Audiovisual (AV) design plays a crucial role in elevating the guest experience for businesses in the hospitality industry. Through strategic integration of AV technologies, hotels, restaurants, bars and other hospitality venues can enhance connections between guests and create memorable experiences. The AVIXA (Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association) is a global organization leading advancements in AV design to benefit the hospitality sector. This blog will discuss how AV technologies as recommended by AVIXA are transforming hospitality venues and improving guest experiences.
Understanding Guest Needs and Expectations
Before diving into specific AV solutions, it is important for hospitality businesses to understand their target audience and what guests expect from their experience. Conducting surveys and focus groups can provide valuable insights into things like:
Demographics - Who are your typical guests in terms of age, interests, income levels etc.?
Technology preferences - How comfortable are guests with different devices and interfaces?
Entertainment priorities - What kinds of media/content do guests want access to?
Atmosphere preferences - Do guests prefer lively/social spaces or more intimate/relaxed environments?
Pain points - What aspects of past experiences could be improved through AV?
Gaining these perspectives helps AV designers cater the right technologies and configurations to each property or concept. It also ensures investment in AV enhances rather than detracts from guest comfort and satisfaction.
Modernizing Lobby and Common Areas with Interactive Displays
First impressions are critical in hospitality, making lobbies and common areas a top priority for AV upgrades. Interactive digital signage networked through a control system allows dynamic wayfinding, messaging and marketing. Some key applications include:
Interactive directories/maps - Touchscreens offering searchable maps and directories boost wayfinding.
Customizable digital art - Displays cycle artistic videos and photos tailored to each property.
Event listings - Up-to-date listings of on-site activities keep guests engaged.
Customized content - Messages and promotions can change based on day/time or target demographics.
Mobile content - QR codes on signs link guests to additional online resources.
This level of interactivity and personalization through centrally managed digital displays creates a polished first impression that leaves guests feeling informed and welcomed.
Enhancing In-Room Entertainment
The in-room entertainment experience makes or breaks a stay for leisure guests. AVIXA recommends the following advanced solutions:
IPTV platforms - Services deliver live TV, on-demand movies and shows, music and more to large in-room TVs and mobile devices.
Wireless casting - Guests can cast content from personal devices to the TV using technologies like Chromecast or AirPlay.
Virtual concierges - Speech-enabled devices provide hands-free access to services without the TV on.
Mobile check-in/out - In-room tablets enable contactless check-in, check-out and service requests.
Virtual windows - Digital picture frames cycle different scenic backgrounds based on seasonal views.
This wider variety of personalized content options and mobile integration fosters unique experiences that maintain guest engagement throughout their stay.
Maximizing Flexibility in Meeting and Events Spaces
AV solutions bringing flexibility to meeting and event spaces enable properties to host many types of gatherings. Key considerations include:
Modular design - Tables, chairs and AV can transform layouts quickly for various needs.
Control system integration - Simple control of lighting, shading and AV through one central interface.
Audio solutions - Microphones, speakers and DSP ensure high speech intelligibility no matter the layout.
Collaboration tools - Wireless presentation, digital whiteboards and videoconferencing boost hybrid/remote participation.
Content sharing - Wireless AirPlay, Miracast and Chromecast allow convenient content sharing from any device.
The technologies blend seamlessly into the background while streamlining setup/strike and accommodating changing requirements - a key value for multifunctional spaces.
Elevating the Dining Experience with Thoughtful AV
Beyond simply playing background music, innovative AV solutions elevate the entire ambiance and service experience in restaurants. Considerations include:
Interactive digital menus - Large touchscreen menus enable customization and sharing on social media.
Wayfinding displays - Signage guides guests between dining areas, bars and other amenities.
Acoustic treatments - Strategic sound masking and acoustics ensure privacy between seating areas.
Media and messaging - Carefully curated visual content engages diners with local information or specials.
Mobile integration - Tableside tablets enable contactless ordering, feedback and payment.
Thoughtful AV seamlessly enhances the sensory experience from the moment guests enter through their entire dining experience.
Enlivening Bars and Lounges with Carefully Crafted Atmospherics
Creating memorable atmospherics through AV is key for bars and lounges. Potential applications include:
Curated video content - Carefully programmed video art, films or slideshows set the tone.
Multi-zone audio - Different genres play in distinct areas while a central system ensures overall cohesion.
Specialty lighting - Architectural lighting, colored/dynamic fixtures and media bring spaces to life.
Interactive surfaces - Tables or bar tops integrated with multi-touch enables apps, games or content sharing.
Specialty effects - Fog, haze and other FX elevate experiences duringevents or performances.
Immersive and personalized AV draws guests in to relax and socialize while enhancing the emotive qualities of each unique space.
Conclusion
With guidance from AVIXA, hospitality properties have exciting opportunities to elevate all aspects of the guest experience through thoughtful integration of today's technologies. From improved wayfinding and communications to transformed atmospherics, carefully crafted AV enhances connections between guests and the venues they visit. Looking ahead, continued innovation in areas like AI, IoT and 5G will inspire even more immersive and personally customized experiences. When planned holistically, AV acts as an invisible amenity delighting guests while boosting loyalty and occupancy for properties.
