Most people who know Sirius XM think of it as satellite music channels accessed in their vehicles. While that is true, the company also provides background music for over U.S.150,000 locations, including restaurants, airports, and hotels.
I was fascinated to learn about the intentionality of the music selections — not only by business but using different genres or beats in different areas of the business or at different times of the day. General Manager Mark Lehman shared that during rush hour at fast food restaurants, music has more beats per minute to move people out quickly, while other music is designed to make the lines feel shorter. Airports alternate their music in the welcome areas and during night hours to create the desired environment.
This reminded me of a newsletter by Jeff Cufaude, extolling the virtues of intentional food selection and layout during gatherings. Cufaude recommends utilizing food choices to increase nutrition, and to facilitate community. By choosing protein and whole grains over sugar and carbs and offering smaller portion sizes, food can contribute to the energy and engagement of participants. Utilizing two-sided buffets, family-style serving, or mixed seating arrangements can create opportunities for small talk and networking.
Those who host meetings, conferences, or other group events often focus so much on the content that the environment is overlooked. Next time, bring the background to the foreground and enhance the outcomes for everyone.
Sources: Insider Q&A: Sirius XM loves background music, Mark Lehman, distributed by the Associated Press, January 5, 2025 and Facilitate Friday Newsletter by Jeffrey Cufaude, “Successful meetings and conferences leverage fuel as food; Facilitation Friday #55, January 23, 2025
