Discover the technologies defining the next generation of convention centers and what venue leaders need to prioritize to stay ahead.
The AI Revolution
New ROI Frameworks
Hybrid Events at Scale
The 2035+ Timeline
Improve guest satisfaction and operational efficiency with interactive wayfinding. Learn how digital signage transforms navigation in hotels, resorts, and convention centers by reducing friction and creating smarter, more connected venue experiences.
Transform your venue with wristband ticketing. Learn how RFID technology streamlines entry, boosts security, and creates a seamless, connected guest experience.
Augmented reality (AR) is transforming live events by turning passive attendees into active participants. From interactive wayfinding to gamified brand activations, AR creates more engaging, personalized experiences while delivering measurable ROI.
Guests remember how an event made them feel. Augmented reality (AR) is quickly becoming one of the most powerful catalysts in invoking feelings that provide unforgettable guest experiences.
According to the Global Augmentality Shift Study commissioned by Snapchat, two-thirds of consumers express interest in experiencing AR at events and conferences. And that’s just the one setting among many. The global AR market is still immature, reaching $120 billion in 2025, but with projections expecting to surpass $1 trillion by 2033. That growth is not coincidental. It reflects a broader shift in what attendees expect from live experiences.
We’ve known about AR and its potential for a while. But how can AR be used at events to truly engage guests and drive results? As a benchmark, such investments in smart technology demand the right foundation in smart connectivity. From there, the creative implementation of AR in event spaces can range from interactive wayfinding in sprawling convention centers to gamified brand activations at sports stadiums.
AR is giving event professionals a new toolkit for turning passive attendees into active participants. The question for hospitality leaders is no longer whether to adopt it, but how to deploy it with intention.
AR combines the use of technology and real-time display to add layers of digital content onto the user’s view of the physical world.
Unlike virtual reality (VR), which takes you completely out of your environment by replacing it entirely with a simulated version, AR enhances what is already present in front of you. It adds visual elements such as animation, information, etc., directly into a user’s view of the world.
AR can be deployed on a much larger scale than many hospitality providers realize. Since a vast majority of people now carry smartphones, all of your guests are ready for an AR experience. There’s no need for a headset, a kiosk or renting any special equipment. This makes deploying AR experiences to large groups much easier than you think.
AR can be deployed across multiple types of venues. Guests in a hotel ballroom scan a centerpiece with their phones to see a personalized welcome message from the event host. Fans attending a sporting event point their phone at the field and pull up real-time statistics about players. At a resort pool deck, there may be an AR scavenger hunt that encourages guests to explore other parts of the property.
Event formats vary greatly, from small private gatherings to larger-scale conventions and exhibitions. Below are several event AR ideas and creative applications of the technology that have generated the greatest interest among hospitality and event planners and managers.
AR’s impact on live events has elevated guest experiences to provide lifetime memories. These creative examples show what is possible when the technology is deployed with clear intent and strong execution.
Both Blackpink and Gorillaz’s headlining performances at Coachella in 2023 used broadcast-quality AR as part of their live sets. The audience experienced abstract digital graphics blending with physical stage elements. These unique and visually stimulating shows elevated the music to a heightened sensory experience and provided a creative testament to how music festivals and events can use AR to incorporate visual elements to a higher level.
American Express and INDE collaborated with Universal Studios to develop a full-scale AR dinosaur experience based on the Jurassic Park franchise. This experience allowed guests to walk through a space filled with realistic-looking, 3D dinosaurs overlayed onto the actual space. This experience attracted approximately 20 million visitors over two years, illustrating that AR experiences tied to a prominent brand or identity can be a key factor for drawing people to an event.
National Geographic, along with INDE, developed a traveling exhibition called “T-Rex Revealed” using only AR-based technologies. On its first day in Shanghai alone, the exhibit drew an estimated 150,000 attendees. The combination of an AR-enabled app and AR broadcast on a large screen enabled viewers to interactively explore ancient creatures in a new way. While these results demonstrate potential for AR-enhanced exhibits, they also represent a possible solution for convention and expo organizers looking to use AR technology to increase the traffic and impact of exhibitions.
When in-person events became limited, enterprise tech company Nutanix launched a fully virtual AR expo booth that attendees could access from anywhere in the world. The activation reached a significantly larger audience than a physical booth ever could. As a push to evoke greater engagement with trade show technology, event managers may consider using AR-enabled booths alongside live events to expand sponsorship or exhibitor exposure beyond what a single location and date can accommodate.
At a major national recruiting event, Jackson Hogg activated an AR experience, which was triggered by a QR code displayed at their exhibit booth. When attendees scanned the QR code with their phone, they then watched a video about Jackson Hogg’s products and services. The AR-enabled interactivity turned a typical trade show booth into a dynamic branded experience. No special equipment was needed to implement the AR experience and it functioned on every smartphone. It also produced an immediate impact within the competitive recruiting event space.
