Event Recap: ALHI LEADERSHIP Summit at Sea Island
by Meaghan Carfrey
Photo courtesy of Sea Island Resort
This past week, I had the incredible honor to attend the Associated Luxury Hotel International’s (ALHI) Leadership Summit in Sea Island, Georgia. For months, ALHI and their inspirational leader, President & CEO, Michael Dominguez have been leading the industry with their COVID-19 response, thought leadership, and confident re-assurance that we can bring meetings back safely. It was a joy to be in attendance and see their well-thought-out approach to safe and productive meetings in real-time. Read more about my experience below!
On the Road Again!
After a six-month hiatus, my suitcase was happy to come out of hiding and get dusted off. It felt good to be back on the road again. I also added a new travel accessory – a mask to match each outfit change!
Going into the Summit, I admit I had a few uncertainties – would everyone follow the rules? Would the connection be the same? Will the food and beverage be up to standards? Will the service and experience be the same? Will I feel safe? As I learned over the course of four days, the answer to all my questions was an absolute yes!
Getting There
I flew roundtrip on Delta from Richmond, Virginia to Jacksonville, Florida. Delta is boarding the planes starting with first class and then from the back of the plane to the front – brilliant! It was efficient and allowed space for all the carry-on baggage. It is mandatory to wear a mask while boarding and throughout the entire flight, unless you are eating or drinking. Every middle seat was left open and upon boarding they give a small hand sanitizer wipe and during the flight a snack bag with water, hand sanitizer, cookies and Cheez-its. My favorite part is that everyone remains seated when the plane lands until it is their turn to disembark! A wonderful win from 2020!
On-Site Experience
Once I arrived at The Cloister, it was clear that every detail was thought through. In the Hospitality Room welcome materials were laid out on the table for individuals to personally pick up. The contents included a copy of the Meeting and Event Code of Conduct that each participant acknowledged when registering, along with a kit of branded PPE goodies.
Outside, Maui Jim was offering a sunglass or blue-light glass gifting experience. It was wonderful to see this in action and the precautions they were taking. One person at a time was invited to the table and after each pair of glasses were tried on the Maui Jim representative would clean them before they were placed back out. There was also a bar with pre-packed beverages (think adult Capri Sun!) and a grab-and-go lunch with pre-package items behind a plexiglass where the friendly banquet staff would place them in a to-go bag.
While I am on the subject of food, I have to applaud the Sea Island staff for their incredible creativity and thoughtfulness behind each meal function and set-up. Even though things looked a little different with a plexiglass in front of it, the quality and presentation did not waver. Each meal was artistic and delicious. One morning we even enjoyed a breakfast by going through the “buffet line” in the kitchen!
Our Meeting Room
The meeting itself was set classroom style with 6ft tables and two chairs at the end of each table. I felt very safe and comfortable knowing each seat was spaced 6ft apart for social distancing. I witnessed ALHI’s Vice President of Meeting Design & Experience, Katie Bohrer personally measuring the distance too! Note for all of the meeting planners out there – I’ll be adding a colorful tape measure to my trip-kit!
Leadership Content
After six long months of webinars and pre-recorded content, it was energizing to feel the room come alive with great conversation and thought. Michael Dominguez led a fantastic presentation centered on leadership. 2020 has been a year of challenge and change, especially in the hospitality industry. Mike’s presentation offered some great advice that he himself lives by: “Control what you can control.” We cannot spend our days and sleepless nights worrying about things we cannot control. Instead, focus on what you can control by putting a plan together and working towards it. The back-to-business meetings ALHI has hosted are a perfect example of this strategy and execution.
A panel of industry experts from Delta Air Lines and Sea Island spoke with candor and vulnerability. It was a great conversation about culture. Culture is the secret sauce! Delta Air Lines CEO, Ed Bastian has a value-led strategy of ‘people over profits’ and their approach amid the pandemic shows this. Sea Island also deploys a strategy with the number one goal being to protect their biggest asset, their people. Scott Steilen, President at Sea Island Company shared three key things to drive culture: communication, transparency and vulnerability. With four Forbes-Five Star experiences, their strategy and the delightful Southern hospitality is working!
Social Experience
I loved the way ALHI approached each of the evening events. On the first night there was a welcome “reception” where attendees were pre-assigned a room where they were met with a few tables of four and a pre-set tray of personal appetizers. This 20-minute reception kicked off the event with a unique twist and allowed for pre-networking before dinner.
Each night, the 72” round tables were set with four chairs, allowing for proper social distancing, with pre-assigned seating. What I did not see coming was the valuable connection experienced each evening. This ‘micro-networking’ setup allowed for personal, engaged conversation; ensuring every person at the table was part of the conversation.
Take-Aways
These four productive days were an incredible opportunity to (re-)learn how to deliver a successful live meeting as we prepare for the return of in-person events. There was a feeling of kindness and respect that permeated through the travel ribbon. Everyone was courteous and respectful to each other – all just happy to be on re-embarking on this new adventure, together.
Experiencing an event first-hand gave me a renewed sense of confidence! By following the protocols, thinking through each design element, and meeting attendees where they are with compassion and understanding, we too can create meaningful and memorable live events that are safely executed.
It may feel a bit uneasy until you do it – it was for me too! But when you’re ready, partners like ALHI, Sea Island, Maui Jim, Delta and CADENCE are here to help you do it right. We will meet again, and with the support of the right industry partners, we will keep you safe and happy when you’re ready to return to live meetings and events.
Do you have any additional questions about my experience? I’d love to connect with you! Connect with me via email at meaghan.carfrey@cadencetravel.com. Or via LinkedIn through my profile which you can find here.