Marriott Pioneers Neuorinclusive Practices for Meetings and Events
December 18, 2023
With a portfolio of nearly 8,700 properties, Marriott International has introduced neuroinclusive practices at events hosting 250 people or more, aiming to accommodate approximately 15-20% of the world's population with neuro differences, including conditions like ADHD, autism, dyslexia and epilepsy.
Previewed at Marriott’s Corporate Partnership Customer Conference, THE EXCHANGE, which was held Nov. 28-Dec. 1 at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, Marriott’s neuroinclusive measures will include dedicated quiet rooms, sensory and fidget toys, noise-canceling earplugs, printed agendas, venue maps and closed captioning for main stage presentations.
This landmark decision stems from its collaboration with The Neu Project, an initiative by Google’s Experience Institute (Xi) that strives to create a more inclusive experience for neurodivergent attendees during meetings and events. In October, Marriott and The Neu Project implemented a quiet room for attendees at IMEX America in Las Vegas.
Google Global Events Strategy Megan Henshall said, "Marriott understands that creating environments where differing perspectives and experiences can come together boosts creativity. We’re excited to continue working with them to create more inclusive experiences."
Related: GOOGLE LAUNCHES SENSORY EVENT KITS FOR A MORE INCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE
How it works
Effective immediately, neuroinclusive practices will be incorporated at Marriott-hosted customer meetings and events of 250 people or more:
- Quiet Room: A dedicated room will be available during Marriott customer events for recovery from sensory overwhelm, restoration and regulation. Designed to foster the physical, emotional and mental well-being of attendees, the room will serve as a calming retreat where guests can break from the event to manage fatigue, overload and/or sensory needs.
- Tools and Resources: At registration, event attendees will have the opportunity to request various tools to better accommodate their needs, including sensory and fidget toys, noise canceling ear plugs, sleep masks, sunglasses, printed agendas and venue maps, and details about loud music, flashing lights or surprise moments taking place during the event.
- Closed Captioning for Main Stage Presentations: Real-time subtitles and captions will be available on-screen during main stage event and conference presentations.
"Grounded in our commitments to innovation and inclusion, Marriott is dedicated to making meetings and events more accessible for everyone,” said Marriott International Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue and Technology Officer Drew Pinto. “The Neu Project is a driving force in this space, and we look forward to working jointly with them to deepen our understanding of neurodivergent needs."
Looking ahead to 2024, Marriott plans to conduct active listening sessions with the neurodivergent community, working closely with The Neu Project to shape future event content. Marriott offers more than 30 leading brands in 139 countries and territories.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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