The Ciena Sales & Marketing Kick Off (SMKO) is always a standout event on our calendar, and this year’s gathering—held November 17–19 at the beautiful Waldorf Astoria Signia by Hilton in Orlando, Florida—was no exception. Now in our fourth year partnering with the exceptional creative team at AOO Events, we were once again thrilled to bring the comfort, functionality, and brand-forward style of NOOK Event Pods® to this high-energy annual meeting.

A Collaboration That Keeps Getting Better

Working with AOO Events has become a seamless and inspiring experience. Their commitment to creating immersive, attendee-focused environments perfectly complements our mission: providing flexible, comfortable spaces that encourage meaningful conversation and collaboration. Over the years, this partnership has allowed us to continually elevate what’s possible on the show floor.

Why NOOK Works for SMKO

Ciena’s SMKO is a fast-paced, people-driven event—an environment where teams present, plan, collaborate, and connect. To support these interactions, we delivered a unique configuration of double-wide NOOK Event Pods®, which offer:

  • Enhanced space for small groups
  • Acoustic comfort for conversations
  • A relaxed, private environment for presentations
  • A polished look that elevates any event design

This combination makes the pods a natural fit for a kickoff meeting focused on innovation and communication.

Smart Logistics Save Time—and Money

Although SMKO is held at a hotel each year, the setup always runs like a full-scale conference. That’s where our logistics advantage comes in. Our team provides the labor to safely transport the NOOK Event Pods® directly from the loading dock to their final positions on the show floor.

This not only allows for a smooth installation but also saves our client from relying on more expensive venue labor, an important budget consideration for multi-day events.

A Happier Client and a Better Attendee Experience

At the end of the day, success is measured in simplicity—for the planners—and comfort—for the attendees. This year’s SMKO delivered both. Our client appreciated the efficiency and cost savings, and attendees enjoyed a welcoming, thoughtfully designed environment where they could learn, share, and recharge.

We’re already looking forward to returning next year with even more ways to support productive, meaningful interactions. Until then, we’re grateful for another successful collaboration with AOO Events and honored to contribute to Ciena’s inspiring kick-off experience.