Marriott International has become the latest major hotel operator to introduce a group-wide hybrid structure for meeting planners to put together corporate and business conferences where delegates are able to attend either in person or virtually from home.
In an expansion of the ‘Connect with Confidence’ initiative, the new offering aims to streamline and simplify technology, health protocols and logistics challenges for planners to be able to bring together groups of people in safe environments.
The company has compiled a list of preferred tech solution providers for meeting planners to contact for their required purposes.
As part of a hybrid event taking place at Marriott properties, the new structure includes guidelines and information on cleanliness, physical and social distancing requirements, redesigned food and beverage service, contactless check-in for hotel guests, well-being checks and occupancy monitoring.
Marriott International Senior Vice President, Global Sales Organisation, Tammy Routh, said the company was proud to offer new hybrid event solutions coupled with its own best practice from its extensive history of hosting conferences and gatherings of all sizes.
“We know that meeting and event professionals are currently looking for insights and resources that will help them plan creative and innovative experiences for their customers regardless of whether they are in-person at the hotel or logging in from their home,” Routh said.
“Meeting and event professionals can work with these leading technology providers to reach a larger audience and incorporate speakers from other locations as they continue to plan future meetings, conferences and events.”
The move comes a few days after a similar concept was launched this month by Accor, with Event Hospitality also offering a bespoke and flexible meeting and conference concept across its network of hotels.
The new hybrid meetings system is currently available at Marriott International hotels in the US and Canada but will be rolled out gradually to other international markets in the near future.