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The Future of Hospitality: Innovations to Watch in 2024

by | May 14, 2024 | Hospitality, Uncategorized

<br /> The Future of Hospitality: Innovations to Watch in 2024
In the dynamic realm of hospitality, innovation is the cornerstone of progress. As we look ahead towards up-and-coming trends and innovations, there are several solutions that will likely see an increase in popularity. From custom furniture designs to revolutionary charging solutions and state-of-the-art full-size appliances for extended stay properties, the future of hospitality promises an unprecedented array of innovations that will redefine guest experiences and reshape industry standards.

Custom Outdoor Furniture Designs

As hotels and resorts strive to create unique guest experiences, custom outdoor furniture designs present a compelling opportunity for innovation and personalization. One of the most notable advantages of custom outdoor furniture lies in its ability to reflect the unique identity of a hotel, resort, or restaurant, and custom designs allow for these spaces to showcase their brand. Additionally, custom designs offer unparalleled flexibility in accommodating different preferences and needs of guests. Cape Soleil Chairs

In particular, there are two trending collections from Cape Soleil that provide a perfect blend of luxury and comfort for hotel spaces, outdoor dining, resorts, and more — the Verde Collection and the Santorini Collection.

The Verde Collection delivers a stunning combination of sustainability and luxury, featuring sophisticated style constructed from recycled materials. Thoughtfully designed with sustainable HDPE materials, the collection provides guests with a realistic wood finish, without the maintenance and wear-and-tear of natural wood. Each item in the Verde Collection delivers impressive durability for years of constant use, with all seating featuring a contoured backrest for additional comfort. And with solid, heavy-duty construction to withstand UV fading, salt, insects, and other outdoor elements, the collection provides guests with a resort-quality feel that’s guaranteed to impress.

The Santorini Collection from Cape Soleil provides a perfect combination of style and durability, featuring contemporary style and all-weather construction. Designed to enhance guest comfort while seamlessly blending in with any style of décor, the collection delivers a luxurious experience for guests in a variety of applications. And with solid, heavy-duty construction to withstand UV fading, salt, insects, and other outdoor elements, the collection provides guests with a resort-quality feel that’s guaranteed to impress. Explore the collections »

Enhanced Extended Stay Properties

Extended stay properties have long catered to travelers looking for a comfortable “home away from home” during longer stays. In 2024, we can expect to see significant enhancements in this segment, particularly in the realm of full-size appliances. Brands like Frigidaire and Midea are introducing full-size appliances with a wide range of options to meet the various needs of guests. From spacious refrigerators to state-of-the-art cooking appliances, these enhancements work to elevate the extended stay experience and attract travelers in search of convenience and comfort.

NonstopNonstop Charging Solutions for Hotel Rooms

In today’s high-tech world, staying connected is more important than ever — especially for hotel guests. With wireless charging capabilities, Nonstop solutions for hotel rooms are becoming increasingly essential. From smartphones and tablets to laptops and smart watches, guests rely on a number of electronic gadgets throughout their stay. In 2024, hotels are stepping up their game by providing convenient charging solutions that ensure guests can power up their devices whenever they need to. Whether it’s built-in USB ports, wireless charging pads, or portable charging stations, these innovations are set to become standard amenities in hotels around the world. Additionally, Nonstop charging solutions offer opportunities for custom designs, allowing properties to include their own personal branding or advertise hotel amenities within the guest room.

Explore the latest charging solutions from Nonstop»

Wireless Screen Sharing with Apple Airplay on LG TVs

As a wireless functionality from Apple, Airplay allows for the streaming of audio, device screens, video, and more from MacBook, iPhone, and iPad. With support available on a variety of LG TV models, guests can seamlessly share content from their Apple devices straight to their TV. Additionally, this capability provides increased efficiency when changing content in lobby TVs, keeping guests informed and engaged at all times.

Supported models include the US670H Series UHD 4K Pro:Centric Smart Hospitality Displays, available in 50″, 55″, 65″, and 75″ sizes.

