Zwarte Cross – A Connected Festival

In the heart of the Dutch countryside, a unique fusion of music, motorcycles, and merriment unfolds annually, known as the Zwarte Cross festival. For a quarter of a century, this event has been a beacon of entertainment, attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees over a span of four days.

The festival’s charm lies not only in its eclectic mix of live performances across 38 stages but also in its commitment to providing a seamless digital experience for its patrons. In an era where sharing experiences on social media is as integral to an event as the event itself, Zwarte Cross has recognized the importance of a robust, high-quality network.

Partnering with Extreme Networks and other tech giants, the festival has taken a leap forward, creating a visionary foundation for a truly connected festival. As we delve deeper into this fascinating blend of tradition and technology, we turn our attention to two key figures: Ronnie Degen, Co-Owner of Feestfabriek/Zwarte Cross, and Michael Lane, Global Engineer – Wireless Technologies at Extreme Networks. Their insights and experiences will further illuminate how this Dutch festival has become a global leader in creating a connected, immersive event experience.

Recent Episodes

There is no shortage of event venues in major cities around the world, so how can one differentiate itself from competitors? The Wisconsin Center District is a convention, meeting, and event space in Milwaukee that has three diverse facility types including an exhibit hall, a sports arena, and a theatre. In an industry where you…

Bayerische Zugspitzbahn, situated atop the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain, offers breathtaking panoramic views spanning four countries. With Extreme’s stable and secure network solutions, the company ensures uninterrupted operations, from ticketing to access controls and restaurant services. Extreme’s unified network solution replaced disparate hardware, simplifying configuration and enhancing security. The hardware’s durability withstands extreme climate conditions…

At Baylor University, the task of managing the infrastructure, including the network, falls to a dedicated team. They face the challenge of meeting students’ expectations for high-quality connectivity, akin to what they experience at home. This involves providing network services across a diverse range of environments, from classrooms and research labs to residence halls and…