The meetings and events industry has always been built on relationships, and these trusted partnerships are even more vital in times of economic uncertainty. The CWT GBTA 2026 Global Business Travel Forecast predicts that even as price growth stabilizes, costs will continue to rise, albeit at a slower pace. At the same time, research from Meeting Professionals International (MPI) shows that just over half of meeting planners expect their budgets to either flatline or decrease. The GBTA report recommends leaning into venue partnerships as a cost-saving solution: “Bundling spend and committing volume to a smaller number of suppliers can significantly improve negotiating power — unlocking better rates and more value-added services.” These stronger, long-term partnerships are a win-win for both sides, and it’s a model that has been at the heart of the Marriott Bonvoy Convention & Resort Network from the beginning.
With over 125 hotels in more than 50 high-demand locations, the Convention & Resort Network enables planners to create a single master service agreement for multi-year, multi-destination events. It’s an approach that combines the reliability of a tried and trusted partner with the freedom and flexibility of choice. The Convention & Resort Network spans nine Marriott Bonvoy brands, bringing together a curated selection of best-in-class venues that specialize in hosting large-scale events. As an added perk, the Convention & Resort Network is offering special incentives for multi-hotel bookings until December 31, 2025.
“This offer reflects our commitment to building enduring relationships with our planner community,” said Gail Frazer, senior vice president of sales and distribution, U.S. & Canada at Marriott International.
“Our master sales agreement simplifies multi-hotel contracting across our network, ensuring planners benefit from consistent service standards and a seamless experience — making it easier to work with us while delivering exceptional events,” said Frazer.
Support for Planners Across Hotels: Collaboration, not Competition
Engaging with the Convention & Resort Network is like being welcomed into a team culture that extends across properties. Participating hotels and resorts work together to continually improve services and share best practices, all the while ensuring a smoother handover when events migrate from one location to the next.
“We’ve received overwhelmingly positive feedback from planners who leverage the Convention & Resort Network for large-scale group experiences,” said Alice Harrington-Caravello, managing vice president of sales and distribution, Eastern Region at Marriott International.
In one example, she cited a four-year multi-hotel partnership with a national association, highlighting how each property “built upon the last to enhance attendee engagement, creating collaborative planning and a tailored handover process.”
The Convention & Resort Network is not just an assurance of consistent quality, but an incubator for fresh ideas. Member properties benefit from enriched educational opportunities, pilot programs to workshop new ideas, and thorough briefings from previous event hosts. For planners, this system ensures a unique mixture of both flexibility and repeatability.
“Talent development remains a cornerstone of our commitment to event excellence,” said Mike Wainwright, vice president of sales strategy, Gaylord Hotels and Marriott Bonvoy Convention & Resort Network. “What truly sets the Network apart is our emphasis on peer-to-peer connectivity, enabling hospitality innovators to share best practices.”
Worry-Free Booking of Preferred Dates and Destinations
According to MPI’s latest report, meeting and event planners are finding it increasingly difficult to secure bookings on peak nights. By partnering with the Convention & Resort Network, however, planners are often able to nail down peak periods years in advance. Just as importantly, it’s possible to cover multi-year, multi-hotel events under one contract without sacrificing variety.
“With over 125 properties across premier destinations, planners gain access to environments ranging from iconic urban centers to serene resorts — all supported by a consistent framework of service excellence,” Wainwright added.
High-End Elite Experiences
Even as costs increase and budgets tighten, many planners face mounting pressures to deliver exceptional event experiences. While shifting destinations helps entice attendees seeking new travel experiences, it also presents a challenge. Each new location offers its own regional charm, but planners often have to invest hours in sourcing the suppliers and creators needed to create a true sense of place. One of the Convention & Resort Network’s top selling points is that it offers a series of customizable group experiences unique to each destination or hotel story. Take inspiration from a curated selection of elite experiences featured at the link below.
Marriott Bonvoy Convention & Resort Network: Elite Experience Lookbook
Culinary Eco-Tourism: Harvesting Sea Salt
At Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa in Hawaii, guests can participate in SALT: A Journey of Culture, Flavor and Wellness. A true farm-to-table experience, SALT begins with a guided tour of the Kona Sea Salt farm and ends with a gourmet tasting by executive chef Jayson Konekoa. Throughout the day, participants not only see how this essential seasoning is sustainably gathered but also learn how intergenerational knowledge helps preserve its traditional uses in cuisine, food preservation, medicine, and spiritual ceremonies.
Pro Playing Tips for Meetings: Stay Like a Champion
As part of the Stay Like a Champion experience at JW Marriott Tampa Water Street, a pro athlete from the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning will share tips on how to stay in optimal form while on the road — with advice on everything from sleep to nutrition.
Culinary Master Class: Sculpting Chocolate
At JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE, guests are treated to a master class in one of social media’s favorite subjects: the fine art of crafting intricate chocolate sculptures. Executive pastry chef Francois Behuet — who recently showcased his talents with chocolate replicas of the Emmy Awards — provides a hands-on tutorial, and participants go home with their own melt-worthy masterpieces.
Culinary Harmonies: The Sound of Taste
We’ve all heard of wine pairings, but what about music pairings? At The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa in South Carolina, guests are treated to a carefully synchronized blend of regional music and cuisine, presented as The Sound of Taste. Similarly, The Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center welcomes guests to the heart of country music with Nashville’s Singular Sound Experience, where group dinners are set to the tune of a 90-minute live performance by a local musician. For an equally signature sound, the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center can transform its panoramic 42N Ballroom into a 1960s Detroit supper club with a live Motown revue, specialty cocktails, and local foodie favorites.
The Convention & Resort Network has recently developed a signature Event Playbook, which allows meeting planners to browse over 125 scalable group enhancements from each of the Network’s properties. Covering a wide range of options, the event playbook highlights four experiential pillars: Immersive Destination, Curated Culinary, Power of Play, and Serenity in Session.
A Planner’s Strategic Advantage
Meeting planners understand the value of a strong network, and the Convention & Resort Network leverages this model across an entire ecosystem of venues. The Network ensures both reliability and versatility, all while economizing both money and time. “This depth and flexibility make the network not just a collection of hotels, but a strategic partner in long-term event success,” said Harrington-Caravello.
For more information about the Marriott Bonvoy Convention & Resort Network, click here.
This content was created collaboratively by Marriott International and Skift’s branded content studio, SkiftX.
