Marriott International’s largest Marriot property in the world, the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville needed a security upgrade at its sprawling campus to enhance security and efficiency and its risk management operations.
Marriott International Inc. is the largest hospitality company in the world, and the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center is the largest Marriott-managed property in the world. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, Gaylord Opryland offers visitors the chance to experience Music City under a single roof. The 700,000-square-foot resort encompasses a sprawling campus, including a hotel with more than 3,000 suites and rooms, a smaller adjacent hotel with more than 300 rooms, a golf course, waterpark, Delta flatboat, 15 restaurants, multiple convention facilities, and a Garden Conservatory that includes waterfalls and nine acres of indoor gardens.
Gaylord Opryland Resort’s Safety and Security Director Greg Pezzo and his team work to ensure the safety and security of the 2,500-member staff and hundreds of thousands of guests each year at the Gaylord Opryland and at the nearby 300-room Inn at Opryland. Pezzo is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the resort's fire system, security patrol and video surveillance system. He is also the manager responsible for dealing with claims against the resort and worker's compensation issues. Pezzo has been with the Marriott organization for more than 23 years and has been at the Gaylord Opryland Resort for the last four years. He describes himself as a “risk management professional for the whole resort, dealing with claims, the local police department, fire patrol, event security, and safety.”
Ryman Hospitality, the organization that owns Gaylord Brand Hotels, decided to embark on a detailed risk assessment of their properties in 2017. Among other areas of improvement, after evaluating several years of resort data that included traffic patterns and incident locations, third-party assessors discovered that surveillance systems were lacking in all of the hotels, including at the Gaylord Opryland Resort.
As a result of the risk assessment, ownership decided to invest in a complete security upgrade of all its hotels and chose the Gaylord Opryland as its test case. The strategy was to use Opryland as the model and eventually upgrade the other five Gaylord hotels following its success.
"We had cameras that weren't working. We had cameras installed in the wrong areas. It was very difficult to play back and extract video — and when we could get video out of the system, it was so poor it wasn't usable," Pezzo says. "It was an abysmal system for a property of this size and complexity."
A State-of-the-Art Upgrade
The resort invested in additional security staff and new security vehicles. They also committed to investing nearly $2.5 million in a new video surveillance system, which included 1,500 cameras from Hanwha Techwin, system servers and video analytics — managed by the open platform XProtect Corporate video management software (VMS) from Milestone Systems.
"We needed to significantly increase our video coverage throughout the property," Pezzo explains. "We needed high-quality cameras, a video-optimized network server system, and an easy-to-use VMS system. And we needed to partner with an integration professional who could bring it all together."
Working with integrator Herring Technology, the team deployed its new solution from November 2019 until September 2020. The resort purchased a variety of Hanwha cameras, including 145 XND-6010 full HD cameras with video analytics, 182 Q series indoor and outdoor dome cameras with IR, and more than 20 PNM 7000 and 9000 multi-directional cameras.
According to Pezzo, one of the main functions of the upgraded system is protecting the resort against false claims.
"Our main objective for a video system is to help mitigate false claims and protect against liability from other potential lawsuits. Marriott is a big target and claims are expensive, so this is where our ROI comes in," Pezzo says. "With an effective camera system like we have now, we're able to see if there are inaccuracies in a claim, perhaps we can see where a guest simply tripped on their own or was doing something silly that caused an injury. Or, in the worst case, we can see where someone simply laid down on the floor and is claiming that they slipped. Having these events captured in high-quality video is nearly priceless.
He continues, “Our new cameras provide excellent overall quality and digital zoom. The 4K cameras are amazing — we've never seen a clearer image. If there's an event or claim, with the Milestone VMS we can easily call up and share recorded video to see exactly what happened. In fact, on the very first day we had a camera installed, someone fell. They tried to make a claim, but we could see that they simply stumbled over their own feet, and there was nothing about the floor that contributed to the fall."
The security team ensured cameras were placed in high-volume areas where they had experienced problems in the past and also where they didn’t have cameras previously. They also looked at their own data relating to theft and other incidents to help determine camera location. In areas where they needed a better view, they chose 4K resolution cameras for a clearer picture.
As for the servers behind the system, the team installed 21 Dell RAID 6 units with 192 terabytes, each for a total of 3.6 petabytes of storage. Four Dell video wall servers run the Milestone Smart Wall, which uses 18 monitors with 55-inch 4K displays. An additional set of four Dell servers are being installed for future use with the BriefCam video analytic software.
"Already, we're able to track someone as they move around the property — it's very impressive," Pezzo says of the video analytic software. "BriefCam is still new to us, but we're really excited to utilize that software much more in the future, especially when we can get back to hosting large events."
He adds, “The ability to see an individual this clearly as they move through our spaces is incredible. In the past, we would lose people in uncovered sections. They would just disappear. But that doesn’t happen anymore.”
