The fact that Kaaren Hamilton, vice president of global group sales for Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, is a longtime member of Meeting Professionals International (MPI) has a lot to do with the new partnership between one of the brands she represents and the international meeting planning organization.
During opening day of IMEX in Las Vegas at Sands Expo and Convention Center, Hamilton announced that Radisson has entered into a new educational partnership with MPI to create a certificate program for hotel staff members. Radisson’s new Meetings Success program consists of six training sessions to help hotel team members learn more about strategic meetings management, business evaluation, hosting environmentally-friendly meetings and negotiations. By the end of 2015, all general managers and directors of sales at the 150 Radisson hotels are expected to be certified.
Radisson is the only hotel brand to have this type of partnership with MPI.
“It’s a significant endorsement,” Hamilton said. “We’re positioned for the business traveler. This is also a great way for MPI to expand its reach.”
Hamilton is former chapter president for MPI New Jersey and has been on its board for eight years. She says that MPI has been an integral part of helping build her business career and believes the new certification program will further enhance Radisson’s role as a key meeting hotel brand.
The certification program is the next phase of improvements throughout Radisson properties. Last year, Radisson wrapped up five years of $600 million in upgrades at its hotels and now looks to improve service through training.
Among the properties that set the standards for Radisson’s status as a player in the meetings industry is Radisson Plaza Hotel at Kalamazoo Center, which frequently hosts medical and pharmaceutical meetings. Radisson Phoenix Airport is a key destination due to its convenient location five minutes from the airport. Radisson Hotel Admiral Toronto-Harbourfront serves business and leisure travelers.
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