Marriott Shares Technology Tips for Planners
June 16, 2015Marriott Convention & Resort Network’s select tips for how to use or maximize event technology include:
1. Video Mapping.
Video-mapping technology allows for an unlimited amount of unique and creative video content to be projected on almost any surface. Transform stages, walls, rooms, entire buildings and any other regular or irregular-shaped surface into an environment that will greatly enhance your attendees’ meeting experience. Video mapping allows versatility in staging design options. Transform a general session set to an awards banquet for the same attendees without physically altering the staging equipment — no adding or removing of set pieces.
Robert Parrish, PSAV, director of sales, Baltimore Marriott Waterfront
2. Custom Wi-Fi Branding.
Make the Wi-Fi network for your group recognizable. Most networks in a hotel or convention center can have custom branding. For instance, when a guest connects to the Wi-Fi here at Harbor Beach, they see “Marriott_conference, Marriott_guest or Marriott_lobby” but with a custom SSID or splash page, a group can have their guests connect to the Wi-Fi by connecting to “XYZCompany_Wi-Fi.”
Tim Downing, director of event technology, Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort and Spa
3. SocialWalls.
A SocialWall is a live and real-time feed of Twitter and Instagram. Participants post using the event hashtag and those posts are displayed on the SocialWall Feed. You can use multiple hashtags for any event, control content by excluding explicit content and re-tweet. Groups also can create custom posts to be added to the feed to be displayed on a rotation basis. SocialWall is customizable and banded to the needs of the client/event.
Alex Brahms, team leader, PSAV, Boston Marriott Copley Place and Hope Wiggins, sales director, PSAV
4. FaceTime or Skype.
Consider the everyday functions of your smartphone. FaceTime or Skype tours come in handy when meeting planners have a quick space question, or can’t remember what something looks like. Oftentimes, pictures do not do the space justice, so utilizing this technology using smartphones is a quick solution.
Carolina Viazcan, director of group sales, Renaissance Indian Wells Resort & Spa
5. Deliver a Lasting Message.
Event technology should be seen as an important tool in delivering a lasting message. A screen and projector serves no purpose without considering how this “canvas” will present your content to your guests. Planners should consider: will there be audio and video elements? Is there a new logo this year you want to ensure looks its best? Are you presenting yearly earnings and want to be sure your attendees can see every number? When you go beyond asking for “just a screen and projector” and you instead explore “why do I need a screen and projector and how can I accomplish my goals?” it’s no longer “audio-visual” — it’s “event technology.”
José Laboy, sales and production manager, Vinoy Renaissance Resort and Golf Club
6. Lights, Video, Sound — Engage With Property Events Team Early On.
Many times when clients plan conferences or galas, they have a specific vision of how their event should look and feel based on prior experiences. Great content is the base, but lighting, video, décor and sound make the difference in creating a truly intriguing event. Planners should lean on the event technology teams early on to discuss prior experiences, options, and budgets. The individuals on these teams have found ways to build environmental interest at every budget level and appropriate to a multitude of agendas. Whether planners need complex décor to completely transform a space or to simply energize a coffee break with music, these teams will make the vision a reality.
Pat Sullivan, director of audio-visual, Denver Marriott City Center