Following the announcement of Marriott International’s "Commitment to Clean" and "Global Cleanliness Council," Marriott has introduced digital content about redefined processes and reimagined spaces guided by cleanliness experts and best practices to help hosts, organizers and attendees plan and execute meetings and connect with confidence.
To help combat COVID-19 (coronavirus), Marriott has introduced changes that include enhanced sanitation guidelines, new operational training for associates, and increased use of conference technologies. Meeting planners may now reference a series of new materials including an informational video, customer stories and resources that provide additional context and information for designing successful events in the current environment. Available today on www.marriottbonvoyevents.com, these tools illustrate Marriott’s approach to delivering high-quality meeting experiences across its full portfolio of hotels and resorts.
The Planning Process
The primary focus of the hotel events teams is to help planners understand what a meeting in today’s environment will look like and ensure they can do their jobs swiftly and easily. From planning through contracting, the hotel teams consult with clients to review new practices, including social distancing of attendees, and enhanced offerings, such as virtual/hybrid meetings, contactless registration and catering solutions. The Marriott Bonvoy Events’ portal houses best practices, testimonials, and visuals of actual meetings offer planners an example of what an event will look like.
The Marriott Bonvoy Events team has created a series of physically distant floor plans that enable event planners to visualize room configurations that allow for socially distant gatherings while still supporting the meeting’s purpose and goals. Consultations, pre-convention meetings and site tours can all be conducted virtually and adapted to include hygiene and safety briefings.
Meeting and Events
Attendees can anticipate the following adjustments during meetings and events at Marriott properties:
- Across the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America, Marriott International requires all associates wear a face covering as a part of their uniform
- Across the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America, Marriott International requires all guests to wear a face covering
- Seating capacities have been reduced according to local laws and government regulations specific to each market and, where possible, outdoor spaces will be utilized
- Frequent and more in-depth cleaning is 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
Meals and Breaks
Both meals and breaks are 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 include a wide range selection tailored 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. Hotels are also leveraging technology and digital solutions to create 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.
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