Marriott Hosts “The Exchange – All For One” Event

Taking a positive step towards the recovery of the meetings and events industry, Marriott International hosted its largest in-person customer event since the beginning of the pandemic in late August. The event, according to the company, was a milestone for the company’s “Connect with Confidence” program, a global initiative by Marriott Bonvoy Events. 

“The Exchange – All For One” event, which was held at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin in Orlando, Florida, from August 24-27, 2021, witnessed nearly 800 people in attendance, including corporate and association meeting professionals, as well as Marriott executives and sales professionals. 

This year’s theme was “All for One,” and illustrated for customers how they can host in-person events, while prioritizing attendees’ well-being, as the COVID-19 scenario continues to evolve. Marriott implemented enhanced protocols before and during the meeting: All attendees were required to provide either a COVID-19 vaccine validation or proof of a negative COVID-19 test in advance of the event, submitted using the CLEAR app’s Health Pass feature. Those who did not submit advance proof of vaccine validation were tested on-site by ITA Group/Eurofins, with a negative test required for event entry. 

Customers had the opportunity to experience various “Connect with Confidence” elements and best practices first-hand, before and during the event. Attendees also participated in industry meetings, collaborative breakout sessions, volunteer opportunities, and in-person networking sessions, including a marketplace connecting customers with 115 hotels.  

Sessions at The Exchange covered critical industry topics such as sustainability, risk management, diversity and inclusion, and global operations protocols. Marriott speakers included Anthony Capuano, chief executive officer; Stephanie Linnartz, president; Liam Brown, group president, U.S. and Canada; Erika Alexander, chief global officer, global operations; Tammy Routh, senior VP, global sales organization and Julius Robinson, chief sales and marketing officer for U.S. and Canada. 

Throughout the past year, Marriott Bonvoy Events has offered resources that empower meetings professionals to “Connect with Confidence.” Most recently, Marriott hosted more than 3,000 industry professionals to experience a series of Hybrid Event Learning Labs. 

For more information, visit www.marriottbonvoyevents.com.

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