Technology: Doing More With Less
Improved visibility is another major benefit of the upgrade and provides the resort’s security team with an expanded view of the property. For example, previously, a single camera in the lobby could only provide coverage for one door. Now, one camera is able to cover six. In other high-volume locations, like the valet area, the resort has deployed multi-sensor cameras that provide a clear 360-degree view.
And these features have come in handy during COVID-19. Pezzo explains that in the face of the pandemic, his team has not only dealt with a reduction in visitors and guests, but also a reduction in staff. The new video system allows the smaller security group to continue to cover the entire property. Pezzo has dispatchers around the clock who monitor the video system in real-time, as well as an investigator who reviews recorded video of anything out of the ordinary, such as a car parked in a restricted area or a trespasser in a back-of-house area. Motion detection tools built into the VMS help with this type of surveillance.
"We never had motion detection before, and it has helped us greatly with our staffing levels," says Pezzo. “We can use motion detection to cover areas late at night where we know nobody should be. When a person walks into one of these motion cover areas, the VMS alerts us, and we can dispatch a security person to the location."
The Milestone Smart Wall system helps each shift of operators manage their camera views, Pezzo adds. Depending on the time of day, each of the three operator shifts needs to monitor different cameras. The video wall is set up to automatically switch camera views with each shift change. There are times when a single operator is looking at 13 screens with more than 100 camera views, which can be a daunting task.
Additionally, Pezzo and his team use the XProtect LPR, which is software that reads license plate information from vehicles and links the license plate information with video. Pezzo uses the license plate recognition feature to manage ridesharing drivers who frequent the property. While rideshare services are allowed, the resort has designated pick-up and drop-off areas with 10-minute parking limits. The LPR technology identifies rideshare vehicles as soon as they enter the property, helping staff to track drivers who exceed parking time limits, or become a nuisance by littering or bothering guests.
For the Gaylord Opryland Resort, the upgrade has had an immediate impact. For 2021, the resort plans to invest in more new cameras as the budget becomes available.
FAQs
What is Gaylord Opryland known for? ›
The largest non-gaming, in-hotel exhibition space in the world with over 700,000+ square feet of flexible meeting space. The largest non-gaming, in-hotel exhibition space in the world with more than 700,000 square feet of flexible meeting space!
How much does Gaylord Opryland make a year? ›Based in Nashville, TN, Gaylord Entertainment is a key player in the hospitality industry with 5,000 employees and an annual revenue of $26.0M.
Can you visit Gaylord Opryland without staying the night? ›Do I need to be a hotel guest to buy tickets? Our holiday attractions are open for day guests as well as overnight guests. Many of our guests decide to stay overnight in order to enjoy all the holiday events and attractions available at our resorts.
Who owns the Gaylord Opryland Hotel? ›Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, formerly known as Opryland Hotel, is a hotel and convention center located in Nashville, Tennessee. It is owned by Ryman Hospitality Properties (formerly known as Gaylord Entertainment Company), and operated by Marriott International.
Why did they shut down Opryland? ›The primary reason for the closure was the fact that Gaylord Properties, the park's parent company, wanted to replace it with a year-round attraction. New plans began with Opry Mills, a shopping mall, but the plan never came to fruition.
Why is it called Gaylord Opryland? ›Some people just call it Gaylord Opryland because the real name is far too long. The name came from the original brand. Opryland was a strong brand that was unique to not only Nashville but Texas as well. However, it would not fit with other parts of the United States.
How much does a Gaylord Opryland event manager get paid? ›$75K. The estimated total pay for a Event Manager at Gaylord Hotels is $74,537 per year.
What hotel chain owns Opryland Hotel? ›Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, located at 2800 Opryland Drive in Nashville, Tenn., is the flagship property of Gaylord Hotels, part of the Marriott portfolio of brands.
How much is Gaylord worth? ›Gaylord Entertainment (NYSE: GET) has agreed to sell its hotel brand to Marriott International (NYSE: MAR) for $210 million.
How much does it cost to see the Christmas lights at Opryland? ›Gaylord Opryland Hotel Nashville (Map)
Over 3 million Christmas lights with brand new displays. Lights are on November 11, 2022 – January 1, 2023. What is this? Admission is Free.
Do you have to pay to walk around the Grand Ole Opry? ›
you can walk the grounds which are extremely well cared for in front of the opry for free, along with entrance to the lobby/gift shop area. There are also vendors outside the opry that you can enjoy a drink or a quick bite prior to the start of the show.
Do you have to pay to park at Gaylord Opryland? ›Is there a parking fee at the resort? Yes, at the resort, self-parking is $33.00 plus tax; valet parking is $45.00 plus tax. In and out privileges are for overnight guests only. Day guests are charged per entry.
