Marriott to unveil new mental health toolkit for MICE industry

Marriott International is reimagining its MICE offering with mental health and wellbeing placed front and centre.

Collaborating with leading psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, the hotel giant has produced a research report revealing that connecting in person has never been more important for society to maintain happiness and satisfaction.

Titled Converge, the research formats a framework that examines the mental health impacts of the pandemic and reimagines the brand’s MICE offering centred on eight pillars of wellbeing so we can thrive in our day-to-day lives.

With the hotel industry severely impacted by the global health crisis, Carr-Gregg worked with Marriott to develop a new toolkit to promote 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.

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.

“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,” Carr-Gregg said.

“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,” he 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.”

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