#vanues

Marriott Hotel in Toronto is a popular hotel known for its modern and stylish design. It offers comfortable and well-appointed rooms, with amenities such as free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. The hotel also has a fitness center, a restaurant, and a bar, providing guests with convenient options for dining and relaxation. Its central location in Toronto makes it a great choice for exploring the city's attractions, shopping, and dining options. Overall, Marriott Hotel in Toronto provides a comfortable and convenient stay for visitors to the city.

Here are the key players at Delta or Marriott Hotel in Toronto:

Front Desk Staff: They handle check-ins, check-outs, and assist guests with any inquiries or requests.

Housekeeping: They ensure that the hotel rooms and common areas are clean and well-maintained.

Food and Beverage Staff: They work in the hotel's restaurants, bars, and banquet facilities, serving delicious meals and drinks to guests.

Sales and Marketing Team: They promote the hotel, attract new guests, and coordinate events and bookings.

Maintenance Staff: They ensure that the hotel's facilities, such as plumbing, electrical systems, and equipment, are in good working order.

Management: They oversee all aspects of the hotel's operations, including staff management, guest satisfaction, and financial performance.

Venues of Marriott resort

Marriott Hotel in Toronto offers a variety of venues for different events. They have spacious ballrooms and meeting rooms that can accommodate conferences, weddings, and other special occasions. Marriott Hotel's experienced event planning team can assist with customizing the venue setup, audiovisual equipment, and catering options to ensure a successful and memorable event.

Meeting types

Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto offers a range of meeting spaces to accommodate different types of events. They have boardrooms for small, intimate meetings, conference rooms for larger gatherings, and ballrooms for grand events like weddings or conferences. The hotel provides modern facilities, audiovisual equipment, and catering services to ensure a successful and seamless event experience.

Challenges

Marriott Hotels face various challenges such as maintaining high occupancy rates, ensuring customer satisfaction, competition from other hotels, and adapting to changing travel trends. They constantly strive to provide exceptional service and experiences to meet the needs of their guests.

SWOT

COVID-19 has had an impact on almost all aspects of life. In March of this year, the virus had spread to over 100 countries, forcing the World Health Organization to declare a global pandemic. Unprecedented lockdowns, strict travel bans and “social distancing” measures followed shortly. According to Johns Hopkins University, this year to date there have been almost 60 million cases and over one million deaths worldwide due to the novel coronavirus.

Many industries that were thriving before the pandemic have faced significant revenue losses and contracted in terms of their growth. Several companies across multiple industries have already declared bankruptcy or were forced to lay off significant portions of their staff.  

Naturally, one of the worst affected by the pandemic was the events industry. 2020 saw the cancellation of many prominent festivals, sporting events, exhibitions and concerts in an effort to slow the spread of the virus. As early as March, St. Patrick’s Day festivities were cancelled all over the world. The restrictions imposed due to the pandemic have also impacted private events, such as weddings.  

Major International Events Postponed Because of COVID-19

Many highly anticipated major international events due to take place in 2020 were postponed until next year.  

The Olympics, due to take place in Tokyo, were postponed for the first time since their modern inception. Instead of cancelling the event, the organizers made the decision to reschedule the games until next year, when they will hopefully go ahead on July 23, 2021. Such a postponement of the summer Olympics is unprecedented in its history. However, they were cancelled three times during the 20th Century, most notably during the Second World War.  

Euro 2020 was also postponed due to COVID-19. The European football tournament has been rescheduled and will now take place in June and July 2021.  

However, other major football tournaments have gone ahead behind closed doors, in empty stadiums.

One of the more bizarre results of this was the use of “fake crowds” at some football games. For example, Sky Sports partnered with EA SPORTS FIFA to design a range of crowd-like sounds, such as chanting and cheering, while broadcasting the English Premier League. These realistic sounds are specific to particular football teams, in order to give viewers a sense of atmosphere as they watched the game on TV.

Businesses Facilitating Virtual Events

Despite the ban on large gatherings, connection and social interaction are still an integral part of human life. Businesses have found novel and innovative ways to bring people together to share experiences, while still adhering to social distancing rules and guidelines. COVID-19 restrictions have forced us to rely on technology to connect with others and have been a catalyst for the rapid growth of companies that facilitate this.  

While the pandemic has hit the revenues of traditional event planning companies extremely hard, there’s been a steady rise in the number of “virtual event” startups who have entered the space. One such company is Hopin. Hopin describes itself as a “virtual venue” and offers users access to a wide range of features, including virtual rooms, which attendees can move in and out of. This recreates the format of a traditional live expo or conference.  

Hopin has impressed both customers and investors. At the beginning of November the company secured $125 million of series B funding, increasing its current valuation to over $2 billion.  

Another platform that has been utilized by event organizers is Zoom, which went from being practically unknown to becoming a household name within a few short months. Initially, the online meeting app was used primarily for small to medium sized meetings and conferences. However, in October Zoom announced the launch of their new virtual event marketplace.  

