IMS Podcast: Recent Episodes
Integrated Media Solutions
IMS Podcast - Bringing you the latest news and reviews from the world of technology, as well as interviews with guests from all backgrounds & webinars.
Join our CEO Denis Ahern, and Business Development Manager Helena O' Brien on Ep #9 of the IMS Hotel Tech Unwrapped podcast series, where we unravel the pivotal role of technology in hospitality.
Watch episode here: https://youtu.be/1es1wkW02uoIn this episode, Denis and Helena discuss the role of hybrid technology in facilitating work while traveling. They explore the importance of creating a home-like experience for guests and the need to provide office-to-office experiences. They highlight the significance of connectivity and the use of digital signage technology in common areas to show schedules and provide wayfinding. Takeaways
- Digital signage technology can be used to show schedules, provide wayfinding, and offer branding and advertising opportunities.
- Making it easy for guests to book meeting spaces and ensuring staff are trained in using the technology is important.
- Hotels have the opportunity to showcase their commitment to sustainability through the use of technology. Ensure team buy-in and familiarity with video conferencing technology
- Provide a digital end-to-end experience for guests
- Create an office-like environment in meeting rooms
- Consider the sustainability aspect of technology use
- Explore the potential of hybrid conferences to reach a larger audience
Chapters00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast03:22 Reflection on the Journey of the Podcast06:16 Creating a Home-Like Experience for Guests09:07 Facilitating Office-to-Office Experiences12:12 Simplifying the Booking Process for Meeting Spaces15:32 Enhancing Communication and Wayfinding with Digital Signage19:07 Technology and Sustainability in the Hospitality Industry21:02 Transforming the Video Conferencing Experience23:55 Partnerships and Expertise in Audiovisual Solutions26:59 Creating Office-Like Environments in Meeting Rooms28:51 Embracing Sustainability in Technology Use
Join our CEO Denis Ahern, and Business Development Manager Helena O' Brien on Ep #8 of the IMS Hotel Tech Unwrapped podcast series, where we unravel the pivotal role of technology in hospitality.
Watch episode here: https://youtu.be/7ukuVddQGxI
In this episode of Hotel Tech Unwrapped, Denis and Helena discuss phone and voice communications technology in the hospitality industry. They highlight the importance of having a well-designed phone system that can generate revenue, improve operational efficiency, and enhance the guest experience. Takeaways- A well-designed phone system in the hospitality industry can generate revenue, improve operational efficiency, and enhance the guest experience.- Key considerations for phone systems include having multiple channels for calls, integrated voice receptionists, and integration with property management systems.- Cloud-based phone solutions offer flexibility, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.- Phone systems can be integrated with other communication channels to create an omnichannel experience.- Investing in a phone system can lead to operational efficiencies, such as real-time room availability updates and streamlined communication between staff members.Chapters00:00 - Introduction and Overview06:53 - Revenue Generation with Phone Systems26:34 - Sustainability and Future Considerations
Join our CEO Denis Ahern and Business Development Manager Helena O' Brien on Ep #7 of the IMS Hotel Tech Unwrapped podcast series, where we unravel the pivotal role of technology in hospitality.
In this episode, Denis and Helena discuss IoT technology in the hospitality industry. They also explore the various applications of IoT in hospitality, such as door access control, monitoring and controlling the environment, and voice assistants. They emphasise the importance of data-driven decision-making and the potential for IoT to enhance the guest and employee experience, while improving operational efficiency and sustainability.
Takeaways
- IoT technology, such as casting and door access control, is becoming increasingly popular in the hospitality industry.
- IoT can enhance the guest experience, improve operational efficiency, and contribute to sustainability efforts.
- Data-driven decision-making is crucial in leveraging the benefits of IoT technology.
- IoT can be used to monitor and control the environment, improve energy efficiency, and enhance safety and security.
- Upgrading Wi-Fi networks to support IoT devices can unlock significant cost savings and business opportunities.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and feedback on IoT technology in hospitality
07:10 Common use cases of IoT in hospitality: door access control, casting technology, and environment monitoring
13:56 The benefits of IoT in period buildings and energy efficiency
28:53 Emerging trends in IoT: aIot and digital guest and employee experiences
34:05 Key takeaways and conclusion
Join our CEO Denis Ahern and Business Development Manager Helena O' Brien on Ep #6 of the IMS Hotel Tech Unwrapped podcast series, where we unravel the pivotal role of technology in hospitality.
