Yes, Virginia, There Are Packets
My fanciful wishes of Milwaukee raising the Wi-Fi bar have come true. Yes siree, the Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield has got packets! And it looks like we showed up just in time. Until a couple days ago they were still ironing out the kinks. But I must say, I'm quite impressed with what they've come up with. When you sign up for high-speed access in your room, which is reasonably priced, you also get access to the wireless network at no additional charge. No confusing and outrageous pricing plans, multiple logins, etc. It just works!
The main floor of the hotel has a couple hot spots that extend into the restaurant, coffee shop, lounge areas, and some conference rooms. Right now I'm sunk deep in one of several fluffy couches getting ready for the No Fluff, Just Stuff show starting tomorrow. After probing the boundaries around the symposium area (picture me walking around with my laptop poised like a Geiger Counter!), it looks like we'll be basking in warm packets all weekend. All the cozy hang spaces also help create the kind of collaborative environment where ideas really flourish.
I haven't done any recon to the downtown parks slated to get imbued with 802.11 this month, but I'll report back. From what I've seen of this town so far, it wouldn't surprise me.