Gramercy Tech

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the VP of Operations at IMG, a sports marketing and event production company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Gramercy Tech?

For the first time, we held an e-sports event. We hired Gramercy Tech to develop activations—interactive experience set-ups. We also relied on them to implement radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology, and to manage the data around that.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Gramercy Tech produced the technology behind the registration and membership processes for the event. All spectators were provided a customized RFID band which was paired to each specific customer. It tracked the player’s activation interactions. Gramercy Tech implemented the data system behind that technology, including setting up the scanning kiosks around the venue.

They integrated the data with our other partners’ technologies, such as our travel agency. That enabled us to locate each player and track them accordingly after they checked in via QR code. In addition to their technical work, the team also managed our marketing and communications to our ticket purchasers before the event. This entailed creating branded registration websites.

What is the team composition?

We had two main points of contact, who were both project managers. We worked with three technical managers daily, but the entire onsite team consisted of 15 people.

How did you come to work with Gramercy Tech?

We released an RFP, and we spoke with a few different agencies. Someone on our team had previously worked with Gramercy Tech, so we were slightly familiar with the company. We decided to go with them because their proposal was the best.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working together in December 2018, and the event was in July of 2019.  

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

Despite being under a tight deadline, they delivered fantastically. They were excellent in guiding us even though it was the first time we were hosting this annual event. While we didn’t know exactly what we wanted, they adjusted their technologies to our needs. They also seamlessly integrated their technology into those of our many third-party partners.

How did Gramercy Tech perform from a project management standpoint?

Their project lead was excellent in understanding our needs and consistently nudged us in the right direction. While we’re far from tech experts, they let us know what options were reasonable and within our budget. We appreciated that they were forthcoming about project cost—they ensured that we could make an informed decision about something before committing to it.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their onsite staff was fantastic. The tech lead who oversaw the installation of our scanners coordinated with the event planners to handle everything. Without that, many tasks would have fallen to me, so I really appreciated that they managed everything from beginning to end.  

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, there’s nothing on their part.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Having a clear project scope will help you keep costs down. It’s better to know exactly what you want before going into a partnership.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a coordinator for a large media corporation's Special Events department.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Gramercy Tech?

We hired Gramercy Tech to produce an immersive and interactive activation for our Nickelodeon booth at San Diego Comic-Con.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We provided Gramercy Tech with a general theme of what we were looking for. They pitched us several concepts, and we scaled their idea to arrive at what we really wanted to do. They then created the custom game.

They executed an activation that adheres to our Spongebob Squarepants theme—it’s a fry cook game where two people compete to create the most Krabby Patties within the time limit. It’s an interactive mixed-reality game where a camera perceives whether you’ve made the right-colored patty. Once a participant is finished, they hit the buzzer.

The team accompanied us to Comic-Con to set up the booth.

What is the team composition?

I believe it was a team of between 4­–5 people.

How did you come to work with Gramercy Tech?

They were recommended to us by one of our partners for Nickelodeon Comic-Con, who had seen them produce a booth for another convention. We met with their team in person, and knew that they were the right fit. They seemed to have a good grasp of our target audience at Comic-Con. They also understood our brand.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent somewhere between $60,000–$70,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working together in January 2019, and San Diego Comic-Con was this month, in September. We took the same activation to New York Comic-Con, which is set to happen this week.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

The collaboration was excellent and resulted in one of the best activations we’ve ever done. It was truly the highlight of our booth, which was covered by multiple news stations. The event gathered lots of positive press—we even had the entire Spongebob Squarepants cast come up and play the game.

Gramercy Tech came up with all of the innovative concepts, and they were extremely helpful throughout the project. They seamlessly incorporated all of the design and artwork provided by the Nickelodeon team. It was a great partnership.

How did Gramercy Tech perform from a project management standpoint?

They were extremely responsive, and they ensured transparent communication while working with both our and Nickelodeon's creative teams. They abided by all timelines and were very informative about any and all requirements. They made it easy for us to help them.  

What did you find most impressive about them?

When they were on-site for the week-long event, they were extremely meticulous in making sure that the game ran flawlessly, every morning.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don’t think so. They were excellent.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there. 

I’m a senior producer for MKG.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Gramercy Tech? 

We were hired by a client to produce a food festival. They wanted to have four ticket options. We needed a simple, clean way of checking people into the event and designating each ticket type. Inside that event, we wanted to collect data on what food people ate.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Using existing RFID technology, Gramercy Tech developed a custom system based on our needs. RFID-enabled wristbands designated the four ticket types. The technology used in the bands was tracked throughout the event. Attendees were required to swipe their band at each food station in order to track how many of each food item was eaten. Gramercy Tech had staff on site at the festival to set up scanners and make sure everything worked properly. They oversaw check-in, handed out wristbands, and led troubleshooting of any issues.

