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Providing Experiences Through Technology

In a constantly evolving world of technology, the opportunities for meeting planners to enhance the overall experience of their attendees are boundless. How are Convention Centers keeping up with these trends to deliver the client’s dream?

While assets and budgets may differ from venue to venue, selecting a venue that is capable of delivering the dream is important. Below are several advancements in technology implemented at Spectra-managed facilities across the United States and Canada.

Infrastructure updates

Installation of additional wireless access points in order to support an increasing amount of devices that are in use. The days of carrying one electronic device are gone. Many attendees are connecting two and three devices. In 2016, the Greater Richmond Convention Center invested over $500,000 in infrastructure updates. The Duke Energy Convention Center recently completed a $900K upgrade to its Wi-Fi infrastructure allowing for 20,000 devices to be connected to the network simultaneously. This is even more important today with many events and shows using digital to engage with their attendees.

Wi-Fi access for attendees

Many Spectra-managed convention centers offer complimentary Wi-Fi in meeting rooms and/or throughout the entire facility. Internet services that are free or affordable are not only important to the meeting planner and attendees, they’re just as important to the vendor on the show floor who is in the midst of sending product information to a prospective client or making an on-site sale.

HVAC systems, lighting, and temperature controls

Rooms can be set to a specific temperature and upon variances in temperature and/or air quality, event management will be electronically notified so they can adjust settings in real time. This not only provides efficiencies for the venue but also a comfortable environment for the attendees.

Digital Signage

With the use of LCD screens outside meeting rooms, convention attendees can easily find their meeting locations and session information. These can be pre-programmed to change messages at specific times. Event apps can also be displayed on the venue screens to provide messaging during the event and engage attendees.

Online Ordering

The ability for exhibitors to order Food and Beverage online provides convenience without leaving their booth during the event.

Virtual Reality

Meeting planners can stand in the middle of an empty room and visualize a room completely set. This makes for an amazing planning experience. “Planners can experience the fully immersive, visual and sound environment of beautifully decorated event rooms, with VR goggles utilizing the latest Samsung Galaxy 7 phone and Beats headphones,” according to Britaney Wehrmeister, Spectra Venue Management’s Marketing Manager at the Overland Park Convention Center.

The role technology plays in our everyday lives is astounding. Translating that to the meetings and events industry, technology allows us to connect, engage and amplify the experience. At Spectra, we believe there’s a huge difference between an event and an experience. We believe it so much; it’s in our Credo.

 

Tennille Wanner is the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Spectra-managed Utah Valley Convention Center, located in Provo, Utah.  Click here to book a meeting with Spectra venues or call 801-851-2202.