The Power of In-Person Connections: Why Meeting Our Clients Matters

Last September, I had the chance to present at the Historic Naval Ships Association conference in San Diego, where I spoke about the importance of simplified audio delivery. Later, onboard the USS Midway, I saw exactly what that meant in practice — watching visitors effortlessly connect with stories through audio, free from distractions or complicated technology. That kind of real-world experience reinforces why keeping things simple is so important.

A few months later, in November, I visited the Museum of Arts & Sciences in Daytona Beach, Florida. Their team had recently introduced the Podcatcher Pro, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Seeing visitors fully immersed in the exhibition, moving through the space without barriers or distractions, was a reminder of how much a well-designed audio guide can enhance a museum experience.

In January, I traveled to Honolulu, Hawaii, to spend time at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. Seeing their audio guide operation in action was impressive, and it was clear just how important reliable storytelling, in multiple languages, is in a high-traffic, large-scale setting. Moments like these highlight how crucial it is to have technology that works seamlessly, so visitors can stay focused on the story rather than the device.

And just a few weeks ago, I was in New York City for the launch of the Podcatcher Pro at the Anne Frank Exhibition at the Center for Jewish History. Watching visitors engage with such a powerful story through audio was a deeply moving experience. It reinforced what we at Guide-ID believe in so strongly: when technology fades into the background, the story takes center stage.

Each of these experiences is a reminder of why we do what we do. Meeting museum teams, understanding their needs, and learning from their visitors allows us to continuously refine and improve our approach. The best audio guides don’t just provide information — they create a deeper connection between visitors and the stories being told. And the best way for us to support that is by being there, in person, listening, learning, and helping to shape the future of museum storytelling.

I’m already looking forward to the next visit - so, be sure to follow me on LinkedIn.