Marriott Launches Digital Content Geared to Meetings
Material includes video, customer stories and other resources to help event planners during the pandemic
Marriott has introduced digital content geared toward helping hosts, organizers and attendees plan and execute meetings and “connect with confidence.” It includes redefined processes and reimagined spaces guided by cleanliness experts and best practices for planning and operating meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meeting planners now have access to a series of materials including an informational video, customer stories and resources that provide additional insight and context on designing successful events in the current environment.
The content is available on MarriottBonvoyEvents.com
Ray Bennett, chief global officer, global operations, said the company’s Global Cleanliness Council is working with Marriott 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,” Bennett said.
In a statement, Marriott said attendees should expect some changes during meetings and events:
• In the US, Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America, Marriott International requires all associates wear a face covering as a part of their uniform.
• In addition, across these regions, Marriott International requires all guests to wear a face covering.
• Seating capacities have been reduced according to local laws and government regulations, and where possible, outdoor spaces will be utilized.
• Frequent and “more in-depth” cleaning will be conducted to disinfect meeting spaces and high-touch areas such as elevator buttons, doorknobs, and handrails as often as every hour.
• Hand sanitizer stations are provided throughout meeting spaces.
The company says both meals and breaks will be set in dedicated, socially distanced spaces reserved for a specific event and its attendees, to prevent co-mingling with other groups.
Catering menus are also being adjusted to group size, including new options for individually pre-packaged meals, canned and bottled beverages, and plated service.
Buffets will also be modified to include “servers, shields, hand sanitization and queue management.”
Marriott’s hotels are creating contactless service where appropriate, such as the use of QR codes and digital menus.
Non-essential items, such as linens, pre-set plates and glassware, and décor will also be removed.
