Our workplaces have rapidly changed—and for a number of reasons… the COVID-19 pandemic, the introduction of new technology, the desire to eliminate tedious commutes, and the need for improved work/life balance just to name a few. Additionally, there is an intense focus on communication and customer service, while simultaneously moving away from in-person, travel intensive meetings and operations.
As such, the right conference room technology is paramount to modern business operations, collaboration, and efficiency. In this blog post, the team at Connectivity outlines the five critical audio-visual components your company’s conference room must have.
Must-Have Conference Room AV
Displays: Typically the first thing that any conference room visitor sees, displays are one of the primary collaboration tools and offer the “visual,” allowing for colleagues in other locations to be seen, and enabling screen sharing as well as viewing of presentations. Modern displays are state-of-the-art and fit a variety of needs. What’s more, displays can be set up as both single display and dual display—with dual displays being the popular option for seeing people while also presenting materials and the like during a meeting.
Audio or Video Conferencing: We are all likely well versed on the capabilities of Zoom, Skype, MS Teams, etc. after the last 20 months… after all, this was the primary method of getting work done in quarantine! Because of this, though, video calls have become mainstream, normal, and expected and scaling web conferencing as we have progressed through the pandemic is a popular trend for many companies. These technologies have become standardized and a part of many organizations’ standard operating procedures. Therefore, when considering your conference room AV, make sure these technologies find a home for effective functionality.
Microphones and Speakers: Another key component for any modern conference room. Modern mics and speakers can be on-table, in-ceiling, or in a sound bar that is mounted below a display, for instance. Depending on your intended use of the room, it’s important to speak with an AV installation expert who can help you select the right mix as it relates to mics and speakers—after all, no one wants to experience echo, feedback, and other disruptive noises during an important meeting.
Cameras: If your conference room is set up to handle video calls, then cameras are a must. There are a variety of cameras that can be implemented, including cameras with 180-degree viewing angles, pan-tilt zoom devices, as well as simple web cams. Ultimately, the type of camera your organization chooses for your conference room depends on the size of the room, how many team members are involved in virtual meetings, as well as your budget. Ensure you speak with your AV partner about what will work best and align with your needs.
Interactive Whiteboards: This is great technology for any conference room—especially if you host brainstorming sessions with your team or if you collaborate with people who are visual learners. Interactive whiteboards can let you write directly on the board using varied colors while also annotating over documents or web pages. Additionally, video platforms like Zoom can let a user use the whiteboard while on a call, share it in a real time capacity, and also provide the content as a wrap up once the call has been completed. Interactive whiteboards present the ability to engage with meeting participants and deliver a more memorable experience.
New Technology for Your Conference Room
Of course, there are other technologies that can be implemented in your company’s conference room, including control panels, user connectivity strategies, lighting, acoustics considerations, projectors, scheduling applications, and more.
If you are considering bringing your conference room into the digital age and upping your company’s game when collaborating with virtual and geographically diverse teams, then it is important to work with an AV consultant who can design an approach that fits your needs and goals.
The Connectivity team would love to be that consultant! We design and install AV systems that meet a variety of business objectives. We will take the time to learn about your environment, how you plan on using your conference room, and create a design that aligns with your budget.
Reach out to our team today and let’s start a conversation.