Our History

Built on Innovation
Since 1984

Smart City Networks has spent more than four decades shaping how technology supports events and the venues that host them. What began as a focused telecommunications operation has evolved alongside the industry, growing into a nationwide technology partner known for innovation, reliability, and strong venue relationships.

Our history reflects steady progress, meaningful collaboration, and a commitment to delivering the connectivity and services that help convention centers thrive.

SMART CITY NETWORKS 

 
 
 
 
 

1980’s

The company we know today as Smart City Networks got its start in 1984 in the basement of the Houston Astrodome, where it provided telephone services to the Houston Astros and the Houston Livestock & Rodeo. The company, then called Centel, would become one of the earliest providers of telecommunications for exhibitors at convention centers. By 1988, the company had broadened its partnerships within the Houston area by securing an exclusive telecommunications services contract with the George R. Brown Convention Center. This led to obtaining contracts for additional convention centers in Los Angeles, Charlotte, and Anaheim.  

1990’s

In the 1990s the company was rebranded as Smart City Networks, adopting a mission to focus on innovative telecommunications services in the event industry. During this period, the company expanded its business, obtaining an exclusive contract to provide utility services at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Later, a second electrical contract at the Charlotte Convention Center led to the creation of Smart City Electric

2000’s

Over the next decade Smart City Networks experienced tremendous growth, adding convention centers in Dallas, San Antonio, and Santa Clara to its client list. In 2002, Smart City Networks began managing the DAS carrier agreements at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. This led to the first DAS installation at the Charlotte Convention Center. Currently, Smart City Networks manages the DAS for five convention centers. In 2006, Smart City Networks became the exclusive technology provider for the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. The following year, it acquired Priority Networks and Convention Communications Provisioners, adding 15 additional convention center accounts to its growing portfolio. 

2010’s

From 2010 through 2020, Smart City Networks obtained new long-term agreements through public bids in major US cities, including Anaheim, Seattle, San Diego, Indianapolis, Phoenix, St. Louis, and Washington, DC. The company also extended existing agreements in San Antonio and Minneapolis.  In early 2018, Smart City Networks was awarded a new 10-year contract with the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, one of the country’s premier venues.  Through these renewals and contract extensions, Smart City Networks continued as the industry leader.  

2020’s

In the early 2020s, Smart City Networks expanded its portfolio again by securing new contracts, including the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in Sacramento, the Kansas City Convention Center, and the I‑X Center in Cleveland. The agreement with Kansas City encompasses both technology and utility services. Smart City Networks supported all our venues through the difficult COVID years, emerging strong by renewing contracts with venues in Washington DC, Phoenix, Anaheim, Santa Clara, Hawaii and at NRG Park, the place where the company began over four decades ago.