IHG Hotels & Resorts has strengthened its Meet with Confidence program by partnering with CVS Health for onsite COVID-19 rapid testing and PCMA for a new course.
The onsite testing offered through CVS Health further complements the IHG Way of Clean program, which was enhanced in 2020 with additional cleanliness and well-being measures implemented at all hotels, and IHG’s Meet with Confidence Commitment, to make every event just right.
IHG also has signed a new Education Sponsorship agreement with PCMA for the development of an industry-first Digital Event Strategist Introductory Certificate Course for Hotels and Venues. IHG continues to invest in the groups and meetings segment, paving the way for hybrid and in-person gatherings.
“These partnerships come at a perfect time as face-to-face meetings are coming back through the rest of this year and into 2022. We are excited to welcome them back and wellbeing is our top priority. We are the first hotel company to partner with CVS Health and PCMA, and their expertise will help us better serve planners and our guests. We will continue to strengthen our Meet with Confidence program to provide industry-leading meeting and event solutions without compromising on the experience or flexibility that guests and planners need,” said Derek DeCross, senior vice president, global sales, IHG Hotels & Resorts.
Last year, IHG introduced its Meet with Confidence program to address the changing needs of meeting planners. Earlier this year, the program was strengthened to include tools, resources and support for hybrid meetings and events.
As the needs of meeting planners have evolved, particularly around technology for hybrid events, IHG is upskilling its hotel teams around the world to meet the needs of planners and attendees. IHG will serve as the education sponsor for a new Digital Event Strategist Hotel and Venue Introductory Certificate Course created by PCMA, in partnership with Encore. The course is designed as a development program to educate and train hotel and venue teams to successfully partner with planners in the hosting of corporate and social hybrid events.
“The pandemic changed the way our audiences engage with business events, but not their desired outcomes from business events. Reskilling is a real need for our community, and we are proud to be part of this important and collaborative program. Now is the time to safely get back to business, and collectively develop a plan for the future of the business events industry,” said Sherrif Karamat, PCMA president and CEO.