Watch episode here: https://youtu.be/8I8TW95FjUY
In this episode, Denis and Helena discuss casting technology for hotels. They explain that casting allows guests to wirelessly share their own device's content on the hotel TV screen. They highlight the importance of hospitality grade TVs and the deployment options for casting technology. They also discuss the benefits of casting, such as the ability to watch on-demand entertainment and the data security it provides. The hosts emphasise the need for a reliable Wi-Fi and wired network to support the casting experience, and discuss future trends in casting technology.
Takeaways
- Casting technology allows guests to wirelessly share their own device's content on the hotel TV screen.
- Hospitality grade TVs and a reliable Wi-Fi network are prerequisites for deploying casting technology.
- Casting enhances the guest experience by providing on-demand entertainment and ensuring data security.
- Future trends in casting technology include app-based experiences, cloud-based solutions, and the transition to Google Chromecast 4.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:53 Feedback from TV and podcasts
03:36 What is casting?
04:31 Methods of deployment
05:54 Hospitality grade TV
06:06 Deployment with existing TVs
09:10 Difference between hospitality grade and non-hospitality grade TVs
09:42 Advantages of hospitality grade TVs
11:23 Network security for casting
12:27 Benefits of casting technology
14:14 Issues with incorrect installation
15:12 Methods of network deployment
20:20 Advantages and benefits of casting
22:00 Prerequisites for deploying casting
24:27 Future trends in casting technology
26:05 Key takeaways
Join our CEO Denis Ahern and Business Development Manager Helena O' Brien on Ep #6 of the IMS Hotel Tech Unwrapped podcast series, where we unravel the pivotal role of technology in hospitality.
Watch episode here: https://youtu.be/8I8TW95FjUYIn this episode, Denis and Helena discuss hospitality TV and the importance of enhancing the guest experience. They highlight the benefits of using hospitality grade TVs, which are designed for long-term use and offer customisable user interfaces. The importance of a well-designed Wi-Fi and switch network is emphasised, as it supports the TV experience.
Takeaways
- Invest in hospitality grade TVs for a better guest experience
- Consider using network cables for TV channel distribution
- Ensure a well-designed Wi-Fi and switch network to support the TV experience
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
01:13 - Positive feedback on the podcast
03:19 - Hospitality grade TVs
04:00 - TV channel distribution
05:15 - Options for existing TVs
07:09 - Using coax cable and network Cable
08:18 - Benefits of hospitality grade TVs
09:02 - Content management system
10:09 - Sustainability and content management
12:37 - Using coax cable for TV channels
13:46 - Data over coax solution
15:09 - Importance of Wi-Fi for TV services
16:36 - Phased approach to upgrading TVs
20:12 - Matching the home experience
21:26 - Key takeaways
22:29 - Conclusion
Join our CEO Denis Ahern and Business Development Manager Helena O' Brien on Ep #4 of the IMS Hotel Tech Unwrapped podcast series, where we unravel the pivotal role of technology in hospitality.
In this episode, Denis and Helena discuss the importance of connectivity in the hospitality industry. They explain the difference between broadband and leased line services, highlighting the benefits of a leased line for data security compliance. Overall, the episode emphasises the importance of reliable and high-quality connectivity in the hospitality industry.
Watch video here.
Key takeaways:
- Leased line services offer more reliability and security compared to broadband services.
- Having a primary and secondary connection ensures operational efficiency and minimizes downtime.
- The recommended speed for a hotel is around 5 megabits per room.
- Connectivity plays a crucial role in improving the guest experience and enhancing guest services.
- Leased line connections provide operational efficiency and a competitive advantage in the hospitality industry.
