Connect with Confidence Hybrid Event in Mexico City
Following the successful launch of Connect with Confidence in the US, Marriott International is introducing the concept in the Caribbean and Latin America, showcasing how redefined processes and reimagined spaces guided by cleanliness experts and best practices will help hosts, organizers and attendees plan and execute meetings and connect with confidence. The first Marriott Connect With Confidence hybrid event in the region took place at St Regis Mexico City on June 30th, hosting 35 in person attendees, joined by over 80 virtual participants and featuring business updates and insights from Marriott International leadership, global sales & event operations. Click here for event photos .


The Planning Process
The primary focus of the hotel events teams is to help our planners understand what a meeting in today’s environment will look like and ensure they can do their jobs swiftly and easily with events designed to serve their meeting objectives. 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.
Our Global Operations 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.
In addition, Marriott has curated a list of providers including Encore, Cvent, Convene, MeetingPlay and Hopin that offer technology solutions for hosting hybrid meetings to streamline the planning process.
Meeting & Events
Attendees can anticipate the following adjustments during meetings and events at Marriott properties:
· Face coverings may be required for attendees, based on local guidelines at the meeting destination.
· Seating capacities adjustedaccording 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 & Breaks
Redesigned food and beverage experiences follow recommended standards of service and food safety. 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.
Marriott International is committed to providing the best possible meeting and event experience across its wide range of accommodations and venues, while addressing the unique concerns of this time.
Additional Connect with Confidence events in the region are planned in Brazil and Costa Rica later this year.