Trade Show Internet, a Bay Area start-up, is offering an economical alternative to on-site internet access in an effort to alleviate the monopoly that has been imposed on trade show exhibitors for years.
The company rents a portable device which allows up to 64 users to connect to the internet virtually anywhere in the United States for a single fee of $299.
Previously, trade show exhibitors were given a single option to connect to the internet, often costing upwards of $1,200 per computer.
In its first full year of operation, Trade Show Internethas gained overwhelming support from the trade show industry and has provided its proprietary Internet Package to exhibitors at major events such as the National Restaurant Association trade show in Chicago, the Licensing International Expo in Las Vegas, InfoComm in Orlando, HiTec in Anaheim, SemiCon West in San Francisco, ICAST in Orange County, and the MPI World Education Conference in Salt Lake City.
"As a trade show exhibitor for years, we found it incredibly frustrating being forced to pay thousands for internet access," says Trade Show Internet co-founder Ian Framson.
"The concept to provide exhibitors with an alternative seemed like common sense but simply didn't exist - that is until now."
For the first time, many exhibitors are displaying their websites on plasma screens, providing kiosks for visitors to review their products online, actively signing up new accounts, and allowing customers to complete purchases in real time.
Trade Show Internet's solution even allows exhibitors to create a free WiFi lounge to retain visitors by providing web and personal email access on their own devices.
"Two colleagues and I used the Trade Show Internet product during five days at the MPI World Education Conference," says Corbin Ball, who was named one of the '25 Most Influential People in the Meetings Industry' by MeetingNews.
"The system was waiting at the bell desk upon arrival at the hotel, set-up was a breeze, the connection speed worked well (even when all three of us were accessing), and the return was a snap using the pre-paid label. If your company is seeking to avoid the outrageous internet fees that are often charged at convention centers and hotels, Trade Show Internet is an option to consider."
Setting up the device takes about two minutes with the included Quick Start Guide; there is no need for IT experience, software downloads, or long-term contracts. Customers receive secure broadband internet at speeds of up to 1400 Kbps down/800 Kbps up.
"The days of being forced to use a single provider for internet access at trade shows are over," continues Framson. "Exhibitors deserve to have a choice when deciding how they will connect to the internet - ours just happens to save them around a thousand dollars."
For more information, visit Trade Show Internet
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