OnZoom expands on the virtual event business model, offering a virtual event space, with meeting rooms, stages etc., as well as a marketplace for the events themselves. Zoom’s virtual event marketplace is similar to the type of service Eventbrite has been offering for the last few years.  

Zoom is in a unique position to capitalize on its success as the go-to virtual meeting software for 2020. The beta version of OnZoom is being piloted in the US and there are already a host of diverse and exciting virtual events listed on the platform,  including virtual history tours, business conferences and live group meditation sessions.  

How Event Companies Have Used Virtual Event Software

Companies such as Hopin and Zoom facilitate virtual events, however, what about companies using these technologies? How have event planning businesses pivoted since the beginning of the pandemic? There are many examples of companies that have embraced technology to bring unique virtual experiences to their customers.  

Virtual Concerts

Sofar Sounds has been around since 2009, turning cafes, living rooms and other spaces into live music venues, and creating intimate concerts for small audiences. When the pandemic hit, Sofar Sounds was forced to pivot their business model and move its unique concert experience totally online.  

Since March, Sofar has allowed users to tune into “listening rooms” where they can join independent musicians from all over the world for intimate livestreams. This is an example of a business that has really risen to the challenge created by the pandemic.  

Virtual Runs  

Due to the pandemic, several marathons and other sporting and fitness events were forced to cancel. The Great American 5000 came up with an innovative work-around, creating a virtual run all the way from San Francisco to New York. Teams of up to 12 or 24 people can attempt cumulative runs of up to 24 hours a day, while a virtual map tracks their progress towards the 5000 kilometer journey across America, using GPS and apps such as Map My Run.  

Bridging the Gap  

Other companies have adopted interesting approaches to make the virtual experience more bespoke. For example, New Black Studio launched a unique experience for clients called “Event in a Box”. The UK based events company created the service to “enhance events during COVID-19” and “help to bridge the gap between live and online events”. Event in a Box can be used to create immersive experiences for product launches, award ceremonies or conferences, where hand selected products are delivered to guests.  

What Will the Events Industry Look Like After the Pandemic?

Once social distancing measures are relaxed and life once again becomes more normal, will there still be a place for these new virtual events companies? While services such as Zoom will likely not be quite as sought after when the pandemic is over, it looks like virtual events are here to stay, in one form or another.  

For example, “hybrid” events may become the norm, incorporating both live and virtual elements. This is a great opportunity for event planners, who will no longer be limited by the size of the venue and can expand their audience to include virtual attendees, as well as those who prefer to attend in person.  

Many people think of event managers as wedding or concert planners, but the field of event management involves much more than that. Guests may not notice the work of an event manager at a well-planned event, but they would notice the lack of planning at a chaotic one.

Duties of an Event Manager

At its most basic, event management is the process of using business management and organizational skills to envision, plan and execute social and business events. People who specialize in event management work with budgets, schedules, and vendors to create the best possible events for their clients.

Many companies use event management firms to coordinate their most important meetings and other events.

Event planners go by many different job titles, but the core function of their work all falls within the realm of event management. When you work in event management, you’ll be involved in planning, executing and evaluating corporate, association, nonprofit, government, and social events.

Event management requires strong organizational, budgeting and creative skills.

Planning and Managing Events

An event manager will start planning an event by meeting with the client and collecting information about the client’s vision of the event. She and the client will develop an event budget and discuss the overall concept or theme.

Once the budget is in place, the event manager will finalize the concept for the event, work to line up a location and vendors, and obtain any necessary permissions, permits, and insurance.

If speakers are required for the event, the event management team will coordinate with the client to engage them. If other extras, such as parking and transportation, are needed, the team also will arrange for those.

On the day of the event, the event management team will be on-site to run the event and handle any problems that arise. Following the event, the team will wrap up any remaining details and get feedback from the client.

Careers in Events Management

The job market for event managers is growing, with some estimates that the need for event managers will increase by one-third in the next decade.

Most people entering event management will need a bachelor’s degree. Experience in hospitality or tourism management also is helpful. A successful event manager is a true people person and has excellent organizational skills, interpersonal skills, and multitasking skills.

Event management teams often work closely with public relations teams and with hospitality professionals at event locations. Some event management professionals travel frequently to handle clients in various locations, while others focus on managing events in one geographic area.

Event Planners vs. Managers

A planner’s main responsibilities involve keeping track of time during your events, ensuring proper set up as established by the client, managing the wait staff, catering liaison, and other venue-related tasks that are pivotal to the success of the event.

Event managers, on the other hand, are there with you every step of the way. Managers orchestrate all the event details, handle vendors, create and manage budgets and timelines, assist with contract negotiations, and manage the venue selection process.

What Is Event Management?

Event management involves overseeing all logistics leading up to and during an event, whether a conference, wedding, or any organized gathering. Event managers execute the event plans by managing staff, finances, vendor relationships, and more.