For all-things LG, explore the full lineup »

The future of hospitality in 2024 holds immense promise, with innovations ranging from custom furniture designs to charging solutions and enhanced amenities for extended stay properties. As the industry continues to evolve, it’s clear that innovation will remain at the forefront, driving progress, shaping perceptions, and creating an enjoyable experience for guests. By embracing these transformative technologies and ideas, hospitality spaces can anticipate a future where guest satisfaction knows no bounds, and unforgettable experiences await at every turn.

Connect with us today for more information on our latest offerings.

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Connect with Hospitality at Exertis Almo on LinkedIn, or visit Hospitality.ExertisAlmo.com

DJI Dock 2: Everything You Need To Know About This Autonomous Drone Nest

by | May 9, 2024 | Drones, Uncategorized

What is the Dock?

DJI Dock 2 is a complete remote, autonomous drone-in-a-box platform designed for commercial inspection, monitoring, and public safety applications. Utilizing the Flight Hub 2 web-based interface, users can remotely log into the system and conduct remote sensing operations from anywhere in the world. Additionally, users can live-stream, flight plan, map, and access all the data being collected by the aircraft in real-time, making it an incredibly useful platform for a variety of applications.

Main Features: DJI Nest 2

The DJI Dock 2 comes with 2 aircraft choices, the M3D and M3TD. The M3D series aircraft is designed and built for mapping applications. With the larger main sensor with mechanical shutter, it is well-suited for mapping missions. The M3TD series aircraft differs from the M3D with its thermal camera. Rated at 640×512 at 30fps, it is a powerful tool for public safety and inspection where temperature data is essential to the success of the application.

The box that the aircraft will be stored and charged in, the dock, is rated at IP55 and will have its own power and internet supplied when it is installed. Additionally, it will house a camera and a weather station that can provide real-time weather information.

Challenges:

The main challenges facing DJI Dock 2 are the training, deployment, and regulatory constraints.  Due to the novel nature of drone-in-the-box solutions, there is a notable learning curve when it comes to the successful and effective utilization of the platform. Understanding how to use the Flight Hub 2 software, as well as all its capabilities, does take time to learn, digest, and efficiently apply.

Additionally, properly deploying the dock comes with further challenges. Specific installation requirements must be met for the aircraft to operate nominally. For example, the base it is installed on cannot be more than 3 degrees off, or that it must be specially grounded. Fortunately, installing docks becomes easier once you have completed a few successful installations.

Finally, one of the most limiting capacities for the dock is the regulatory considerations. For an aircraft to be remotely operated, the operator must have a Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) waiver. Without this regulatory waiver, dock 2 will only be allowed to operate if there is a remote operator nearby that can see it. Fortunately, DJI has been working closely with the FAA and has developed a special template that an operator can fill out to obtain a BVLOS waiver. This is called “BVLOS Shielded”, which allows the aircraft to be operated remotely if the aircraft is within 50 feet of something (i.e tree, power line, building, etc).

In Conclusion:

The DJI Dock 2 is an excellent platform purpose-built for remote monitoring and remote data collection. Utilizing the Flight Hub 2 web-based interface, users from around the world can conduct mapping missions, remote monitoring, inspection, drone as a first responder, as well as a host of other applications. Once the regulatory constraints are met, the Dock 2 is ready to scale to any size of operation, providing safe, efficient, and effective data collection empowering users to conduct missions with confidence and ease.

Robert Voorhees
About the Author

Connor Smith

Business Development Manager

Supported Manufacturer: DJI

Innovate Corporate Collaboration with AI-Powered Solutions for Microsoft Teams Rooms

by | May 2, 2024 | Collaboration, Pro Audio, Pro Displays, Projectors, Uncategorized, Wireless Collaboration

In today’s fast-paced business environment, effective collaboration is essential for success. With the rise of remote work and dispersed teams, the demand for seamless and intelligent collaboration solutions has never been higher. This is where AI-powered solutions for Microsoft Teams Rooms come into play, revolutionizing the way teams communicate and collaborate. As a professional audio-visual technology distributor, we understand the importance of providing innovative solutions to our Pro AV resellers and integrators. Let’s explore how AI-powered technology can elevate corporate collaboration, focusing on solutions that seamlessly integrate with Microsoft Teams Rooms.

