WHAT YOU DID: Each year several hundred top executives of Royal Dutch Shell gather to discuss the state of the company and priorities going forward. Called Shell Business Week (SBW), this prestigious event historically has been held at a hotel in Houston, Texas, that is attached to a Shell-owned meeting facility.
In June 2008, for the first time ever, SBW moved from Houston to the Putrajaya Marriott in Malaysia, so expectations of the hotel were high – as were the challenges. Among them was the need for exclusivity, with little or no access to certain parts of the hotel by non-Shell guests. Staff were checked and limited due to high security requirements, yet service level demands were equally high.
SPECIAL TOUCHES: The hotel guaranteed exclusivity by designating certain outlets and function rooms as “Shell Space,” and setting up alternative venues to cater to non-Shell guests and walk-ins. Clear and visible directional and safety signage was installed, and the hotel abided by a Shell safety campaign to ensure that safety awareness was the top priority for all staff. In addition, catering focused on quality and healthy options. And all public areas of the hotel were upgraded to provide high-speed internet service.
CHALLENGES/ OVERCOMING CHALLENGES: The SBW logistics team, which included both Shell and Marriott staff, succeeded in meeting all the challenges with the help of 200 supporting personnel assembled from the hotel and four sister properties: Miri Marriott, Renaissance Kuala Lumpur, Renaissance Kota Bahru and Renaissance Melaka.
CLIENT’S COMMENT: “Participants have reported an overwhelmingly positive response to the warmth and hospitality extended during their short time with the Putrajaya Marriott Hotel. Shell’s CEO and executive committee have reported complete satisfaction with the planning of the event, and extend their thanks for a job well done and expectations exceeded.”
Ian Jones, organising lead for Shell.
Top
|