How technology is important to the success of your event

The hotel industry provides a venue for a variety of events.  Everything from business meetings to large conferences or social events such as engagement parties and weddings are hosted at hotels.  When booking a hotel as a venue for an event, there are many things to consider, some clear and straightforward such as availability, capacity and catering.  One crucial consideration, and often an afterthought, is the technology offered by the hotel.  Before booking a venue, consider the importance and possible uses of technology as it relates to the specific event.

PLAN AHEAD

Think through and plan what you may need for the event.  A comedian doing a show for a small audience will have different requirements than a group of doctors leading a medical conference.  Ask what is available with the venue and what is extra.  Many hotels offer a wide variety of technology from basic to advanced and often the particular technologies available make or break the decision of where to host the event.

SIMPLE BUT NECESSARY

Some simple technologies such as microphones and speakers are a must for most events.  Make sure the quality of the equipment is up to standard.  Nobody wants annoying feedback or fuzzy sound quality when toasting the bride and groom or making that extremely important business presentation.

Projectors, screens and lighting are also fairy simple yet absolutely necessary equipment for most events.  The equipment needs to be good quality, clean and in proper working condition.  Nobody wants to unroll a screen and find it ripped or to handle dusty equipment.

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY

Many business conferences require more advanced technology such as wi-fi internet availability on screen for a large audience, special effect or laser lighting and even robotics.  Sometimes having the latest technology will make all the difference in landing that big account or pulling off a fantastic show and getting rave reviews in the media.

WELL TRAINED STAFF

All the technology in the world won’t enhance your event if the staff has no idea how it works or how to set it up.  Make sure the venue you choose has well trained staff, specifically in the areas of setting up and the use of technology, both simple and advanced.  Nothing is more annoying than an event planned with or around technology only to find it isn’t working and nobody knows how to solve the problem.  Delays often equal loss of money or a ruined event as people get tired of waiting for things to get started or run out of time allotted for the event.  A well trained team of staff with the ability to problem solve is a must.  Don’t be afraid to ask who will be responding to possible problems and what sort of back-up systems can be used in the event of issues.

Technology is constantly changing and advancing.  Leaders in this field such as Sydney’s Star Casino recently spent close to 9 million dollars on redevelopment and upgrades to position themselves as the event leader in the area.  Using technology enhances events and often makes the difference between a nice event or an amazing and very memorable one.

Author Bio: Jakki Temple is the Executive Director of Sales at The Star. She has, and continues to successfully lead a team of over 20 industry professionals through periods of massive change and growth firmly establishing The Star as Sydney’s premier event and entertainment destination. Jakki specialises in team management within the hospitality and tourism industry boasting a diverse understanding of marketing and PR in practice, from long held experience in entertainment venues, restaurants and bars rounds out her sales and management skills.