Understanding the Need for Advanced Corporate Collaboration Solutions

MAXHUB 21.9 Aspect Ratio DisplayIn today’s digital age, businesses are constantly seeking ways to enhance collaboration and productivity. Traditional meeting rooms are being replaced by intelligent, interconnected spaces that facilitate seamless communication and collaboration. With the increasing demand for remote work and flexible collaboration solutions, businesses need tools that can adapt to their evolving needs. AI-powered solutions for Microsoft Teams Rooms offer the perfect solution, providing advanced features and functionality that enhance the collaboration experience.

Introducing AI-Powered Solutions for Microsoft Teams Rooms

AI-powered solutions for Microsoft Teams Rooms leverage the latest advancements in artificial intelligence to deliver an unparalleled collaboration experience. These solutions are designed to integrate seamlessly with Microsoft Teams, providing users with intelligent communication and collaboration tools. From AI-powered cameras and microphones to intelligent displays and content sharing solutions, there are a variety of AI-powered technologies available to enhance the Microsoft Teams Rooms experience.

21:9 Aspect Ratio Displays: Revolutionizing Collaboration with AI Integration

Epson 21.9 Aspect Ratio short throw projectorOne of the key components of an AI-powered Microsoft Teams Rooms solution is the MAXHUB 21:9 Aspect Ratio Display. These innovative displays combine cutting-edge technology with intelligent AI features to revolutionize the collaboration experience. With a 21:9 aspect ratio, MAXHUB displays provide users with more screen real estate, allowing for better multitasking and productivity. Also, these displays feature built-in AI capabilities, such as facial recognition and gesture control, that further enhance the collaboration experience.

For projects with limited space, the Epson PowerLite 810E Extreme Short-Throw Projector can deliver up to a 160″ diagonal image from just 12″ away from the wall. It’s built-in flexible digital canvas makes for easy integration at 16:9 native aspect ratio and provides additional support for ultra-wide 16:6 and 21:9 for an equitable conferencing experience in meeting rooms.

Other Essential AI-Powered Technologies for Microsoft Teams Rooms Integration

In addition to 21:9 displays, there are a variety of other AI-powered technologies available to enhance the Microsoft Teams Rooms experience. Lenovo 11S30008US THINKSMART CORE FULL ROOM KIT SystemAI-powered cameras and microphones, such as those offered by Jabra and Audio-Technica, provide crystal-clear audio and video quality, ensuring that every meeting is productive and professional. AI-powered content sharing solutions, such as those offered by Barco ClickShare, make it easy to share content and collaborate in real-time.

To simplify the meeting room product specification process, there are also a variety of meeting room kits available with a system of products from manufacturers such as Lenovo, Jabra, and Yealink.

Check out our recommended MTR-compatible solutions used in the MTR Experience Center at E4.

Explosive Interest in AI Integrated Solutions

The 2024 E4 Experience shows are set to ignite interest in AI integrated solutions, with a particular focus on cutting-edge advancements. Along with showcasing a diverse range of hardware certified for seamless integration with Microsoft Teams, a standout innovation to be featured is Microsoft Copilot, a revolutionary tool harnessing the power of AI. With its ability to streamline tasks and enhance productivity, Copilot makes a significant impact in a variety of applications including corporate spaces. From facilitating the creation of dynamic presentations to optimizing workflows, AI-driven solutions are poised to revolutionize how businesses operate, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of workplace technology.

Summing Up AI-Powered Collaboration With MTR

Innovative AI-powered solutions are transforming the way businesses collaborate, and Microsoft Teams Rooms integration is at the forefront of this revolution. By leveraging AI-powered technologies such as 21:9 aspect ratio displays, auto-tracking video cameras, wireless microphones, and networked control, businesses can create intelligent, interconnected meeting spaces that facilitate seamless communication and collaboration.

Lisa Lingo, Category Manager – Collaboration

At Exertis Almo, we are committed to providing our Pro AV resellers and integrators with the latest and most innovative collaboration solutions. If you’re interested in learning more about how AI-powered solutions can enhance your Microsoft Teams Rooms experience, contact us today.