What is the team composition? 

We worked with three members of their team during development, and they had about six people at the festival. We worked closely with both Emily (Technical Strategist, Gramercy Tech) and Maggie (Project Manager, Gramercy Tech), as well as Jeremy (Principal & CEO, Gramercy Tech) on occasion. 

How did you come to work with Gramercy Tech?

MKG had an existing relationship with Jeremy and Gramercy Tech. A colleague mentioned that they use RFID technology, and referred me to them.  

What is the status of this engagement?

The project took place from March–April 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

Our client was thrilled. The data that we were able to gather from this integration was invaluable. The client will be able to use that data moving forward to make decisions about how much and what types of food to have at future festivals. It was more of a guessing game in the past, but this technology identifies the most popular food items broken down by attendee demographics. On our end, we're looking to hire Gramercy Tech again to do the same execution at an event in September.

How did Gramercy Tech perform from a project management standpoint? 

We had weekly calls to touch base and discuss any updates. Having an account manager work with us as everything kept changing was wonderful. There were a lot of changes in the weeks leading up to the event, and they were really helpful at jumping in and making last-minute changes. Gramercy Tech was always available through email or text or calls. They served as our sounding board on what was needed, and talked us through how the integration would work. Then they liaised with their team so that we didn't have to directly interface with the technical side, which was great. They made that happen seamlessly.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Gramercy Tech was willing to make changes as needed and work with us on any anything that came up. Aspects of the project changed quite a bit from when we briefed them on the project in March to when they executed it in April. Not only were they able to roll with the punches, they made changes at no additional cost. Being that this was our first time doing a project like this, we didn't fully understand all the capabilities of the technology. They were great at explaining everything and making sure that we knew what was possible. 

Are there any areas they could improve? 

They offered a lump sum contract without much detail regarding pricing. It would be helpful to know exactly what portion of the overall budget was going to each part of the project. That would allow us to make changes as needed to save money. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers? 

The weekly calls are really helpful. Give them as much information as possible and be completely transparent with what’s needed. That way, they can structure the project correctly and ensure that both teams are aligned.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there. 

I’m the founder and CEO of Quantious. We do marketing support specifically for technology companies.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Gramercy Tech? 

We have a high-profile client who often requires a fast turnaround. They needed a last-minute and high-touch event activation. We knew that we couldn't handle it ourselves. We needed a partner who specializes in those services.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement? 

We held initial meetings with our client to assess their needs. Then we brought Gramercy Tech into direct contact with the client. We worked together in partnership to execute the activation. The solution was an augmented reality basketball game that was designed to engage the audience at an event. 

We had Gramercy Tech facilitate the installation as well as execute the solution at the event. They went in early and got everything set up. They worked with the event company on all of the logistics. They staffed the game so that it was manned at all times. They also collected leads at the event. 

What is the team composition? 

We had one key point of contact who led and managed the project. There was also a technical lead to make sure that everything was in place and working, and 2–3 people on site at the event. I'm not sure how many people worked behind the scenes. 

How did you come to work with Gramercy Tech? 

Jeremy (principal & CEO, Gramercy Tech) is part of my network, so it was mostly through networking and word-of-mouth. I checked out their website and saw that their offerings are exactly what we needed. 

How much have you invested with them?

We spent about $30,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

The project took place in September 2018. It was a really quick execution.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

Our client was super pleased about the solution and really happy with the results. The number of leads and the general excitement and crowd that they generated was great. We relied on their expertise and their staff in order to execute such a successful event.

How did Gramercy Tech perform from a project management standpoint? 

Their team was excellent. Because we brought them in late, they had to get up to speed quickly on what was happening and the client's goals. It required tricky logistics to make the activation happen in such a short time frame. Gramercy Tech handled it professionally and were quite graceful under pressure. We had a lot of phone calls and conference calls, speaking several times a week as it got closer to the event. We facilitated the relationship with the client, and they led the details of the project because it’s their specialty. I was involved in all client meetings but they were front and center in driving the process.

What did you find most impressive about them? 

Gramercy Tech provides unique activations that are engaging and customizable. It's not just a one-size-fits-all solution. They go in and understand who we're speaking to and adjust the experience based on the audience. They're very imaginative, creative, and knowledgeable about emerging technologies. They bring the latest technology to each event.

Are there any areas they could improve? 

No, I can't think of anything. I wouldn't change a thing. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers? 

Try to contact them early. They could have been even more creative with the experience if we’d given them more time.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the VP of an online real estate platform.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Gramercy Tech?

We needed help with web and software development.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They built our company’s software and developed our website using Ruby on Rails.

What is the team composition?

There were three to five people—software developers, UX designers, and project management.

How did you come to work with Gramercy Tech?

