Sodexo Live!, hospitality partner to the Salt Palace Convention Center managed by ASM Global, announced the debut of AiFi’s autonomous store technology for all meetings, events and conferences in the facility. The milestone marks AiFi’s debut in a convention center setting.
The store – called Salt Shaker Grab-and-Go – is now open and utilizes AiFi's AI-powered computer vision technology allowing shoppers to enter the store, make their selections and walk out without having to wait in any lines. The same solution is also opening this month at the local Mountain America Expo Center.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Sodexo Live! – a proven leader in the convention center industry – to debut and expand our technology to this category of live events,” Joe Jorczak, head of global revenue, AiFi, said in the announcement. “We’re confident that event goers will love the combination of getting lightning-fast service without sacrificing quality food and beverage options.”
The next-generation store will offer pastries, sandwiches, soups, coffee and other quick-serve items created by Sodexo Live!’s culinary team. During busy conventions and events hosting thousands of guests, AiFi offers on-the-go attendees a way to access delicious food and beverage without slowing down.
“We always strive to bring new technology to our venues to improve the guest experience,” Greg Fender, executive vice president, Sodexo Live! North America, added in the announcement. “By ushering AiFi into the meetings and conventions world, we’re putting our attendees first by expanding their payment options and giving them new ways to experience and enjoy their time with us.”
The opening of the AiFi store also comes just in time for the NBA All-Star events that the Salt Palace Convention Center will host as basketball fans takeover Salt Lake City February 17-19. Guests can use the autonomous store during the three-day NBA Crossover fan experience, and those who scored tickets to the sold-out NBA Legends Brunch will enjoy best-in-class hospitality from Sodexo Live!’s chefs.