The AV MBA | The Four P’s for the Everyday

by | Apr 25, 2024 | Business Development, Uncategorized

If you ever take a marketing course, one of the first things you will learn about are the “Four P’s.”  These are the key elements of the Marketing Mix and encompass the four areas where advertising products and services should be directed:

  1. the 4 P's of marketingProduct
    • What is it?
    • Who needs it?
    • How and why is it different, etc.?
  2. Price
    • Anything having to do with setting the sell price.
    • What price will consumers be willing to pay?
    • Will it be a premium item or a value product?
    • High volume or custom pricing?
  3. Place
    • This can be a physical space, a specific media platform, or a vertical market.
  4. Promotion
    • How will the customers be made aware of the product offering and motivated to purchase?

Traditionally, the four P’s are included as a component of the Marketing Plan, similar to the Executive Summary and SWOT Analysis. However, it is not typically considered to be a useful decision-making tool for the everyday. Additionally, the four P’s are widely considered a marketing or advertising tool, and are not often used for other areas such as sales and business development.

When I was going to school for my MBA, I was a part-time student while also working in AV full-time. At the time, I was a Business Development Manager, and I was tasked with launching a new line of private label mounts for flat panel displays and projectors. To be completely honest, the product line was nothing special and certainly had no advantages over competing products in terms of functional attributes. Frankly, it were to be compared to competing products based on features and specs, the competition would win 10 times out of 10. From a pricing perspective, we could certainly be priced lower comparatively to other broad-featured brands, but there were plenty of “value brands” available already.

My task was simple: Figure out how to sell it.

Closing a SaleThe first thing I did was to put together a SWOT analysis.
See my last blog for more on SWOT.

Next, I decided to establish the Four P’s.

The Product seemed self-evident at first—display mounts?!?! But as looked back at the SWOT, the weaknesses of the product were overwhelming. I had to shift my focus to the strengths and opportunities columns. I kept coming back to the same few strengths and opportunities: dealer profit, one-stop-shop, private brand. As I considered these advantages, it occurred to me that I was not offering a physical, functional item. I was offering a tool that integrators could use to win more business. Essentially, we weren’t selling mounts, we were offering dealers a way to make more money.

priceWhen considering Price, I knew that we could not fetch the same price for this line that we would for a premium brand. I also knew that if we priced the product to be the lowest on the market, there would be no profit for the dealer and our product would be compared with cheap, inferior products that were not intended for professional use. Looking back at the newly defined product offer being a sales tool vs. a physical product, I looked at pricing in a similar way. Instead of a strategic price level—low, middle, high, etc.—it seemed to make more sense to again relate the price to the customer vs. the market. We would set a MAP (minimum advertised price) that was designed to deliver a significantly higher-than-average profit margin to our dealer. So, of course, the product had a price, but the focus was on dealer profit vs. end user cost.

Deciding the Place, or who and where we would sell the product was probably the most difficult decision. The easy answer would be to sell the product through as many outlets as possible, including online, to maximize sales. But if we were to do that, our dealers would face more competition and pricing pressure, which would result in less sales and profit. The decision was made to sell ONLY to professional integrators and NEVER to offer the product online.

Finally, it was time to look at Promotion. In the previous three P’s, we established our brand story, but now we needed a platform to tell that story. We deployed a direct sales approach that focused on communicating the value proposition—more sales—directly to the dealer. We would promote the product line through call campaigns, on all AV projects that included a display, in industry publication ads and during live tradeshows.

steady growthSlowly but surely, we began to see sales grow, and now twenty years later, the product line is still active, dealers are still making outstanding profits and end users have still never heard of it!!! Just how it was intended.

If you’re interested in finding out more about this product line, feel free to reach out to me directly. But this is not the right place for me to promote this product and we never advertise our price online.

Check out these links for more information the Four P’s:

Tom Keefe BDM
About the Author

Tom Keefe | CTS, DMC-D-4K, DSCE

Category Manager – dvLED

Supported Manufacturers: Direct View LED

Elevating Collaboration Spaces

by | Apr 23, 2024 | Cameras, Collaboration, Pro Audio, Uncategorized

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern workplaces, the design and functionality of meeting rooms play a pivotal role in fostering effective collaboration and productivity. From conference rooms to huddle spaces, businesses are reimagining these environments to meet the demands of hybrid work models and new communication technologies.

Let’s explore key trends and strategies for optimizing collaboration spaces and discuss innovative all-in-one solutions and their role in shaping the future of meeting rooms.

