Opportunity

Since 1974 the Westerville Music and Arts Festival has been an iconic event bringing together thousands of residents and visitors each summer to celebrate the arts, music, and spirit of the central Ohio community. Organized by the Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce (WACC), the festival features over 120 artists, 30+ live performances, and various food and art vendors. However, as the festival has grown in size and popularity, WACC has faced challenges in ensuring efficient communication and safety for all attendees, vendors, and volunteers. Janet Tressler-Davis, President of WACC, remarked, “We needed a way to communicate effectively with our vendors on-site and enhance safety precautions for guests attending the festival.”

Solution

To address these challenges, WACC partnered with Status Solutions to deploy CATIE Mobile, an 8-time award-winning communication application designed to enhance situational awareness. Originally developed for use in schools and senior living facilities, CATIE Mobile was adapted to meet the specific needs of the Westerville Music and Arts Festival. Mike MacLeod, CEO and Founder of Status Solutions explained, “Providing CATIE Mobile to the Westerville Music and Arts Festival truly exemplifies the power of innovative communication. We’re thrilled that our technology could play a role in enhancing the safety and experience of such a vibrant community event. This collaboration highlights our commitment to supporting local organizations with solutions that make a real difference.”

With CATIE Mobile, festival-goers could receive real-time updates, safety alerts, and event information directly on their smartphones. WACC administrators could use the app to coordinate with vendors, volunteers, and first responders, ensuring a seamless flow of communication throughout the event. The app also allowed attendees to opt in so that they could stay informed about any schedule changes, weather alerts, or public announcements. 

Janet Tressler-Davis, President of WACC, shared her thoughts on the partnership: “Through our collaboration with Status Solutions, we’ve been able to enhance communication and improve safety measures at the festival all because of the creative innovation by one of our great Chamber members. CATIE Mobile has become a valuable tool for managing our festival. We were excited to put the solution to use at the festival.  We welcome the opportunity to share our experience with other organizations with large events that can benefit from the communication and safety features.”

Results

• • Enhanced Communication: Real-time notifications and updates for musicians, vendors, volunteers, and attendees, improving their overall experience and ensuring they remained informed throughout the event.
  • Increased Safety: Immediate safety alerts and streamlined coordination among WACC administrators, vendors, volunteers, and first responders, creating a more secure environment for all.
  • Improved Event Management: Efficient communication between WACC and on-site vendors and volunteers, including scheduled notifications and reminders leading to smoother operations and a better experience for everyone involved.
  • Positive Feedback: Attendees and participants reported feeling more connected and secure, highlighting the success of CATIE Mobile in warning of inclement weather.

About Status Solutions

Status Solutions is a leader in situational awareness technology, providing custom software solutions for life-safety assurance, real-time security monitoring, environmental awareness, and mass notification. With a focus on empowering organizations to take proactive measures, Status Solutions helps clients stay ahead of threats and ensure the safety of their communities. Learn more at statussolutions.com.

About Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce

The Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce is committed to promoting the growth and success of local businesses while enhancing the quality of life in Westerville. With 770 members representing nearly 20,000 employees, the Chamber plays a vital role in fostering community engagement and economic development. Learn more at westervillechamber.com.

Festival Photo Credit: Tom Welsh