PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – Not many hotels can list hosting 34 heads of state at one time, including a sitting U.S. president, on their list of corporate credentials; however, Hyatt Regency Trinidad can. The Caribbean’s premier business hotel holds a verifiable track record of being the preferred venue for a variety of meetings that span the energy, manufacturing, banking, medical and government sectors.
One major contributor to the hotel’s success is its convenient location in Port of Spain, Trinidad, which is arguably the most important business and industrial hub in the Caribbean. Another business advantage is the variety of airlift options to Piarco International Airport, a place that welcomes multiple flights daily from major cities in the U.S., South America and the immediate region.
Although notable, the hotel’s phenomenal success is attributable to more than just those factors. Below, Director of Events Heather Doughlin, CMP, speaks candidly about the other features that keep Hyatt Regency Trinidad competitive.
Q: What is it about Hyatt Regency Trinidad that makes it so popular with business travelers?
A: It is a combination of factors. First, I believe our greatest asset is our staff. Trinidadians are intrinsically some of the most hospitable people in the world. The hotel builds on that foundation by equipping team members with effective event planning and customer service tools to meet and exceed guests’ expectations.
The second reason is our state-of-the-art meeting facilities. We have found that our 43,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, including 16,000 square feet of ballroom space and10,000 square feet of multi-purpose space, as well as our top-notch audio visual and information technology (IT) capabilities routinely propel us to the top of event planners’ shortlist. Guest rooms that are both comfortable and practical are another plus. All of them are outfitted with comfortable beds, ample desk space for working and the ability to power more than three devices at the same time.
The ability to mix business with pleasure appeals to our guests as well. After a full day of meetings, they can enjoy sumptuous meals in our full-service restaurant; unwind by the rooftop pool and terrace that overlooks the Gulf of Paria; or stop by the popular Sushi Bar. Alternatively, guests can slip away to enjoy a wide variety of off-site activities, including, but not limited to, shopping, cultural venues and nightlife.
Q: What is the biggest challenge in organizing a meeting? How does the team overcome this challenge?
A: It is ensuring that the client clearly communicates his or her vision. After that, it is making sure that our team and third-party planners understand the full scope of work that has to be undertaken during the execution stage.
We overcome this challenge by discreetly evaluating the experience of the planner and training our staff to ask probing questions. We also provide event organizers and exhibitors with copies of the rules and regulations that guide all of our functions, and we take the time to explain our safety parameters. Of course, we offer suggestions that are based on our extensive knowledge and experience as well.
Q: Have you noticed any trends in the meetings industry?
A: The nature of our business dictates that we keep abreast of the latest developments in our industry; so yes, we notice and act on trends.
Increasingly, more and more planners need advanced technology at every phase of their event. Gone are the days when their biggest concern was having a projector, a screen and a functional microphone in the room. Today, presentations and related meeting content are powered by dynamic platforms such as live streaming, video conferencing and strong Wi-Fi capabilities for downloading applications and supporting up-to-the-minute posting on social media. These requirements have raised the bar on the level of bandwidth needed to book business.
We also have observed a rise in the desire to incorporate local elements into functions. To do that, we infuse Trinidadian culture into the overall experience by adding pan yard visits to itineraries; utilizing local menu items such as bake and shark during coffee breaks or at food stations; and playing steel band and soca music at functions. Also, our decorators are very skilled at designing around local themes and creating high impact floral displays that are resplendent of our tropical gardens. Spousal tours to historic nature sites and to our famous beach, Maracas Bay, are also easy to arrange.
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Q: Has the hotel “gone green” in any way?
A: Yes, Hyatt Regency Trinidad is committed to play its part in minimizing the impact we have on the environment. To stay true to this goal, we encourage clients to use electronic handouts as opposed to printouts wherever possible and to utilize the recycling bins that are strategically placed in function spaces and guest rooms.
In addition, we are working to eliminate packet items and plastic stirrers from our buffet line and often suggest using pitchers of water to replace plastic water bottles.
As part of Hyatt’s global Food. Thoughtfully Sourced. Carefully Served. philosophy, our chef also ensures that we offer food options that are good for guests, good for the community and good for the planet. Many of our menus feature food from natural, local and sustainable sources.
To show that we are serious, our goal this year is to offer a three percent discount to groups that reduce their environmental impact during meetings as part of our Meet and Be Green Commitment.