Meeting Room SolutionsOptimizing Collaboration Spaces for Hybrid Work

As organizations navigate the transition to hybrid work models, the need for flexible and adaptable meeting spaces has never been greater. Designing workspaces that cater to both in-person and remote participants is essential for fostering inclusivity, and implementing seamless content sharing, high-quality audio, and crisp video conferencing capabilities ensure that all team members can collaborate effectively, regardless of their location.

Creating Immersive Meeting Experiences with AV Technology

From interactive displays to advanced sound systems, leveraging the latest AV solutions can transform standard meeting rooms into dynamic environments of creativity and innovation. By integrating cutting-edge technology seamlessly into these collaboration spaces, businesses can elevate the quality of their meetings and enhance overall team engagement.

Maximizing ROI: Designing Cost-Effective Meeting Spaces

In today’s competitive business landscape, maximizing ROI is a top priority for organizations. When it comes to designing meeting spaces, it’s essential to achieve a balance between functionality and cost-effectiveness. At Exertis Almo, we offer scalable and adaptable solutions that offer robust features – without breaking the bank. From leveraging modular furniture to investing in versatile AV technology, there are numerous ways to design cost-effective meeting spaces that deliver value for users.

Enhancing Productivity Through Seamless Integration

Seamless integration between AV devices and collaboration software is essential for streamlining workflows and enhancing productivity. By ensuring compatibility with popular conferencing platforms and productivity tools, workspaces can minimize technical hurdles and maximize efficiency during meetings. From automatic content detection to intuitive user interfaces, integrated solutions simplify the meeting experience, allowing participants to focus on the task at hand without distractions.

The Barco All-in-One ClickShare Bar: Revolutionizing Meeting Spaces

Barco ClickShare All-In-One BarAt the forefront of these trends stands the Barco all-in-one ClickShare Bar, Core and Pro models – a compact, yet powerful solution designed to elevate collaboration spaces to new heights. Combining wireless content sharing, conference camera, microphone, and speaker functionalities into a single device, the Barco all-in-one bar offers unparalleled convenience and versatility. Ideal for spaces up to 15’ x 15’, this innovative solution simplifies meeting room setups while delivering exceptional audio and video quality.

However, for larger meeting spaces requiring a comprehensive solution design, Exertis Almo offers expertise and support to tailor solutions that meet specific needs and requirements. With a focus on delivering tailored AV solutions, Exertis Almo ensures that businesses can create collaborative environments that drive success and innovation.

The future of meeting rooms lies in creating adaptable, immersive, and cost-effective spaces that empower teams to collaborate effectively in any setting. By embracing emerging trends and leveraging innovative solutions like the Barco all-in-one bar, businesses can stay ahead of the curve and unlock new possibilities for productivity and growth.

Let’s get in touch! Contact me to get started today.

Nathan Dwelly BDM
About the Author

Nathan Dwelly

BDM – Brand Specialist

Supported Manufacturers: Barco ClickShare

Monetizing Digital Signage

by | Apr 18, 2024 | Digital Signage, Uncategorized

As digital signage continues to grow, many Pro AV integrators have made a conscious decision to avoid it.   The main reason I’ve been told when discussing the topic is the perception that digital signage is not profitable.   After spending time reviewing various integration partners’ digital signage strategy, I agree that the return on investment in time and resources just isn’t there.  The problem isn’t necessarily about a lack of revenue available, but rather the digital signage strategy that they’ve employed.

The simple truth is that many pro AV integration firms do not have a true signage strategy.  Almost all offer signage products.  Great products to boot.  Many even have a good understanding of how the signage products function.  What they lack is a strategy on how to deploy a successful, and yes, profitable full signage solution for their clients.  I believe this to be for one of three reasons.  The first, and probably most influential, is their sales team is not compensated for selling, what many would contend is a more difficult sale – a solution with ongoing costs.  Another reason that ties into the first, is the misconception that end users won’t see the value associated with an ongoing expense.  Lastly, the integrator believes they lack the resources needed to successfully complete such a project.

So, why should you care?  After all, coming up with a signage strategy may take some effort, and just because I’m paid to care probably isn’t a good enough reason for you.

