Combining performance-focused spaces with lifestyle elements is how hotel companies are redefining the corporate event experience
Hotels are no longer mere venues for business events. Instead, they play a big role in supporting event planners’ content delivery by providing an environment that satisfies attendees’ lifestyle expectations and brings programme ideas to life.
From biophilic design that inspires positive mood and creativity to thoughtful cuisine that answers atteedees’ quest for mindful living, hotels are demonstrating a variety of ways to redefine the business event experience.
Onyx Hospitality Group
Onyx Hospitality Group has adopted a wellness- and sustainability-forward strategy for business events.
“Our goal is to deliver seamless service with thoughtful touches that turn corporate functions into standout experiences,” shared Sunny Kim, Onyx’s vice president of global sales. This includes wellness activities, sustainable event design, and “engaging experiences that go beyond the boardroom”.
In December 2024, Amari Bangkok introduced an EV Shuttle Tuk Tuk for delegates to explore Bangkok in a sustainable manner.
The group is also dishing out healthier and more nutritious F&B options at business events hosted at its properties.
For example, Amari Bangkok introduced “zero-energy” coffee breaks that are designed to keep energy levels high without overindulgence, as well as nutritious meals made with organic ingredients.
The group has also entered partnerships with local food organisations known for their ethical processes, such as Naeville Organic Farm, known for its cage-free eggs, and Thai artisanal cheese maker Jartisann, a champion of sustainable farming practices.
Furthermore, adoption of innovations like Winnow AI, which reduces food waste by up to 70 per cent, and ecoSpirits, which cuts bar waste by 95 per cent, supports Onyx’s green goals.
According to Kim, the group’s approach is to align each brand with the evolving needs of today’s event planners and attendees.
Each Onyx brand supports a different business events segment – Amari for large-scale events; Ozo for dynamic, creatively-driven gatherings; Shama for executive retreats; and Oriental Residence Bangkok for boutique, high-end meetings.
She noted: “Today’s organisers are not only seeking reliable logistics and functional venues. They are also looking for meaningful, personalised experiences that reflect broader values like sustainability, wellness, and authenticity.”
Ultimately, Onyx is ready to offer what matters most to today’s delegates, whether it is a revitalising gastronomic experience, a well-being-focused activity, or a more sustainable way to meet, Kim added.
Most recently in August, Onyx Hospitality Group launched its first-ever chain-wide business events campaign, ONYX Onward – Unlock Double Benefits That Matter Most. Available across properties in Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, and Sri Lanka, the offer gives planners booking 10 or more paid room nights the choice of any two benefits from a suite of six options, ranging from a five per cent master bill rebate and complimentary room upgrades, to F&B discounts and themed coffee breaks. The offer ends October this year. – Anne Somanas
InterContinental
Hotels Group
As business events evolve to prioritise well-being, authenticity, and meaningful engagement, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) is meeting these expectations with thoughtfully-designed spaces and experiential offerings that go beyond conventional meeting formats.
Following a global brand refresh in October 2023, IHG now has two new hallmarks: Insider Expertise and Incredible Occasions. With a dedicated team on hand, the brand curates events that are both highly personalised and unforgettable, enhanced by locally-inspired touches and thoughtful details.
For instance, InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa offers a Vanua Immersion Dinner, a signature cultural evening that celebrates the destination’s five natural elements. The programme includes a traditional Fijian torch lighting ceremony, a kava ritual, live art and craft demonstrations, meke dance performances, and a fire show.
Another IHG brand, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, also caters to the desire for stimulating environments by offering a variety of inspiring meeting and event spaces. These include pre-function areas filled with natural daylight and framed by lush gardens, beachside terraces, and lawns at Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay, and indoor-outdoor dining areas at Allora, the Italian restaurant at Crowne Plaza Changi Airport.
IHG has also enhanced its digital offerings for corporate event planners by way of a dedicated meetings platform.
Dean Jones, vice president, commercial, East Asia & Pacific at IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “We offer meeting planners a range of cost management tools and services. These include planning and booking tools such as EasyGroup, which allows bookers to share links and manage their rooms booking at no extra cost.”
IHG’s commitment to responsible events is reflected in its Meeting for Good campaign, launched in 2023. Jones explained that it “reinforces our commitment to look after the world around us while strengthening the competitive advantage of our hotels through the provision of a Sustainable Meetings Playbook”.
IHG pays close attention to retaining clients to build repeat business.
Jones shared: “The most cost-effective strategy is running a strong loyalty programme. As long as bookings come through our direct channels, we own that journey from beginning to end. For instance, we’re able to draw on insights from previous stays – such as specific preferences or service expectations – and use that information to tailor future stays or events.
“This personalised approach helps ensure a consistently high-quality experience that keeps clients coming back.” – S Puvaneswary
Marriott International
One of Marriott International’s strengths is its extensive portfolio of hotels and resorts, which spans all customer segments. The hospitality company also prides itself in creating trusted experiences and meaningful connections for every guest, regardless of the market segment.
“Our luxury hotels are well positioned to cater to bespoke events, from small intimate business meetings to large-scale marquee events. Hotels in the premium category provide well-sized event spaces, while properties in the select category offer affordable options for more budget conscious clients,” said Ramesh Daryanani, vice president global sales, loyalty operations & partnerships, Marriott International Asia Pacific excluding China.
For example, the Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park – which houses some of the city’s largest event venues – offers more than 4,000m2 of venue space across 33 venues, including two grand ballrooms that can accommodate up to 1,500 guests. To promote attendee well-being, the hotel offers curated wellness breaks, such as stretching or mindfulness sessions, and menus with nutritious, plant-based, and sustainably-sourced options.
Meanwhile, the Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa prioritises attendee wellness with offerings like nutrient-rich coffee breaks and mindful activities such as morning yoga on the beach, and guided stress-relief sessions. The resort also offers destination-specific culinary experiences with locally-sourced ingredients, including fresh seafood and regional specialties. Through its Gatherings by Sheraton programme, the resort provides memorable and enriching experiences that blend purpose, creativity, and connection.
Sustainability is also incorporated into Marriott’s business events offering, where Connect Responsibly provides organisers with meeting impact reports, and the option to offset their carbon footprint.
Daryanani added: “Organisers are prioritising purposeful events, wellness integration, and ESG-conscious venues. Our Good for You, and Better for the Environment campaign speaks directly to that, inviting planners to create impactful gatherings.”
For instance, at the W Singapore – Sentosa Cove, wellness is integrated into event experiences with add-ons like sunrise yoga and pilates, all customisable for any group. Also in the works are ice baths, aqua biking, and boxing sessions.
Over in Vietnam, the JW Marriott Hanoi offers a JW Lakeside Gardens Adventures experience. Here, in-house horticulturists guide guests through the JW Greenhouse, Herb Garden, and Animal Farm, where the activity is designed to connect guests with nature.
As for Westin Manila, the property provides meeting menus that stimulate focus and creativity, along with wellness activities like breathing exercises and massages. In November 2023, the hotel became the first to introduce neuroinclusive practices for events of 250 people or more, ensuring a more inclusive experience for all.
Planners are supported and rewarded by the Marriott Bonvoy Events loyalty programme.
Daryanani elaborated: “Our current Good for You, Better for the Environment campaign gives planners discounts off room rates or meeting packages when participants enrol as Marriott Bonvoy members, and access to complimentary carbon offsets when a minimum spend is met.” – Rachel AJ Lee
