Marriott International introduces new efforts for meetings and events

Marriott International announced this week its new digital content and in-person efforts to reimagine the meeting experience and inspire customers to “connect with confidence.”

These changes include enhanced sanitation guidelines, new training for workers, and increased use of conference technologies to ensure that customers are able to come together when they are ready.

Marriott added that the planning process with events professionals and hotel staff has changed for the better, as Marriott staff will be able to consult with clients better about things like how social distancing will work, enhancing offerings like hybrid/virtual events, and contactless registration.

The Marriott Bonvoy Events team has also created a series of spaced-out floor plans that enable event planners to visualize room configurations that are socially-distanced.

As well, Marriott confirmed that across North America, the Caribbean, and Latin America:

• All associates are required to wear face-coverings as part of their uniform
• All guests are required to wear face-coverings
• Seating capacities have been reduced according to government regulations
• More in-depth cleaning will be conducted in meeting spaces and high-touch areas; and
• Hand sanitizer stations will be provided throughout meeting spaces.

Marriott said meeting planners may now refer to a series of new tools to help them design successful events in the current environment at MarriottBonvoyEvents.com.

“Our Commitment to Clean is guiding everything from how we keep our guests and associates safe to how we begin to welcome back event and meetings business,” said Ray Bennett, chief global officer, Global Operations, Marriott International, and chair of the Marriott Global Cleanliness Council. “Our Global Cleanliness Council is working with us to tackle the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic and what that means for an event or meeting at a hotel. Having experts in the area of hygiene, food safety, infectious disease, and infection prevention has been enormously beneficial in helping us think through everything we can do to support organizations as they begin to envision, plan and execute future meetings and events of all sizes.”

Meals and breaks have also been reimagined by the Marriott team to include service in socially distanced spaces and pre-packaged meals. Buffet service will be modified as well to include servers, shields, and queue management, Marriott said.

“Marriott International continues to work in collaboration with industry organizations, such as the Events Industry Council, to find ways to instill trust and confidence in meetings and events,” said Tammy Routh, senior vice president, Global Sales Organization for Marriott International. “We look forward to welcoming back customers and guests for the exceptional experiences that our company is known for in a safe and clean environment. Cleanliness and service have always been our hallmarks and now those deep convictions are more important than ever.”