Managing overlapping programs, events and activities at Georgia Aquarium

Managing overlapping programs, events, and activities at Georgia Aquarium

Overview of Georgia Aquarium

Georgia Aquarium, located in Atlanta, GA, is one of the world’s largest aquariums, home to an impressive array of marine life, including whale sharks, beluga whales, and various species of fish and aquatic creatures. The institution is dedicated to conservation, research, and educating guests about the diverse collection of aquatic species at Georgia Aquarium and around the world. With a diverse range of exhibits and programs catering to visitors of all ages, Georgia Aquarium attracts millions of guests annually, making effective communication and scheduling crucial for its operations.

Challenges Faced by Georgia Aquarium

Prior to implementing Calendar Plus by Bamboo Solutions in their SharePoint Online environment, Georgia Aquarium encountered several challenges related to managing overlapping programs, events, and activities.

1. Disparate Scheduling Systems: The Aquarium used multiple platforms and manual methods for managing their calendars, leading to overlapping schedules and events.
2. Limited Functionality: The native SharePoint calendar lacked advanced features needed for efficient management, such as color-coding, custom views, and the ability to overlay multiple calendars.
3. User Accessibility: Staff struggled to access and navigate the calendar, resulting in miscommunication and difficulties in planning.

Implementation of Calendar Plus by Bamboo Solutions

Recognizing the need for a more robust and user-friendly calendar solution, Georgia Aquarium opted to enhance their SharePoint Online experience by integrating Calendar Plus by Bamboo Solutions. The implementation aimed to address the communication gaps faced by the institution and improve the overall calendar management process.

Benefits Gained by Georgia Aquarium

1. Streamlined Event Management

Calendar Plus empowered Georgia Aquarium’s staff with a comprehensive and intuitive interface, allowing them to manage programs, activities and schedules efficiently. The enhanced functionality enabled:

• Color-coded Programs: Differentiating programs by color helped staff quickly identify and understand various types of programs and activities.
• Custom Views: Tailored views based on departments or specific needs provided a clearer overview of events, simplifying planning and coordination.

2. Enhanced Collaboration and Communication

Improved accessibility and collaborative features facilitated better communication among stakeholders.

• Overlaying Calendars: The ability to overlay multiple calendars, including departmental and public calendars, allowing for a consolidated view and aiding in better coordination and planning across teams.
• SharePoint Integration: Seamless integration within SharePoint Online improved accessibility, allowing stakeholders to access and contribute to the calendar from within the familiar SharePoint environment.

3. Increased User Engagement and Satisfaction

The enhanced calendar experience positively impacted user engagement and satisfaction among staff:

• User-Friendly Interface: Calendar Plus’s intuitive interface simplifies navigation and improves user experience, leading to increased engagement and adoption.
• Mobile Accessibility: Mobile-friendly features ensured accessibility on various devices, enabling users to stay updated on events and schedules on the go.

4. Improved Operational Efficiency and Accuracy

The implementation of Calendar Plus significantly improved operational efficiency and accuracy:

• Automated Notifications: Automated reminders and notifications reduced the chances of missed events or scheduling conflicts, enhancing overall efficiency.
• Real-Time Updates: Instant updates and synchronization ensured that all stakeholders had access to the latest information, reducing errors and confusion.

Conclusion

The adoption of Calendar Plus by Bamboo Solutions revolutionized the calendar management experience at Georgia Aquarium. By addressing the challenges associated with scheduling, communication, and accessibility, the institution was able to streamline operations, enhance collaboration, and improve user satisfaction. The intuitive interface, advanced features, and seamless integration with SharePoint Online contributed to a more efficient and effective scheduling process, ultimately benefiting the staff of Georgia Aquarium.