FlightSimExpo 2024

A Case Study

About

FlightSimExpo 2024, America’s largest dedicated flight simulation convention, brought together flight enthusiasts, industry professionals, and technology leaders for a high-profile event held at the Rio Las Vegas. The convention showcased cutting-edge flight simulation software such as Microsoft Flight Simulator, X-Plane 12, and Infinite Flight, running on hundreds of computers and mobile devices.

Challenge

With just months to go, the FlightSimExpo team faced an unexpected obstacle…

Their original venue became unavailable due to plans for its demolition. Scrambling to secure a new location, they successfully sourced the Rio Las Vegas but encountered a significant hurdle: their demanding custom internet requirements came with a six-figure price tag from the incumbent provider. This estimate not only threatened the event’s budget but also presented logistical concerns about finding an alternative provider capable of delivering on their complex specifications with limited time.

Client Needs

To ensure a seamless event experience, the FlightSimExpo team required a custom internet solution capable of:
  • Supporting hundreds of devices simultaneously without lag or connectivity interruptions
  • Delivering ultra-fast, reliable internet to run high-performance flight simulation software
  • Being implemented quickly and efficiently due to the short timeline
  • Delivering the solution on time and at an affordable price
  • Providing comprehensive post-event data analytics and bandwidth consumption statistics

The Zentro Solution

Temporary Event Internet & Wi-Fi

Despite the tight timeline and technical complexities, Zentro stepped in to provide a tailored internet solution that exceeded expectations:

  • Custom Engineering

Zentro established a new, temporary, 10 gig capacity internet circuit from its private network by installing a point-to-point wireless link on the rooftop of the Rio Las Vegas. This configuration delivered a direct and dedicated internet connection, bypassing all existing networks.

  • Infrastructure Deployment

Cabling was installed from the rooftop to hotel server room and ultimately to each individual access point and hardline handoff locations throughout the event area.

  • Access Points and Hardline Connections:

A total of 20 access points were installed, supporting five simultaneous Wi-Fi networks for FS Expo Staff, Partners, and Media Partners. Additionally, nine hardline handoffs, dropped from the ceiling, were deployed to power individual booths and flight simulation modules, a feature the client particularly appreciated.

  • Network Speed and Reliability

The solution delivered a total internet speed of 3 Gbps, exceeding the initial requirements, composed of both Wi-Fi networks and dedicated hardline handoffs for vendors and partners. This ensured seamless performance for all event activities.

  • Comprehensive Coverage

The infrastructure included production-grade access points and hardline handoffs to provide reliable connectivity across the event’s extensive area, ensuring a flawless experience for exhibitors and attendees alike.

  • Value

The entire temporary network deployment and management of the network was delivered on time and at a fraction of the original estimate

Outcome

FlightSimExpo 2024 was a resounding success, with attendees and exhibitors experiencing flawless connectivity that enabled an immersive flight simulation experience. By partnering with Zentro, the event not only overcame a significant logistical challenge but also elevated its technological capabilities, reinforcing its reputation as a premier gathering for flight simulation enthusiasts.

A few words from our customers

“For FlightSimExpo 2024—America’s largest flight simulation convention—we needed more than 2GB of internet to power hundreds of computer- and mobile-based flight simulators. Zentro offered clear, fair pricing, and a ‘no surprises’ experience that exceeded our expectations. The Zentro team, including Jonathan, Wesley, Juan, and more, were with us from sales to planning to execution, and delivered stable, reliable wired and wireless internet throughout our 2024 program . It is my pleasure to recommend them to other tradeshows or individual exhibitors in need of substantial bandwidth requirements in unusual places.”

“We found this in Zentro: they were easy to work with, offered clear, fair pricing, and provided a ‘no surprises’ experience that exceeded our expectations. They also handled the coordination with our venue, ensuring that network equipment could be installed and wired throughout the property without the need for involvement from us.”

“We would be happy to have them power FlightSimExpo again in the future and are pleased to recommend their services to tradeshows and exhibitors in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Las Vegas.”