Ok, glad you asked.  Here are the down-and-dirty bullet points to why you should care.  I’ve also provided a few recent “case studies” at the end that highlight the value of a solution.

  • Recurring Revenue
  • Higher margin
  • Consistent contact with clients
  • Reduce or eliminate competition

Grandview Research indicates the global digital signage market size was valued at USD 24.86 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.0% from 2023 to 2030.

The simple truth is, if you can’t offer your clients a solution, they may find someone else who can.

Now, this probably is not convincing enough, so let me show you how a few simple steps will allow you to build this business.

There are a few requirements in developing a digital signage strategy, which do take a little effort in the beginning, but little to no financial commitment from the integrator.  These include the following steps.

Step 1 –  Develop Partnerships

This is the most important part of the process and may require assistance from a third party – like your favorite Pro AV distributor.

The most common partnership is with a digital signage content management provider.  These companies specialize in providing the software and services necessary to provide a complete solution.  Below are some key factors you should consider when finding a signage solution.

  • Client base
  • Features needed
  • Player options
  • Security Needs
  • Additional Services
  • Channel Friendly
  • Expertise required

Your client base is used to determine which integrations or services they would typically need.  Verticals typically require similar integrations, so knowing which verticals you wish to service helps thin out the options.

Next, you’ll need to find the correct provider.  Many digital signage providers specialize in one or two verticals, which typically coincide with similar verticals that Pro AV integration firms will focus on.  One of our CMS partners, offers the integrations commonly requested by higher education (CAP) as well as corporate (Power BI) – both verticals are highly sought after by many of our integration partners.

Once identified, develop partnership(s) with these digital signage provider(s) that offer the products and services your client needs, as well as provide services that enhance your company’s offerings.   You may only need one well-rounded partner to fit all your needs.

Many of the CMS partners we work with can take most projects from needs analysis, all the way through to completion, and even after sale training.

Step 2 – Signage Evangelist

Assign someone (or ask for a volunteer) the role of Signage Evangelist.  This person does not need to have any specific experience but should serve as the main contact so that requests are funneled through a single contact to make sure requests are properly directed.  These are then directed to the partnership from Step 1.

Step 3 – Operations

Assign internal operational assignments for subscription processing to make sure recurring revenue is accounted for and collected.

Step 4 – Compensation

Establish a pay structure that rewards sales of recurring revenue products to help drive interest in signage projects.

Now that I’ve covered the steps to developing a strategy, below are a few recent case studies that highlight how having a signage solution adds value to both your clients, as well as your bottom line.

Case 1

A 6-display video wall for a Fortune 50 corporation. The initial sale was for 6 media players behind a video wall.  Excluding the displays, mounts, etc., the total signage revenue was about $2100.

After deployment, it was apparent that the end user was having a difficult time managing the content for the video wall and keeping content relevant. After some discussions, it was determined that the project needed a signage solution provider.  A channel-friendly CMS was brought into the mix, who was able to conduct a needs analysis, provide a virtual demo a temporary license, and lastly a proof of concept.

After 6 months, the end user liked the solution so well that they rolled it out to several displays located throughout their building.  Then even later into additional buildings.  This accounted for another $150K+ in business, including over $6K in services at over 50% margin, and an annual recurring license of $32K.  The license was sold at 20% margin, which the integrator will collect annually.

Case 2

A local school purchased a single display as an information board for the school’s sports activities, to be managed by one of the coaches.  The original integrator deployed a digital media player behind a display but didn’t offer training or additional services to get it up and running.

After a year, a new integrator came in to provide a touch display for a classroom and asked about the blank screen.  He was then allowed to loop in a signage partner to perform a needs analysis via Zoom.  The signage partner was able to overcome any concerns the school had, who purchased a single license a few weeks later.

That solution is now district-wide on over 60 displays.

Conclusion

It’s my belief that signage will continue to grow within the Pro AV space, and that annual recurring contracts will become the norm.  My goal is to help clients navigate that change while adding value to their business.  If I can help your business in any way, please feel free to contact me, or your Exertis Almo account manager.

Todd Heberlein
About the Author

Todd Heberlein | CTS, DMC-D-4K, DSCE

Senior BDM – Technical Lead

Supported Manufacturers: LG dvLED and Brightsign

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