Chapters
00:00 Difference between Broadband and Leased Line
08:44 LAN and WAN IP Addresses
11:06 Benefits of Leased Line for Data Security Compliance
15:49 Primary and Secondary Connection for Operational Efficiency
21:45 How Connectivity Improves Guest Experience and Enhances Guest Services
32:02 Operational Efficiency and Competitive Advantage of Leased Line Connection
Join our CEO Denis Ahern and Business Development Manager Helena O' Brien on Ep #3 Part1 of the IMS Hotel Tech Unwrapped podcast series, where we unravel the pivotal role of technology in hospitality. In this episode, Denis and Helena discuss practical deployment examples and typical scenarios for hotel Wi-Fi, including the challenges of providing seamless connectivity in separate hotel and conference wings. They also explore the impact of refurbishments on Wi-Fi performance and the importance of conducting wireless surveys. Additionally, they highlight how a well-designed Wi-Fi network can support hoteliers in achieving their sustainability objectives, such as reducing energy consumption.
Watch video here.
Key takeaways:
- Understand your hotel's specific Wi-Fi needs and communicate them to potential partners.
- Wi-Fi networks are dynamic and can be impacted by refurbishments and changes in the environment.
- A well-designed Wi-Fi network can support sustainability objectives by reducing energy consumption.
- Broadband is a critical component of hotel connectivity and will be discussed in the next episode.
Chapters00:00 - Introduction
00:19 - Recap of Part 1
01:00 - Deployment Examples and Typical Scenarios
06:05 - Impact of Refurbishments on Wi-Fi
09:59 - Wi-Fi and Sustainability
23:53 - Key Takeaways
Join our CEO Denis Ahern and Business Development Manager Helena O' Brien on Ep #3 Part1 of the IMS Hotel Tech Unwrapped podcast series, where we unravel the pivotal role of technology in hospitality.
In this episode, the hosts highlight how Wi-Fi can impact guest reviews and online reputation, and introduce five principles of great Wi-Fi.
They emphasise the importance of working with experienced partners in the hospitality sector and conclude with a discussion on the importance of Wi-Fi for hotel operations and the benefits of well-designed switch networks.
Takeaways:
- Great Wi-Fi is crucial for guest satisfaction and online reputation.
- The five principles of great Wi-Fi include choosing the right product, creating a strong cable and switch network, putting as much as possible on cable, having a single site-wide managed network, and broadcasting the minimum number of wireless networks.
- Working with experienced partners in the hospitality sector is important for successful Wi-Fi implementation.
- Wi-Fi is not only important for guest experience but also for hotel operations, including staff efficiency and the integration of IoT devices.
- Well-designed switch networks can reduce costs, improve power consumption, and provide resilience.
Watch video here.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
01:20 The Importance of Great Wi-Fi
02:17 Principles of Great Wi-Fi
03:34 Working with Experienced Partners
04:32 Feedback from Previous Episodes
05:15 Introduction (Take 2)
06:58 Feedback from Previous Episodes (Take 2)
10:03 The Importance of Wi-Fi for Guest Experience
11:39 The Importance of Wi-Fi for Online Reputation
13:12 Principle 1: Choose the Right Product
16:11 Principle 2: Create a Strong Cable and Switch Network
18:16 Principle 3: Put as Much as Possible on Cable
19:24 Principle 4: Have a Single Site Wide Managed Network
20:18 Principle 5: Broadcast the Minimum Number of Wireless Networks
22:11 The Importance of Wi-Fi for Hotel Operations
Resoures:
- Why Wi-Fi is Keeping Hotels From Receiving 5 Star Reviews: https://www.revinate.com/blog/why-wi-fi-is-keeping-hotels-from-receiving-5-star-reviews/
Join our CEO Denis Ahern and Business Development Manager Helena O' Brien on Ep #2 of the IMS Hotel Tech Unwrapped podcast series, where we unravel the pivotal role of technology in hospitality. In this episode, the hosts discuss the evolution of hospitality technology and the importance of cloud-based systems and APIs. They explore integration examples and the role of AI in the industry. They also provide insights on driving direct bookings and offer key takeaways for decision makers in the hospitality sector.Takeaways
- Work with partners who deliver cloud-based platforms and have an open API.
- Find partners who are advancing on the AI journey to gain a competitive advantage.
- Focus on driving direct bookings by capturing first-party data and offering personalized experiences.