The quality and success of an AR experience depend on thoughtful planning in multiple areas, particularly around identifying the strategy, technology and infrastructure. Below are considerations to keep in mind when implementing AR at event spaces.
AR experiences are only as powerful as the network running beneath them, and that is where Cox Business Hospitality delivers. Cox Business provides the full spectrum of connectivity infrastructure that large-scale AR installations demand, from high-density WiFi coverage across sprawling convention floors to private networks that keep guest-facing experiences fast, secure, and uninterrupted. Whether you are running an AR activation at a stadium, a resort, a casino or a convention center, Cox Business designs and implements purpose-fit solutions built for your venue’s specific scale and guest volume.
Explore what’s possible for your venue and request a consultation.
Live event WiFi delivers reliable wireless connectivity for large, crowded venues. It powers thousands of simultaneous device connections across guest access, event management systems and production teams.
From convention centers and stadiums to arenas and entertainment venues, dependable connectivity helps events run smoothly and keeps guests connected from start to finish.
Our Cox Business Hospitality brands help venues stay connected, support event teams and create better guest experiences with managed connectivity solutions built for high-demand environments.
Large venues need wireless coverage that performs under pressure. Our high-density WiFi solutions deliver fast roaming, consistent connectivity and custom network design across your property.
Keep guests, vendors and event operations connected without competing for bandwidth. We provide secure segmented networks with traffic prioritization, temporary event internet and pop-up network support. We also streamline private connectivity for VIP areas, production teams and critical event systems.
Our fiber and redundant connectivity solutions help venues scale for large events and connected technologies. Elevate convention centers, trade shows and smart venue experiences with enterprise-grade wireless infrastructure designed for demanding environments.
Our team provides 24/7 monitoring and support to help keep your network running smoothly before, during and after your event.
Solutions include:
High-performing connectivity helps create better guest experiences while opening new opportunities for sponsors and venue engagement. Optimize branded splash pages, attendee engagement tools and customized guest experiences with flexible solutions designed for your venue and events.
Large-scale events place heavy demands on wireless networks. Without the right network strategy in place, venues may experience connectivity issues that affect both guests and operations.
Live event WiFi powers the connected experiences guests expect while helping venues keep operations running smoothly behind the scenes. From mobile ticketing and digital signage to livestream production, vendor connectivity and smart venue technology, strong WiFi helps every part of the event stay connected and perform at scale.
Strong WiFi helps create a smoother guest experience from arrival to event completion. Guests can stay connected, access event information quickly and engage with digital experiences throughout the venue, including:
Dedicated connectivity helps event teams manage critical systems and keep events running efficiently from setup through closing. Teams can maintain communication, process transactions and power live productions across the venue, including:
Exhibitors and vendors need fast, consistent connectivity to stay productive and engage attendees throughout the event. Venues can provide internet access and connected tools for a wide range of event needs, including:
Connected venues continue to adopt smart technologies that enhance guest experiences and help teams work more efficiently. Live event WiFi helps power connected systems and digital experiences across the venue, including:
Every venue operates differently. A convention center managing thousands of attendees has very different connectivity demands than a casino floor operating around the clock or a stadium streaming live coverage to millions of viewers.
The network supporting these environments needs to be designed specifically for those demands. Cox Business Hospitality delivers managed connectivity solutions built for high-density venues, including stadiums, convention centers, hotels, resorts and entertainment spaces.
From network design and deployment to real-time monitoring and ongoing support, we help venues turn reliable connectivity into a competitive advantage.
Ready to build a network your events can count on? Contact us today!
If you aren’t a tech guru or even someone who hasn’t spent time on the phone with a WiFi provider setting-up WiFi in your home, then the acronym ‘IoT’ is probably just a jumble of random letters to your brain.
IoT stands for the “internet of things”. To put it plainly, IoT is a system of internet-connected sensors that work together inside of everyday objects to collect and transfer data over a wireless network. Examples of IoT could be the smart bulb in your house that changes colors via the vocal command you give to your Google Home (which would also be considered a byproduct of IoT).
IoT has been around since the 1970s, only then it was referred to as “embedded internet”. Kevin Ashton came up with its now widely accepted name in 1999. Over the years, IoT has infiltrated into the physical world, connecting people to the internet on almost every platform – our smartphones, watches, cars, alarms, refrigerators, thermostats, etc.
It’s easy to see all of the ways in which IoT controls household items, but what about when you set foot outside of your house and into a sports stadium, bowling alley, or other social entertainment venues?
Here’s a real-world example: the Painted Duck defines itself as a “distinguished drinkery, duckpin bowling, and gaming parlour” located in the West Midtown Stockyards of Atlanta, Georgia. It is an immaculate entertainment venue that can hold over 500 individuals at a time.
Underneath all of the glitz and glam of this bowling alley-nightclub-hybrid is a system of IoT networks all interconnected and working together to provide its guests with the highest level of entertainment possible. The Painted Duck uses software called Conqueror Pro. Through this, staff can have instant and easy control over the bowling lanes.
