SNOWBIRD RESORT AND CONFERENCE CENTER iBAHN impresses Snowbird Resort’s event management with its advanced technologies and dedicated support. ®
SUCCESS STOR Y
It’s easy to see what attracts conference planners to Snowbird Resort and Conference Center. Perched in the peaks of Utah’s Wasatch Mountains, the ski and summer destination is renowned for its incredible terrain that thrills skiers and mountain bikers alike. But it’s the resort’s Internet conference services that are really exciting corporate planners—and it’s creating a competitive edge for Snowbird that’s bringing clients back for another run.
With 31 meeting rooms thoughout the resort property, Snowbird has never had trouble accommodating business groups of all types and sizes. However, what did trouble them was their High-Speed Internet Access (HSIA) offering. Hard line connections worked reasonably well, but wireless connectivity was spotty and easily overloaded. With laptops becomming as common to Snowbird conference attendees as fleece jackets, hotel management knew something needed to change. And change is exactly what happened.
A growing demand for advanced connectivity
Unfortunately, Snowbird had already experienced its share of problems with its Internet service. Groups that were paying for conference services were understandably upset by substandard wireless connectivity. Even guests using the free in-room access had some complaints. The turning point for the resort was the constant obstacle of Virtual Private Network (VPN) connectivity. Demand for these secure connections was growing, and
Snowbird management knew that an inability to meet this need would turn conference planners elsewhere. So after an industry-wide search, the resort partnered with iBAHN. Putting HSIA on terrain that’s easy to handle
Although eager to improve the resort’s HSIA offerings, Snowbird’s technical staff was wary of the difficulty in learning a new system— especially with big conferences on the horizon. But installation and getting started turned out to be as easy for them as the beginner runs. “We were just too used to an overly complicated system,” comments Clay Partain, Conference Service Manager at Snowbird. “We used to dread setting up conferences with VPN connectivity requirements. But now I can get a confirmation code within two minutes. Working with iBAHN is a breeze.”
Learn more iBAHN HSIA and conference solutions at www.iBAHN.com or call 1-866-415-2843 today
big challenges, big trial
That satisfaction was quickly put to the test. Just days after the iBAHN installation, Snowbird hosted its largest conference of the year. Specialized Bicycle Components brought 700+ attendees for 16 days—and technology expectations at Snowbird were high.
All services and connectivity handled through the iBAHN system performed perfectly. “We knew this conference was going to be a challenge to our staff and our infrastructure,” says Partain. “They had a lot of sophisticated needs, but even with a brand new system, we were able to pull it off with iBAHN.”
SUCCESS STOR Y
Big conference,
An investment
In preparation for the event, Snowbird built a single-track bike trail. But, installing iBAHN HSIA services was a key “show of commitment” to this highly coveted conference. In the weeks and months leading up to the meeting, Specialized warned Snowbird that they would “really hammer the Internet,” so the resort had better be prepared. This proved to be no overstatement. Connectivity demands were intense. Wireless access was being used in every meeting room in the Snowbird village, and Specialized required multiple static IPs, live streaming video, 100 VPN phones, and five payment registers running WiFi credit card transactions in an outdoor tent.
that continues to pay
The success of this event using leadingedge technology services from iBAHN transitioned into other positive and profitable outcomes for Snowbird’s conference business. The resort continues to host groups where reliable and advanced Internet connectivity is crucial. Some event planners have told Snowbird that while conference room Internet connectivity services are first on their requests, extended coverage is vital because attendees simply “have to keep working.” Snowbird management is pleased to have the ability to offer more revenuegenerating services. However, what makes Snowbird management most excited is the expectation of repeat business—in large part because of their iBAHN HSIA technology. According to Partain, “Conferences are a huge part of our business, and our ability to deliver on technology has created solid relationships that brings our customers back time and time again. That in itself pays for our iBAHN investment. We couldn’t be happier with the service or the technology.”
“With iBAHN, we don’t have to worry about not being able to deliver for a client. With our old system, we heard complaints all the time. Now we don’t hear a thing— and that means it’s working.” Clay Partain Snowbird Conference Service Manager
Learn more iBAHN HSIA and conference solutions at www.iBAHN.com or call 1-866-415-2843 today iBAHN CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 10757 S. River Front Parkway, Suite 300 Salt Lake City, Utah 84095 P: (801) 563-2000 P: (800) 848-8168 F: (801) 563-2351 © 2009 iBAHN Inc. All rights reserved. iBAHN is a registered trademark of iBAHN in the United States and other countries.