Hilton Meetings Expand to North America

Hilton Hotels aim to make small meetings smarter and more personal as it introduces Hilton Meetings in properties throughout North America. Hilton hopes to revolutionize the small meeting segment of the hospitality industry by creating a customizable work environment for meetings of groups of 50 guests or less.

"Hilton's global experience in hosting events of all sizes keeps us aware of what business travelers need and expect from meeting and event space," says Jeff Diskin, senior vice president, brand management, Hilton Hotels & Resorts. "Our goal with Hilton Meetings is to provide personalized meeting services for groups ranging from two to 50 people."

First introduced in 2000 in Ireland and the United Kingdom, Hilton expects to expand Hilton Meetings to the majority of hotels in North America by the fourth quarter of 2008. At select Hilton hotels in North America, business travelers will be able to choose between a formal boardroom setting and flexible multi-purpose room for small meetings. These well-designed layouts will feature enhanced Hilton Meetings service and amenities that aim to minimize environmental impact while offering time-saving technology and consistent personalized service.

Meeting Room Technology
All rooms will include a 3M Digital Easel that instantly records flipchart content electronically into a variety of formats for Mac and PC computers and enables collaboration with participants in multiple locations through a shared meeting application. Radio-controlled clocks keeping accurate local time will be installed to help keep guests on time and high-speed internet connectivity will keep guests connected.

Tables are designed with built-in table-top power and data points for easy connections and chairs will offer extra comfort with padded arms and lumbar support. Rooms will also include credenzas that contain a refrigerator and safe that can hold at least four laptops. Room doors will also lock for added security and will contain outside-in spy hole viewers to minimize meeting disruption. Hilton Meetings is also fully supported by new online event management and meeting planning tools which will help reduce paper waste.

Dedicated meetings specialists are assigned to each Hilton Meetings room to assist with individual service needs. The Service Connect System button will link guests directly with their meeting specialist. Hilton's e-Events online group booking tool, Guest List Manager and Personalized Group Web Page feature allow event planners to easily book their group event or meeting and promote their event to attendees.