Don’t Get Caught up in Wi-Fi Fees at Your Next Exhibit! Follow These Tips Instead

Trade Shows, exhibits, and conferences offer great opportunities to build your brand. You can broadcast some highlights from the event via your business social media platforms and drum up excitement for your show. You’ll also want to announce key takeaways from the show, which means your Wi-Fi fees could rack up.

You may want to use internet at your booth to demonstrate how to use a company platform, to present a slideshow, or to display your website. Whatever the case may be, this can also get pricey if you are paying for booth Wi-Fi fees.

There is still some confusion about what exhibitors can and cannot do when it comes to avoiding show-provided Wi-Fi fees. Fortunately, you have alternatives to the exorbitant cost of in-booth internet access! Follow these tips and check out our website to learn more!

“There are alternatives to the exorbitant cost of in-booth internet access.”

First things first – connect to free Wi-Fi when you can

If free Wi-Fi is an option, it is typically smart to just go that route – there may be an option where you can upgrade for a fee, but unless you’re going to be streaming multiple devices at once at your stand, you likely won’t need it.

The free Wi-Fi option may not be the best of the best, but it is typically fast to manage most booth needs. The free Wi-Fi available at most convention centers is the most convenient and least expensive way to connect to the internet during a trade show.

Most free connection speeds are sufficient for checking email and browsing websites with little graphic content. However, it may be a good idea to look up the bandwidth of the complimentary connection option to make sure it will be reliable for your company’s internet needs.

The free Wi-Fi option may not be the best of the best, but it is typically fast enough to manage most booth needs.

Consider an alternative hotspot as an option

If the free Wi-Fi option isn’t sufficient for your needs – or, if a complimentary connection option isn’t offered – you may want to consider an alternative hotspot. If the Wi-Fi booth fees are too expensive, using your phone as a hotspot or purchasing a separate independent hotspot may be a cheaper option.

Many iPhones and Androids are capable of tethering, which allows you to connect another device (a laptop, a tablet, a music player – whatever you may need for your booth) via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB. This option connects those devices to the internet via the web-enabled smartphone’s data usage, allowing users to check emails, access files, stream music and videos, and more.

However, the drawback of this is that it can drain a phone’s battery quickly – so make sure you have a charging port nearby! Much like complimentary Wi-Fi options, a smartphone hotspot is not the fastest, but it should hold up well for simple bandwidth use, such as checking email or pulling up a webpage.

If you need a connection that’s a little stronger, a mobile hotspot may be a good option to consider. Their operation is like that of tethering with a smartphone in that they create a “cloud” of connectivity that is accessible to nearby Wi-Fi – 33-enabled devices. However, what differentiates them from tethering is that they can provide significantly more bandwidth than a smartphone.

Whatever option you choose, make sure to compare it with the Wi-Fi fees of the exhibit or convention in which you’re attending to make sure you’re getting the best price for your needs. Exhibits can be expensive, so weigh all the options and make the best choice for your return on investment.

If the free Wi-Fi option isn’t sufficient for your needs – or, if a complimentary connection option isn’t offered – you may want to consider an alternative hotspot.

If possible, avoid using Wi-Fi altogether

We get it – avoiding Wi-Fi altogether in a world that steadily relies on it is difficult – but it isn’t impossible! You can put together your materials in PowerPoint slideshows, PDF documents, video presentations, and more. For that matter, you can also create physical handouts that you can give to potential prospects, instead of focusing on screens.

Besides, who says you need Wi-Fi to have a good booth stand? While it’s certainly helpful for some companies that have digital displays and demos, it’s not necessary for all. If you have engaging information and a welcoming booth, you’ll draw in all the visitors and potential prospects you need!

While Wi-Fi is admittedly necessary for the presentations of particular companies, it is not the be-all-end-all. If you focus on building connections and strong foundational relationships, you’ll be fine!