Large Venues Archives - Relay

Sea Life Charlotte

Relay — Sat, 05 Aug 2023 13:40:18 +0000

SEA LIFE CHARLOTTE-CONCORD

Transforming Aquarium Communication and Operations with Relay

RELAY PRODUCTS USED

USE CASES

Sea Life Charlotte-Concord needed a reliable communication solution for seamless coordination among team members in a challenging saltwater environment, enhancing guest experiences and ensuring staff safety.

The Power of Reliable Communication in an Oceanic Wonderland

In the bustling world of aquarium operations, seamless communication is vital to ensure smooth guest experiences, coordinated teamwork, and the safety of all involved. Sea Life Charlotte-Concord, home to over 20 captivating displays and a stunning tropical ocean tank, faced the constant challenges of an outdated two-way radio systems. However, their quest for a modern, durable, and efficient communication solution led them to Relay.

The Downfall of Outdated Two-Way Radios

Billy Bennetti, the guest experience team lead, reminisces about their previous communication setup, explaining, ”We had kind of like your standard radios. You tend to drop them a lot, and they may not be the most durable things, especially when you’re around saltwater every single day.“ This constant exposure to saltwater led to battery expansions, decreased longevity, and costly replacements. Jasmine Jackson, the admissions manager, adds, ”We ended up spending more on replacement radios because they were dying a lot faster.“ The unreliability of these radios affected productivity and hindered effective coordination among team members.

Enter Relay: The Modern Solution for Modern Teams

Relay proved to be the game-changer Sea Life Charlotte Concord had been searching for. With its durable and portable device, Relay+, team members could communicate effortlessly by pressing and talking. Gone were the days of missed messages and crackling static. Jasmine praises Relay, stating, ”We chose Relay because it was more durable than our previous radios, especially with the saltwater surrounding us. We wanted something that could sustain for a longer time.“ Relay’s resistance to water damage and durability were essential in an environment teeming with energetic children and salt-infused air.

Enhancing Durability and Functionality

Billy attests to Relay’s durability, recalling instances when he accidentally dropped his device during a shift. ”It sounds just the same as when I first got it,“ he exclaims. With most of Sea Life Charlotte Concord’s tanks containing saltwater, the presence of corrosive salt particles in the air posed a challenge for traditional radio systems. However, Relay’s water-resistant design and superior battery life proved resilient, eliminating the need for frequent replacements and saving costs.

Seamless Communication and Extended Range

Relay not only addressed the durability concerns but also offered an extended range that surpassed expectations. Billy shares his experience during an offsite event, stating, ”We were able to create a new channel so that they can have their own channel while at the offsite event. But we could also communicate with the outsiders if we needed to. And the range is just fantastic.“ This extended range empowered the team to stay connected even in expansive environments, ensuring efficient coordination and immediate response when needed.

Streamlined Management and Safety

Relay’s dashboard system emerged as a valuable tool for Sea Life Charlotte Concord’s operations. Jasmine highlights its convenience, stating, ”The dashboard system has actually been really convenient for us and also helps us keep track of each other, which helps keep people safe.“ The dashboard allows managers to monitor team locations, ensuring everyone is at their assigned posts and enabling accountability. Additionally, the ability to track radios across the North Carolina area prevents loss or misplacement, further streamlining operations.

More Productive and More Collaborative

Sea Life Charlotte Concord’s journey with Relay exemplifies the transformative power of modern communication technology. By replacing outdated two-way radios, Relay brought durability, enhanced range, and streamlined management to the forefront of their operations. Billy summarizes the impact, stating, ”Relay helps out a lot with our communication. Being able to have that fast communication is definitely key.“ With Relay, Sea Life Charlotte Concord witnessed improved productivity, seamless collaboration, and enhanced safety.

In today’s fast-paced world, where effective communication is the cornerstone of success, it is imperative to equip frontline teams with the right tools. Relay, trusted by Fortune 500 brands and deployed across thousands of North American locations, stands as the modern solution for modern teams. Sea Life Charlotte Concord’s success story serves as a testament to Relay’s ability to revolutionize communication, boost productivity, and ensure the smooth functioning of businesses across various industries.

5,000+ marine creatures showcased in 20 displays
30,000 sq.ft. of indoor space

INDUSTRY

HOSPITALITY

LARGE VENUES

OBJECTIVE

Improve communication efficiency, reduce equipment replacement costs, extend communication range, enhance safety protocols, and streamline management in a saltwater-laden aquarium setting.

