Sodexo Live! Debuts First AiFi Autonomous Store in a Convention Center Setting at Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City
Innovative new tech increases throughput and ensures a more seamless experience for attendees
Salt Lake City, Utah – Sodexo Live!, hospitality partner to the Salt Palace Convention Center managed by ASM Global, announced today 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,” said Joe Jorczak, Head of Global Revenue, AiFi. “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. 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,” said Greg Fender, Executive Vice President, Sodexo Live! North America.
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.
About AiFi
AiFi is the leading AI provider supplying retailers worldwide with autonomous shopping solutions that are easy to deploy, assessable, and cost-efficient. As the most flexible AI platform empowering retailers to scale autonomous shopping solutions with 100% computer vision, AiFi adapts to existing or new store formats across multiple retail segments for a seamless checkout-free integration. AiFi’s technology works through cameras and computer vision to allow quick and efficient shopping for various store formats across multiple global retail segments including convenience stores, sports and entertainment venues, universities, workplaces, and travel retail. AiFi works with top retailers worldwide, such as ALDI South Group, Carrefour, Compass Group, Żabka Group, REWE, and Verizon. The company has raised a total of $80 million from investors, including Verizon Ventures, Qualcomm Ventures, HP Tech Ventures, Mithril Capital, Cervin Ventures, TransLink Capital, Plum Alley, and more.
For more information, please visit aifi.com.
About Sodexo Live!
Sodexo Live! manages prestigious conference, cultural, and sporting venues and major events all over the world. With 40,000 employees and 500 sites, Sodexo Live! offers clients a range of bespoke catering, sales, and event management services, helping to transform the consumer experience into unforgettable memories. Sodexo Live! commits to unlocking customers’ full potential while favoring local communities. Sodexo Live! contributes to the success of prestigious events such as Royal Ascot, the Tour de France, the Rugby World Cup and soon the Paris 2024 Games, and showcases exceptional venues such as the Eiffel Tower Restaurants, Bateaux Parisiens, Yachts de Paris, the Royal Academy of Arts in London, the Museo del Prado in Madrid, the Hard Rock Stadium, the Scottish National Gallery, and the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.
About ASM Global
ASM Global is the world’s leading producer of entertainment experiences. It is the global leader in venue and event strategy and management—delivering locally tailored solutions and cutting-edge technologies to achieve maximum results for venue owners. The company’s elite venue network spans five continents, with a portfolio of more than 350 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention, and exhibition centers, and performing arts venues. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. asmglobal.com