Convene 237 Park Elevates Client Experience with Latest Technology
As part of its ongoing commitment to delivering an exceptional client experience, Convene has invested in significant technology upgrades at its 237 Park location in Midtown Manhattan. The venue, which closed for renovations in December 2024, now boasts an updated technology infrastructure designed to provide more reliable connectivity and cutting-edge digital displays. These enhancements aim to set a new standard for off-site meetings and high-production events.
Convene 237 Park, conveniently located near Grand Central Station, a seven-minute walk from the terminal, is a popular choice for events. The recent upgrades, implemented in anticipation of increased demand in 2025, include a thorough refresh of the entire venue, encompassing new furniture and aesthetic improvements.
The core of the technological transformation lies in the impressive enhancements to the AV systems. Convene typically updates these systems every five years to capitalize on the latest advancements in functionality and efficiency, including improvements to audio equipment, digital displays, and Wi-Fi connectivity. A standout highlight is the installation of a massive 29.5-foot LED wall in the Forum, the venue’s largest meeting room, with a capacity of 315 people. This expansive display is engineered to support high-impact video demonstrations, immersive presentations, interactive content, live-event streaming, and real-time data and social media feeds. It effectively replaces two smaller projector screens.
Projection technology has been a mainstay for decades in event technology, but recent advancements show a clear shift toward LED displays, which provide increased brightness and bolder colors, even in environments with ambient light. According to Mike Galardi, AV designer at Convene, “I want to find ways to make an event way more impressive for clients.” A key advantage of the LED wall is its more accurate color representation, ensuring brand integrity. The LED wall also enhances presentation delivery due to superior coverage and image fidelity.
Greater Flexibility for Audio and Video Distribution
Another major upgrade involves a new network for audio and video distribution, known as Audio-Visual over Internet Protocol (AV over IP). This means that microphones and video equipment are no longer tethered to a single location. During meetings or events, clients can easily move video and audio endpoints anywhere on the network, leading to greater flexibility.
Galardi likened the system upgrade to using a laptop versus a desktop: AV technology functions wherever you may be. For instance, the AV over IP configuration at Convene 237 Park offers increased flexibility in room orientation, allowing for the use of mobile units throughout the space, rather than relying on stationary equipment. Additional enhancements in the Forum include a new speaker and microphone system, improved video conferencing capabilities with new cameras, and a new control system for managing lighting settings.
Furthermore, updated seating in the Forum ensures maximum comfort for attendees. The Forum’s speaker system is so advanced that it has been used for live bands and professional DJ sets. To effectively support such usage, the team increased the power capabilities in the Forum threefold, to guarantee the reliability of the AV technology.
Enhanced Event Management Technology in Every Meeting Room
Clients are greeted by a hospitality team and five new 65-inch portrait digital signage screens. These displays provide branding opportunities and information as soon as guests enter the reception area, such as the day’s agenda. The meeting planner station features two large screens for logos and promotional materials. Touchpoints include upgraded projector systems and 4K displays, ranging from 55 to 98 inches, in all seven meeting rooms at Convene 237 Park.
“Seeing the return clients be blown away is validating,” said Evan Schachter, General Manager at Convene 237 Park. “The word of mouth on this has been huge. These tech upgrades better position us as a leading option for various high production value industries such as pharmaceuticals, investor days, and various tech or FinTech organizations.”
Schachter outlined how the L-shaped layout of the Manhattan event venue benefits clients with what is essentially a 75% partial buyout when reserving the Forum and Dining and Display Gallery. Smaller gatherings will enjoy access to a more intimate setting on the Club side, featuring event technology upgrades in the modern Club Lounge and the sun-lit Club Studio. Schachter notes, “One of the things that makes [Convene] 237 [Park] unique is all the breakout spaces.” Breakout rooms are essential, and with the new and improved Forum space, the venue can tailor its offerings to each client.
Additionally, a built-in bar in the Dining and Display Gallery offers a valuable configuration for receptions. According to Schachter, the room’s clean, modern lines and marble stonework provide an ideal setting. The Gallery also incorporates digital displays to enhance the client experience with a high-resolution, 75-inch screen.
Seamless Technology Across Convene Properties
To further benefit client-facing equipment, event management technology upgrades have streamlined the operation of the integrated AV system across the 37 Convene locations in nine global cities. As technology manager Lamoúnt Williams explained, the addition of a full-time AV booth at Convene 237 Park saves the internal team setup time and provides a world-class experience for clients and their guests. The new technologies contribute to creating a more connected, professional atmosphere for all clients. Event planners can test logos and client material on displays during site visits and planning stages.
“The LED wall, it’s also just gorgeous,” according to Schachter, the property’s general manager.
Interested in booking an event at the newly refreshed Convene 237 Park for 2025? Inquire here.
