It's easier to detect a broadcast than a passive receiver.
Not sure that would be a concern in a meeting room, the risk of getting caught during retrieval would seem to be worse.
If someone found the device, it's harder to link it to you.
Only if you don't go back to retrieve it on camera.
Evidently it was an ESP32 with a wifi antenna. So it could instead/also have streamed to server. Or just used wifi for C+C. Total outlay for information worth millions to someone? Under $20.