00:00 - Introduction03:25 - The Evolution of Hospitality Technology04:52 - The Importance of Cloud-Based Systems07:26 - Understanding APIs08:44 - Integration Examples17:59 - The Role of AI in Hospitality Technology22:15 - Driving Direct Bookings27:35 - Key Takeaways29:31 - Closing Remarks
Resources:
- Hospitality Technology Ecosystem by Ira Vouk: https://www.hospitalitynet.org/opinion/4118850.html
- Hospitalitynet Tech Opinion pieces by Max Starkov: https://www.hospitalitynet.org/author/148001045/starkov.html
- Hotel Tech Report: 75+ Hospitality Statistics You Should Know (2024) - https://hoteltechreport.com/news/hospitality-statistics
- Europe’s Independent Hotels Lag U.S. Brands on Google Hotels: New Skift Research: https://skift.com/2023/11/15/europes-independent-hotels-lag-u-s-brands-on-google-hotels-new-skift-research/
Join our CEO Denis Ahern and Business Development Manager Helena O' Brien on our inaugural episode of the IMS Hotel Tech Unwrapped podcast series, where we unravel the pivotal role of technology in hospitality. Tune in for key takeaways on finding the right tech ally, tailoring guest feedback, and leveraging data for smart investment decisions.
Watch video here.
00:00 - Introduction to the podcast
02:15 - Partnership with a hotel group to improve online reputation
03:19 - The importance of guest feedback and online reputation
04:46 - Analysing the Wi-Fi score and other technology categories
06:42 - Lessons learned from the partnership
07:18 - The impact of guest reviews on bookings
08:12 - Investing in TV solutions to increase rankings#
09:09 - Simplifying technology and the guest digital journey
11:33 - The value of technology for operators and guests
12:11 - The challenges of integrating new technology
13:38 - The cost of technology and making informed investment decisions
15:30 - Key takeaways and conclusion
Resources:
- Cornell relating to online reputation and impact on occupancy, ADR, RevPAR: https://sha.cornell.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2019/03/rohit-verma-online-reviews.pdf
- Cornell relating to technology that guests want / use: https://ecommons.cornell.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/283233a4-cf62-4766-86a2-36f4c6ae909e/content
- Expedia study re Guest Scores v Brand or Price - https://resources.trustyou.com/c/bl-review-ratings-expedia?x=nsbbfd&cn=bl-review-ratings-expedia&ct=Blog%20Post
September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day 2023, and at IMS, we are committed to creating hope through action every day.
Our dedication to prioritising people is at the core of everything we do. On this important occasion, we are honoured to present a podcast between Jean Lyons - Virtual Events Lead, Pat Madigan - Project Manager and Michelle Meaney - Secretary of the Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention (Our Charity Partner)
Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention
Phone: 085 784 5347
Email: ltsuicideprevention@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/treatysuicideprevention/
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a crisis, please reach out immediately.
Where to get help:
https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/4/mental-health-services/nosp/help/
A GP
A GP can offer support for anyone in crisis. If possible, ask someone to come along with you. Find a service near you:
- GP or health centre
- Out of hours GP service
HSE Mental Health Services
If you are being supported by a mental health team, or have been in the past, contact the service for support in a crisis.
Samaritans
Samaritans services are available 24 hours a day, for confidential, non-judgmental support.
- Freephone 116 123
- Email jo@samaritans.ie
- Visit www.samaritans.ie for more information
Pieta
Pieta provide a range of suicide and self-harm prevention services.
- Freephone 1800 247 247 anytime day or night
- Text HELP to 51444 (standard message rates apply)
- Visit www.pieta.ie for more information
Text About It
Text About It is a free, anonymous, 24/7 messaging service providing everything from a calming chat to immediate support for our mental health and emotional wellbeing.
- Text HELLO to 50808, anytime day or night
- Visit www.textaboutit.ie for more information
Childline
A free 24/7 support service for children and young people up to and including those age 18 years of age.
- Freephone 1800 66 66 66
- Text 50101
- Live chat at www.childline.ie
Hospital and emergency services
If you, or someone you know is at immediate risk of harm, go to or call the emergency department of your local general hospital. You can also contact emergency services on 112 or 999 anytime, day or night.
Visit www.yourmentalhealth.ie for information on how to mind your mental health, support others, or to find a support service in your area. You can also call the Your Mental Health Information Line on 1800 111 888, anytime day or night, for information on mental health services in your area.
