Clear-Com Improves Delivery of Event Services at MaRS Discovery District

Tempest®2400 Wireless Intercoms with Seamless Roaming Ensure Reliable Communications

Clear-Com®, a global leader in critical voice communication systems, is providing MaRS Discovery District, an organization focused on developing Canada’s next generation of growth companies, with uninterrupted wireless communications across its Toronto facility. Always staying at the forefront of innovation, MaRS is one of the first companies to take advantage of Clear-Com’s Tempest®2400 digital wireless intercom with the new Seamless Roaming feature. This capability allows the MaRS technical crew members to move freely throughout the spacious MaRS facility with dependable wireless coverage and provide customer support faster than ever before.

To effectively service its numerous meetings and events each month, the MaRS staff required clear communication in several key locations including the control room, a 4,600-square-foot auditorium in the lower concourse level, and six classrooms that span approximately 9,600-square-feet on ground level. The organization previously employed mobile phones and rented two-way radios to address the challenge, but those devices lacked reception and coverage in many areas. With the Tempest2400 and its Seamless Roaming feature, the MaRS staff can now keep in contact without signal dropout regardless of where they are located in the complex. This has added tremendous efficiency to the organization’s overall workflow and has allowed MaRS to more effectively respond to its customers.

“Our decision to use Clear-Com was based on our past experiences with the company, our knowledge of its stellar reputation within the industry and our confidence in its brand and products,” notes Michael Heath, Manager of Audio Visual Event Services, MaRS. “During live events, communication throughout the venue between our operating staff, especially our remote camera personnel and stage managers, was essential. Thanks to Clear-Com, we were able to resolve this issue with one comprehensive system.”

GerrAudio, Clear-Com's exclusive Canadian distributor, in conjunction with the radio frequency expert, RP Dynamics, provided MaRS with its new intercom systems. Two Tempest2400 BaseStations with ZSync™ Roaming Dongle are installed in the control room. MaRS also acquired eight Tempest2400 BeltStations and eight Clear-Com CC-300 headsets. From the control room, production operators easily monitor and can quickly configure the wireless systems with a few clicks via Tempest’s T-Desk software. MaRS also purchased a spare remote antenna to ensure expanded coverage if its intercom needs ever changed.

“We’re proud that a notable innovation hub such as MaRS is taking advantage of Clear-Com’s latest wireless product on the market,” says Jay Wallace, Regional Sales Manager, Northwestern USA, Clear-Com. “The Tempest2400 with Seamless Roaming has helped MaRS become more productive, reduce its service delivery time and raise customer satisfaction levels.”

MaRS provides science, technology and social entrepreneurs with top-notched advisors, relevant programs, physical facilities, funding and networks to build their businesses. In 2013, the MaRS Collaboration Centre plans to double in size, extending to 1.5 million square feet, to establish itself as one of the largest urban innovation hubs in the world.