In the event planning profession, the job titles are as diverse and numerous as the services offered, and it can often be difficult to differentiate one from another. It can be challenging when preparing an event planning portfolio, looking for work, or working with a client who does not have the correct understanding of your job function and responsibilities. Learn more about what event management involves and whether it’s right for you.

What Is Event Management?

Event management includes a variety of functions for executing large-scale events, which might include conferences, conventions, concerts, trade shows, festivals and ceremonies. It involves handling the overall logistics of the event, working with staff, and conducting project management of the event as a whole.

Additional duties might include managing the budget and the teams of people responsible for each function, as well as overseeing the execution of the event. Event managers also supervise the services of all outside vendors and professionals, including event planners.

How Event Management Works

Specific responsibilities of an event manager might include:

Selecting and reserving venues

Coordinating outside vendors

Engaging speakers or entertainment

Arranging for transportation and parking

Obtaining necessary permits and appropriate insurance

Compliance with health and safety standards

Developing emergency contingency plans

Crisis and situation management at the event

Designing a security plan

Monitoring the event

This list is by no means exhaustive. Depending on the scope of the event and the other hired professionals, the job responsibilities may vary. Essentially, the event manager is responsible for coordinating all logistics needed for an event.

The Role of Event Management Services

Event management firms are frequently hired to plan and execute large-scale company meetings and special events. While weddings and concerts are common events for an event management professional, sporting events, reunions, and large parties are also occasions that can benefit from event management.

Government entities, nonprofits, associations, and corporations all utilize event management companies to coordinate important events and meetings. The event management function can often be found within a corporate marketing or public relations department or as part of their special events staffing.

Skills to Succeed

As with most event planning functions, event management requires excellent organizational skills to succeed. The ability to multitask and juggle many moving parts is essential and, along with that top-notch organization comes the need for efficient time-management skills.

Being able to prioritize and stay on task is what leads to a successful event. Event management requires seeing the vision for the event through to execution, which calls for persistence, creativity, and flexibility.

Because project management is a key element and involves managing not only functions but teams of people, interpersonal skills are also important. Interaction with individuals at all levels of an organization is part of the job, so being comfortable, personable, and a strong communicator will go a long way in developing those relationships.

Event Management vs. Event Planning

While very closely related, event management and event planning serve two different functions. In straightforward terms, event planners create the vision and many of the preliminary plans for an event, while managers execute the details before and during it.

That being said, event managers may also plan aspects of events, and event planners may manage certain components of the event planning process. The two work side by side, and their responsibilities may overlap. Many individuals may fulfill both roles, especially if they run their own business or work in a small event planning company. Still, the training and skills needed for each position is somewhat distinct.

Here are a few examples of some of the key differences:

Differences Between Event Planning and Coordinating

There are several loosely-defined terms in the event industry. That is, words that can be interpreted in different ways. The word “event” by itself could mean anything from a birthday party to a benefit concert. This use of different terms can lead to confusion and misunderstandings, specifically around job titles. One of the biggest areas of confusion concerns event planners vs. event coordinators.

Event Planners vs. Event Coordinators

Outside the industry, many people do not understand the difference between an event planner and an event coordinator. Generally speaking, the planner makes critical decisions regarding what, when, who, and how. An event coordinator, on the other hand, is responsible for making sure all the details are executed and that each vendor shows up on time and performs appropriately.

Responsibilities of an Event Planner

An event planner works directly with the client to determine the customer’s vision, needs, and budget. For example, if it’s a wedding, the event planner may discuss the couple’s intended tone, the level of formality, and the size of the guest list.

From there, the event planner designs an event to wow the client. They will choose a venue and type of entertainment, then work with the client to determine a menu. They focus on the big-picture items that make an event memorable.

Becoming an event planner takes years of experience. A planner carries a lot of responsibility ensuring the client is happy and designing an event that fits the customer’s needs and expectations.

Before becoming a planner, several years of working as an event coordinator is often necessary. It’s an important stepping stone to a career in events.

Responsibilities of an Event Coordinator

An event coordinator does not get involved with the design of the event, itself. Instead, they are in charge of managing the individual components to ensure the event goes smoothly.

Once the planner has determined the vision for the event, the coordinator assists the planner in making that a reality. They may look at vendors, organize delivery dates, and handle logistical tasks.

Larger organizations may have two coordinators for every planner, while smaller operations might only have one coordinator who serves the needs of all executive decision-makers. Either way, there is typically a direct line of supervision over the coordinator position. That doesn’t mean event coordinators have it easy. Most of them have the difficult task of organizing everything on-site with only a few hours before the event begins. This, of course, is when most problems occur, which is why a good coordinator is focused, organized, and resourceful.

This is a great position for those looking to start a career in event planning. Working as a coordinator gives you a strong foundation to move on to an event planner role later in your career. A strong coordinator is worth their weight in gold to any planner, and job security (if you’re good at your job) is virtually guaranteed.

To break into a career in event coordination, getting an internship or volunteering with a non-profit to help them plan their fundraising events can be advantageous. You’ll get hands-on experience in coordinating a real event and build your professional network at the same time.