Hotels and hospitality venues are under growing pressure to deliver memorable experiences and highly flexible event spaces. By Paul Midwood, Chief Technology Officer at Solstice AV explains how audio-visual technology is increasingly at the heart of that effort.
“AV isn’t a bolt-on anymore,” says Paul Midwood, CTO at Solstice AV. “It’s a core part of the guest experience and a serious revenue driver. Whether it’s an LED wall making a statement in the lobby or wireless collaboration in a meeting room, the right mix of tech can set a hotel apart and keep it ahead of what guests expect.” Large-format LED walls have become one of the most transformative additions to hospitality design. Hotels are using ultra-fine-pitch LED to create floor-to-ceiling digital backdrops that can display calming artwork by day, then switch to vibrant branded content for evening events. “LED has become a game-changer,” Midwood explains. “Instead of static décor, we’re seeing dynamic, immersive spaces that set the tone for the entire guest journey.”
Meeting rooms and conference suites have evolved just as dramatically. Interactive flat-panel displays now replace many traditional projectors, giving corporate guests and event planners a seamless way to present, annotate and share content. These displays are often paired with wireless BYOD collaboration systems, removing software-install headaches and making hybrid meetings more natural.
Audio and control systems have also moved forward. Modern hotels are deploying DSP-managed audio and networked AV control platforms, so that spaces can transition quickly between small meetings, large conferences and social events—without a technical crew on hand for every changeover. A new wave of all-in-one LED kits has made it easier to deliver high-impact visuals with minimal installation time – an important factor for venues that cannot afford prolonged disruption. Smarter digital-signage platforms and intuitive control systems are also helping staff run technology across meeting rooms and social spaces without specialist expertise. “Ease of use is vital,” says Midwood. “If the technology feels complex or unreliable, staff won’t use it to its full potential. The best solutions are almost invisible – they just work.”
Guests increasingly expect seamless technology across both public and private spaces, while hotel operators want reliability, energy efficiency and systems that are easy for staff to manage. Manufacturers have responded with energy-efficient LED, scalable UC solutions and intuitive control platforms that make complex AV setups simple to operate. These advances have also created new revenue opportunities. Hotels are using digital signage for targeted content and advertising and are packaging premium meeting experiences – complete with interactive collaboration tools and high-quality AV – into higher-margin event offerings.
Hotels often have limited downtime for installations and need technology that copes with a wide range of ambient lighting conditions. Ultra-slim LED, pre-configured meeting-room kits and AV-over-IP systems are helping overcome these challenges by reducing installation time, improving visual performance and simplifying ongoing management. Another priority is interoperability. While open standards have improved, many operators now favour integrated, all-in-one solutions because they reduce complexity and day-to-day management effort.
Demand for AV in hospitality has grown strongly in the past year, particularly in Europe and the Middle East, driven by the hybrid-events boom and the desire for brand-led design. Hotels competing for high-end guests and corporate bookings increasingly view advanced AV as a differentiator.
Looking ahead, Midwood sees several forces shaping the next phase:
- Evolving LED: finer pixel pitches, slimmer profiles, curved and even transparent options opening new creative possibilities for lobbies and event spaces.
- Next-generation collaboration: fully interactive meeting-room environments that remove the pain of cables and compatibility issues.
- Integrated control: single-platform solutions that run displays, audio and signage, making it easier to scale technology across a whole property or estate.
- Sustainability: energy-efficient displays, greener manufacturing and remote-monitoring capabilities that help operators meet ESG goals while keeping operating costs down.
“Technology that looks great, works simply and delivers value beyond the wow factor – that’s the real goal,” Midwood concludes. “It’s about improving guest experience, making spaces more flexible and unlocking new revenue streams.” The message is clear: AV is no longer just about equipment hire for conferences. It’s becoming central to how hotels define their brand, shape the guest experience and create profitable event spaces. Those investing in well-designed, seamlessly integrated solutions are setting a new benchmark – one where technology becomes part of the story guests remember.
