Marriott Pioneers Neuorinclusive Practices for Meetings and Events
December 18, 2023
With a portfolio of nearly 8,700 properties, Marriott International has introduced neuroinclusive practices at events hosting 250 people or more, aiming to accommodate approximately 15-20% of the world's population with neuro differences, including conditions like ADHD, autism, dyslexia and epilepsy.
Previewed at Marriott’s Corporate Partnership Customer Conference, THE EXCHANGE, which was held Nov. 28-Dec. 1 at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, Marriott’s neuroinclusive measures will include dedicated quiet rooms, sensory and fidget toys, noise-canceling earplugs, printed agendas, venue maps and closed captioning for main stage presentations.
This landmark decision stems from its collaboration with The Neu Project, an initiative by Google’s Experience Institute (Xi) that strives to create a more inclusive experience for neurodivergent attendees during meetings and events. In October, Marriott and The Neu Project implemented a quiet room for attendees at IMEX America in Las Vegas.
Google Global Events Strategy Megan Henshall said, "Marriott understands that creating environments where differing perspectives and experiences can come together boosts creativity. We’re excited to continue working with them to create more inclusive experiences."
Related: GOOGLE LAUNCHES SENSORY EVENT KITS FOR A MORE INCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE
How it works
Effective immediately, neuroinclusive practices will be incorporated at Marriott-hosted customer meetings and events of 250 people or more:
- Quiet Room: A dedicated room will be available during Marriott customer events for recovery from sensory overwhelm, restoration and regulation. Designed to foster the physical, emotional and mental well-being of attendees, the room will serve as a calming retreat where guests can break from the event to manage fatigue, overload and/or sensory needs.
- Tools and Resources: At registration, event attendees will have the opportunity to request various tools to better accommodate their needs, including sensory and fidget toys, noise canceling ear plugs, sleep masks, sunglasses, printed agendas and venue maps, and details about loud music, flashing lights or surprise moments taking place during the event.
- Closed Captioning for Main Stage Presentations: Real-time subtitles and captions will be available on-screen during main stage event and conference presentations.
"Grounded in our commitments to innovation and inclusion, Marriott is dedicated to making meetings and events more accessible for everyone,” said Marriott International Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue and Technology Officer Drew Pinto. “The Neu Project is a driving force in this space, and we look forward to working jointly with them to deepen our understanding of neurodivergent needs."
Looking ahead to 2024, Marriott plans to conduct active listening sessions with the neurodivergent community, working closely with The Neu Project to shape future event content. Marriott offers more than 30 leading brands in 139 countries and territories.
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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