Connecticut Convention Center

Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, CT is a premier destination for large-scale events, welcoming over 400,000 visitors each year. When the facilities team set out to revitalize the building’s outdated lobby, they turned to digital signage to deliver a modern, dynamic presence. With direct access to the downtown Marriott and heavy daily foot traffic, the center needed a solution that could enhance the visitor experience, provide clear direction, and offer new
revenue opportunities.

“There were no modern elements in the lobby—just an information desk and static banners that aged quickly,” said Mike Costelli, general manager of the Convention Center. “We wanted to capture visitor attention, highlight upcoming events, and generate ad revenue—all in one place.”

The center enlisted ARTfx Signs, a trusted partner with a long history of successful installations. “We fabricated a massive kiosk with custom LED lighting—17 feet wide by 14 feet high—with touchscreen monitors where guests can explore events, maps, and local info,” said Cheyney Barrieau, vice president of sales and marketing for ARTfx Signs. “Above that, we installed a 10 x 10 Watchfire display to serve as the visual anchor.”

Strategically placed at the street-level entrance near Starbucks, the vibrant S-Series High Brightness Watchfire message center draws crowds and encourages interaction with the kiosks. The display welcomes groups, promotes upcoming events, offers advertising opportunities for local businesses, and provides real-time venue updates for Convention Center visitors. “It’s flexible, eye-catching, and constantly in use,” Costelli added. “People stop and watch it all the time.”

With no previous digital displays on the lower level, the Watchfire installation has transformed how the space is used and monetized.

The installation process was seamless, and the marketing team quickly adopted Watchfire’s user-friendly Ignite OPx software. “We trained our staff, and the feedback was entirely positive,” Costelli said. “It’s intuitive and reliable—no issues at all.”

Watchfire’s product quality and support stood out in the selection process. “We were looking at other vendors, but ARTfx strongly recommended Watchfire, and we’re glad they did,” Costelli shared. “From day one, it’s been a huge upgrade. Visitors constantly comment on how beautiful the screen is.”

For Barrieau, it’s a reflection of Watchfire’s reliability. “You get what you pay for—exceptional quality and service. I sell a lot of Watchfire because I know I can count on them.”

With this installation, the Connecticut Convention Center has stepped confidently into the digital age—enhancing guest experience while unlocking new promotional possibilities.