Meetings and events with a hybrid element are still being requested by clients, according to hotels M&C Asia spoke with. Photo Credit: M&C Asia
With the majority of countries within the Asia-Pacific region looking to
attract MICE and incentive groups once again, and a rise in
face-to-face meetings, is it time for hotels to ditch the hybrid
elements introduced during the pandemic?
//is it time for hotels to ditch the hybrid elements
Mark
Meaney, general manager at Conrad Seoul, says while face-to-face events
and meetings have returned, the demand for hybrid elements is being
maintained to some extent.
“Some
of our repeat clients host a web symposium on a regular basis,” he
says. “All of our hybrid elements are still available – we leave it up
to clients and their comfort level.”
These hybrid elements include upgrades made in 2020, namely full HD
projectors, larger screens, and two large LED media walls in the hotel’s
two ballrooms.
All of our hybrid elements are still available – we leave it up to clients and their comfort level.
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Mark Meaney, general manager, Conrad Seoul
“Our AV vendor also invested in green screen technology to
accommodate optimised hybrid events,” adds Meaney. “This year, we also
invested in upgrading our audio system in all of our function rooms,
installing high-power and additional speakers alongside a centralised
control system, making it more convenient for online and face-to-face
meetings.
"We’ve also developed a variety of easy-to-eat menu options of
Korean, Western, or Japanese bento that our clients can choose for
working hybrid meetings.”
At Grand Hyatt Seoul, general manager Peter HIldebrand says the venue
is keeping its hybrid elements and continues to work with an AV partner
to provide up-to-date technology. Hybrid features include 360 VR
cameras so all attendees can be present in a ‘virtual’ meeting room and a
Hyatt-branded complimentary app specialising in collaboration and
exhibition tools.
“Many of our physical meetings are adding virtual solutions for
speakers and attendees who may not be able to travel,” he says. “Also,
people have adapted and now feel comfortable with enhanced virtual
meeting technology – hybrid is a new norm.”
One of the most important factors when facilitating hybrid/online
events is ensuring a consistent and robust internet connection. Ferry
Tjahjono, executive assistant manager, rooms/sales at Centara Grand and
Convention Center at CentralWorld in Bangkok, says steps were taken to
substantially upgrade internal networks to allow for better data
management.
With the world partially open again, we are finding that some meeting delegates are still not comfortable venturing out or meeting face-to-face.

Ferry Tjahjono, executive assistant manager, rooms/sales, Centara Grand and Convention Center at CentralWorld
“With the world partially open again, we are finding that some
meeting delegates are still not comfortable venturing out or meeting
face-to-face," Tjahjono says. It's safe to say the new normal means
people would like the flexibility of having both remote and in-person
capabilities, and it's important that event organisers can cater to both
audiences.”
In Japan, which recently eased restrictions, Sheraton Grande Tokyo
Bay Hotel says it will continue to promote hybrid products as the demand
for events in a virtual hybrid format is still ongoing. The hotel's
offering includes hybrid meeting setup packages, hologram projections, a
virtual stage and virtual meeting kit.
The hotel says it will also develop new meal plan products according
to the season and delegates can order gourmet delivery boxes for
delivery. A snack box aimed at re-energising those attending virtual
meetings includes mixed nuts, paté, sea salt crackers, ready-made soup,
potato chips and water and a ballpoint pen. A ‘virtual celebration kit’
meanwhile includes roasted pork jerky, terrine de Champagne, sparkling
wine and chorizo bites, among other items.