Trends | Four Seasons launches hybrid meetings
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The multi-broadcast, hub and spoke, video conferencing, and gala-to-go offerings allow hosts and planners to create memorable experiences while maintaining guest health and safety.
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has introduced Hybrid Meetings by Four Seasons, which combines in-person and virtual settings in a reimagined meetings and events offering. Merging creative design with the latest audio-visual technology, and a commitment to health and safety it promises to enrich every meeting with human connections wherever in the world attendees may be.
"We have adapted to a world where we are connecting virtually more than ever before. Until we can gather safely again, we are creating ways to combine advanced technologies with a human approach that is distinctly Four Seasons," said Ben Trodd, Senior VP-Sales and Hotel Marketing. "Time apart from colleagues, clients, friends and family has only reinforced the importance of meetings and events and the need to connect in meaningful ways. While the format of these meetings and events may look slightly different, our ability to foster deep connections and create exceptional experiences for our clients and guests remains. Each event is brought to life through industry-leading technology, a focus on health and safety through Lead With Care, and by our people who are dedicated to making each meeting and event spectacular."
Whether hosting an annual conference, delivering a keynote address to a large audience of clients and customers, celebrating an anniversary, or simply working from a new setting, Four Seasons teams will support throughout the planning journey, providing expertise on hosting a Hybrid Meeting. It will also customise programming to address and overcome the needs and challenges of connecting in the age of COVID-19.
Four Seasons’ technology solution partners form an integral part of the Hybrid Meetings planning process, providing personalised consultations and expert guidance, ensuring seamless meetings and events, no matter the format. To immerse and engage attendees in the meeting or event, its conference services and catering teams can craft unique experiences that will delight attendees, whether in-person or remote. These include bespoke local activities to curated culinary surprises that are served on-cue across multiple global venues.
Planners and attendees can also take comfort that their wellbeing is the highest priority through Four Seasons global health and safety program, Lead With Care, which is implemented at all its properties worldwide, and is adhered to by all third-party vendors. Commonplace measures such as screening, increased sanitation, physical distancing, and mandatory use of masks or face-coverings are in effect, while Four Seasons will also manage attendee flow, room set-ups and food and beverage experiences, suggesting outdoor venues wherever possible, to ensure heightened health and safety at every stage of the event.
Whether as a departure requirement, for added safety at in-person gatherings, or simply for peace of mind, all Four Seasons properties globally can facilitate access to COVID-19 testing for guests through a third-party provider. Property teams will work with planners to understand their specific needs and provide guidance and recommendations on end-to-end testing options and costs.
Trodd continued, "Guided by leading healthcare experts, we ground all planning and decision-making in expertise and the latest knowledge and best practices, while training our on-property teams not only about how to adhere to the strictest of protocols but also why they matter."
Organizations can benefit from the multi-broadcast meeting solution, which provides a compelling and professional backdrop, stage and technology to engage audiences and bring the message to life. Perfect for keynotes and leadership addresses, this format takes speakers out from behind a desk to present in front of their global online audience.
For those able to meet in smaller gatherings, the Hub & Spoke solution is thoughtfully designed to promote new ideas and spark global discussion, connecting several regional groups across multiple Four Seasons properties to create a single hybrid event, enabled by cutting-edge technology. One central Four Seasons contact will coordinate across multiple properties, providing a cohesive and consistent experience for attendees from anywhere in the world.
