Affinia Introduces Meetings by Design
OCTOBER 28, 2008. With hotels in New York, Chicago and Washington, D.C., Affinia Hotels introduces new meeting packages created to suit the styles and sensibilities of a wide range of meeting attendees in key U.S. cities. From high-tech to no-tech and green to global, Meetings by Design features four uniquely-tailored packages with such idea-inspiring components as play-dough, sketch pads, wasabi peas and - for those attendees dead-locked by a decision - a classic Magic 8 Ball.
To launch Meetings By Design, special values and upgrades are available based on minimum spends per meeting, including free Meetings By Design packages and incentives such as a private wine reception.
In keeping with Affinia's branded programs focusing on experiences of customized comfort, Affinia Hotels' new Meetings by Design program further illustrates the company's individualized approach to guest satisfaction. The four Meetings by Design packages are:
o Green Meetings: An ideal selection for environmentally-conscious companies, the Green Meetings package includes recycled paper, recycled plastic pens and wooden pencils, wheat grass centerpieces, zen garden, trail mix, recycling bins in meeting rooms and a white noise machine with soothing sounds of nature, among other features. In addition, a donation will be made to the We campaign, a nationwide effort by the Alliance for Climate Protection that calls for solutions to climate change, on behalf of each meeting attendee.
o Brainstorming: The creative juices flow when groups book the Brainstorming package, which comes complete with sketchpads, wasabi peas, a dictionary and thesaurus, candy and classic toys such as play-dough, slinkys and Magic 8 Balls.
o Hi-Tech: Tech types will revel in the modern marvels of the Hi-Tech Package, which features a plasma screen and/or LCD projector, web cam, iPod docking station, digital camcorder and podcast capabilities. Wii breaks replace coffee breaks.
o No-Tech: Those who opt for the No-Tech package will check their Blackberries at the door in a Technology Garage and step back into a time when the old-fashioned meeting called for a white board, flip chart, corkboard, thumb tacks and markers. To spark creativity, no-techies can shape figures from modeling clay, play checkers or doodle on an etch-a-sketch.
All Meetings By Design packages can be further customized with a la carte components to accommodate the needs of individual groups.
Affinia Hotels offers a variety of customizable meetings set-ups to suit groups of any size. Meeting planners can choose from the 9,000-square-feet of versatile, centrally located meeting space in New York at the Affinia Manhattan and The Affinia Dumont's Rafferty Room, which can accommodate up to 80 people. The newly-renovated Affinia Chicago and The Liaison Capitol Hill, an Affinia Hotel, in Washington, D.C., feature 2,500 and 10,000-square-feet of flexible meeting space, respectively.
Affinia is offering free Meetings By Design package upgrades and other incentives to planners who spend more than $10,000 on their master bill on a single event/meeting January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009 at any Affinia Hotel with meeting space. Available upgrades vary based on the cost of the meeting and meetings must be booked by March 31, 2009. Contact Cari Mitzner at 646.424.2608 or [email protected] for more information. Terms and conditions apply, visit www.affinia.com/meetingsbydesign for more information.
Meeting planners looking to make a great impression can also direct attendees to www.myaffinia.com, where guests can build a My Affinia profile to customize their stay with choices from an array of amenities and services. From personal toiletries and iGo(R) cell phone and laptop chargers to guitars, golf putters, yoga mats and more, guests can will find their selections in-room on every visit. Once a reservation is made, guests can further customize their stay through the My Affinia Concierge that provides an additional selection of enhancements for a particular stay, including in-room spa treatments, dinner reservations and private transportation.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