RESULT

Relay offered durability, extended range, and streamlined management capabilities. It eliminated the challenges posed by outdated two-way radios, reducing costs and enhancing productivity. The dashboard system facilitated real-time tracking, ensuring safety and accountability.

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Elkins Resort on Priest Lake

Relay — Sat, 06 Aug 2022 18:32:55 +0000

ELKINS RESORT ON PRIEST LAKE

How Elkins Resort Enhanced Guest Experience and Efficiency with Relay

RELAY PRODUCTS USED

TEAM COMMUNICATIONS

USE CASES

Elkins Resort faced communication challenges due to weak radio signals and the vast property size. The objective was to find a reliable communication solution to connect staff efficiently across the sprawling resort.

Relay solves a unique challenge of communicating with staff in a rural resort

At the Elkins Resort on the shores of Reeder Bay on Priest Lake in Northern Idaho, guests are surrounded by the serenity of nature. Each of the 32 cedar log cabins comes with a granite fireplace for cozying up inside when guests aren’t outdoors enjoying the beauty of the Selkirk Mountains.

Its 25 acres of wilderness and nature offer guests a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of civilization.

While guests may enjoy some time away from their cellphones and devices, communicating with staff on the property of the sprawling resort often posed a challenge for owner Tracie Szybnski.

Radios with their weak signals weren’t doing the job.

”For years, we were using radios or people’s cell phones or ‘the force’, as you will, to try to communicate with everyone,“ said Szybnski. ”And it all came down to, we need a better method.“

Szybnski and her husband remembered a commercial they had seen for Relay touting its recreational uses as an excellent tool for hiking or enjoying other outdoor recreational activities.

After further investigation, they quickly learned Relay specialized in hospitality and could possibly be an excellent solution for their unique challenges of communicating with staff at the rural resort.

The switch from radios to Relays was easy, according to Szybnski. She says the staff was excited to start using a new tool that would make their jobs easier.

”Everyone was ready for a new application,“ remembers Szybnski. ”So having the Relays was more of a relief to everyone rather than a struggle.“

The issues with fading signals and dead spots on the property quickly disappeared.

”The great thing about Relay is they do literally work anywhere you have the WiFi or cell service,“ said Szybnski, ”If I hear something going on the radio that needs attention, we can get to it right away. And they do work 90 miles away or anywhere in the Nation.“

Szybnski remembers when someone from housekeeping had to leave work to care for a sick child. With Relay and its ability to toggle between WiFi and cell service, they could talk to her with just the push of a button while she was away and get their questions answered quickly.

The durability of their Relays was an added bonus for the Elkins Resort. With its water-resistant and sturdy build, Szybnski has already learned the devices are hard to break.

”We use them on our dock. We pump gas for boats, so that’s very important,“ said Szybnski. ”Our head of maintenance is notoriously rough on equipment. He has run over walkie-talkies and backhoes and vehicles, and so far, I think we’ve only had to replace his once, which is pretty impressive.“

With Relay, Szybnski says she hears staff communicating all day long on the devices with bedmakers, housekeeping, and maintenance on the same page efficiently and effectively getting their work done.

”The makers are saying, ‘Hey, this cabin has the beds made, and it’s ready for Housekeeping to come in.’ And housekeeping says, ‘Oh, it’s ready. It’s done,’“ explains Szbynski. ”Maintenance can say, ‘Hey, I’ve done the barbecues through this section of cabins.’ So just being able to talk to everybody all at once is huge.“

For Elkins Resort, better communication is translating into higher profits.

”It has definitely saved us time and money,“ said Szybnski. ”The staff are more productive. They are held more accountable for where they’re at and what they’re doing. You can follow up much easier. You don’t have to spend your entire day chasing somewhere around a 25-acre property. As you’d imagine, it might take some time to find someone, whether they’re actually working or hiding. So that has helped us quite a bit.“

Opened in 1932
25-acre property that includes 32 log cabins and sleeps up to 230 guests
Property includes a lodge, restaurant, bar, marina and gift shop

INDUSTRY

HOSPITALITY

OBJECTIVE

The primary goal was to enhance internal communication, improve staff coordination, and increase productivity, ultimately leading to a seamless guest experience.

RESULT

The staff experienced improved efficiency and accountability, leading to significant time and cost savings. Tasks were coordinated better, resulting in higher productivity and overall guest experience. Relay’s durability ensured longevity, making it a cost-effective and reliable solution for Elkins Resort.

