A visit to Marriott Head Office

By Frank Vismeg

I recently attended Marriott International’s three-day Executive Orientation, which provides
a holistic overview of Marriott’s brands, disciplines, programs, standards and
tools to first-time new franchise owners, franchise management company
representatives and general managers.

Liam Brown, president, North America Select & Extended Stay Lodging & Owner Franchise Services at Marriott International, welcomed and introduced us. We also had the pleasure of meeting and hearing from the Marriott
International executive team.

The program is
designed to build awareness and understanding of Marriott’s strategic
direction, insight into the tools and resources available, and an opportunity
to meet key contacts and build relationships within Marriott Hotels
Family.

Executive Orientation is a three-day program, hosted at Marriott’s
corporate headquarters in Bethesda, Md. Experts from disciplines across the
company present the latest information on their areas and take questions and
feedback from the audience. Topics
covered include: brand strategy,
initiatives, marketing plans and programs; Marriott
culture, history and core values; sales, marketing and revenue management,
and much more.

We had the privilege of meeting and hearing from Deborah Marriott Harrison, Marriott International’s Global
Officer, Marriott Culture and Business Councils.

In this role, which she has
held since October 2013, she oversees the strategy for the
company’s 100 Worldwide Business Councils and works with Marriott
associates, owners and franchisees to promote and protect Marriott’s culture
and legacy – one of the company’s key competitive advantages. She is a member
of the board of directors of Marriott International and serves on the board of
the Marriott Foundation for People with Disabilities.

Frank
Vismeg is managing director of Burloak Hospitality
Management Ltd., Burlington Hotels Group Inc. & The Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, coming soon to Burlington, Ontario.