Conqueror Pro also allows the staff the ability to create a check (including the cost for the lane, shoes, and socks) that is transferred over the venue WiFi to Micros. Micros is another software that is used by waitstaff to input food and beverage. The Conqueror Pro bowling check can be picked up in Micros and added to the food and beverage check, making it simple for guests to have all of their expenses in one place. Entertainment WiFi can control the lighting, temperature, and music in the venue.
Small sensors on the actual lanes themselves register the pin-setter control after a ball is rolled, telling the lane which pins to keep up once the lane resets itself. A small scanner camera inside of the mechanism captures a quick picture of the pins and sends that information over to the scoring system, which is then projected on the screen for the guests to see.
With 17 locations all over the US, the Dallas-born TopGolf empire has become a crowd favorite for birthday parties, date nights, and casual get-togethers. While offering an array of bar food and drink in a high-end entertainment venue, TopGolf also gives its customers a different take on the traditional game of golf by integrating IoT into its entertainment venue WiFi.
In normal golf, the player has to physically track where their ball lands, whether it be on the green, in a bunker, or in the dreaded sandpit. TopGolf utilizes giant sensor-packed targets on the field and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) sensors inside of the golf balls. This allows the player immediate information on how they fared. This beats having to look for the ball- a time-consuming task in traditional golf.
Because of IoT, a game of golf (which could normally take upwards of 6 hours) is reduced to a mere 1 to 2 hours, allowing for a continuous flow of guests in and out of the entertainment venue. More than eight million people visit one of the locations at least once a year, and about 37% of the patrons at TopGolf are non-golfers. TopGolf has been able to successfully use IoT to give its customers a fun and unforgettable experience that they wouldn’t find on just any old golf course.
While social entertainment venues are not a new concept, the rise in such venues has been fueled by heightened interactivity and integrated technologies. New forms of extended reality (XR) – which include augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) – have pushed the limits on what social entertainment venues can offer to guests.
Business models like Sandbox VR and Virtual Room are just a couple of examples among many VR-based entertainment venues cropping-up. As a level-up from traditional videogame arcades, these VR arcades are the next generation of indoor experiential entertainment. Patrons can choose from several games and environments, and enjoy a futuristic experience that allows participants to see and physically interact with everyone inside, just like the real world.
While VR technology has a long way to go before breaking its high-cost barrier to entry, it’s expected that VR arcades have tremendous potential to flourish in the years to come. As highlighted by Lisa Caruso in her piece about Social Impact Entertainment (SIE), “awareness of this emerging technology (XR) and how it can work seamlessly with social impact entertainment is a new frontier that is imperative to explore as we have more sophisticated and demanding audiences.”
In addition to the interactive technologies that facilitate such experiences, advanced IoT like more robust server platforms, such as BlueprintRF’s Dominion Gateway 2, or DG2, will make the next generation of social entertainment venues possible.
By using IoT, we have made it possible to connect to our environment like never before. Utilizing entertainment IoT in venues around the world has helped guests get the most out of their experiences. Guests expect high-performance connectivity from entertainment venue technology. Whether you’re knocking down some pins, practicing your stroke, ordering a hotdog at a sports arena, or simply turning the heat down in your apartment, you are tapping into a system of networks all connected by IoT.
The events industry is constantly adapting and changing to keep up with the latest trends. Technology has revolutionized the events industry in recent years, making it easier to stream events live on social media, manage stage equipment, collect consumer data, and sell tickets. Read on to discover the five ways technology is working to change the events industry for the better.
In the past, one of the most significant issues with live streaming was that the technology wasn’t always reliable. Dropouts and poor video quality were common, which made live streaming more of a hassle than it was worth. However, that is no longer the case, thanks in part to the inception of 5G internet technology. With speeds that can reach 10 times faster than 4G, you can provide high quality live streams with fewer of the technical issues of the past.
Another historical issue with live streaming was that only a limited number of people could view the stream simultaneously — meaning that if you had a large event, only a small portion of your audience could actually tune in and watch it live. Thankfully, this is not as big of an issue for event coordinators, as the number of people who can view a live stream has increased dramatically. Now, venues can reach far more people than before, thanks to the adoption of solutions like the High-Speed Internet Access (HSIA) technology to provide a seamless streaming experience to a large audience.
Combining CBH’s internet speed and social media capabilities, it is possible to integrate live streaming into your social media platforms. Streaming viewers can watch events in real-time and actively participate in the discussion on social media, allowing you to create a more immersive experience for your audience and connect with them on a personal level.
A steady stream of recent technological advancements have allowed for drastic changes in the event production collaboration process. Thanks to leaps in communications technologies over the years — including instant messaging, video conferencing, and live drone interactive video — it’s easier than ever for event planners to stay in touch with one another and to cross-coordinate their efforts. What’s more, there are now many software applications specifically designed to help event planners collaborate on everything from budgeting to logistics.
