News

Emap Connect

19 Jan 2012

Spring Fair partners with The Cloud on new app and WiFi access

The organiser of Spring Fair International, Emap Connect, is excited to announce the launch of its first mobile application, developed exclusively by The Cloud (a BSkyB company) in conjunction with Genie Mobile for the UK’s premier retail trade exhibition.

This is the first in a series of apps due to be rolled out in the near future to other Emap Connect products, including the Pure and BVE exhibitions and other selected events.

As well as developing this innovative new application, The Cloud will also provide free WiFi access in key areas throughout Spring Fair International during the 2012 show.

The managing director for digital product management at Emap, Juliet Bauer, commented: ‘This is one in a series of new initiatives representing a new digital journey for our Exhibitions brands. Our customers have told us how valuable our digital products can be, both to their event experience and year round. We are responding to their needs and investing to deliver a number of exciting new opportunities.’

Says Roger Matthews, sales and marketing director of The Cloud: ‘Spring Fair is the key event for retailers looking for new products and services for their stores, so partnering with the show gives us a fantastic opportunity to reach an influential audience of retailers and buyers"

The Cloud is a leading provider of free public WiFi access in the UK with an estate of over 7,000 live hotspots providing simple, fast and reliable broadband to millions of WiFi enabled smartphones, laptops and entertainment users. The Cloud now have over 3 million registered users on their network.

The Cloud recently launched its ‘Cloud in a Box’ proposition; a complete solution containing everything needed to allow independent businesses to drive revenue by turning their business broadband connection into a free, safe public WiFi service for just £5.49 per month plus VAT, along with a one off set up fee of £99 plus VAT.

Dan Thurlow, sponsorship director for exhibitions at Emap Connect added: "I am delighted to have The Cloud partnering with us at Spring Fair. The opportunity to engage via mobile devices will be a key driver in retail and provides a fantastic value add service to customers. They are a natural partner for our Spring Fair app as we provide more ways to connect buyers and sellers".

Emap was quick to spot the potential of the WiFi revolution and is keen to encourage Spring Fair International visitors to investigate the benefits, which could translate to millions of pounds-worth of increased revenue for SMEs as consumers increasingly demand WiFi access in stores, hotels and restaurants.

You can download the Spring Fair app from: www.springfair.com/app