TravTalk India Online Magazine
With a history of rendering exceptional services, Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Centre brings a sense of trust and reliability. Varun Mehrotra, Director of Sales & Marketing for the property, shares about the number of events lined up, engagement with M!CE agents, and demand from clients.
Suhani Sood
Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Centre carries a legacy in pioneering the hospitality sector. With a firm belief in the power of collaboration and connection, it strives to be more than just a hotel or place to stay. Varun Mehrotra, Director of Sales & Marketing of the property, says, “We host events in our 15,000-square-foot convention centre–from corporate events to wedding celebrations and intimate family gatherings with comprehensive AV technology, custom catering and a team of expert event planners.”
Customizable packages
Mehrotra highlights that they offer customizable packages for each M!CE group depending on the type of people on the trip and their reason for travel. “We make sure that offered package reflects their budget and travel needs. We also provide substantial discounts on group travel to retain our customers for the long-term business,” he says.
Leading hospitality trends
Mehrotra says, “From personalizing marketing efforts to catering to individual guests’ preferences, we have been following up with the new trends in social media and digital marketing to reach potential guests, mobile optimization and using user-generated content such as guest reviews and social media posts are some foremost hospitality marketing trends for 2023.”
Another new trend is the use of virtual and augmented reality to give potential guests a taste of what it’s like to stay at a five-star hotel which can help to drive room bookings. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and chatbots can be used to improve customer experience by providing quick and convenient answers to guests’ questions. Also, to keep up with the latest trends, it is important for hotels to stay up to date with industry news and innovative performs.
Asked about what M!CE customers are looking for, Mehrotra says that the segment is increasingly looking for flexibility, state of the art technology, and sustainable practices. They seek customizable event spaces, hybrid event capabilities, and integrated technology solutions, he shares.
Net-Zero targets
Emphasizing on the importance and need of having sustainable practices, he said, “Sustainability is a core value for us. We are committed to our vision of becoming a Net-Zero GHG Emission Company by 2050. To ensure sustainability in events, we follow a structured approach. This includes implementing residential bath amenities, sourcing cage-free eggs, offering a significant portion of plant-based food options, and tracking food waste.”
Attracting repeat clients
In a competitive market, Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Centre recognizes the importance of attracting repeat M!CE events. “To achieve this, we focus on delivering exceptional service, maintaining consistent quality, and offering a range of incentives to returning clients. Our loyalty programs, personalized event planning, and the ability to tailor packages to meet the evolving needs of our clients play a pivotal role,” he said.