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Julian Lloyd as Commerical Director for IMS UK.
As part of our best practices for using Zoom, IMS is delighted to host a webinar on Virtual Event Production. We have special guest Mr Paul Richards who is the Chief Streaming Officer at StreamGeeks. Paul is a Live Streaming and Cloud-Based Video Collaboration Expert with over 10 years in the audio-visual industry. He is experienced in implementing affordable & effective unified communications for video broadcasting and collaboration. This free event will show how to deliver Edutainment for amateur and professional live video productions. Paul will also be discussing his upcoming Presence Summit and what is going on behind the scenes as they prepare to kick off their event on July 15th.
Are you preparing to speak at or host an online event? Zoom Video Webinars make it easy to host and attend events from anywhere. As a presenter, it is important that you look and sound your best on video so your attendees can focus on the content. We’ve compiled our best practices/tips for the optimum setup for hosts and panelists using Zoom. Join Jason Mobley - UC Guru, Joshua A. Jones - The WebiNerd, Eric de Jager - TechSonic and Shane Hartigan - IMS on how to get the best out of your online events.
COVID-19 is creating unprecedented challenges for our businesses today. Companies need to react at speed and get creative to deal with the disruption due to the pandemic. This is especially evident within manufacturing. As infections spread around the world different countries, health systems and industries have redirected substantial resources to COVID-19 response efforts. Some extraordinary measures are underway to rapidly deal with the issue. The crisis has forced industry to quickly recalibrate across the value chain from suppliers to customer needs.
Our webinar, chaired by Cathal Reilly (CEIA, Chairman) with have a panel of Industry members led by Sean Gayer, VP Operations Boston Scientific, and to include Sean Sheehan CEO Wisetek and Jerry Sweeney CEO CloudCIX. They will discuss and share with you how each of their business are:
• Re-aligning business Priorities
• Re-structuring their Organisation capabilities
• Workforce planning incorporating Corona Virus safety planning guidelines
• Ramp strategy plan
• How their teams are dealing with the new norm
A special webinar co-hosted by the Education Centre Network and IMS to demonstrate the capabilities of Zoom in an Education setting.
Episode #5: - Special Webinar: "Remote working used to be a luxury, now it’s a necessity - Hosted IT@Cork & IMS
A special webinar hosted by it@cork for its members and the general public on the current status of COVID-19 and the mathematical modelling behind the exponential spread of the virus globally.
Panellist/Line-up:
Prof. Patricia Kearney – Cardiovascular Epidemiologist and Clinical Trialist, School of Public Health, University College Cork
Prof. John O’Leary – Professor/Chair of Pathology, Trinity College Dublin
> Dr Martin Hogan – Managing Director CHI Cork, Past Dean of the Faculty of Occupational Medicine
Karen Egan – VP Advanced Customer Engagement, VMware
Jerry Sweeney – Founder, MD CloudCIX
Episode #2 - Seanie Ryan
"Elive™ is a private, wholly Irish owned, independent Web Services company, set up in 1997, located in Limerick, Ireland Elive™ specialises in developing eCommerce and eBusiness Solutions for over 20 years. We cover all Web services from Domain Registration and Hosting, to Email Spam/Virus Scanning, Online Backups, Server Management and much more. In 2018 Elive purchased Design outfit PixelMedia, enabling us to provide Web and Print Design to our clients."
Episode #1 - Interview with Brendan Ring
Brendan Ring is the founder and CEO of the Cliona's Foundation & CUBE.
"Cliona's is a Limerick-based charitable foundation that provides financial assistance for non-medical expenses for families with seriously sick children. The foundation was founded by Terry and Brendan Ring after the loss of their daughter Cliona. At any one point, there are over 4,000 children in Ireland with a life-limiting condition with upwards of an additional 400 diagnosed each year. With 400 new cases annually this adds up to a potential €4,000,000 of assistance every year. There is a major funding gap to be bridged to help all of these families. Cliona’s Foundation wants to help as many of these families as possible. The costs for a single-family in a year can be upwards of €10,000 for non-medical expenses. This equates to €200 per week or over €800 per month of extra costs for families."