The COVID-19 pandemic continues around the world, and the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) and wedding industries have been put on hold. Major global trade shows and conventions have been cancelled, while on the more personal front, grand weddings have been scaled down or postponed. With new measures in place in various countries on safe reopening and social distancing, Hi Life takes a look at how the hotels are adapting to the new normal.

Singapore is in Phase 2 of safe reopening after its circuit breaker measures were rolled out, with the government easing restrictions on key life events such as weddings. Couples can now share the joy with their close family and friends, with wedding receptions of up to 50 attendees allowed.

In an interview with business daily The Business Times on 1 August 2020, Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR) Group Chief Operating Officer Mr Kieran Twomey said that it has introduced wedding packages for receptions held later in the year. This move was to encourage couples to secure a date early and avoid a surge in demand later.

For example, Grand Copthorne Waterfront rolled out its Primrose Wedding Package available for weddings between January to September 2021, offering various perks such as free floor beer and two bottles of house wine per confirmed table. The hotel has also created virtual ballroom tours so that wedding couples can view the ballroom from the comfort of their own computers.

MHR Vice President of South East Asia Mr Lee Richards said, “Our hotels in Singapore will be adapting ‘Hybrid Experiences’, starting from Grand Copthorne Waterfront, where a blend of virtual and physical experiences to engage attendees for meetings and wedding guests will be made available.”

The hotels ensure that the health and safety of all guests and staff through its global “We Clean. We Care. We Welcome.” campaign. Social distancing measures are in place, and with individual plated service for lunch and dinner receptions in place of buffets. Guests are also required to check-in via SafeEntry for contact tracing purposes. The hotels are also well-equipped to meet the demand for smaller-capacity weddings with its versatile wedding spaces. For example, the ballrooms at Orchard Hotel and Grand Copthorne Waterfront are column-free and can be divided into smaller ballrooms to accommodate smaller events. Couples who hold their solemnisations at Orchard Hotel can also proceed to The Orchard Cafe to continue with the celebrations. The restaurant, which offers buffet dining, has switched to serving diners a la minute through table service.

On the MICE front, MHR has also introduced its “Meet with More” package, which offers a range of bespoke meeting solutions and a selection of versatile and striking event spaces across its properties. These smaller meetings and events have sizes of up to 20 guests, in line with Singapore’s Phase 2 guidelines, with options of hybrid sessions, where part of the event can be done virtually in tandem with the in-person session.

In Mainland China, as the travel industry starts to blossom into a new normal, MHR Greater China has been promoting new offers for weddings and events. The global “We Clean. We Care. We Welcome.” campaign has also been highlighted through corporate and each property’s channels and collateral such as WeChat and 2021 calendars.

Millennium Resort Hangzhou, Millennium Chengdu, Millennium Harbourview Xiamen and Millennium Zunyi have introduced wedding packages since the travel recovery period in May. Packages include special rates with large orders, and value-added perks such as free tasting and wedding rooms. Millennium Zunyi and Millennium Harbourview Xiamen have also tailored special packages for doctors and nurses as a show of appreciation, for bookings within this year.

Grand Millennium Shanghai Hongqiao also launched a brand-new event space. The chalet in its garden has been made available since August for private events during this new normal. Guests can enjoy afternoon teas and dinners in privacy, with special promotions on festive occasions.

In Taiwan, Grand Hyatt Taipei recently held its 2020 Summer Romance Wedding Fair for couples to kickstart their wedding planning with this showcase. The hotel also offers packages for couples booking weddings later in the year or planning for 2021 receptions. The showcase included décor setup and special dessert creations by Executive Pastry Chef Julien Perrinet.

Over in Hong Kong, New World Millennium Hong Kong has also rolled out a special promotion for wedding couples on Qixi Festival, also known as the Chinese Valentine’s Day. Held on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month (which fell on 25 August this year), it originated from the romantic legend of two lovers, the cowherd and weaver girl (牛郎织女). The special promotion included special discounts, complimentary table for twelve, and room stay upgrades.

JW Marriott Hong Kong has also launched its month-long Wedding Consultation series at the JW Marriott Ballroom in August. Newlyweds-to-be were invited to meet with the hotel’s dedicated wedding specialists to plan their wedding and learn about special privileges, such as HK$15,0000-valued F&B dining card with use of designated credit cards at the hotel. The ballroom was also transformed into an enchanting floral setting to provide some decor inspiration.

In the United States, Massachusetts is among the states that have successfully managed to keep the number of infections down and under control. However, limitation on gatherings has been capped at 25 people, and indoor spaces need to maintain a ratio of eight people per 1,000 square feet. For example, The Bostonian Boston’s Seasons Ballroom, which has 3,000 square feet of space, can host a meeting of up to 24 people. On 21 August, the hotel hosted its first meeting event since the pandemic started, welcome the Board of the Boston Credit Union for a one-day meeting. Chairs were arranged with a six-foot radius from each other, and all attendees had on face masks and visors. The company was pleased with the arrangement, and booked ahead for two next dates this month.

New Zealand moved down to its Alert Level 1 system on 8 June, though Auckland had moved back to an Alert Level 2 due to a rebound in cases, limiting social gatherings to only 10 people. Outside of Auckland, gatherings of up to 100 people can be held. Across both North and South Islands, MHR properties offer varying event spaces with different capacities to suit various types of events from weddings to business meetings.