How many pools does the Opryland Hotel have? ›Three Sparkling Pools
Relaxing, socializing and taking laps are among the Nashville resort activities guests can participate in while taking advantage of our three pools, including one indoor year-round pool and 2 outdoor seasonal pools.
A prominent businessman and civic leader, Edward Lewis Gaylord inherited The Oklahoman newspaper and other family assets from his father and built an entertainment empire.
What year did they tear down Opryland? ›On Dec. 31, 1997, Opryland closed its doors forever. It was ultimately razed by Gaylord Entertainment and turned into the multimillion-dollar Opry Mills shopping mall, a gargantuan shrine to capitalism.
What is the difference between Opryland and the Grand Ole Opry? ›They are 2 different buildings/sites. The Ryman is in downtown Nashville and Opryland is a bit outside the centre. However The Grand Old Opry is the name of the show and not the place so we saw the Grand Old Opry show at the Ryman.
How many rooms does Opryland Resort have? ›After all of its additions, the complex now has over 3.3 million square feet of total space; 2,888 guest rooms; six ballrooms ranging in size from 3,364 square feet to 55,314 square feet with the largest event space having a capacity for 10,000; 106 conference and break-out rooms; and a 260,000 square foot exhibit hall ...
How much does it cost to get into Opryland? ›No, the gardens and shops are there for your enjoyment at no cost. It's a lovely walk with plenty of little benches to just sit on and take in the beauty!
What does Gaylord stand for? ›Meaning:Lively, high-spirited. Gaylord is a masculine name of French origin. It stems from the word gaillard, which means lively and spirited. This name calls to mind a happy, boisterous baby with a true zest for life.
How old is the Opryland Hotel? ›
What is the average salary for Nashville Symphony? ›Nashville Symphony pays an average hourly rate of $299 and hourly wages range from a low of $256 to a high of $345.
What is the lowest salary of Event Manager? ›What is the starting salary for a Event Manager in India? Average starting Salary for Event Manager in India is around ₹0.8 Lakh per year (₹6.7k per month).
How much do you get paid at the Grand Ole Opry? ›| Job Title | Salary |
|---|---|
| Tour Guide salaries - 6 salaries reported | $36,520/yr |
| Ambassador salaries - 2 salaries reported | $37,976/yr |
| Audio Engineer salaries - 2 salaries reported | $51,521/yr |
| Bartender salaries - 2 salaries reported | $35,038/yr |
Chula Vista. NBC 7's Joe Little got a look at the $1.2 billion Gaylord Pacific going up on the South Bay waterfront.
What is the largest hotel in the world? ›First World Hotel, Genting Highlands, Malaysia - 7,351
The First Hotel hotel is part of the Resorts World Genting complex. Its two towers are home to 7,351 rooms, and it holds the Guinness World Records title for the largest hotel in the world.
It was founded on November 28, 1925, by George D. Hay as a one-hour radio "barn dance" on WSM. Currently owned and operated by Opry Entertainment (a division of Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc.), it is the longest-running radio broadcast in U.S. history.
How rich is the Gaylord family? ›Gaylord family
Gaylord, inherited controlling interest but not complete ownership of the Daily Oklahoman and other family assets worth $50 million in 1974. Stanford University-educated in business, Edward L. increased the family fortune by a factor of forty, to two billion dollars at the time of his death in 2003.
The Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center is located at the edge of the Front Range offering a mountain resort of dreams. This lavish five-star resort offers a plethora of family-friendly activities to keep your day action-packed.
Which Gaylord is the oldest? ›1. Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center (Nashville, Tennessee) Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center is Gaylord's maiden property, with its roots tracing back to 1977.
What do you wear to ice Opryland? ›
What should I wear? All guests are provided Gaylord Opryland's signature blue parkas to help keep warm. These parkas are calf-length, winter coats with hoods. Parkas are available in all sizes, including children and infants, up to an adult 4XL.
What time does the light show start at Opryland Hotel? ›Annual Lighting Ceremony, 5:30 p.m. Stroll the Magnolia Lawn and view an amazing display of more than three million holiday lights. For non-overnight guests or non-ticketholders, learn more about our resort access policy here.
Are there rides at Opryland? › Can I wear jeans to the Grand Ole Opry? ›
Wondering what to wear to the Grand Ole Opry? Just as the styles vary on the Opry stage, they do in the seats of the Opry House. You'll see everything from faded jeans to business suits, cowboy hats to your Sunday best. Just remember a rule we take very seriously here at the Grand Ole Opry — you have to wear something!
Does Grand Ole Opry sell out? ›Now! Seats do sell out fast. Go to the Grand Ole Opry site to find out who will be on stage on the night(s) that you wish to attend.