Although pyro-technology and laser shows are almost always fun and often impressive, designing and transporting the necessary equipment can be both cumbersome and costly. The advances in event production technologies make it possible to create more sophisticated and customizable events than ever. For example, teams can utilize tools like projection mapping and drones to create stunning visual displays that were previously only possible with physical props and materials. Moreover, new audio technologies make it possible to produce loud, crystal-clear sound without the need for bulky speakers or amplifiers.
Many event venue owners and organizers used to be skeptical of investing in technology for their events, and often argued that the return on investment (ROI) was not worth the expense. However, this could not be further from the truth in recent years. Integrating technology into your event can increase revenue and attendance while providing a more memorable and inspiring experience for your guests — below are just a few ways how.
Technology can help you gain valuable insights into your audience to better tailor your events to their needs and wants. For example, you can use Google Analytics to track which marketing channels drive the most traffic to your event page. You can also use surveys and polls during the event (either online or in-person) to get feedback from attendees on what they liked and didn’t like about the event. All of this information may be incredibly helpful in planning future events that are more likely to appeal to your target audience and generate more revenue.
Technology can aid in increasing monetization opportunities for events by facilitating the sale of merchandise. If you’re hosting a virtual event, consider setting up an online shop where attendees can purchase items like t-shirts, hats, mugs, and even digital products like ebooks or audio recordings of the event. Offering souvenirs is a great way to generate additional revenue while also giving attendees something special to remember.
In the past, event venues relied on print materials like flyers and posters to promote upcoming events. However, this is no longer the most effective way to reach potential attendees. With digital signage, you can change your event information in real-time — giving potential last minute attendees up-to-date, transparent information and encouraging ticket purchases up to the start of an event. Digital signage is often more eye-catching and engaging than traditional print materials, so your attendees are more likely to remember your event.
Digital signage also has the potential to offer increased interactivity through the use of QR codes, which can easily direct customers to merchandising pages. With their ability to allow customers to learn about products, view and receive exclusive discounts and promotions, and make one-click purchases, QR codes are a simple way to increase profits.
For every business, data is an essential tool to better understand key elements like revenue sources and customers’ needs — and the events industry is no different. Data can be collected in several ways, including through social media, surveys, live streaming, and check-in apps. This data can then be used to improve the event experience, generate leads, and even close sales. By understanding who your attendees are and what they want, you can curate an event that is better targeted to their needs — and that is more likely to meet your revenue-based goals.
When you know more about your attendees, you can engage with them on a more personal level by creating events that speak to their specific interests. For example, if you’re planning an event for millennials or Gen Zers, you might consider using smart technology integration to layer in features like social media participation opportunities, so that attendees can share their experiences with their followers in real-time.
Mobile ticketing is one of the most convenient ways technology has transformed the events industry. Mobile ticketing allows attendees to purchase and access tickets on their smartphones, eliminating the need for paper tickets or will-call lines. Not only is this more convenient for attendees, but it also allows event planners to track ticket sales in real-time and adjust strategies accordingly. Additionally, mobile ticketing can help reduce costs associated with printing and mailing paper tickets, and has the added benefit of being more environmentally friendly by reducing paper waste.
With the advent of augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), event planners now have the opportunity to create truly immersive experiences for their attendees. AR/VR can be used for everything from product demonstrations to virtual tours of event venues. This cutting-edge technology has the capacity to take the events industry to new places in the coming years.
Blockchain is one of the newest technologies making its way into the events industry. Blockchain is a distributed ledger system that allows for secure, transparent transactions between two parties. This could potentially be used to track attendee badge scanning, verify accreditations, or manage sponsorships and exhibitor contracts. As blockchain technology continues to evolve, it will likely significantly impact how events are planned and executed.
As technology advances, event planners expect their venues to have the infrastructure to support all their needs in addition to a reliable, high-speed internet connection to handle large volumes of data. At the same time, they will expect the venue to provide various technological equipment, such as wayfinding signage, self-service kiosks, and other digital tools such as digital advertising, contactless payments, and admission kiosks to enhance the attendee experience and maximize monetization opportunities for events.
To attract and retain customers, businesses in the events industry must keep up with the latest trends and technologies. Instead of fumbling in the dark and researching each new development separately, venue owners can partner with a technology solution company — such as Hospitality Network — to provide a comprehensive solution for their needs.
At Cox Business Hospitality, we pride ourselves in our ability to provide the infrastructure necessary to support the needs of various venues, in addition to supplying high speed internet capable of handling high volumes of data.
Our team of experts will work closely with you to understand your specific needs and create a custom solution that meets your budget and requirements. We know that not every venue is the same, which is why we offer flexible and scalable solutions that can be easily tailored to your unique needs.
If you’re ready to take your event venue to the next level, contact Cox Business Hospitality today and let us show you how we can help.
IoT technology is changing how companies do business, providing immense economic value and streamlining operations. Currently, 57% of North American and European businesses use IoT technology, a figure which will likely increase in the coming years. When it comes to booth designs for trade shows, IoT technology can be the key to driving engagement and profits.
