As we all know, technology today changes faster than a blink of an eye. There is always something new, something better, something smarter. Because of this, we know that our clients’ needs are constantly evolving and it is up to us to offer the easiest, most integrated and cost-effective solutions available for planning and implementing a successful program or event.

While we value innovative technology and its power to helps us simplify and organize, at metroConnections, innovation goes beyond the software and hardware. For us, innovation encompasses creativity and strategic thinking.  It’s knowing how to assemble the perfect team based on the expertise needed. It’s thinking one step ahead and coming prepared to address last minute challenges. It’s understanding how to take a client’s vision and bring it to life through branded structures, décor and lighting.

To us, it’s our talented people who make innovation happen every day at metroConnections. And, without you as our customers pushing us beyond what we know today, these creations would not be a possibility.

- David Graves, President, metroConnections

To showcase its new technologies and vision for the future to key stakeholders, Syngenta bypassed a traditional conference setting. Instead, the global agribusiness leader transformed a rural research site into a spectacular multi-purpose, multi-building compound with the help of metroConnections.

metroConnections Event Services and Production Services teams joined forces to integrate creative designs with technical staging and comprehensive audio/visual support to ensure a meaningful experience for three distinct audience groups. “By offering a full-service solution to Syngenta, we were able to streamline the process and flawlessly manage every detail from concept through execution,” says Pete Gnoza, Senior Sales Manager, metroConnections. From branded signs to structural components, many custom-built elements were required to erect the Dome City and re-stage two existing buildings. These custom elements were all created in-house using the ample space of metroConnections’ 35,000 square foot event and production center.

Here’s a quick tour of Syngenta’s incredible event:

Plenary Building –
The Main Event Center
• A machine shed makeover created an exquisite reception and general session space
• Walls were covered in 16’ tall white drape
• Ambient lighting set the mood
• Drape hanging from a 50’ circle truss in the ceiling created “walls” for the general session space
• A versatile main stage hosted multiple presentations
• Large plasma screens, vibrant stage lighting and sound brought the space to life
• Lounge furniture, food stations and a coat check ensured guest comfort As they walked from the plenary building to the field, guests encountered 6 field marker signs featuring the Syngenta story

Field Area – Syngenta’s Dome City
• metroConnections created or sourced all aspects of physical needs from landscaping and tents to graphics and restrooms
• 8 dome tents – including 1 main reception tent and 7 crop-specific domes
• Dome exterior branding included a custom vinyl appliqué and a custom-built sign
• Each crop dome featured education regarding a particular crop through literature, images, plants and props

South Shed – The Dining Room
• Black pipe and drape, gray carpeting, and light colored linens turned this shed into an inviting dining area
• Three areas were configured out of a rectangular space to accommodate guest dining, staff dining, and catering prep

As the organizers of many conferences each year, The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) counts on metroConnections’ innovative Attend-eTrack service to streamline and organize their conference sessions and data collection. At each event, The IIA offers its exhibitors and session organizers a wireless, easy-to-use system for tracking attendees and lead generation that includes hand-held scanners and access to a specialized tracking website.

What does Attend-eTrack offer?
Lead Retrieval
• Exhibitors scan attendee badges and data is transferred to a reporting website
• Creates an effortless contact information exchange
• Robust reporting options help prioritize leads and follow up requests
• Cost effective with minimal financial impact to hosting organization
• Available as SaaS (Software as a Service) and Self-Service options

Session Tracking
• Confirm attendee participation for CEU credit management
• Control security and attendee access
• Compare registrations versus attendees to assist with future planning

Web-based Reporting
• Specialized tracking website
• Reports include total attendance counts and individual attendee rosters
• Scanned data immediately available for sales and marketing use
• Centralized and web-based reporting allows multiple team member access from any location
• Standard file formats allow report analysis in a variety of software and contact management tools

Because of their ongoing partnership, metroConnections has also developed several efficiencies and turnkey solutions that allow IIA to self-manage a portion of the system internally.

After purchasing iPads for their field representatives last year, a worldrenowned medical device company hoped to leverage the technology to streamline the field personnel’s event requests. Not only was metroConnections fully capable of designing a solution within the iPad platform, they were already working with the company’s meeting planning team who had been using the Attend-eSource® registration solution for several years. This allowed metroConnections to dovetail key elements and data into the final iPad technology design.

The benefits of the iPad app custom solution:
• Allows field force to quickly and easily request an event
• Provides an official four-step approval process involving multiple management levels
• Configures literature orders to event specifics
• Web-based to accommodate non-iPad platforms
• “Request approved” process automatically distributes an email communication to all relevant staff including the requestor

Training employees is one thing. Empowering employees to practice and engage with new information and knowledge is another. To enhance the retention of a client’s recent training event, metroConnections produced a distinct and effective concept for reinforcement: infuse hands-on learning into the entire program.

Rather than using team building as a separate event, metroConnections incorporated hands-on team challenges to reinforce skills and messages in conjunction with breakout sessions. These interactive, team-building sessions created the proper environment and leveraged the right tools for participants to effectively integrate the learning. The desired messages such as Communications, Leadership Roles and Effective Planning, were reinforced through hands-on team challenges.

To support event organizers and presenters, metroConnections provided training and resources to help guide the educators and participants during the entire afternoon of breakouts. The result? Attendees left the event armed with new information and the skills to put it into use.

In June, Firestone Metal Products hosted an action-packed customer appreciation event in Minneapolis. The concurrent activities, tight schedules and multiple airport runs demanded a seamless transportation solution. In addition, Firestone also needed assistance in arranging venues and guides for activities. Thanks to exceptional coordination, metroConnections didn’t miss a pick-up, a drop-off, or a beat.

To ensure their customers enjoyed the experience, Firestone offered three events and allowed each customer to pick their favorite from Golf, Fishing or Sporting Clays.

Here’s how the day played out:
The Golf Event
6:30 a.m. Guests leave the Graves Hotel for TPC Golf Course in Blaine
2:00 p.m. Guests depart for the airport
3:00 p.m. metro staff meets departing passengers at the MSP transit area and escorts them to their respective airline carriers

The Fishing Trip
Arranged by metroConnections, including securing one-day fishing licenses for each individual and fishing guides
8:00 a.m. Guests depart for Lake Minnetonka
8:30 a.m. Arrive at Wayzata Boat Docks to meet metro staff and fishing boats
8:45 a.m. Boats launch, each featuring a fishing guide, beverages and snacks
12:00p.m. Guests depart for lunch at Parma

The Sporting Clays Shoot
Arranged by metroConnections
8:30 a.m. Guests depart the Graves Hotel for the MN Horse & Hunt Club
9:00 a.m. metro staff welcomes guests to H&H Club
9:30 a.m. Shooting Pros assist guests and offer tips throughout the morning as group shoots sporting clays and a round of trap
12:00 p.m. Guests depart for lunch at Parma

While guests were dining at Parma, metroConnections transferred luggage for guests heading directly to MSP following lunch. The remaining guests were transported back to the Graves Hotel to relax before departing for MSP airport at 4:30 p.m.