This following post was written by Shiloh Events. Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, Shiloh Events is a full-service agency dedicated to delivering integrated, stress-free event management services to corporate technology companies, entertainment entities, and non-profit organizations.

Between steep venue charges and insatiable user demand, event Wi-Fi costs can skyrocket. Thankfully there are creative options the well-informed event manager can leverage to help cover these costs. 

The team at Shiloh Events has compiled a list of their favorite tactics for delivering superior event Wi-Fi at a fraction of the list price. The Shiloh experts suggest event planners begin by negotiating the Wi-Fi you need right from the start

Most venues run their network connectivity as a profit center. “Wi-Fi included” means different things from one to the next, but overall expect to see venue WI-Fi plans structured to sell services beyond what’s included in the basic plan.

A venue’s baseline event Wi-Fi costs may include bandwidth only, a limited number of access points, a specific number of connections, or minimum coverage areas. Whatever the plan may be, you’re likely to need additional services to complete your solution, and you will pay less for them if you negotiate for them upfront.

Ask the right questions to get everything you need bundled in at the start. Then negotiate one price for all. If you need to use an outside supplier to supplement your venue’s services, discuss this in your negotiations as well.

• Ask your venue questions such as:
• How old is your internet infrastructure?
• How many access points are included, and how many connections does each support?
• Will bandwidth be dedicated to your event or shared with other parties?
• Are all key areas covered including main areas and breakout rooms?
• What other event Wi-Fi costs may exist to deliver a full connectivity solution?
• What support staff will be available and when? On-site?

Read more tips to lowering your event Wi-Fi costs at Shiloh Events.