VENUE REPORT

VENUE REPORT»

THE CATHEDRAL OF FINANCE

The Guardian Building’s several distinctive design features set it apart as a stunning

Detroit venue. BY LAUREN PAHMEIER From the exterior alone, the Guardian Building distinguishes itself as an extraordinary place in downtown Detroit. Over 2 million tangerine-colored bricks texture its 40 stories, later to be named “Guardian bricks” by the manufacturer in honor of the project. Although there are more curiosities to be discovered inside, the one-of-a-kind “Aztec Art Deco” style influences the design and materials in the space. Built in 1929, the Guardian Building is still in impressive condition and continues to host gatherings ranging from weddings to galas, trade shows and educational workshops within its two eye-catching spaces.

While the building wasn’t nicknamed the “Cathedral of Finance” for the Promenade, the space feels like a cathedral with its remarkable five-story ceiling. The Michigan Mural, also five stories tall, is another element that draws the eye upward in the room, adding to the sense of grandeur throughout the space. On the ornate metal motif that separates the lobby from the Promenade, a Tiffany Company clock shows when the end of the business day arrives, as events in the Promenade can only begin after retail tenants close for the day. For a strolling cocktail hour, up to 275 people can gather within its 5,000 square feet. For a smaller group, the Executive Boardroom seats 20 at its table and provides an overall retro feel with wood paneling, wood parquet and marble floors. When it comes to amenities in both spaces, planners supply their own catering, audio-visual equipment, décor and vendors for meetings and events. However, planners can count on the Guardian Building to provide two security guards onsite, as well as a building engineer to help with several tasks.

Even 91 years later, the history and uncommon elements of the building add up to beautiful, memorable events for attendees.

Get Connected

GUARDIAN BUILDING events@guardianbuilding.com | 313.963.4567

Mark Miller

is president of the Rental and Staging Network (RSN) and president and CEO of Markey’s Rental & Staging, a national rental and staging company, headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. With more than 35 years of experience in the event technology business, he leads RSN, a top-tier network of live event production companies throughout North America. The network allows event planners and producers to access the very best in live event production throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.

IT’S YOUR BIZ» SKILLED A/V PARTNERS ELEVATE VIRTUAL AND HYBRID EVENTS

Audio-visual partners take some responsibility off of a planner’s plate when technology is of the utmost importance.

BY MARK MILLER

VIRTUAL AND HYBRID EVENTS will be the norm for quite some time. To effectively host an event that is completely virtual or hybrid, meeting planners will need to partner with a skilled audio-visual team to provide the technical expertise and show production knowledge.

Although virtual events may feel different, they are powerful and scalable, allowing people from around the world to gather remotely. With a hybrid meeting, both in-person and remote viewers can be engaged in a meaningful way. A skilled audio-visual team understands the technical wizardry that is required to bring everything and everyone together, using a combination of professional equipment and software platforms.

“Virtual and hybrid events have overcome the hurdles and expense of travel and lodging,” says Bob Leon, president of Colortone Staging & Rentals, the Ohio area partner of the Rental and Staging Network. “It is more appealing to attend a virtual event than ever before. A higher premium should be placed on the remote attendee.”

When done right, virtual and hybrid events are engagement-driven, value-added experiences that produce results extending past the screen. Good show flow and scripting are critical for both inperson and virtual events. Professional moderation is the key to creating engaging virtual events that flow. During a virtual event, “stage management” comes in the form of carefully timed introductions for presentations, interacting in the comments and creating a two-way experience for attendees that runs on time.

Speaker coaching is also critical in virtual settings and differs depending on how the presenter will interact with the audience. An A/V partner will guide presenters through individual “tech checks” to orientate them to the platform, show them how to share documents and make sure their presentation is displayed in an engaging way. They will also work with presenters to confirm there are not any connectivity issues that will negatively impact the presentations, as well as advise the virtual presenter about posture, dress code and maintaining eye contact.

To support the live audience, an A/V partner will oversee the chat for those needing technical assistance, create a queue to take live questions and manage audience polling.

Not offering a virtual component in today’s environment is a mistake—attendees expect an option to join virtually. For meeting planners, that means budgeting for elements of livestream or other types of webcasting in addition to in-person A/V event costs.

“Just as planners consulted with their A/V team prior to COVID-19, that consultation is just as important today,” Leon added. “There are no set rules; all meetings whether virtual or hybrid are different and require tech.”

Think of an A/V partner as an extension of the team, who enables the planner to focus on other elements of the event. With all the moving parts in hybrid or virtual events, planners shouldn’t have to worry about the technology—that’s for the A/V partner to handle.

GOLF SPA SHOP DINE MEET

SAFE MEETINGS

Whether you are looking to host a small company retreat, or a large conference, we have ample space for your gathering to meet safely. From our 19,000 sq. ft. Governors’ Hall to our board rooms, each space can be designed to follow strict physical distancing and safety guidelines. We are committed to providing you a safe and comfortable space for your next meeting or event. Learn more at grandtraverseresort.com/safemeetings.