Marriott Hotels & Resorts "Re-Imagines" The Future of Small Meetings -- Launches Workspring at Marriott

REDMOND, Wash., Sept. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Marriott Hotels & Resorts, the signature brand of Marriott International (NYSE: MAR), renowned for its expertise in hosting meetings, is "re-imagining" the traditional small meeting to become a collaborative work experience that will promote creativity and innovation.  Inspired by the work styles of Gen X and Gen Y, Marriott Hotels & Resorts has exclusively partnered with Steelcase, the leader in workspace design, and launched today Workspring at Marriott. Redmond Marriott Town Center, near Seattle, is the first hotel to offer the small meetings suite.

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Workspring at Marriott -- the industry's first purpose-built suite of integrated spaces and common areas designed for small meetings -- takes a holistic approach, bringing together seamlessly integrated service, technology and contemporary design. The Workspring suite at the Redmond Marriott Town Center also received support from the property's owner, Apple REIT Six.

A new survey sponsored by WIRED and Marriott Hotels & Resorts, found that 48 percent of readers polled said they are "more productive when they work remotely" and 45 percent have "unmet needs when working remotely."  

The online survey underscores that people are working differently than in previous generations. The trend has shifted from individual workspaces to an ecosystem of places that gives workers choice and control over where and how to work, in and out of the office. Today's companies rely on their employees to co-create and innovate to solve tough business problems.  Based on extensive research by Steelcase, which has been an expert in workplace experiences for 100 years, everything in Workspring at Marriott from the furniture set-up to the locally-sourced, healthy food, to the smallest details, such as sustainably-produced office supplies, has been meticulously designed to support small, collaborative meetings and generate better results. 

"We are seizing the opportunity to offer the new generation of travelers a small meetings environment built to suit their collaborative work style," said Paul Cahill, senior vice president of brand management for Marriott Hotels & Resorts. "While some competitors may have nibbled around the edges with incremental and tactical changes, Marriott Hotels & Resorts is leading with a strategic approach to small meetings that hotel guests and nearby businesses will find very appealing."

He added, "We expect to demonstrate the meaningful value of Workspring by Marriott in Redmond, and are identifying other markets in the U.S. and around the globe that would similarly benefit from this exciting concept."

Workspring, a Steelcase brand, consists of five studios of varying sizes to accommodate meetings from three to 75 attendees and several common areas, many with natural light and outside access, which is typically not the case for hotel meeting spaces. 

In addition, Workspring at Marriott offers a simple inclusive pricing structure that includes the meeting space, technology, wireless access, office supplies and food and beverage. The service-centric approach provides customers with a dedicated host, who handles all needs, so the meeting planner and attendees can focus on the work at hand.

"Workspring's design focuses on the effectiveness of small groups, enabling them to deliver on clearly defined objectives and mission-critical expectations. The Workspring experience is designed to help our guests do their best work as individuals and teams," said John Malnor, vice president of Growth Initiatives for Steelcase.  

"We feel the first Workspring at Marriott is well suited to meet the needs of the Redmond/Seattle market with its innovative and highly flexible spaces," added Krissy Gathright, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Apple REIT Six.

Marriott Hotels & Resorts has been "re-imagining" the guest experience, transforming lobbies and public spaces by designing them for a new generation of business travelers who blend work and play, demand style and substance and desire high tech and high touch. Working with its partners IDEO and Steelcase, Marriott is introducing new concepts designed for the way Gen X and Gen Y work today. As the industry leader in hosting meetings of all sizes, Marriott is also testing innovative technologies, such as applications to book meetings on demand that will further differentiate the customer experience at its hotels.

For more information on Workspring at Marriott please visit www.workspringatmarriott.com.

(Source: WIRED + Marriott survey conducted by MRI; September 2012; Sample based on WIRED readers.)

About Marriott Hotels & Resorts
Marriott Hotels & Resorts continues to inspire and provide a balanced life on the road for discerning and high-achieving business and leisure travelers, offering warm, professional service; sophisticated yet functional guest room design; lobby spaces that facilitate working, dining and socializing; restaurants and bars serving international cuisine prepared simply and from the freshest ingredients; meeting and event spaces and services that are gold standard; and expansive, 24-hour fitness facilities. All Marriott hotels participate in the award winning Marriott Rewards guest loyalty program that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during stays. Join us on Marriott Hotels & Resorts rapidly growing Facebook community (www.facebook.com/marriott) and follow us on Twitter (twitter.com/marriott).  For more information, visit www.MarriottHotels.com.

About Steelcase Inc.
For 100 years, Steelcase Inc. has helped create great experiences for the world's leading organizations – wherever work happens. Steelcase and our family of brands – including Steelcase®, Coalesse®, Designtex®, Details®, Nurture®, PolyVision® and Turnstone® – offer a comprehensive portfolio of furnishings, products and services designed to unlock human promise and support social, economic and environmental sustainability. We are globally accessible through a network of channels, including approximately 650 dealers. Steelcase is a global, industry-leading and publicly traded company with fiscal 2012 revenue of $2.75 billion.

Visit Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) for company information. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.