Why Now Is the Time to Upgrade Your Conference Room

In today’s business climate, meetings aren’t just happening in person. They’re hybrid. They’re global. They’re happening across Zoom, Teams, WebEx, and myriad other platforms. Yet many organizations still rely on outdated conference rooms—manual switches, fading projectors, mismatched remotes, and confusing user interfaces. That’s a liability.

Here’s the bottom line: your conference room technology should facilitate collaboration, not obstruct it. If your team spends more time fiddling with cables or calling IT than actually discussing strategy, it’s time for an upgrade.

Some key drivers:

• User expectations are higher — people expect one-touch simplicity, seamless transitions, and reliability.

• Hybrid & remote is the default — your systems must interoperate flawlessly with remote endpoints.

• Data, monitoring, and control matter — you want visibility into usage, performance, downtime, and remote support.

• Future-proofing is essential — scalable architectures let you adapt rather than rip-and-replace.

Enter control ecosystems like Q-SYS and Crestron, which offer the intelligent backbone your meeting spaces need.

What Q-SYS Brings to the Table

Q-SYS is an integrated platform that unifies audio, video, and control under one banner, managed via the cloud and local cores.
Website: https://www.qsys.com/products-solutions/solutions/industry/collaboration-solutions/

Highlights & Capabilities

• Pre-built conference templates
  QSC provides sample room designs that include I/O routing, gain structure, EQ, VoIP, and a basic user interface.
  https://www.qsys.com/resource-files/productresources/dn/q_dn_qsys_controllingaconference.pdf

• Custom user control interfaces (UCIs)
  Build intuitive touch panels that control displays, microphones, lighting, shades, and more.
  https://www.qscaudio.com/resource-files/productresources/dn/q_dn_qsys_controllingaconference.pdf

• Zoom Rooms integration with Q-SYS Control
  Control lighting, shades, and AV directly from the Zoom interface.
  https://blogs.qsc.com/systems/2024/04/22/how-q-sys-control-for-zoom-rooms-can-transform-your-meetings/

• Scalable, networked, and cloud-manageable
  Q-SYS cores can be monitored and managed remotely for updates or troubleshooting.
  https://www.qsys.com/products-solutions/solutions/industry/collaboration-solutions/

• Third-party device integration
  Q-SYS integrates with lighting systems, HVAC, shades, blinds, sensors, and more.
  https://www.qscaudio.com/resource-files/brochures/q_br_sys_q-sys_meeting_room.pdf

When properly deployed, Q-SYS becomes the “hub” that harmonizes video routing, audio DSP, and room automation in one consistent control experience.

What Crestron Brings (and How It Complements)

Crestron is one of the most established players in AV control and automation, with decades of experience.
Company overview: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crestron_Electronics

Key Strengths & Use Cases

• Unified control for everything
  Manage shades, lighting, climate, cameras, displays, and AV switching.
  https://www.crestron.com/Products/Featured-Solutions/Control-For-UC

• Crestron Flex & UC integrator kits
  Pre-packaged conferencing solutions for Teams and Zoom.
  https://www.crestron.com/Products/Catalog/Unified-Communications/Flex-Conferencing/Integrator-Kit/UC-CX100-T
  https://www.crestron.com/Products/Catalog/Unified-Communications/Flex-Conferencing/Integrator-Kit/UC-C100-T
  https://www.crestron.com/Products/Catalog/Unified-Communications/Flex-Conferencing/Integrator-Kit/UC-C100-PRO-Z

• Intelligent audio / adaptive audio
  Automatically adjusts microphone pick patterns and gain for optimal sound.
  https://www.crestron.com/Products/Featured-Solutions/Flex-Homepage

• Scalability & security
  Crestron’s infrastructure scales securely across enterprise deployments.
  https://www.crestron.com/Products/Featured-Solutions/Control-For-UC

Because Crestron’s roots are in automation, it’s ideal for managing lighting, HVAC, and shading—often alongside Q-SYS handling the AV side.

What SmartConnect L.A. Can Do for Your Conference Rooms

SmartConnect L.A. is a Los Angeles–based systems integrator specializing in Q-SYS, Crestron, and advanced AV ecosystems.

1. Needs Assessment & Future-Ready Design

We start with understanding your workflow and designing scalable, future-proof systems.

2. Architecture & Hybrid Solutions

We combine Q-SYS for audio/video processing and Crestron for automation, ensuring unified interfaces and smooth operation.

3. Custom UCI / Control Interfaces

We create branded, intuitive touchscreens that simplify operation—no confusing menus or remotes.

4. Endpoint Integration & Calibration

We install and calibrate microphones, cameras, displays, and DSPs for maximum performance.

5. Remote Monitoring & Maintenance

We provide cloud-based monitoring, proactive maintenance, and remote support for less downtime.

6. Training & Support

We train your staff and provide post-installation support to keep systems running flawlessly.

7. Phased Upgrades

We can modernize your conference rooms gradually—starting with the most critical spaces.

SmartConnect L.A. delivers complete, customized conference room upgrades that boost productivity, reduce frustration, and create a modern professional impression.

The ROI You Should Expect

• Faster meeting starts and fewer IT support calls.

• Better hybrid collaboration with integrated AV and control.

• Data and analytics on room usage and system health.

• Brand consistency across all meeting spaces.

• Long-term flexibility as new technologies emerge.

Final Thought & Call to Action

Your conference rooms are the nerve centers of collaboration. Don’t let outdated technology hold your team back.

By upgrading to integrated ecosystems like Q-SYS and Crestron, and partnering with SmartConnect L.A., you’ll empower your people with seamless, smart spaces that work every time.

Want to explore what a SmartConnect L.A. upgrade would look like for your space?
Reach out today to start your conference room transformation.