I knew another company that had used them in the past and had been satisfied with their performance.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from July 2017–May 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

They did an excellent job. They executed the project on time and went above and beyond the expectations I had. Everybody I worked with was impressive and very capable.

How did Gramercy Tech perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re very organized and were able to grasp the concepts of the business very easily, while responding well throughout.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They were very nice people to work with. They were always open to listening to feedback and were generally a very good company to deal with.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

No.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm a senior systems analyst at NYC Department of Youth and Community Development. We’re a New York City agency that invests in a network of community-based organizations to provide a wide range of youth and community development programs.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Gramercy Tech?

We provide a lot of different programs around New York City and, currently, members of the public have to complete a paper application for a program, go to the site, and hand it in. We wanted to implement an online application, so we were looking for a vendor to help us design a website.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They managed the UX/UI design for our website. Our in-house team is taking care of the functionality, but they're helping us with that as well. It's a website where people can search for different programs, apply directly online, and check the status of their application. Gramercy Tech also helped us with a beta testing plan.

What is the team composition?

We worked with 5–6 members of their team.

How did you come to work with Gramercy Tech?

I came in right after they were chosen. Their original pitch was very strong and they were willing to work with the city's procurement rules.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent between $40,000–$60,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in April 2018 and the relationship is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

They've delivered everything we needed, and our team is now implementing their design. They've been great partners and helped us brainstorm ideas. Also, they're very flexible. In phase two, their team members came to our office for three full days, supporting our team in implementing their design. 

How did Gramercy Tech perform from a project management standpoint?

We used Zoom for a lot of meetings and they were willing to get on board with our project management tools. We had consistent communication throughout the whole process and they were very understanding about working within our framework. Also, they're very responsive and proactive.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They understood all of our needs and were willing to work with us. They have a very strong team.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can't think of anything. They've been wonderful to work with.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m an executive producer for a brand experience agency.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Gramercy Tech?

We wanted to add interactive elements into an event to entice attendees.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They worked on four projects for us. The first was an interactive set piece with large, 3D letters that spelled out the name of the event. Attendees could walk up to each letter, press it, and a unique sound and projection would materialize. There was also a drawing wall that attendees could interact with. We invited people to draw something on an iPad, and their image would aggregate into a larger piece. The third actuation was an AR basketball game that allowed people to manipulate the ball through an iPad, while the final piece was an interactive milestone wall that called out eight key milestones in the history of the company.

What is the team composition?

I’m not sure how big the team was in all, but we interacted with a project manager and at least three or four people on the development side.

How did you come to work with Gramercy Tech?

I’ve known them for a long time, and have done other events with them in the past. We’ve wanted to hire them for previous shows, but this was the first year our timing and budget allowed for it.

How much have you invested with them?

For all four activations, we spent around $130,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We signed a contract with them at the very beginning of July 2018, but started brainstorming ideas as early as that February. All four deliverables were for an event at the end of August 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

The interactive activations added an extra layer to the brand and the décor, and it elevated the entire event from a technology perspective. It’s important to continuously push the envelope, and these tools helped us do that.  

How did Gramercy Tech perform from a project management standpoint?

I was pleased with their overall communication. As we added more and more to their list of projects, it would have been helpful to have had weekly or biweekly calls beyond the emailing and conference calls we had. It was a complicated process, as our internal team works in very different time zones. We could have been more organized on our end, but we were very pleased with the results. The whole timeline was much shorter than would be ideal, but they overcommunicated and made sure everything was finished in time.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They were a valuable technology partner to our creative team, and they came up with ideas that really took us a step further than we imagined. Their ability to strategize fun, new tools was a great asset for our event.

Are there any areas they could improve?

When we first started, we didn’t know that we would do four projects with them. If we had to do it over again, we would have set up more streamlined communication channels and more scheduled reporting. We didn’t give them a lot of time to complete the project, but they were very flexible and got everything done.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Tell them what you have in mind and listen to their ideas. They will have good ideas and ways to elevate the experience.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the managing director of production and creative services at a full-service communications company. We provide live meetings, training, videos, and other means of communication for Fortune 500 companies.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Gramercy Tech?

Gramercy Tech supported us in adding a layer of gamification to our client’s national sales and launch meeting for a sales force of about 3,500 people.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Gramercy Tech leveraged near-field communication (NFC) cards to link various learning games on iPads and touchscreens at the launch event. Gramercy Tech coordinated the algorithms so that scores were tracked and corrected in real time.

What is the team composition?

I’m unsure of the exact number, but between the pre-production and the on-site execution, we probably worked with 20–25 people.

How did you come to work with Gramercy Tech?

