Hybrid Meeting Success through Creative Collaboration

In July, 2020, the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort hosted an education- focused hybrid meeting for a large State Association. This meeting of 452 attendees saw 165 (36%) attendees participate in person, and 287 (64%) participants attend virtually. The JW Marriott Marco Island and association meeting planners were resourceful and resilient in their efforts to produce a very successful hybrid meeting. 

In-person attendees experienced updated and elevated food and beverage service by associates wearing masks and gloves. Conference meeting rooms were thoroughly sanitized between each session and during breaks. All meeting spaces, including a 30,000 square foot exhibit hall that welcomed both live and virtual attendees, were designed to accommodate social distancing. 

Virtual attendees experienced a combination of pre-recorded guest speaker presentations, live-streamed sessions, and virtual participation in the exhibit trade show floor. All virtual sessions saw content provided by a "live" moderator, bringing interactive components to all parts of the conference. 

The association received excellent feedback from all attendees, both live and virtual, regarding the conference format, the quality of information delivered, and service and cleanliness at the JW Marriott Marco Island. The association has already committed to the same 2021 program at the JW Marriott Marco Island.