Marriott International has made a leading move in the MICE market to reinvent its face-to-face meeting offering as Australia emerges from the pandemic. Collaborating with leading psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, the research report found it has never been more important that society connect in person for our wellbeing, happiness and satisfaction.

Titled ‘Converge’, the framework examines the mental health impacts of the pandemic and reimagines Marriott International’s MICE offering centred on eight pillars of wellbeing so we can thrive in our day-to-day lives. The eight pillars of mindfulness are:

C Catch some Z’s
O Oxygenate the brain
N Nutrition V Vision and purpose
E Engage mindfully
R Random acts of kindness
G Gratitude
E Experience something new

With the hotel industry severely impacted by the global health crisis, Dr Carr-Gregg worked with Marriott to develop the visionary new toolkit which promotes the positive impact of human connection. Adding true societal benefit to corporates meeting, the new research-led and evidence-based program is based on positive psychology and reflects Marriott’s philosophy of self-care for both staff and guests.

Dr Carr-Gregg’s research reveals the effects of remote working and lack of face-to-face meetings in the business world namely loneliness and isolation, which are significant risk factors for mental illness.

Dr Carr-Gregg said, “Australia may have handled the global health crisis well, but our next challenge will be coming together to help people rebound and develop psychological resilience. Human beings are social animals - we do better, together.”

“Marriott has an unprecedented opportunity to give Marriott guests attending conventions, meetings and conferences the skills, knowledge and strategies to invest in their wellbeing.”
Marriott International’s Vice President for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, Sean Hunt, commissioned the study to create a meaningful new approach to how we come together to work, meet and celebrate.

“The world has changed how we work and do business. Marriott is where leaders, thinkers, creators, difference makers, dreamers, innovators and influencers converge to build resilience and re-connect with one another,” Sean Hunt said.

“Converge means to unite in a common interest or focus - a collective mindset. At Marriott International, it means bringing out the best in our teams and for our corporate clients as they come together to rebuild. Our new MICE offering will engage the corporate world, from the boardroom table down, and restart the focus on company culture once lockdowns and border closures end.”

Dr Carr-Gregg revealed the new MICE toolkit at a launch dinner at the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park on May 27, beamed into simultaneous Marriott events for the meetings and events industry in Melbourne and Brisbane.

Marriott International operates 24 hotels in Australia all feature meetings and conferencing facilities.

For more information on Marriott International’s Converge Program, visit https://www.marriott.com.au/converge.mi