Imagine a Meeting That Doesn’t Feel Like ‘A Meeting’

June 24, 2015

Planning a well-crafted, creative and inspiring meeting has become an art form with limitless possibilities. Marriott International hosts thousands of meetings every year and has drawn on the company’s brand differentiation, expertise and talent to launch an industry first — Meetings Imagined — a new set of tools to help any planner design and manage the perfect meeting experience. No matter the budget, size or location of the meeting, planners have more choices and concepts to draw upon than ever before.

“After thoroughly researching and analyzing over 40,000 meetings and events, we discovered that today’s meeting attendees are looking for something that goes beyond ‘a meeting’ and creates an experience where people feel connected, inspired, and accomplished,” said Brian King, global officer – Marriott Signature Brands & Global Sales. “Meeting planners and attendees alike told us a fresh and disruptive point of view in the meetings and conventions industry is desperately needed.”

Key to the new approach is MeetingsImagined.com, the first visual, social and collaborative website designed to change the way meeting planners plan, shop and buy meetings and includes:

Marriott’s Meeting Purpose Methodology. A proven process to help planners zero in on what’s important for meeting success and to design the perfect attendee experience.
The Inspiration Gallery. A stunning visual library with thousands of setup, food & beverage and décor images to spark the imagination.
Tips & Trends. Expert stories and articles with the latest trends in the meetings business that is continually updated with fresh and engaging content.
Hotel Ideas. Easily browse by brand, country, hotel, meeting size or amenities and find exactly what you’re looking for.
Our Story. Pulls it all together for planners with Marriott’s trusted expertise, industry-leading digital tools and hotel brands that support MeetingsImagined.com.
“Meetings Start with a Little Imagination” video. Brings to life Meetings Imagined and takes the planner through each step of the process — from defining the purpose of the meeting to how each element supports and enhances the experience.

Today’s always-connected culture demands that meeting planners be plugged in, too. Marriott gives planners access to digital resources that make their job easier:

Meeting Services App. Connects planners with Marriott’s event team before, during and after their meeting. Planners can make real-time requests for coffee refills, room temperature changes and tech needs from their mobile device.

ResLink Direct. A customized interactive Web page that allows attendees to easily book their group rate online, provides hotel information and allows planners to add information.

The Marriott Mobile App. It’s the perfect travel companion. Marriott Reward members who book with the app or on www.Marriott.com are able to check in before they arrive; receive room-ready notifications; and enjoy an enhanced arrival experience. The app also reminds guests to check out, triggering a copy of their bill to be sent via email.

Participating brands worldwide that offer unique Meetings Imagined experiences include JW Marriott, Autograph Collection Hotels, Renaissance Hotels, Marriott Hotels, Gaylord Hotels and Courtyard.