If you plan to print, you must have access to a WiFi network during your event. The iPad and your printer will communicate via the network.
Bluetooth, wired connections, etc. are not supported.
Networks That Can Be Used For Printing
Some venues will provide a network you can use for printing, but not all venues will. When a venue does provide a network, sometimes they are not reliable enough for the purposes of printing.
This means it is always good to have a backup plan in place!
Understanding the similarities and differences between WiFi and Internet before you get to your event can help to reduce stress if you do end up needing to use Plan B or Plan C.
WiFi vs. Internet
Contrary to popular belief, WiFi and Internet are not the same thing.
Internet
Internet is what allows you to connect to other devices and services around the world.
Internet (or a cellular connection) is required for browsing your favorite website or downloading your emails.
Internet (or a cellular connection) is required for the HALO and Classic apps to send out pictures to participant's cell phone or email.
Back in the early days of the Internet, you would plug your device into ethernet in order to connect. Nowadays, most people connect to the Internet through a wireless connection (WiFi or cellular).
WiFi
WiFi is a wireless signal used to connect devices.
The WiFi signal normally connects you to the Internet, but that isn't always the case.
WiFi connects you to the Internet when its signal is being transmitted from a device (typically a router) that is plugged in with an ethernet cable.
WiFi can also be emitted from a device like a router or certain printer models without being plugged in with an ethernet cable.
This can be used for local communication between multiple devices (like an iPad and a printer) that are in range (within the WiFi signal's "bubble") and is sometimes referred to as a Local Area Network (LAN).
If you have a printer (or a print server, which might be your laptop) that has WiFi capabilities, the setting is often referred to as "Direct Connection" or "Ad Hoc." Refer to your device's manual to learn more about how to use this option.
Printing And Sharing Digitally Simultaneously
A relatively reliable Internet connection is required to share digital copies during the event. That means it is best to try to print over the venue network (or your cellular connection) as a first step while setting up.
If the Internet connection(s) available to you are not strong enough for printing, fall back to a WiFi-only network so that you can deliver your prints on the spot. Digital copies of the picture will be collected in the queue to send out later.