Our History
Built on Innovation
Since 1984
Smart City Networkshas 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
SMART CITY NETWORKS
SMART CITY NETWORKS
SMART CITY NETWORKS
SMART CITY NETWORKS
1980’s
The company we know today as Smart CityNetworks got its start in1984 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 earliestprovidersof telecommunications for exhibitors at convention centers. By 1988, the company hadbroadened its partnerships withintheHouston 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 thecompany was rebranded asSmart CityNetworks, adopting a mission to focus on innovative telecommunications servicesin 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 decadeSmart CityNetworks experienced tremendous growth, adding convention centersin Dallas, San Antonio, and Santa Clarato its client list. In 2002, Smart City Networks began managingthe DAS carrier agreements at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. This led to the firstDAS installation attheCharlotte 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 acquiredPriority Networks and Convention Communications Provisioners, adding 15 additionalconvention center accountsto 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 new10-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 portfolioagainby securing newcontracts, 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 allour venues through the difficult COVID years, emerging strong byrenewing contracts with venuesin Washington DC, Phoenix, Anaheim, Santa Clara, Hawaii and at NRG Park,the place where the company began over four decades ago.