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Camp Chestnut Ridge

Relay — Sun, 17 Jul 2022 17:53:12 +0000

CHESTNUT RIDGE CAMP

Relay Is Ensuring Safe, Smooth Camp Memories

RELAY PRODUCTS USED

TEAM COMMUNICATIONS

USE CASES

Chestnut Ridge Summer Camps aimed to improve communication and safety across their vast property. Their objective was to streamline daily activities, optimize emergency responses, and reduce operational challenges during pickups.

Embarking on a Journey with Relay: A Camp Director’s Tale

In the heart of nature’s embrace lies Chestnut Ridge Summer Camps, a sanctuary where young hearts flourish, imaginations run wild, and friendships are forged. Every summer, this sprawling 365-acre haven becomes a canvas for exploration and learning. At the helm of this extraordinary adventure is Adam Ledbetter-Bock, the dedicated Camp Director, whose passion for creating unforgettable experiences for campers led him to discover a game-changing solution: Relay.

Coordinating activities across such a vast expanse posed challenges for Adam and his team. Enter Relay, a communication lifeline that transformed the way Chestnut Ridge operated. No more cumbersome walkie-talkies, no more time wasted in miscommunication. Relay seamlessly connected staff members and campers, ensuring that every adventure, every moment, was perfectly orchestrated.

Nature’s unpredictability is a challenge every camp must face. With Relay, Chestnut Ridge found a steadfast companion in ensuring the safety of its young charges. When thunder roared and lightning cracked the sky, Relay’s real-time updates enabled swift, organized relocation to shelters. Parents rested easy, knowing their children were in capable hands, thanks to Relay’s prompt and reliable communication.

End-of-day pickups used to be chaotic affairs, a time-consuming process that tested everyone’s patience. Relay changed the game. What once took ages was now a matter of minutes. With Relay’s streamlined efficiency, parents found their children in their care swiftly and seamlessly. Device replacements became a rarity, saving resources and contributing to a greener camp environment.

Relay’s impact wasn’t limited to the field; it revolutionized administrative tasks too. The dashboard became a control center, helping administrators locate missing devices and communicate directly with staff. Adam marveled at how Relay kept everyone accountable, ensuring smooth operations and a tightly-knit camp community.

Adam’s enthusiasm for Relay is contagious. He urges fellow camp directors and adventure enthusiasts to explore the transformative power of Relay. “It has empowered us beyond measure,” he says with a smile. “Relay isn’t just a communication tool; it’s a partner in creating unforgettable memories for our campers.”

365 Acres of Expansive natural setting
Forests, meadows, and water bodies for varied outdoor activities including rock climbing, archery, and hiking trails

INDUSTRY

EDUCATION

OBJECTIVE

Enhance communication, replacing walkie-talkies, and ensuring swift responses during emergencies. They also aimed to streamline pickups and reduce device replacements for a greener camp environment.

RESULT

Relay replaced walkie-talkies, enabling seamless communication. Real-time updates during storms ensured camper safety, and streamlined pickups reduced operational time. Fewer device replacements conserved resources, creating an eco-friendly camp. Relay empowered administrators, fostering a tightly-knit camp community and enhancing overall camp experiences.

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Six Flags Great Adventure

Relay — Sat, 19 Feb 2022 17:01:38 +0000

SIX FLAGS GREAT ADVENTURE

Six Flags Great Adventure Revolutionizes Guest Experience with Relay Devices

RELAY PRODUCTS USED

TEAM COMMUNICATIONS

USE CASES

Six Flags Great Adventure faced challenges in communication among its extensive workforce spread across a 475-acre park. Traditional walkie-talkies were plagued by limitations like clogged channels and restricted range, hampering the team’s ability to provide top-notch guest experiences.

Relay allows park guests to get service faster and more accurately than ever before

For the In Park Services (IPS) team at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey, success is measured in footsteps and minutes as employees hustle to support the retail, food and games operations throughout the 475-acre park property. In the fall of 2019, 40 new Relay devices were distributed among the IPS workforce, offering a whole new way to connect active workers with their supervisors and fellow employees.

“It allows us to get the service that our guests need to them faster and more accurately.”

“With guest service and safety being our top priorities here at the park, having open communication for our team to our supervisors is definitely key,” says IPS manager Chris Allen. “It allows us to get the service that our guests need to them faster and more accurately.” Allen says the shortcomings of walkie-talkies, including clogged channels and range limitations, had limited employees’ ability to provide guests with the best possible amusement park experience.

For the dozens of food and beverage vendors scattered throughout the park, the need to quickly fulfill supply requests was once a daily challenge. With Relay, food service items—as well as game prizes, and small bills and coins for making change—can now be ordered and delivered much more efficiently.

