Judy Geriot, Corporate Dimensions, LTD
"Think Devices, Not Users. The average user carries three Wi-Fi enabled devices each and will proba- bly try to connect all of them. Three might seem like a lot, but when you think in terms of phones, tablets, laptops, mp3 players and more, three might be underestimated. Besides, what’s a tablet without Internet? A really expensive notepad."
"The IT provider at the conference venue has a detailed report of the bandwidth use from your event. This is important data that provides the information on bandwidth usage, upload and download speeds and more, so be sure to get a copy of this report. The more historical information you have, the better a hotel or vendor can service your needs at your next conference."
He notes that this specific technology aids the attendee and helps to keep them informed while also driving valuable sponsorship and advertising dollars. “Our clients have recognized that the positive returns are far greater than the initial investment.”
Sometimes the choice of venue can have an impact on the technology options available for producing a meeting or event. Cataldi notes that oft overlooked features of a venue like ceiling height, soffits and seating capacity change how technology needs to be set up. For exam- ple, whether ground supporting or rig- ging is needed for audio, video, lighting or scenic décor.
“Our team of production managers and creative design engineers work closely with planners to determine the best room orientation that will support their stakeholders’ message. Having the ability to show a planner 3D and cinema motion renderings from the perspective of the last row, three seats from the isle as well as from the point-of-view of a pre-
6 4 Septemberz October2017
senter really allows our clients to make the best decisions,” he explains.
To design a meeting environment with a “wow factor,” Cataldi suggests that every- thing from video mapping with custom content messaging, true surround sound, the latest in lighting design, and under- standing the challenges of the space all play heavily into what the planner can and cannot do.
“Drafting a visual plan will aide you with the information needed to anticipate venue charges for rigging points, power requirements, and liaison fees,” he adds. Given the importance of the Internet and how much everyone relies on it these days, IMS recommends establishing bandwidth needs along with the associat- ed fee structures in the very early phases of the planning process. For those whose vision includes the use of social media or event apps, this will need to be taken into consideration, too, so as to avoid potential connectivity issues among guests during the event. It is important, too, to be observant of the physical space
when performing site visits. “Steel and concrete spaces traditionally will impede connectivity and leave you with spotty coverage and responsiveness,” says Cataldi.
When it comes to real time feedback, he advises that clients seek both direct and indirect interaction with attendees. For this reason, planning ahead for profes- sional and social dialogue is really important.
“Instead of a traditional Q&A panel dis- cussion, maybe try a Think Tank-style meeting,” suggests Cataldi. “Ask for ques- tions pre-event, and then seat your audi- ence in pods or small groups while a keynote moderator drives the conversa- tion.”
IMS recently held a think tank with over 100 meeting professionals, and Jim Cohn, publisher/editor of Mid-Atlantic Events Magazine, served as the moderator. “Questions were submitted via our event app and by qualified guests for addition- al points in our gamification challenge. As each question was presented, the groups dove into open dialogue, shared ideas and experiences, and ultimately conveyed their thoughts to the entire room,” explains Cataldi.
Another way to create this type of infor- mation sharing is through non-traditional team building. “At Event Trends 2017, the special events department of the Philadelphia Eagles partnered with Aramark to come up with a team build- ing challenge,” he continues. “Groups were asked questions and presented with challenges. With each correct answer or completed task they earned the ability to win ingredients to create a one-of-a-kind salsa that was prepared by the chef, placed into a competition at the end of the event, and served during the network- ing hour! This unconventional session provided an opportunity for guests to meet, laugh, and learn from each other while also creating a little healthy com- petition.”
For Steve Jost, senior sales manager for PSAV®, provider of audio-visual and technology services for the Atlantic City Convention Center, "We see technology
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