Internet guides for major trade show venues

Printed prices at these venues range widely: per-device Wi-Fi from $49.99 for one device for a day (Los Angeles, on-site) to $1,000 for one device (Moscone), entry wired service from $500 (LVCC) to $1,575 (Javits) at exhibitor rates, and up to $110,478 for the fastest dedicated line (Javits). A 5 to 6 Mbps dedicated line costs $2,500 to $7,222 per show, and late orders cost more. McCormick Place publishes organizer rates only, and the Venetian Expo quotes each show. Each guide lists the document and date behind every price.

Rarely. Free convention center Wi-Fi is built for attendees in lobbies and meeting rooms. At most venues in these guides it doesn't reach the exhibit floor, and it's slow: up to 768 Kbps at McCormick Place and 1 Mbps in Moscone's lobbies. Booth internet is sold separately by each venue's exclusive provider, or you can bring your own connection.

Three ways: order a wired line or per-device Wi-Fi from the venue's exclusive provider before its deadline, use a phone hotspot, which can slow down when the hall fills, or bring a bonded cellular gateway like MR·NET's, which combines Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile into one connection. To weigh cost and risk, see trade show internet options compared.

Yes. MR·NET customers have deployed at all eight major venues in these guides, and each guide quotes the provider’s own wireless rules. The FCC prohibits convention centers and the network operators serving them from blocking or disrupting personal Wi-Fi hot spots. Where a provider or show restricts wireless equipment, run your gateway wired with its Wi-Fi off.

No, unless your show’s rules say so: only the exclusive provider sells a line on the venue’s network, but you can bring your own, such as MR·NET’s bonded cellular gateway, which venues and their network operators may not block (FCC DA 15-113). Check your exhibitor manual first; where the provider restricts wireless devices, run it wired with Wi-Fi off. To weigh every option, see trade show internet options compared.

No. The FCC’s Enforcement Bureau says no convention center or network operator providing service there may intentionally block or disrupt personal Wi-Fi hot spots, and federal law prohibits jamming Wi-Fi or cellular signals. The FCC has fined a convention center internet provider $750,000 and a hotel operator $600,000 for blocking hotspots. If you suspect blocking, file a complaint at fcc.gov/complaints. This is not legal advice.

Deadlines differ by venue: 10 business days before the event at Moscone, 14 days before move-in at McCormick Place, Anaheim, San Diego, Phoenix, Dallas and Houston, 15 days before opening at the Javits Center, 21 calendar days at the Georgia World Congress Center and the Venetian Expo, and 30 days at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Orange County and Los Angeles. If you’re unsure, plan to the earliest.

Yes, wherever Verizon, AT&T or T-Mobile have signal in your hall. These guides cover major venues, not the only ones. Tell us your show and dates and we’ll help you plan the setup.