Sound gatherings
Filipinos greeted March with the release of the first legal batch of COVID-19 vaccines—a major step in regaining the lives we had pre-pandemic. While vaccination is one way to prevent the deadly disease, it is still up to us to reduce the risk of infection by remaining extra careful and steadfast in following quarantine rules. With the health crisis having upended our way of life for an extended period, it is only natural for us to long for our previous lifestyle. Most, if not all of us, miss traveling. Likewise, we, as social beings, yearn for gatherings. Apart from getting natural immunity, the efforts of certain establishments ensure that the battle against the virus is won. Take for example the commendable initiatives of one luxury hotel in the country.
Highly–acclaimed Hilton Manila keeps up with the tradition of hosting in-person gatherings through the timely launch of its “EventReady with CleanStay program,” a global cleanliness and customer service strategy that addresses the current welfare and sanitation concerns of meeting planners and event professionals. This measure was born from the institution’s promise to deliver reliable and friendly services with added confidence of industry-leading hygiene practices designed to keep guests protected especially from the coronavirus.
“In response to today’s current environment and growing concerns on health and safety, it is essential that we give extra attention to the wellbeing of our partners, clients, and guests who have made Hilton Manila their venue of choice,” says general manager Simon McGrath. “We believe our elevated sanitation standards and cleanliness protocols alongside our unique range of offerings will be vital in helping event planners execute successful events in the new normal,” he adds.
This measure was born from the institution’s promise to deliver reliable and friendly services with added confidence of industry-leading hygiene practices designed to keep guests protected, especially from the COVID-19.
For business related events (and strictly business affairs only), Hilton EventReady with CleanStay presents curated solutions for every step of the event planning process to enable event experiences that are clean, flexible, secure, and most important, socially responsible. Only a significantly small portion of the room capacity, about one-fourth, is allowed to be occupied, which guarantees that everyone has more than enough space apart to avoid infection.
Hilton team members will partner with clients to achieve the meeting’s objectives while tackling health and environmental concerns that includes creative physical distancing set up and meal services, developing inspiring food and beverage menus, and sharing environmental impact solutions quantified by LightStay, an award-winning, comprehensive platform for social impact and environmental reporting utilized by every Hilton property all over the world. The staff also makes certain that participants do not share objects, and that they wear proper PPEs, as well as receive the best service possible.
What’s more, the program expands on the elevated sanitation standards of the CleanStay program, which addresses every contact point—items and places frequently touched—of the meeting or staycation experience. This means room seals are placed in guest and meeting rooms, which ensures that you are the first person to enter the room after it has been thoroughly disinfected. Sanitizing stations are also set up in public areas and conference spaces.
The pricing, space options, and contract terms are flexible. Responsive offers are available to meet the needs of customers, such as simplified agreements for small meetings, and Hilton EventReady Playbook, which delivers expert guidance and curated resources for solutions such as hybrid meetings that seamlessly combine on-site attendees with those in remote locations, room sets, and creative networking.
(Photos by the author)