Rezidor SAS extends partnership with Meeting Professionals International

With 20,000 memberships in 60 countries, MPI is recognised throughout the world as a pivotal force in positioning meetings and events as a key strategic component in the success of business-focused organisations. In 2003, Rezidor SAS became the first hospitality company to sign a strategic partnership with MPI to become the world's best-educated hotel group for MICE events. 2,500 Rezidor SAS employees have since received extensive MICE training in partnership with MPI.

"As an extension of our commitment to MPI, we will now start a campaign to support the awareness of MPI in Europe, Middle-East and Africa. More than 200 of our hotels will enclose information about MPI when sending proposals their meeting planner contacts," explained Olivier Jacquin, Senior Vice President of Sales, Rezidor SAS Hospitality

The renewal of the partnership agreement reinforces Rezidor's commitment to the meetings industry and its dedication to continued education in the form of MPI's Global Certification in Meetings Management (CMM)

Jacquin commented: "The meetings and events market is fundamental to Rezidor SAS and our core focus is professional service and product delivery for our clients. MPI is the world's leading association for the MICE industry and therefore our first choice".

Of the fourteen Rezidor SAS properties in the Middle East, five have recently benefited from MICE facility upgrades - Sharjah, Bahrain, Riyadh, Jeddah and Yanbu.

The ballroom at the Radisson SAS Resort, Sharjah - which accommodates up to 950 guests - underwent a complete renovation at a cost of AED 2.63 million, and its dramatic chandeliers, backlit paneling and walnut wood now provide the perfect ambience for weddings.

The Diplomat Radisson Hotel in Bahrain upgraded its state-of-the-art Conference Centre, which now holds up to 1800 delegates, has nine separate meeting rooms - the largest being 1,200 square metres - six comfortable and informal breakout rooms and a luxurious boardroom.

Part of a total renovation of the three properties in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia includes not only the public areas and guestrooms but also a revamp of the meeting facilities.

Jean-Marc Busato, Vice President Middle East, Rezidor SAS Hospitality said: "It is an ongoing process to upgrade our products and services to the standards of today's guest requirements. Providing technologically advanced equipment alone is not enough any more. Our meetings and events staff are trained to understand what exactly the client wants to achieve from the meeting or event they are organising, and take all necessary steps to accomplish it."