A new mental health framework approach to meetings, conferences and events has been introduced by Marriott International as it aims to reinvent its MICE program and encourage more businesses to gather once again in person.
Dubbed ‘Converge’, the renewed focus on MICE stems from a new research report from leading workplace psychologist, Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, which supports and reiterates the notion that it is vitally important that society connects once again in person for our own mental wellbeing and satisfaction.
The research, commissioned by Marriott International, focuses on eight pillars of wellbeing centred around maintaining good sleep patterns, oxygenating the brain, healthy nutrition, vision and purpose, engagement, random acts of kindness, gratitude and new experiences. Marriott says it will reshape its MICE offerings based on these pillars and to promote the positive impact of human connection.
Dr Carr Gregg’s research focused on the mental impact of remote working and a lack of face-to-face meetings, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness and associated mental health risk factors. These findings contributed to a new toolkit developed in partnership with Marriott which will be applied to how meetings and events are run going forward.
“Australia may have handled the global health crisis well, but our next challenge will be coming together to help people rebound and develop psychological resilience,” Dr Carr-Gregg said.
“Marriott has an unprecedented opportunity to give Marriott guests attending conventions, meetings and conferences the skills, knowledge and strategies to invest in their wellbeing.”
Marriott International Vice President Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, Sean Hunt, said the study aimed to create a meaningful new approach on how people can come together to work, meet and celebrate.
“Converge means to unite in a common interest or focus – a collective mindset,” Hunt said.
“At Marriott International, it means bringing out the best in our teams and for our corporate clients as they come together to rebuild.
“Our new MICE offering will engage the corporate world, from the boardroom table down, and restart the focus on company culture once lockdowns and border closures end.”