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The Smart City Side Effect: How Major Events Are Accelerating Urban Tech Advancements

  • Apr 7
  • 5 min read

Futuristic Urban City

Large scale events are no longer just about entertainment, they’re becoming the testing grounds for urban technology. Iconic events like the Olympics, Superbowl, and major music festivals are pushing the limits of infrastructure, security, and digital connectivity. These gatherings challenge cities to adapt quickly, deploying advanced technology and systems to ensure smooth operations.


The unexpected side effect? Many of these innovations don't end with the event; they often spill over into permanent city improvements, leaving a lasting impact on urban planning. Let’s explore how some of the world's largest events are shaping the cities of tomorrow.


Digital Infrastructure: Temporary Networks, Lasting Impact

When large scale events come to town, they demand high speed internet, seamless connectivity, and robust digital infrastructure. It’s no longer enough to simply offer wifi to VIPs; these events require cutting edge technology to keep thousands (sometimes millions) of people connected.


Take the Super Bowl, for example. The 5G deployment at the 2020 event in Miami was a milestone in terms of connectivity. Verizon called Super Bowl LIV the first 5G Super Bowl, as it used the event to showcase its next generation wireless service. Not only did it ensure fast, reliable access for attendees, but it also paved the way for 5G infrastructure in the surrounding area. 5G deployment at large scale events is accelerating the rollout of high speed networks in cities, benefiting both residents and businesses long after the event ends.


Smart sensors, real time data tracking, and temporary command centres set up for events are often the foundation for permanent upgrades to city infrastructure. Cities quickly realise the value of these technologies and begin implementing them across other sectors, improving everything from traffic flow to public health responses.


Smart Mobility & Transportation Innovations

Events like the Olympics force cities to rethink their transportation strategies. With large crowds flocking to venues, there’s a critical need to optimise public transport, introduce temporary pedestrian zones, and test new mobility solutions.


For the Paris 2024 Olympics, one of the most innovative plans included autonomous shuttles and AI driven traffic control systems. This initiative was part of Paris’s broader strategy to test smart mobility solutions during the event and then integrate them into the city’s permanent infrastructure.


Additionally, the implementation of ride sharing hubs, e-scooters, and event driven transport plans were testing grounds for innovations that will be more widely adopted in the coming years. The success of these initiatives could lead to lasting changes in how cities approach urban mobility.


Crowd Management & Public Safety Tech

Safety is always a priority at large events, and that’s where tech innovations are playing an increasingly vital role. AI powered crowd monitoring, digital twin simulations, and predictive analytics are becoming essential tools for event producers and city planners alike.


The U.K.’s National Exhibition Centre has implemented real time crowd tracking, using it to enhance safety and alerting organisers to potential problems before they escalate. According to their report, utilising real time crowd analytics has better informed responses and strategies for the operational needs of different types and sizes of events in the venue, allowing their teams to flexibly deploy the right level of resources and staff in real time. These same technologies are increasingly being integrated into urban planning, helping cities to better anticipate and manage crowd dynamics during peak times.


As security systems become more sophisticated, biometric access, facial recognition, and automated scanning are gaining traction. The same technology being tested at festivals and sporting events is now finding its way into city infrastructure. According to Seagate, these advancements can improve public safety and are increasingly seen as critical to urban development of smart cities.


Sustainable Event Tech and Its Long Term Benefits

Sustainability is a key focus at major events, with organisers adopting green technologies and practices to reduce the environmental impact. From solar powered stages to biodegradable wristbands, event tech is pioneering new ways to make large scale events more eco friendly.


The FIFA World Cup 2022 is a prime example. The tournament featured modular stadiums designed to be disassembled and repurposed, significantly reducing long term waste. According to FIFA’s 2022 sustainability report, these modular structures were part of a broader commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of large events. Many of the eco friendly innovations and infrastructure created for the World Cup, such as improved water recycling systems and energy efficient lighting, are now part of Qatar’s permanent urban planning strategy.


Events are also pushing the envelope in green infrastructure, encouraging cities to invest in improved cycling lanes, sustainable transport networks, and energy saving solutions. What starts as an event driven necessity often becomes a long term asset for the city, benefiting residents and visitors alike.


The Future: What’s Next for Events & Smart Cities?

The future of large scale events is intrinsically linked to the development of smart cities. In the next decade, we could see entirely digitised events with virtual reality components allowing remote attendees to immerse themselves in the experience. These VR experiences could extend far beyond sports and concerts, offering a glimpse into a more connected and interactive world. Statistics from Grand View Research predict that VR and AR technologies will play an increasingly significant role in large scale events, with the music and concerts segment expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2025 to 2030.


As technology evolves, the potential for event driven innovations in AI, IoT, and immersive experiences to reshape urban living grows. The use of digital twins, for example, have already become an integral part of city planning in cities such as Singapore, allowing for smarter, more efficient use of space and resources. Geospatial Technology newsletter highlights how digital twins are helping cities optimise energy use, traffic flow, disaster management and more.


Predictions for the next decade suggest the rise of self sustaining festival villages, where everything from energy to waste management is optimised for sustainability. Smarter energy grids and more integrated digital twin planning could transform how cities design spaces for both residents and visitors, creating environments that are as intelligent as they are liveable.


More Than Just an Event: A Blueprint for the Future

Major events have evolved into powerful catalysts for urban innovation, providing invaluable insights into how cities can become smarter, more connected, and more sustainable. What started as temporary solutions to event specific challenges are now laying the groundwork for long term improvements in city infrastructure.


Event producers and urban planners have a golden opportunity to collaborate and ensure that the technological advancements developed for large scale events are seamlessly integrated into the fabric of city life. After all, it’s not just about the event itself; it’s about how that event can shape the future of our cities.


Final thought: Could events be the key to building 'future ready' cities faster? The answer may lie in how we use technology today to create the urban landscapes of tomorrow.



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