2 minute read
BEST PRACTICE
The Marriott Melrose Arch Collection is a sought-out destination for MICE events. Alison Turner shares some of the best practice strategies employed that make it such a popular venue.
HOSTING EXCEPTIONAL EVENTS
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There are many reasons to want to host your event at one of the Marriott Melrose Arch Collection properties. Each of the four luxurious properties has its own unique personality, while the address is the centrally located, safe and upmarket Melrose Arch Precinct. And because each property is within close walking distance, precinct-wide events are a possibility, offering clients and planners “flexible and versatile spaces, that can accommodate large events with ease,” says Alison Turner, cluster director: Marketing.
However, what really sets the collection apart is the exacting degree of customer service and satisfaction that it consistently delivers, says Alison.
GOLDEN KEY OPPORTUNITIES
Marriott Melrose Arch Collection believes that a successful event is one where the client’s brief is superbly understood and executed. Which is why its team has developed a ‘golden key’ approach.
By paying careful attention to a client’s brief, the team identifies their priorities and then looks for ‘golden key’ opportunities to unlock the doors leading to this vision. These ‘doors’ are moments where something extra and special can be done. Say a theme is central to the purpose and success of an event; the golden keys would be creative ways for the team to let that theme travel throughout the event, such as through the food and beverage offering, and unexpected little details in the decor.
It’s a simple but effective method to push the teams to clarify their clients’ wants and needs – and to deliver on them in an attentive and innovative manner.
BRINGING THE CONCEPT TO LIFE
Another tool the team uses to ensure they are delivering on brief is their concept room, which allows the team to set up a table as planned for an event, so that a client can see exactly what it will look like on the day. They can touch the tablecloth and see how the table settings and centrepieces look from 360 degrees. The concept room’s decor matches the ballroom, right down to its matching chandelier, so this is an effective way to give clients an authentic taste of what’s to come, as well as absolute confidence in their choices.
STATE-OF-THE-ART TECH
For clients looking to host a conference or business meeting, the precinct is also leading the way in terms of offering the best event technology. Alison explains, “Using technology is central to Marriott’s way of working, as it allows us to be dynamic and inventive. Our conference facilities offer world-class conferencing experiences, and our whole precinct is based in South Africa’s only officially recognised smart city, Melrose Arch.”
All clients and events automatically benefit from the streamlined ease and efficiency that this setup offers – which is just another way their needs are being heard and prioritised by the brand.
