Toronto — April 17, 2012 —When you have 100,000 square feet of public event space, power distribution can be a challenge. For the Sheraton Toronto Centre Hotel, however, being able to supply their meeting and event planners with enough electricity to power their meeting, convention or tradeshow is not a concern, thanks to its onsite event technology partnership with PSAV® Presentation Services.

PSAV is the leading supplier of audiovisual services and event technologies to hotels, associations, producers and meeting planners worldwide. The company provides an unparalleled range of event technology and with more than 800 partner locations worldwide. Since 2004, PSAV has served as the event technology and rigging partner to the Sheraton Toronto Centre Hotel, located at 123 Queen Street West, in the center of Toronto's business and entertainment districts. In 2010, the CAA/AAA Four Diamond hotel added PSAV's Power Distribution to its list of onsite services.
 
"When it comes to event technology, having a one-stop-shop partner is absolutely the best way to provide exceptional service to your customers — and to theirs," said Donna Grainger, Sheraton Toronto Centre Hotel Director of Convention Services. "Having one single provider for audiovisual, lighting, rigging and power distribution removes the hassle of dealing with multiple quotes from multiple suppliers and making sure that each knows what the other is doing.
 
"PSAV brings consistency to everything we do here at the Sheraton Toronto Centre," she said. "They are our partner in every sense of the word, from consulting with meeting planners even before a contract is signed. Thanks to PSAV, we see quite a bit of repeat business due to the relationships they have fostered with our customers and through customer referrals. These guys are great at what they do, and it shows."

With energy conservation a concern for hotels around the world, and with sustainability programs on the rise, Grainger said charging customers for power consumption has become the norm.
 
"Because PSAV has served as our event technology partner for eight years, they know our building inside and out," Grainger said. "They know where to go to make things happen without having to search the facility to find power sources. If there is a request for additional power in the grand ballroom, for example, they know exactly where to  go. They know how many outlets we have, and where they are placed, and they know what equipment is needed to get the best results. The bottom line is that it's far more efficient and far less chaotic for our onsite expert to manage facility power than it is to bring in an outside contractor. Meeting and event planners demand convenience and professionalism, and that's exactly what they get from PSAV."
 
Consultation is Key
As efficient as PSAV is at powering events at the Sheraton Toronto Centre Hotel, they are equally as effective in consulting with planners and producers prior to an event taking place.
 
"Our PSAV technician is a true people person," Grainger said. "He knows how to connect with our customers, and that takes a great deal of pressure off a sales person’s shoulders. Our sales team doesn't pretend to know about AV because we have an onsite expert who does. He's a true asset to this partnership -- our 'rock' per se.
 
"Not only does the PSAV pro know how to put any planner's or producer's concerns at rest, but he goes one step further by walking around with our potential clients with an iPad in hand, showing them what different room set-ups look like, how certain lighting, screen and sound configurations can impact a meeting, and what equipment would work best for each situation. Using technology to sell technology is not new, but it really helps us to close the deal time and time again."
 
Derek Coleman, PSAV’s national director of power distribution services, said both the onsite power team and the AV team work hand-in-hand to ensure a memorable, and energy-efficient event. PSAV is committed to buying equipment that demonstrates efficient use of electricity, minimal use of hazardous substances, and practical recycling.

"The Sheraton Toronto Centre Hotel is the perfect venue to showcase the importance of having a single source supplier for both event technology and power distribution," Coleman said. "With 1,377 guestrooms, 59 unique meeting rooms, and a 20,213 square-foot ballroom, this facility is continually buzzing with power and AV requests. We at PSAV are proud to serve as their onsite partner, knowing that together we are working to provide superior service to the Sheraton and its customers while supporting Starwood's brand initiatives for sustainability and meeting excellence."

About PSAV® Presentation Services
PSAV provides the ideas and technology that inspire great meetings. This has made PSAV the leading provider of event technology for meeting planners and producers across the corporate, association, and tradeshow markets. PSAV provides an unparalleled range of event technology to support its customers’ ability to create, collaborate, and communicate. With more than 800 partner locations worldwide, PSAV provides people and resources right where you want to have your meeting. www.psav.com

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