband connectivity at conference facilities

Today, the UK Government has launched a challenge fund which will provide funding to upgrade broadband connectivity at conference facilities.

The competition targets UK event venues with conference facilities that traditionally bid for – or plan to bid for – events which attract international delegates. To apply, venues must have a capacity of 400+ and have bid for one international event (where 30% of the total attendees are international) in the past year.

If you have not bid for an international event in the past year but can demonstrate plans to bid in the next year, you will be eligible to apply.

Winners will receive a portion of the £250,000 fund (exact costs will vary per site) and support from Building Digital UK (BDUK) to purchase upgraded connectivity, using either an existing contract, or a competitive procurement.

The upgraded connectivity will be in the form of new Gigabit capable infrastructure which can support increased wifi capacity, more interactive content and live streaming.

The competition will be open for six weeks and closes at 11:59 pm m Friday 27th September.

View more details and download the application form here.