Group meetings, conferences and conventions are a very important part of our business and account for over 35 percent of our total sales. One group that often holds their annual conference in one of our hotels is the National Association of School Nurses (NASN). They are terrific people who take care of our kids at school and it’s a great piece of business for Marriott generating more than 3,500 room nights.
Last summer, the Director of Meetings for NASN had to unexpectedly resign a month before their event was being held at the Chicago Marriott, leaving the group in desperate need of a new meeting planner. One of the account executives from our national sales team, who has worked with this group for many years, Peter O’Brien, suggested a few reputable meeting planners that might be able to help. But, the group trusted and respected Peter so much, they asked if he could help them plan and organize their meeting.
Although it is rather unusual for an outside group to use an “inside” meeting planner, Peter gladly took on this role while still maintaining his “day job” in our sales outfit. During the week the meeting took place, Peter worked 15-18 hour days to ensure everything ran smoothly and the event ended up being a big success. In fact, the event was so successful and the group was so appreciative of Peter’s and the hotel’s hard work and stellar service, that they recently signed an agreement to host 5 more of these meetings in 5 different Marriott hotels around the country.
I’m Bill Marriott and thanks for helping me keep Marriott on the move.
Excellent post I must say.. Simple but yet entertaining and engaging.. Keep up the good work
Posted by: college board | 01/15/2012 at 11:35 PM
Yes,,,in my country Marriot looks great with lot of social responsibility to the surround
Posted by: kwaliteit hdmi kabel | 08/26/2011 at 10:24 PM
Take a bite of the pie
Built a Marriott hotel in bodrum turkey
Posted by: Rose | 05/21/2011 at 04:44 AM
May 18 2011
Dear Mr Bill Marriott,
I could not recall if I have been in one of the Marriotts Hotels, however, I've heard your excellent reputation from those who enjoyed staying with your hotel.
Thank you for sharing your good hotel services to others.
I hope that someday, I will be able to stay in one of your hotels in the world.
Kind regards.
Nilda
Manama, Bahrain
Posted by: Nilda S Hidalgo | 05/18/2011 at 12:16 AM
Mr. Marriott, I commend both you and Peter for setting a great example. It is wonderful to know that people are still willing to help others in their time of need and it is equally wonderful to know that you employ these people.
“In helping others, we shall help ourselves, for whatever good we give out completes the circle and comes back to us.”- Flora Edwards
Posted by: Terica Adams | 05/11/2011 at 11:45 AM
Great Job Mr. Obrien: I am a meeting planner with over 15 years experience in the industry. I have been trying to pursue a career with Marriott for years but to no avail. I am in the Philadelphia area, but would relocate if necessary. Could you provide me with some guidance to fulfill my dream of working for Marriott.
Posted by: Leslie A. Senter | 05/10/2011 at 11:46 AM
This is a really good read for me, Must admit that you are one of the best bloggers I ever saw.Thanks for posting this informative article.
Posted by: crystalaudigier | 05/09/2011 at 06:35 AM
Great example of leadership and one that will surely inspire Peter's team and everybody at Marriots to continue with similar gestures.
Thank you Bill for sharing this wonderful example.
Posted by: uday nayak | 05/07/2011 at 10:27 PM
We had a great stay in St. Louis because of your hotel and employees. Particularly, Nakita at front desk, Carlton on the shuttle and Angie at the breakfast buffett. They helped us in every way to have a safe, easy and FUN stay.Thanks so much!!
Posted by: Linda | 05/07/2011 at 07:08 PM
Peter..Sincere congratulations from your next door neighbors all those years..the Brezinskis! Great job !
Posted by: Dick Brezinski | 05/06/2011 at 06:55 AM
Hello Bill
My name is Suzanne and I believe I know Peter! I am unsure from exactly where, however, I an a Registered Nurse Practitioner and Faculty Member, so I have probably run into him somewhere.
I wanted to let you know that I always try to stay at the Marriot, due to your excellent services! I have really enjoyed staying there, whether on business or pleasure!
Thanks!
Suzanne
Posted by: Suzanne Chapin, RN, MSN, CPNP | 05/05/2011 at 08:26 PM
What a fabulous story. We have nurse Jane in our family, and my mother in law past away last week at 96, besides being a Captain in the Army WWII, she developed the health and nutrition facilities for the AHA in Chicago. My family believes strongly in working with the community, kids, education, higher education, multi-cultural awareness and being a founder of a cultural institution at age 6, 1966 my life has been about the preservation of Lithuanian Culture, History and Traditions. Our Children's Museum is one of the most fun, and hands on. We also work with groups around the world and nation to engage children in the Battle of Grunwald, 600 years ago that teaches kids about heraldry, and I must say that I feel blessed to see people enjoying themselves, learning about new places, new appropriate behaviour, running down your halls having loads of fun, and I applaud Peter for stepping in. If you need any help let me know. I like your stories. C
Posted by: Carole Balzekas | 05/05/2011 at 05:19 PM
Wgat a touching revelation; how typical of MARRIOITT doing "whatever it takes" - even shareholders should be delighted for the way that serice promotes revenue.
Posted by: Elizabeth K, Liddicoat | 05/05/2011 at 05:16 PM
THIS IS A GREAT PROFESSIONNEL
AND BUSINESS MAN!
HE DESERVE THE EMPLYEE AWARD FROM MARRIOTT CORPORATION PRESENTED BY BILL MARRIOTT AT A NATIONAL SALES GATERING.
DID YOU REMOVE THE LADY SWINGING ON THE RESIDENCE INN COMMERCIAL IN THE CURTAINS WITH HER PANTY HOSE? J-F M
Posted by: Jean-Francis Mots | 05/05/2011 at 02:48 PM
Mr. Marriott:
What a story!
“The best leaders... almost without exception and at every level, are master users of stories and symbols-Tom Peters.”
I love your sharing because you refuse to be contained in the traditional and the ordinary routine of business while giving due respect. As Terica would say-Creativity through the Marriott pipeline.
“Winners must learn to relish change with the same enthusiasm and energy that we have resisted it in the past.”-Tom Peters
Thanks for sharing as you keep Marriott on the Move.
Posted by: Juliette Adams | 05/05/2011 at 01:50 PM