Meetings and events have always been a staple of the business world, and the industry has been faced challenges due to social distancing measures in place worldwide due to COVID-19.

Restoring meaningful events through a hybrid solution, JW Marriott Hong Kong, has introduced a first-of-its-kind meeting solution among Hong Kong hotels with integration of Extended Reality (xR), allowing virtual and face-to-face meetings and events happening at the same time seamlessly at the hotel’s venues.

JW Marriott Hong Kong is the first hotel to debut this xR technology, which was debuted at a launch event on 25 June, held together with HCPL, one of Hong Kong’s largest audio and visual rental houses, and xR technology provider.

The launch event saw over 100 guests in attendance, comprising corporate clients and event agencies, as the JW Marriott Hong Kong team showcased how the solution can be used. With a dedicated xR stage, the technology allows participants to attend events both physically and virtually, in an all-immersive environment. It makes use of advanced hologram technology, where participants not physically present can still appear on the virtual xR stage for interaction. It also uses augmented reality (AR), so 3D objects can be manipulated on the xR stage in real time.

Onscreen, guests met with General Manager Mr GP Yeow and Director of Sales & Marketing Ms Alles Lee. While both appeared to be in the same place and greeting guests together, they were actually in two different studios, showcasing the xR stage and hologram technology. Resident Mixologist Bryson Rivera also wowed the crowd with a cocktail demonstration through AR. After the showcase, guests were then brought on behind-the-scenes visits to the different studios set up within the hotel, to see how the event was brought to life.

For the launch, JW Marriott Hong Kong is offering a new package, which includes the xR Stage pre-set at the hotel’s Executive Meeting Suite. Priced at HK$120,000 nett, the package is available until 15 September, and includes the following:

• One day for xR Stage and one day for rehearsal (maximum of eight hours per day)
• Select one standard scene from given templates (tailor-made scenes and 3D content will be subject to a separate quotation)
• Other complementary equipment such as Panasonic 4K Camera, AJA Ki Pro Recorder, MacBook Pro for video playback and more

Terms and conditions apply. For enquiries, please call +852 2841 3838 or email jwmarriott.hk@marriotthotels.com.