Your Venue’s DIY Approach to Digital Signage Could Be Costing You
In the world of hospitality and events, digital signage is no longer an optional feature, but a valuable asset for growth. Yet, for many venues, digital displays remain underutilized and a source of frustration and missed opportunities.
Digital content in lobbies, meeting and event spaces can do much more than inform. When managed well, it can positively impact guest satisfaction and unlock significant new revenue streams from digital advertising and sponsorships. It can also enhance environments, engage guests, promote brands and highlight amenities.
The challenge? Fully leveraging digital displays requires much more than adding another responsibility to already burdened staff or periodically updating screen content.
Let’s explore how high performing hotels like Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, Bridgewater Marriott and Hilton properties across Austin, Houston and Abilene have all increased digital revenue and improved guest experiences using digital signage.
The Pitfalls of In-House Digital Signage Management
Behind the dazzling visuals lie a hidden challenge: managing digital signage systems and content effectively requires time, expertise, and attention. That is additional time and resources most teams simply don't have to spare. As a result, it is common for venues to end up defaulting to a 'set-it-and-forget-it' approach.
Studies show that 65% of hotel guests report that digital displays improve their stay, but these benefits quickly evaporate if screens are outdated, off-brand, or out of sync with events. Poor digital signage performance resulting from operational constraints is a common refrain for many hotels.
Brian Leadbeater, Director of Catering & Events at Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, vividly recounts his pre-Xpodigital partnership experience:
“Before Xpodigital, we had limited flexibility in what could be displayed on our boards and very little IT support. This resulted in frequent client complaints and frustration for the staff.”
Attempting to manage digital signage in-house forces staff into unfamiliar territory: navigating space planning, hardware, content creation, content management platforms, playlists and advertising sales, not to mention the pressures of last-minute changes. This in-house approach often results in:
Staff time and resources diverted from their core responsibilities
Outdated content displayed on screens to guests and event attendees
Inconsistent branding and messaging
Undervalued placements and underutilized displays
These poor outcomes not only negatively impact guest satisfaction, but erode trust with event planners and corporate partners who expect flawless execution.
The Advantages of Partnership
With hundreds of properties served across North America, Xpodigital understands the challenges of executing an effective, profitable digital signage strategy. Xpodigital’s full-service approach is designed to boost revenue and experiences while relieving venue staff of burdensome (and risk-prone) responsibilities.
The essential components of Xpodigital’s partnership include:
Revenue Optimization: Dedicated sales specialists help maximize digital revenue based on best practices and their expertise and access to the latest technology and advertising options available.
Professional Content Services: Xpodigital’s creative team develops compelling, on-brand visuals for any event, from dynamic wayfinding and agendas to eye-catching sponsor messages and engaging interactive content.
Diana Balakirov, Cluster Marketing Manager for Hilton Hotels in Austin, Houston and Abilene explains:
"The content that does display is of a higher quality…With the amount of information we communicate on-site, it makes a difference when software and hardware works without issues.”
Real-Time Technical Support: The importance of immediate, expert technical support cannot be overstated, especially during critical moments. When a critical issue arises, expert help is immediately available, ensuring rapid resolution and minimal disruption to your operations.
Stephanie Marotto, Senior Event Manager at the Bridgewater Marriott, shares her experience:
“When our event screens started displaying outdated information, Xpodigital’s tech support responded immediately, joined a call, and quickly restored the correct content, which helped us avoid guest and manager complaints.”
Training, Empowerment & Proactive Workflow: Account managers, sales and support specialists help to guide and train staff. They offer reminders, and provide insight to make sure onsite teams feel confident, not overwhelmed.
Diana Balakirov of Hilton Hotels in Austin, Houston and Abilene adds:
"Xpodigital has transformed our hotel. We now have the capability to load all of our content – across all applicable areas of the hotel – through a cloud-based platform."
The Impact On High-Stakes Events
Events are fast-moving and often pressurized. Mistakes, like displaying incorrect event information, outdated agendas or incorrect sponsor content can result in dissatisfied clients, a negative reputation and lost revenue. Xpodigital’s team has saved the day for countless venues, supporting flawless execution, particularly under pressure.
Stephanie Marotto of Bridgewater Marriott highlights the peace of mind she has working with Xpodigital:
“Their prompt, hands-on service has allowed us to maintain a seamless event experience and avoid any service disruptions.”
Rethinking the DIY Approach to Digital Signage
Entrusting your digital signage to Xpodigital means freeing your staff to focus on guests rather than processing content changes or troubleshooting hardware. The turnkey benefits extend beyond technology. You get high performing, consistently branded, professionally managed displays for every event and every guest, every time.
The real difference is ultimately in the outcomes: fewer headaches for staff, delighted event clients and planners, and a measurable boost in property revenue, all delivered with professionalism and a “we’re in this together” mentality.
As Brian Leadbeater from Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek summarizes it:
“Xpodigital offers a great design of the product, outstanding flexibility in what can be displayed on the boards, and excellent support whenever we need it. Since partnering with Xpodigital, we’ve received little to no complaints from our clients and have seen increased revenue as a result.”
Partner With Experts You Can Trust
Xpodigital is a digital signage partner trusted by over 280 marquee hotels and convention centers across North America. The team brings decades of technology, sales and service expertise to every venue. With Xpodigital, your digital signage becomes a powerful asset, not a persistent challenge.
If your venue is looking to replace its DIY approach and make the most of its digital signage investment, consider partnering with Xpodigital.
For a complimentary consultation and to learn more, meet with one of our experts.