We've partnered with Gramercy Tech for many years. One of my colleagues worked closely with Jeremy (CEO, Gramercy Tech) as the company was being established. We've turned to them as a partner for our digital and gamification requirements for our projects. We've always found them to be collaborative. They're local, so they're very easy to work with. They also come up with new and innovative things that we're able to leverage with our clients.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent around $500,000 on our latest project.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our most recent engagement spanned November 2017–January 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

Gramercy Tech’s work achieved the primary purpose of knowledge reinforcement and engagement with the sales force at the event. Our client was pleased with being able to gather records of employee performance and learn which questions challenged the participants. Gramercy Tech was able to provide extensive backend metrics to assess the sales force and understand where there was a gap in knowledge. Further, it was impressive to unleash technology of this magnitude to 3,500 people and have it be functional and stable.

How did Gramercy Tech perform from a project management standpoint?

We used Google Docs to coordinate schedules and deadlines for specific elements. Gramercy Tech responded well when our client missed some deadlines. In the face of challenges, they still achieved everything that needed to be done.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We mostly appreciated their collaborative nature and the quality of the end product. The system’s stability—the way the NFC cards worked to be able to give real-time scores—was crucial to the client. Figuring out the algorithm of the point scoring and determining how to make the competition equitable across differently sized team was vital to the success of the event.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Nothing specific comes to mind. Together, we traversed the challenges of learning where people needed to be stationed on-site to make sure the event ran smoothly. That’s the nature of live events, but they handled that well.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the chief creative officer of IM Creative. We're an experienced design and production firm that conducts meetings for Fortune 500 clients all over the world. Our services include product launches, sales meetings, customer conferences, and brand-building experiences. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Gramercy Tech?

We partner with Gramercy Tech in many different ways. Demand for fresh ideas and novelty in the meetings and events space is the overarching business issue their work usually helps us solve. The flexible, bespoke technological solutions they provide are individually tailored to each of our client's brands. They help us improve brand stickiness and increase attendee engagement to yield a better overall experience that’s contemporary and thoughtful.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Gramercy Tech has collaborated with us on VR, Bluetooth and RFID proximity sensing, gamification, and tactile brand activations that use technology. Most of the solutions we create together are bespoke. Our firm's creative services utilize the ingredients of their technology in fresh new ways to produce end results that ultimately stun our collective clients. 

What is the team composition? 

We probably worked with about six people from Gramercy Tech. 

How did you come to work with Gramercy Tech?

Gramercy Tech's CEO is a longtime friend of our principles. Coincidentally, they worked in an office close to where some of our internal employees lived. We liked using people from the neighborhood. Their orientation to innovate and customize solutions is particularly important to us and has made them a valuable partner.

We can't sell off-the-shelf solutions because they yield generic results. Our clients want something more significant than that. Gramercy Tech is the only tech firm that I trust to deliver the right level of customized, unique solutions. 

How much have you invested with them?

The total cost of their services is likely in the low hundreds of thousands of dollar range.

What is the status of this engagement?

We've actively worked together for about four years now, since 2014. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

Our clients have been exceedingly pleased with the experiences we've created for them in collaboration with Gramercy Tech. We are all still in business together. Their real competitive advantage goes beyond just the results. They’ve been an invaluable partner during the creative pitch process. They come up with the right ideas, programming, and strategies to help our client achieve their business goals.

The event industry is quite difficult to measure. Gramercy Tech integrates bespoke, customizable technology tools into the experience that give us access to a wealth of data. This information helps us quantitatively and qualitatively measure the efficacy of our experiences. The insight they provide is a key differentiator in the pitch process as we seek to procure new work from clients. 

How did Gramercy Tech perform from a project management standpoint?

I've been pleased with Gramercy Tech's communications and ability to meet deadlines. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

The CEO consistently provides information about new technologies and emerging trends that I constantly apply to the concepts I develop for clients. Gramercy Tech helps me formulate integrated solutions that are of-the-moment and relevant to my clients' needs and industry trends. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, there are not.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I was the former deputy CIO of a youth development government agency.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Gramercy Tech?

We needed help with the UX/UI design and development of a public-facing product that allows parents to apply for our after school programs for their children.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Gramercy designed and developed a web-based platform on Angualar that helped parents book after school programs for their children. They also provided wireframes, using InVision.

What is the team composition?

I worked with the owner, as well as a a project manager and a few developers/designers.

How did you come to work with Gramercy Tech?

We found them on Clutch and compared their reviews to others before ultimately deciding to work with them.

How much have you invested with them?

We invested about $60,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them on the project around May 2018 and I believe the company is still working with them.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

We were very happy with Gramercy's work ethic and expertise. It can be challenging to find a vendor capable of providing both UI/UX design as well as full development services, which saved us a lot of time and money in the long run.

How did Gramercy Tech perform from a project management standpoint?

The project manager did a great job of overseeing tasks, meeting deadlines, and following up with us as needed. I also appreciated that the owner was very involved. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

They actually genuinely cared about our project and took an interest in our mission.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. We weren't used to working with a remote team, but we were able to adjust fairly quickly.