MobileBeat 2015: Hear how MGM Resorts’ John Bollen uses technology to fulfill guests’ dreams

If there’s one hotel amenity a business traveler appreciates, it’s decent Wi-Fi. And as the chief digital officer of MGM Resorts International, senior VP John Bollen recently faced the herculean task of planning and deploying its high-density Wi-Fi initiative.

Installed within several MGM Resorts properties in Las Vegas — starting in 2012 with Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, and The Mirage, and recently completed with implementations at Monte Carlo, New York-New York, Luxor, and Excalibur — the company claims the system is the world’s largest hospitality Wi-Fi, built to service all connected guests concurrently while still meeting the hotels’ own operational requirements. The connectivity includes most public spaces within the properties, including pools, casinos, lobbies, and restaurants. Bollen, who will be speaking at the MobileBeat conference next month, currently is expanding the system to provide Wi-Fi service in the guest rooms.

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The main trends Bollen and his tech team are tackling this year are “everything mobile” and wireless in-room integration. “Everything mobile” means that guests will be able to book a room, make dinner reservations, purchase show tickets, and even reserve pool lounge chairs from their mobile devices.

Wireless in-room integration takes different forms at different properties. Tangled data cables and mismatched ports will give way to Bluetooth-enabled devices, according to Bollen. For example, MGM’s ARIA Sky Suites recently implemented Bluetooth Music Bridge, allowing guests to stream playlists wirelessly through in-room speakers, and other hotels will follow suit in the coming year. Additionally, new high-tech amenities — such as iPads in high-end suites at MGM Grand — will interface with hotel departments, allowing guests to order room service, send laundry, and more.

“No one else in Las Vegas, and even the world, within the hospitality industry can offer the scale, quantity and quality of wireless services we now have available,” said Bollen. “With this new capability and the right technology partners, we are developing and enhancing innovative products and services based on our customers’ needs, interests, and preferences to deliver the best possible experience at our premier resorts.”

 

Now in its 8th year, this year’s MobileBeat will feature close to 1,000 attendees, gathering the industry’s biggest names to uncover new insights and mobile strategies designed to drive growth. MobileBeat will deliver great topics and break down the challenges every marketer, brand, and app owner faces in today’s mobile-first world through a mix of main stage and breakout sessions.

For more information about MobileBeat 2015, including information about themes, agenda, and location, check out the event site.