Event Mercedes-Benz (China) Group training event
Venue The Ritz-Carlton, Sanya
Organiser China Kingway
Delegates 1,100
Date January 31–February 12, 2009

THE BRIEF
Mercedes-Benz needed a venue in a convenient location that could cater for a large training group. The company invited senior personnel from its branches in China to discuss how to sell and promote its new S-Class product.

CHALLENGES
With a total of 1,100 people, the event was the largest held at the Ritz-Carlton since it opened in April 2008. Because of the size of the event, guests were split into three groups with meetings spread across 13 days.

One major concern for both client and venue was the need for a seamless check-in and checkout system. The hotel had to call on more staff to deal with housekeeping and room cleaning to ensure there was no disruption to either the group leaving the hotel, or the group who was arriving.

EXECUTION
A welcome dinner was set up for each of the three groups. This took place in the central garden and featured performances from famous Chinese singers such as Cui Jian and Li Bingbing. One large S-Class training meeting was held in the Golden Harvest Ballroom and delegates were split into three smaller meeting rooms for formal training. On the final night a farewell party was set-up on the manmade beach and guests enjoyed a tropical beach party.

COMMENT
Ms Chen, Mercedes-Benz group organiser, was particularly impressed with the way the hotel handled last-minute guest requests, including changes in dietary requirements. 

“The service provided by the Ritz-Carlton was very professional and the resort was always very quick to respond to our needs. In particular, the way they handled the VIPs ensured they were comfortable at the event. The hotel really impressed us once again,” she says.