Visitors and exhibitors at this year’s CLA Game Fair, to be held at Harewood House in Yorkshire from Friday 31 July until Sunday 2 August, will benefit from enhanced communications technology meaning they can use mobile phones, tablet computers and payment terminals more effectively.

Mobile communications coverage and services will be enhanced thanks to a £130,000 investment in technology, which will fund 12 free Wi-Fi hotspots located around the show site. The funding for the high-speed connectivity has been provided by the CLA as well as sponsorship from interested exhibitors.

In addition, the CLA Game Fair and its technology partner 123 Hire are installing a broadcast network dedicated exclusively to the transmission and processing of credit and debit card transactions. The “123VIP” network, which will supported by six broadcast masts providing coverage of the whole showground, will enable exhibitors to benefit from a congestion-free payment system.

Tony Wall, Director of the CLA Game Fair, commented: “We are aware of the problems visitors have experienced with mobile network coverage at countryside events and this investment will create one of the UK’s best ever show experiences for smart phone and tablet users. It will not only mean they can stay in touch with family and friends during the event but that they can make use of social media and enjoy an enhanced CLA Game Fair experience.”

Robert Sears, CLA Game Fair Exhibitor Liaison Officer, added: “Mobile network congestion has meant past frustration for exhibitors using card payment machines but the new 123VIP private network will ensure they can process card payments quickly and efficiently. We are encouraging all exhibitors to make use of this service to ensure they get the very best out of this year’s CLA Game Fair.”

For more details, visit www.gamefair.co.uk