Read on to learn four ways IoT technology can enhance booth designs for trade shows.
Internet of Things (IoT) technology refers to a network of devices that transfer and exchange data between each other using the Internet. IoT devices use software and sensors to gather and distribute information among the network.
Both businesses and private consumers see immense value in IoT technology. Recent data suggests that there are nearly 15 billion unique IoT devices worldwide, a number that is sure to increase in the coming years. IoT technology is in demand due to its ability to streamline operations, facilitate communication, and help improve profit margins. These benefits are especially apparent regarding booth designs for trade shows.
IoT technology is integral to any trade show booth design, as it has the capability to help exhibitors connect with event attendees. There are many potential applications for IoT technology when it comes to modern trade show booth design, but there are several that stand out as particularly effective.
When considering how the best trade show booth designs use IoT technology, some strategies stand out more than others. Here are four ways trade show exhibitors can use IoT technology to optimize engagement and impact.
Social media integration is one of the best trade show booth design ideas. Social media integration incorporates popular platforms — such as Facebook, Instagram, and X, among others — into the booth experience, giving exhibitors the power to interact with attendees in real-time. Exhibitors can display live social media feeds and interact with users worldwide, improving overall engagement with the target audience.
Social media integration provides companies with a direct channel to showcase their products or services to a broader audience, as popular social networks increase brand visibility and connect users who can’t attend the trade show in person. Based on instant feedback, brands can adjust their strategies at a moment’s notice. This connectivity enhances the exhibit’s impact and strengthens the company’s online presence and potential customer base.
The best trade show booth designs, without fail, incorporate live-streaming display screens. Live-streaming display screens allow brands to showcase live demonstrations, presentations, promotional material, and even product launches in real time. These screens capture the attention of attendees and contribute to a more immersive booth experience. Best of all, trade show exhibitors can change the content on each screen at a moment’s notice, keeping their display’s messaging relevant and responsive to audience feedback.
Live-streaming display screens also allow companies to reach potential customers beyond the trade show itself. Brands can broadcast their activities to online audiences, maximizing exposure and engagement. In this sense, live-streaming display screens, as a part of a modern trade show booth design, can contribute to a larger marketing strategy.
Integrating virtual technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) in booth designs for trade shows is an often overlooked, yet truly effective, method that brands can use to drive engagement and results. AR displays overlay digital information onto a physical environment, enhancing product displays with interactive elements or providing additional information. VR, on the other hand, immerses attendees in a virtual experience using dedicated hardware, enabling them to explore products or environments like hotel rooms in a simulated but highly realistic setting.
These technologies provide a unique way for exhibitors to showcase products or services. Virtual demonstrations, walkthroughs, and simulations draw customers in and facilitate a greater degree of engagement than more conventional methods. However, digital audiences can also engage with virtual demonstrations, expanding the brand’s reach beyond the physical trade show.
Touchpoints are interactive kiosks and mobile devices that allow trade show attendees to provide their contact information, personal preferences, and general interests. Brands can use this crowdsourced data to personalize interactions, recommending relevant content for specific types of customers to improve engagement and impact. It’s a seamless way to provide a more tailored experience for trade show guests.
Companies that use digital touchpoints to collect attendee information can profit as a result. By capturing attendee data through touchpoints, vendors gain more than just the ability to tailor marketing for specific customers. They can provide unique product demonstrations and other forms of personalized content, increasing the likelihood of generating successful leads. Vendors can also use data gathered from touchpoints to conduct post-event follow-ups and surveys, all part of a broader strategy to build lasting customer relationships.
Implementing IoT technology for trade show booths can help gather valuable data, engage with your audience, and showcase your products through live streams, social media interaction, and so much more. But IoT technology also demands a lot of bandwidth and security, requiring reliable and high-quality convention center WiFi and smart technology solutions.
We have extensive experience in supporting IoT applications for trade show exhibitors, having installed and managed the WiFi network for the Las Vegas Convention Center, one of the largest and most advanced trade show venues in the world. We can help you design and implement a custom IoT solution that meets your venue’s needs and budget. Take the first step and request a consultation today.
Creating a successful trade show takes time, effort, and planning. One of the most critical aspects of putting on a great show is having quality vendor turnout. However, getting vendors to attend your event can be difficult if you are not equipped with all the necessary amenities they have come to expect, like HSIA, access points, etc. One way to ensure that vendors will want to attend your event is by offering reliable event WiFi. This article discusses why reliable WiFi is essential for trade shows and how you can use it to increase vendor turnout, thereby resulting in greater revenue opportunities.
Trade shows are filled with new people, products, and opportunities. However, they can also be chaotic environments with many moving parts. It is not uncommon for trade show organizers to run into problems with a lack of vendor turnout due to technical issues. The three most common technical problems that can occur during these events are:
One of the most common—and potentially catastrophic—problems at a trade show is a lack of Internet connectivity. If your venue does not have reliable, high-speed internet, exhibitors cannot connect to their e-commerce platforms, process credit card transactions, or even send and receive emails. It can lead to lost sales, frustrated exhibitors, and angry customers.
