The IHG Owners Association, which represents IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) franchise hotel owners worldwide, held its Board of Director’s third-quarter meeting in person, September 22-23 at the InterContinental Buckhead in Atlanta, Ga.* The meeting is seen as a significant step towards returning to normal business practices and restoring consumer confidence in business travel.
In August, the Board voted overwhelmingly to hold this meeting in person with a virtual video-call option for those unable to attend due to government-mandated travel restrictions. Following extensive preparation from both the Association and the host hotel, with an emphasis on IHG’s Meet with Confidence protocol and CDC guidelines, the in-person gathering demonstrates a commitment to working with owners and operators to execute cleanliness and safety brand standards that will bolster consumer confidence in IHG-branded hotels and the hospitality industry at large.
The two-day event featured meetings with the Board as well as IHG leaders and covered a wide range of pertinent, owner-driven topics, many of which focused on recovering from the financial fallout of COVID-19. Notably all dining during this event was hosted on-property and provided by the hotel’s F&B department.
“From the moment we stepped into the hotel, it was evident that all precautions had been taken and that the well-being of guests is prioritized,” said 2020 Association Chair Wayne West III. “I believe future travelers will experience the same IHG Clean Promise care upon arrival to all IHG properties.”
Fourteen days following the meeting, all attendees reported good health and commended the efforts of the Association and the InterContinental Buckhead in providing a safe and comfortable environment for both the meetings and meals. From ensuring proper social distancing to providing all necessary personal protective equipment, including face-masks, hand wipes, sanitizer and more, the hosting parties ensured attendees would be able to focus on matters at hand for their meetings.
* Per www.georgia.gov, the State of Georgia currently allows gatherings of 50 people or less without restriction and permits gatherings exceeding 50 people, provided they are able to maintain at least six feet of distance between individuals. Mask guidelines were followed in all public spaces in the hotel.