John Heitzenroeder, IPS director, says he appreciates these gains in operational efficiencies, as remote locations once considered dead zones are now connected as a result of Relay’s nationwide coverage. “Spots where we were landlocked and we didn’t necessarily have communication devices, Relay has worked very well in that capacity,” he says.

While Relay outperformed expectations for its range and reliability, one of the biggest benefits can be found in the bottom line. At a mere fraction of the purchase price of regular walkie-talkies, Relay has emerged as a groundbreaking choice for simplifying communication and increasing revenue at points-of-purchase throughout the park.

3.5MM+ annual attendees
475 Acres
Second largest theme park in the world

INDUSTRY

LARGE VENUES

OBJECTIVE

The park aimed to enhance communication, ensure swift and accurate responses to guest needs, and optimize operational efficiency for its retail, food, and games operations.

RESULT

By adopting Relay devices, the park achieved seamless communication, real-time connectivity even in remote areas, and a significant increase in operational efficiency. Relay not only facilitated swift and accurate guest service but also contributed to increased revenue at various points-of-purchase, all at a fraction of the cost of regular walkie-talkies.

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The Future of Active Work for Large Venues

Relay — Thu, 29 Oct 2020 14:41:00 +0000

Influencers and experts in the industry share their insights on trends and emerging changes.

What has been the biggest operational challenge(s) to the industry due to COVID-19?

Like most hospitality related businesses, live entertainment venues rely almost exclusively on guests for revenue. With events eliminated, most venues are not generating revenue. The uncertainty of a restart makes short term and long term planning very challenging. Simply staffing an arena or stadium requires hundreds to thousands of employees. The uncertainty of the events makes any personnel decision very difficult.

What is an example of some of the greatest creativity you have seen by operators to address these challenges?

The Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena became an official early voting location for all registered voters of Fulton County, GA. During any other year, that would have been impossible due to the NBA games, concerts, etc. A significant portion of their employees were trained and certified to be Poll Workers. Although short term, this engagement allows their organization to provide an amazing experience while having a live connection to staff during a time when many similar organizations have none.

What are the most common communication challenges for operational staff in sports and entertainment venues?

Although there are exceptions, in many venues there are multiple communications systems in use at the same time. In its simplest form, some employees will carry a 2-way radio, some will rely on cell phone communication while many have no device at all. Getting a message to an executive could go from a verbal, to a radio call, to a cell call to maybe even a text. The accuracy and effectiveness can be greatly reduced.

What are the biggest problems or limitations that you see with traditional two-way radios?

With a highly part time work force, training and communication etiquette on any 2-way or cellular communication system can be difficult for many venues. A good training program and patient supervisors can help mitigate the issues, but the reality is most part time employees do not have great 2-way experience. The overall system design and capacity can also contribute to the challenges. Unlike a phone call or a text, most traditional 2-way systems are not capable of tracking and documenting your radio traffic.

“Sports & Entertainment venues have always adapted well to change. Whether its new safety & security measures, technology or simply the evolution of the event attendees’ expectations, venues seek creative measures to make the transitions feel natural and unobtrusive as possible.”

Please share 2-3 operational adjustments that you see as more permanent changes to large venue operations in the future?

The nature of a venues’ live event offerings will always require a significant number of employees be present. However, just like many other industries, the non-event related activities can be performed remotely. Traditionally, venue management staff have reported to the venues for face-to-face production meetings, budget meetings and other gatherings. With many of these taking place on non-event days, venues may adjust and allow a bit more flexibility to work from home windows. Businesses have become quite confident relying on technology for virtual meetings. I envision venues will be able to do the same.
Venue operators have not had many opportunities to implement adjustments since they have been closed to the public. Prior to COVID-19, some venues were already planning and implementing frictionless consumer interactions at places such as concessions. The value of self-serve packaged food & beverage options was already attractive in certain conditions pre-COVID-19. We’ve all seen the adjustments in the restaurant industry with more curbside pickup, contactless delivery and modified drive thru offerings. I see frictionless offerings at Sports & Entertainment venues evolving as well.

Do you see there being a return to normal or an adaptation to the ‘new normal’?

Sports & Entertainment venues have always adapted well to change. Whether its new safety & security measures, technology or simply the evolution of the event attendees’ expectations, venues seek creative measures to make the transitions feel natural and unobtrusive as possible. While it is impossible to predict what will be implemented, venues will find ways to make any necessary changes feel as normal as possible.

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