Another common problem is a slow or unstable WiFi signal caused by too many people trying to connect to the same network, interference from other devices on the show floor, or simply an overloaded network. As a result, exhibitors and attendees alike may have difficulty connecting to the Internet, broadcasting presentation materials, live streaming, or accessing essential files stored in the cloud.
If your venue hosts conferences or other events that require attendees to connect to an internal network, you may occasionally run into problems with people being unable to connect or losing their connection intermittently. This can be caused by outdated network hardware, incorrect network settings, or simply too many people trying to connect simultaneously.
At its core, a trade show connects people with products and services. Here are some reasons why providing WiFi is vital for trade show vendors.
To showcase their products and services properly, trade show vendors need to be able to connect to the Internet. The trade show WiFi system allows them to load website pages, showcase digital products, stream video content, post to social media, and connect with their company data. Without Internet access, many of the products and services that vendors want to exhibit can’t be shown properly.
An increasing number of trade shows are incorporating smart technology features into their exhibits. For example, many exhibits now use tablets or large touchscreen displays to interact with visitors. For these devices to work properly, they need to be connected to the Internet via WiFi. Otherwise, they’ll be expensive paperweights.
WiFi also allows vendors to connect with customers and exhibitors through email, social media, chat apps, and VR live experience platforms. This connection is required to enable vendors to build relationships with potential customers that can continue long after the trade show is over.
Finally, trade show Internet allows attendees to live stream and share their experience with viewers who can’t physically be at the venue. This live streaming capability gives trade shows an added layer of publicity and can help attract more attendees in future years.
WiFi is the backbone of a more connected and smarter convention center. With the right system in place, WiFi can help improve the overall quality of your services.
One of the most frustrating things for guests is waiting in line to use a service. By offering WiFi-enabled kiosk systems, you can drastically reduce the time your guests have to wait in line by allowing them to check in.
Kiosks are quickly becoming commonplace in large venues as they provide a quick and easy way for guests to check in, get directions, or find information about an event. Not only will this reduce wait times for your guests, but it will also free up staff members to focus on other tasks to ensure the best trade show experience possible.
Another benefit of offering WiFi is that it can help improve customer service. By allowing guests to use their own devices to access information or connect with staff members, they can receive help much easier and efficiently.
In addition, some WiFi systems come with features like location tracking that can be used to provide personalized recommendations or targeted ads. For example, if a guest is trying hard to find a specific product or service booth, you could use location tracking to send them a notification about where they can find it. This targeted content can benefit guests and improve their experience at your trade show.
Although WiFi is an essential service your guests will expect, there are many ways in which leveraging your network effectively can help generate positive ROI.
Convention venues can reach out to local businesses to see if they are interested in sponsoring the venue’s WiFi. It is a wonderful opportunity for companies to get exposure and attract new customers. In addition, businesses may also be interested in advertising on the venue’s website or social media platforms. By partnering with local businesses, venues can generate additional revenue and provide a service that benefits both parties.
Tracking attendees’ performance is an excellent way for venues to see what areas of the event space need improvement and what areas are doing well. This data can also be used to improve the venue layout and services offered. In addition, this data can provide customized marketing experiences for future visitors.
By understanding how attendees use the venue’s WiFi, venues can develop better marketing strategies for attracting future vendors. This data can analyze which venue areas are most popular and which times of day are busiest. This information is valuable for vendors who want to ensure that as many people see their products or services as possible.
Offering reliable and fast WiFi coverage is the best attraction any convention venue can offer. So how can you make sure your venue has optimal coverage? There are a few things you can do to make sure your trade show has the best WiFi coverage:
The first step in improving WiFi coverage is having a WiFi specialist review your property and perform a site survey. This will help you identify weak signal areas and pinpoint where to make changes. It will also help determine how many access points are needed to cover the entire space. Hiring a professional company to conduct a site survey will help ensure that you receive an accurate analysis of your venue space. They will also provide recommendations on how to better optimize the WiFi signal throughout the property.
When it comes to WiFi, not all equipment is created equal. You’ll want to ensure you’re using enterprise-grade equipment designed for large venues so that your signal is strong and stable. High-quality access points and routers are necessary to provide a reliable trade show WiFi system.
Another great way to improve your WiFi coverage is to work with a professional company specializing in setting up WiFi for venues like yours. They’ll be able to advise you on the best way to set up your network and make sure everything is working correctly. They will also provide on-site tech support during events to ensure your attendees have a great experience.
If you’re looking for a professional company to help you with your WiFi needs, contact the experts at Hospitality Network. With over 40 years of experience providing network technology solutions to hospitality venues, we specialize in providing reliable and fast WiFi for convention centers, hotels, and other large venues. We offer a variety of services, including:
We understand that every trade show is different, which is why we offer customized solutions to fit your specific needs. We’ll work with you to determine the best way to set up your network and make sure everything is running smoothly.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you provide an exceptional WiFi experience for your next event. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have and provide a free quote for our services.
