Why your meeting rooms are failing – and how to fix them

Ever walked into a meeting room only to spend the first 10 minutes wrestling with the tech? You’re not alone. For one TwentyTwo client, poor AV setups, power failures and outdated systems were derailing productivity. Here’s how they turned things around.

The challenge

Beyond technology, space configurations, lighting, acoustics and hardware placement all contributed to their poor meeting room performance. Specific challenges included:

  • Acoustic and lighting inefficiencies, including significant glare issues.
  • Poor placement of technology leading to ineffective collaboration.
  • Power supply issues, including frequent power cuts and “brown power.”
  • Inconsistent and subpar service from AV integrators, with conflicting advice and poor communication.

Navigating the AV market also proved difficult, with conflicting solutions and inadequate service from vendors. The client needed a trusted partner to assess, design, and oversee the implementation of a lasting solution.

How Technology22 helped

TwentyTwo’s Technology22 team, Matthew Peko-Fox, Andrew Craig, Johan Meyer, Philip Langenhoven and Kyle Bascara – led this project as part of the client’s office refurbishment, working closely with their team to diagnose, design and oversee the implementation of a seamless, functional technology solution across their offices in Auckland and Wellington.

Key milestones:

  • Conducted a comprehensive workplace technology and Microsoft Teams room audit across Wellington and Auckland.
  • Nationwide UC/AV strategy development: Created a robust Unified Communications (UC) and Audio-Visual (AV) strategy to future-proof their workplace technology.
  • AV design & procurement support: Supported procurement, including government contracts and RFP processes.
  • Specialist Teams room implementation: Designed and deployed an effective Teams Room setup tailored to their needs.
  • Technical fixes & enhancements:
    • Conducted acoustic and lighting testing, addressing anti-glare issues by removing reflective whiteboards. Worked closely with designers, Unispace.
    • Resolved power instability issues in Auckland for a consistent supply.
    • Optimised room configurations for better usability.
  • Upskilling the internal IT team: Provided hands-on training to enable swift issue resolution.
  • Improved remote support: Upgraded Auckland office systems for seamless remote support from Wellington.
  • Deployment of Smart Multi-Boards: Enhancing collaboration and productivity across locations.

The outcome

Twelve months on, TwentyTwo’s Technology22 Tribe had successfully transformed the client’s meeting room technology across both offices.

The result? A highly functional, reliable and efficient UC/AV system that empowers teams to collaborate effectively – whether in-person or remotely. With a future-proofed AV strategy in place, the client now enjoys:

  • Seamless communication across Auckland and Wellington offices.
  • A well-integrated Microsoft Teams environment that enhances productivity.
  • Reduced downtime and troubleshooting delays with an upskilled internal IT team.
  • A significantly improved workplace experience with optimised lighting, acoustics, and hardware placements.

After a full revamp, their meeting rooms are no longer a frustration – they’re a game-changer. By resolving these long-standing challenges, the client can now focus on their core mission with confidence.

Author

Matthew Peko-Fox

Principal
Chief Technology Strategist

Technology strategist and troubleshooter. Matthew provides strategic technology advice across all practice areas, as we…
Category
Date
10 March 2025

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