NH Hotel Group launches ‘Feel Safe at NH for MICE’ to enable planners, clients, travelers and employees to once again safely host meetings and events.
The new “customer journey” for meetings and events begins with pre-planned arrivals for groups, advanced cleaning and disinfection protocols, a customized food and beverage experience and ends with customized events. In all these processes, digital innovation plays a major role. Among other things, these digital services allow people to tour the hotel without having to physically visit the location, and they allow meetings to be organized in which individuals participate on both site and online (hybrid).
Maarten Markus, Managing Director Northern Europe, explains: “Travel restrictions are currently being lifted across Europe and we are again allowed to have more than one person in a room. The MICE market is an important segment for Northern Europe with key hotels in Germany, Austria and the Netherlands. Our approach is one of 360 degrees, disinfecting meeting rooms and public areas after every meeting and break, having flexible options for F&B and using digital tools such as mobile guest services and hybrid meetings to provide the safe and excellent service that guests and clients have come to expect from NH Hotel Group. I am confident that with Feel Safe at NH we will be able to welcome corporate clients back to our hotels. ”
Adjusted setups in line with social distance standard
To avoid crowding in the common areas, the arrival and departure of groups are planned in advance. In addition, disinfectant hand gel is available at the entrance to all rooms. In the event that not all attendees can physically participate in the meeting, there is also the option of hybrid meeting: a concept that is not entirely new, but has been perfected for the current situation and is now even easier to use. A hybrid meeting provides a bridge between physical and digital presence, with some of the group sitting in the meeting room and others participating via videocall or livestream.
Digital planning
NH Hotel Group offers a variety of digital tools that reduce physical contact and make it easy to plan and execute meetings and events. With the ‘360 Degrees Virtual Tour’ it is possible to digitally visit a hotel and view the meeting room before planning an event. In addition to this tool, the ‘3D Virtual Planner’ provides all additional information, including floor plans, specific features of the meeting rooms, details on furniture, technical options and an interactive 3D meeting planner.
Eating and drinking during the new normal
To minimize risks, the processes for ordering, preparing, delivering and consuming, as well as the payment methods for food and beverages, have been modified in all the hotels. NH Hotel Group requires health certificates from its suppliers and a delivery process under strict control protocols. In the case of events, menus and processes are adapted, with special attention to table set-up to meet social distance standards. Traditional buffet service is being replaced by new lunch options, such as a lunch box, or a buffet with individually wrapped portions.
