Objective

SUT was selected to assist in the design, implementation and execution of a complete Cisco Systems network deployment for the Global Sales Experience (GSX) in August 2014 at the MGM Casino and Mandalay Bay Casino in Las Vegas. 18,000 Cisco Systems salespeople attended four days of sessions, keynotes and exhibits showcasing various solutions. The services supported by SUT varied from mobile user analytics over the attendee wireless, VoIP, video conferencing, IP-based video surveillance, and mobile application and website caching. SUT’s team of project managers were involved throughout all phases of event, including pre- planning discovery and onsite deployment. Installation included Cisco Systems High Density Experience (HDX) capable access points, which offered the best-in-class level of service to mobile users. Security and reliability were critical elements of the network design, as sales people needed to demonstrate a solution that would be effective and free of malicious activity.

Strategy

To ensure all Cisco Systems solutions were tested and deployed in a timely manner, extensive project planning was required. Timeline and milestone management, ongoing staging and pre-configuration exercises at corporate headquarters helped prepare the team for a condensed move-in. Collaborative documentation streamlined the execution of conference-facing technologies and kept program managers up-to-date with deliverables and deadlines.

Tactics

Collaboration with the venue IT leads to develop installation schedules and deployment plans.
Work with event staff and stakeholders to develop conference requirements.
Draft formal escalation procedures and communication plans.
Develop and execute testing schedules.
Provide NOC personnel real-time monitoring and reporting while analyzing the health of the conference network.

Results

SUT helped Cisco Systems successfully provision a stable, usable network to support 18,000+ attendees and event staff.
Mobile users experienced good upload and download speeds.
No disruptions in service for high profile areas.
All live demos were successful.