Are purses allowed in the Grand Ole Opry? ›The Grand Ole Opry does not allow large bags inside the venue unless they are deemed medically necessary. All bags are subject to being searched before entry. Outside food and drink, tripods, zoom lenses, and selfie sticks are also prohibited.
Can you go to sound waves without staying at the Gaylord? ›SoundWaves is reserved exclusively for guests who book the SoundWaves Water Experience overnight package. The water attraction has limited capacity to prevent overcrowding and keep the experience relaxed and comfortable.
How far is the Gaylord Hotel from the Grand Ole Opry? ›The Inn at Opryland, A Gaylord Hotel is a well-liked 3-Star hotel located about 0.6 miles north of Grand Ole Opry House and roughly a 10 minute stroll.
Is there free parking at the Grand Ole Opry? ›Guests attending the Grand Ole Opry can park for free at Opry Mills. The closest parking is located by Dave & Buster's.
Does Opryland Hotel have a lazy river? ›Whether you're celebrating a bride, a birthday, or a reunion, SoundWaves is the perfect environment for spending quality time with friends and family by the pool, drifting down the lazy river, or catching up over cocktails.
How much does SoundWaves at opryland cost? ›
*2023 rates start at $47 per person Monday-Friday; Saturdays, Sundays and holidays start at $70 per person. Subject to tax and 15% service charge. Outside food & beverage is not permitted in the facility.
What time does Opryland Hotel pool close? ›The Magnolia- The Second Outdoor Pool
Encircled by the hotel's walls on all four sides, the pool's interior resembles an alfresco lounge in design. Functional from 9 in the morning to 9 in the night, the Magnolia features an outdoor pool and eating area, a bar, and a quaint little wading pool for smaller children.
The largest non-gaming, in-hotel exhibition space in the world with over 700,000+ square feet of flexible meeting space.
Are dogs allowed at Gaylord Opryland? ›What is the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center's pet policy? Pets are not allowed on property. Service Animals are welcome.
How many employees work in Gaylord Opryland Hotel? ›Gaylord Entertainment has 5,000 employees. 45% of Gaylord Entertainment employees are women, while 55% are men.
Why is it called the Gaylord? ›This specific style of box derives its name from the Gaylord Container Corporation, which was based in St. Louis, Missouri, during the first half of the 20th century.
Why is the hotel called the Gaylord? ›Gaylord Palms was originally to be named Opryland Hotel Florida. However, when Gaylord Entertainment decided to re-brand their Opryland Hotels division to Gaylord Hotels on October 26, 2001, the name Gaylord Palms was given to the Florida hotel.
Who is Gaylord owned by? ›Gaylord Hotels is the large convention hotel brand of Marriott International.
What category is Gaylord Opryland? ›The Gaylord Opryland in Nashville is a category 6 Marriott resort and hotel.
Is Gaylord Opryland the same as the Grand Ole Opry? ›If you're in the Music City, the must-see attraction is the Grand Ole Opry, and the place to stay is Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center — which is sometimes just called the Grand Ole Opry Hotel. The two go together like PB&J…and they make a great pair for kiddos, too!
Which Gaylord hotel is the biggest? ›
As one of the largest hotels in the world, the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center boasts shopping, attractions and other amenities. This place offers an indoor atrium along with many stores for shopping.
Who has been banned from the Grand Ole Opry? ›- Hank Williams Sr. Holly Williams – granddaughter of Hank Williams, Sr. ...
- Johnny Cash. Country artists perform in a tribute to the late Johnny Cash in 2003. ( ...
- Dierks Bentley.
Why Tour the Grand Ole Opry? The Grand Ole Opry is the true home of country music and one of Nashville's most-visited tourist destinations. Walk in the footsteps of country music's biggest stars and learn about the show that made country music famous.
Is there a dress code for the Grand Ole Opry? ›Is there a dress code at the Grand Ole Opry? There is no particular dress code at the Grand Ole Opry. You'll see everything from faded jeans to business suits, cowboy hats to your Sunday best.
Can you walk to Grand Ole Opry from Gaylord? ›Yes, if you cross the street you are entering the grounds for the grand ole opry. It would probably be about 2-3 blocks door to door.
Is Dolly Parton part of the Grand Ole Opry? ›A decade later, on Jan. 4, 1969, Parton was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. "It was always my dream to be on the Opry," she once stated. "They call it the 'Mother Church' because the old Ryman was a church, but it's sacred to me, wherever it goes — the church of my heart.
Does Blake Shelton belong to the Grand Ole Opry? ›Shelton was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 2014, and made a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 2010.
How many rooms does Gaylord Opryland Nashville have? ›After all of its additions, the complex now has over 3.3 million square feet of total space; 2,888 guest rooms; six ballrooms ranging in size from 3,364 square feet to 55,314 square feet with the largest event space having a capacity for 10,000; 106 conference and break-out rooms; and a 260,000 square foot exhibit hall ...