In today’s always-connected event environment, conference and convention centers are under more pressure than ever to deliver fast, reliable and secure connectivity. Attendees expect flawless WiFi for streaming, realtime collaboration, mobile event apps and digital engagement, while event organizers rely on stable networks for operations, IoT devices and onsite technologies.2 A connectivity failure isn’t just an inconvenience; it can undermine the entire event experience and the reputation of your venue.
This guide breaks down the three most important connectivity options available to modern venues: Managed WiFi, Private Wireless and Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS), and suggests which solution may be best for your facility based on size, event needs and long-term strategy.1 While each technology plays a distinct role, true performance in conference and convention centers is only achieved when they are engineered to work seamlessly together, delivering the high capacity, low latency and mission-critical reliability operators and attendees expect underscoring the essential value of coordinated expertise.
Managed WiFi provides cost-effective, scalable wireless connectivity for most event needs, supporting laptops, smartphones, and tablets with secure, high-density access. It’s the foundational solution for small and medium venues. It represents the most common and accessible connectivity solution for conference and convention centers. This approach involves deploying enterprise-grade wireless access points throughout your facility, managed by either your internal IT team or an external service provider.
Key advantages include:
Why it matters: Managed WiFi provides the foundation for most event connectivity needs and supports conferences, trade shows and educational seminars where attendees primarily require reliable access for laptops, tablets and smartphones. A properly designed system can typically handle hundreds of concurrent users per access point.3
Private wireless is ideal for mission-critical events requiring guaranteed bandwidth, enhanced security and strong IoT support. It creates a dedicated, venue-controlled cellular network separate from public WiFi. Private wireless is ideal for mission-critical events requiring guaranteed bandwidth, enhanced security and strong IoT support. It creates a dedicated, venue controlled cellular network separate from public WiFi.
Key advantages include:
Why it matters: Private wireless gives venues complete control over a dedicated cellular grade network, ensuring low latency, enhanced security and reliable performance even during peak demand. As IoT adoption accelerates, this becomes essential for future ready operations.
DAS solves cellular coverage issues in large or complex buildings and supports massive attendee counts. DAS helps amplify and distribute cellular signals throughout large buildings using a network of antennas connected to a central hub. It helps improve phone and data service for all major carriers, especially during high-density events.
Key advantages include:
Why it matters: DAS improves cellular connectivity for all major carriers, solving reception issues that WiFi cannot fix. Strong cellular connectivity enhances attendee satisfaction, exhibitor success and emergency communication. DAS is particularly valuable in mega venues or areas with structural challenges like underground spaces or steel reinforced sections.
Small conference centers typically benefit most from managed WiFi solutions as their primary connectivity infrastructure.1 These venues usually host events with 50-500 attendees, making enterprise-grade WiFi both sufficient and cost-effective.
Strategic considerations:
Small venues should focus on reliability and ease of management rather than complex infrastructure investments. A well-designed managed WiFi system can handle typical conference connectivity needs while providing room for growth.
Medium-sized convention centers often require hybrid approaches combining managed WiFi with supplementary solutions.1 These facilities typically host diverse events ranging from intimate corporate meetings to regional trade shows with several thousand attendees.
Strategic considerations:
Medium venues benefit from flexible infrastructure that can adapt to varying event requirements while maintaining consistent performance standards across all facility areas.
Large convention centers typically require comprehensive connectivity portfolios incorporating managed WiFi, private wireless capabilities and often DAS.1 These mega-venues host major industry conventions, international conferences and events with tens of thousands of attendees.
Strategic considerations:
Large venues must treat connectivity as critical infrastructure requiring significant investment and ongoing management to meet diverse tenant and event requirements.
Many modern conference and convention centers benefit from deploying multiple connectivity technologies to address different use cases and user requirements. Hybrid approaches become particularly valuable when:
Reliable connectivity directly impacts attendee satisfaction and event success.2 Seamless WiFi access enables live social media engagement, real-time polling and interaction, cloud-based presentation tools and mobile event applications. These capabilities increase attendee engagement and provide valuable feedback for event organizers.
Superior connectivity infrastructure becomes a competitive differentiator that can command premium pricing.2 Venues with robust connectivity solutions can attract higher-value corporate events, technology conferences and international conventions. Additionally, reliable internet enables value-added services like live streaming capabilities, virtual event hybrid models and enhanced exhibitor technology demonstrations.
Modern connectivity solutions provide valuable analytics about space utilization, peak usage patterns and attendee behavior.1 This data enables more efficient facility management, optimized staffing levels and data-driven decision-making for future infrastructure investments.
A smart and effective connectivity design can drive cost savings by reducing manual network tasks, limiting IT intervention and optimizing energy use. Managed solutions also provide predictable monthly costs that simplify budgeting and financial planning.
