These days, the stakes are higher for venues that embrace innovation, technology and sustainability. New generations want power sockets, fast Internet and much more. The Event Manager Blog has identified technology-savvy venues that offer more than standard chairs and mediocre Wi-Fi. These five spaces embrace cutting-edge technology and go above and beyond.
–The hallmark of NH hotels, with almost 400 hotels in 29 countries, is its hologram-enabled meeting facilities. At certain locations, attendees who cannot be present in person have the option to virtually sit-in or host meetings via a pre-recorded or live hologram. Presentations also have the option to go 3D. Birth by PowerPoint can give ordinary slides multi-dimensional capabilities.
–Advanced technology at Amsterdam’s exhibition center, Amsterdam RAI, goes beyond the facilities. The virtual venue tour via its iPad app is one-of-a-kind. Planners can move the iPad around to look at the layout of specific areas. The rendering offers 360 degree detail that comes the closest to an in-person tour. Due to its partnership with Amsterdam Internet Exchange, this technology-savvy venue also provides one of fastest Internet speed capacities in the world.
–Flexible event space has a new definition at the Swiss Tech Convention Centre. The theatre-style conference and congress center can be completely reconfigured in just 15 minutes. The technology-savvy venue also impresses on the sustainability front. Thanks to its location near Lake Geneva, geothermal pillars support the building and are used for heating and cooling. The Gratzel photovoltaic panels, with transparent, colored glazing, also produce energy while preventing the center from overheating.
-Disneyland Paris brings new meaning to magical experiences. The European theme-park offers technology-savvy venue space with nearly 60-foot digital screens and a high bandwidth of Wi-Fi without interruption. Community is equally important to Disneyland Paris. Its meeting department heavily invests in social media content to connect with event professionals. They also forge strong partnerships with local French startups to offer innovative AV solutions.
-The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, winner of the INCON award for best digital infrastructure, also values social media. The convention center has built a whole slew of in-house tools, including an interactive social media feed that’s displayed on LCD screens, room door cards and slides within event sessions. Planners can also work with the in-house technology team to create 3D representations of event space, layout, audio, visual and lighting ahead of the event.
