Enhancing Event Operations with BizTalk MB400 at MOORE Expo

MOORE Expo uses Midland's MB400 BizTalk® Business Band Two-Way Radio - MB400 to streamline operations.

The event's founder, Chris Holloway shared how reliable communication leads to a smooth-sailing event.

About MOORE Expo

The MOORE Expo, the largest overlanding event in the Midwest, is committed to providing a seamless and organized experience for thousands of attendees, vendors, and staff across multiple events.

MOORE Expo doesn't just feature the top outdoor products, but also offers courses to expand knowledge about equipment, safety, navigation, communications, and more. 

The multi-day event also features live entertainment and the Midwest Discovery Route- testing your overlanding/off-road skills. 

The need for communication

Ensuring smooth communication across expansive, 70+ acre event sites with diverse, fast-paced demands requires a robust communication system.

For this reason, MOORE Expo has integrated the MB400 BizTalk Business Band Two-Way Radio- MB400 radios as their exclusive communication equipment, streamlining all coordination and communication during MOORE Expo, Big Iron Overland Rally, and Powersports Expo.

By using the MB400 radios, the team has created a seamless operational environment where teams can coordinate effortlessly across different departments and physical locations.

Communications setup and usage 

With a team of over 30 staff members divided across several departments, the MOORE Expo operations team has established a channel allocation system that prevents cross-talk and interference between departments. Each department operates on its own channel, ensuring dedicated lines of communication for each specialized function. Here’s a breakdown of the channel assignments, which maximize both efficiency and reach:

Channel Assignments for Key Departments:

• Channel 1: Organizer’s line (for top-level decision-making and emergency calls)
• Channel 2: Operations Manager (maintains oversight and coordination across all teams)
• Channel 4: Parking Lot Team (manages attendee parking logistics)
• Channel 5: Ticket Booth Staff (handles ticketing and attendee entry)
• Channel 6: Vendor Parking (directs vendor vehicles for setup and teardown)
• Channel 7: Campground Staff (ensures campground management and guest satisfaction)
• Channel 8: Security (oversees safety and crowd control)

This channel setup allows any team member to switch to a specific department’s channel as needed, ensuring direct communication without unnecessary interruptions. 

Specialized channel Setup for Move-In Operations

During vendor move-in and event setup, additional channels are dedicated to different move-in zones to streamline operations:

• Channel 3: Check-In Booth (manages initial vendor check-in)
• Channel 4: Indoor East Move-In (coordinates with vendors entering the east side)
• Channel 5: Indoor West Move-In (coordinates with vendors on the west side)
• Channel 6: Outdoor Vendor Move-In (directs outdoor vendor setup)
• Channel 1 and 2: Organizer and Operations Manager maintain oversight

This strategic channel usage during move-in ensures that teams can focus on their specific zones, minimizing miscommunication and increasing the efficiency of the setup process.

Impact of MB400 BizTalk Business Radio on event operations

The BizTalk MB400 radios have been a game-changer for MOORE Expo, enabling clear and reliable communication across extensive properties without interference or signal issues. Here are key areas where the MB400 radios have enhanced operations:

1. Efficient Inter-Department Coordination: With each department operating on its own channel, communication is targeted, reducing interruptions and confusion. If a team member from one department needs to reach another, they simply switch to that department’s channel to communicate directly, facilitating precise coordination.
2. Reliable Long-Range Communication: Spanning over 70 acres per event location, the event properties require dependable communication over large distances. The MB400 radios provide a clear signal throughout the entire property, enabling seamless communication even across challenging terrain.
3. Quick Issue Resolution and Responsiveness: With direct access to the Operations Manager and Organizer at all times on channels 1 and 2, team members can quickly escalate any pressing issues for immediate response, enhancing attendee and vendor satisfaction.
4. Simplified Move-In Process: During vendor move-in, using dedicated channels for each area allows staff to handle multiple setups simultaneously without interference, reducing congestion and keeping setup times efficient. The move-in team can stay focused on their designated zones, ensuring that vendor setup runs smoothly.
5. Increased Security and Safety Oversight: With security operating on its own dedicated channel (Channel 8), the team is able to monitor the event closely and respond to any security concerns immediately. This setup improves crowd control and allows for rapid coordination in case of emergencies.