Calculate connectivity requirements based on expected attendee counts, device usage patterns and event types.3 Plan for peak usage scenarios while considering background traffic from building systems, exhibitor needs and staff operations.
Implement network segmentation by separating guest access from critical building systems. Consider compliance requirements for events in regulated industries and ensure guest network policies align with venue liability considerations.
Invest in platforms built for scalability and adaptability, so they can keep pace with changing technology requirements and support future advancements. Consider emerging requirements like 5G integration, edge computing capabilities and increased IoT device connectivity.
Evaluate potential providers based on local support capabilities, network redundancy options, 24/7 monitoring and support, scalability options and integration capabilities with existing building systems.1
Modern conference and convention centers understand that connectivity isn’t just an expense, it’s a strategic advantage that can drive future growth. Managed WiFi, private wireless and DAS each play a crucial role in creating fast, reliable and secure event experiences. Smaller venues benefit most from strong WiFi foundations, while larger venues often require hybrid solutions that pair WiFi with private wireless or DAS to ensure complete coverage and capacity. By choosing the right mix and partnering with an experienced provider, venues can enhance attendee satisfaction, streamline operations, support advanced event technologies and future‑proof their facilities for the next wave of digital innovation.
Whether you’re managing a small conference facility or a major convention center, choosing the right connectivity partner is essential. Cox Business provides tailored connectivity solutions for hospitality and event environments, helping you deliver high-performance WiFi, secure private wireless and robust cellular coverage.
With Cox, you gain from:
Let’s design a connectivity strategy that elevates attendee experience, streamlines operations and sets your venue apart.
A micro event is a smaller scale event planned with a more focused, targeted group in mind. While any gathering under 150 people can qualify as a micro event, most host somewhere between 10 to 15 people. As opposed to the larger scale, broader events typically found in convention centers, micro events tend to market towards more niche groups, exploring a single, specific topic or theme with a saturated viewpoint.
A successful concept for a micro event would likely be the topic of a single speaker or panel at a larger-scale event. For example, while a larger event may explore hotel WiFi in general, a micro event would zoom in on upselling & cross-selling hotel guests using in-room entertainment systems.
For hospitality event planning, bigger isn’t always better. Event organizers are increasingly shifting their focus from large-scale gatherings to more intimate, highly curated experiences that prioritize connection, personalization and impact. Enter micro events — a fast-growing trend that’s reshaping how venues attract guests, drive revenue and differentiate their offerings.
For hotels, resorts and event spaces, this shift presents a major opportunity. Micro events require less space and fewer resources than traditional conferences, yet often deliver higher engagement and stronger returns per attendee. With the right strategy and infrastructure in place, hospitality venues can transform underutilized areas into premium event environments tailored for these smaller, high-value gatherings.
In this blog, we’ll explore what micro events are, why they’re gaining traction and how your venue can successfully design and profit from them. Read on to learn more.
Pretty much any concept can be a micro event with the right execution, focus and format. Some key event ideas that are especially successful for micro events include:
Whether using these ideas for activities or any number of other concepts, micro events provide powerful, curated experiences for more niche audiences. Event organizers are taking notice; a Statista study from 2023 found that one out of five respondent marketers looked to increase spending on VIP activations, a notable pillar of micro event planning.
With more & more hosts looking to leverage the power of micro events, making your venue a viable location can lead to substantial revenue generation. What kind of venues, then, can actually host micro events?
One of the biggest advantages of micro events is their flexibility. Unlike large-scale events that require expansive ballrooms or convention halls, micro events can thrive in a variety of hospitality environments, including:
This versatility allows hotels and hospitality venues to monetize underutilized spaces, transforming them into premium, revenue-generating environments. With the right setup, even smaller or unconventional spaces can deliver high-impact experiences.
For hospitality businesses, micro events offer a unique opportunity to enhance both revenue and guest experience without the logistical complexity of large-scale events. Key benefits include:
Turning unconventional spaces into key drivers of revenue, micro events can add substantial value to your hospitality venue. To run a successful micro event, however, your venue needs to be equipped with the right technological infrastructure.
While micro events are smaller in scale, their technology expectations are anything but. Attendees still demand seamless, high-quality digital experiences, making robust infrastructure essential. Key micro event technology considerations for your venue must include:
Implementing these technologies requires a strategic approach and a reliable partner to ensure consistent, high-performance connectivity across every event.
Micro events may be smaller than full-size conferences, but they still demand enterprise-grade connectivity to deliver the high-quality, personalized experiences attendees expect.
Without a reliable network foundation, even the most well-planned event can fall short.
As a trusted provider of high-speed connectivity solutions, Hospitality Network empowers venues to support everything from intimate VIP activations to tech-driven interactive experiences. With scalable infrastructure designed specifically for hospitality environments, your venue can confidently host micro events that drive engagement, revenue and long-term guest loyalty.
Whether you’re optimizing hotel, convention center or special events WiFi, the right technology partner ensures every micro event runs flawlessly — no matter the size. Contact us today.
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