Dec 30, 2015, 10:18 am
Last edit by: rustykettel
Ten (10) Elite Nights are given for each meeting held in a participating hotel under the "Rewarding Events" program. See below for non-participating brands. Information about the Rewarding Events program may be found at https://www.marriott.com/meeting-eve...els/rewards.mi
The 10 elite nights per meeting are independent of any hotel rooms booked in conjunction with the meeting. In fact, no hotel rooms have to be booked as part of the meeting in order to receive credit for 10 elite nights.
Although the Rewarding Events webpage refers to room nights for meeting participants, the most important section is the one that states 10 Elite Nights, regardless if you or your guest is paying for it
In general, a written contract is required (or should be obtained). In many cases, the meeting is booked through a central Marriott group sales office instead of directly with a hotel. If booked through a central Marriott group sales office, there is a three-page contract that makes reference to the Rewarding Events program on page 2 of the agreement. A MR member number should be included in this area of the contract by the group sales office.
FAQs:
Q: What brands participate in the Rewarding Events program?
A: AC Hotels by Marriott, Aloft, Autograph Collection, Courtyard by Marriott, Delta Hotels by Marriott, EDITION, Element, Fairfield by Marriott, Four Points by Marriott, Gaylord Hotels, JW Marriott, LeMéridien, The Luxury Collection, Marriott Hotels, Marriott Vacation Club, Moxy Hotels, Protea Hotels by Marriott, Renaissance Hotels, The Ritz-Carlton, Sheraton, St. Regis, Tribute Portfolio, W Hotels, & Westin.
Residence Inn by Marriott, TownePlace Suites, & Marriott Executive Apartments do not participate in the program.
Q: How do I find a hotel that participates?
A: Click on the link to the Rewarding Events page and then in the "Plan" section of the page click on the "Find a Hotel" box. Enter the city you'd like to have your meeting in, purpose of event (Business) and then check the "I need meeting/event space" box. Enter the size of your meeting (2 attendees should work) and then click the "Find" box. Leave the start date and end date blank. A list of potential hotels will be shown. The smallest meeting room is not usually shown online --- you may need to call each hotel to find out which one has a boardroom or other small meeting room. Once you've found a small meeting room, then request a quote online.
Q: How quickly will Marriott respond with a quote?
A: Usually within a day or two --- and usually via email. The email should contain a telephone number of the group sales contact. Give them a call and tell them you'd like to follow up on the quote and you're interested in booking the smallest room available for a 2 person meeting for an hour. If they quote a price that's higher than you want to pay, ask them if they can get approval for a lower priced meeting (e.g., a recent quote was for $75 for an 8 hour use of a CY boardroom). They accepted a counter of $50 for a one-hour meeting in the room (plus service charge plus local sales tax). Urban hotels may charge significantly higher rates for meeting space than a smaller, less congested city.
Q: Is a contract required?
A: The terms of the program suggest "yes" --- although there are reports that 10 elite nights have been granted without contracts. A best practice would be to obtain a contract.
Q: How long do points and EQNs take to post after the event is over?
A: Generally, this takes 3+ business days. According to Marriott, it can take 15 business days. If you do not see anything post after 15 business days, contact the hotel before contacting Marriott customer support. The hotel has to be the one to post it.
You will get an e-mail with a subject line Your Rewarding Events Award has Posted: EVENT NAME
Q: Will the hotel know what I am talking about when I say points and elite night credits?
A: Probably not. They may know about the rewarding events points being 3x per dollar spent, but not always. Usually they know of only the Marriott system (Group Posting Tool) where they input how much you spent and when. This is done after the event and is usually authorized by the sales or general manager.
Q: The contract doesn't say anything about points, will I still earn them?
A: YMMV but so far all the electronic contracts from the website state it, but some fail to read it. The paper contracts usually talk about points, but some reports that they don't, but still post. Remember this is a Marriott Rewards benefit that the hotels don't seem to be footing the bill for.
The 10 elite nights per meeting are independent of any hotel rooms booked in conjunction with the meeting. In fact, no hotel rooms have to be booked as part of the meeting in order to receive credit for 10 elite nights.
Although the Rewarding Events webpage refers to room nights for meeting participants, the most important section is the one that states 10 Elite Nights, regardless if you or your guest is paying for it
In general, a written contract is required (or should be obtained). In many cases, the meeting is booked through a central Marriott group sales office instead of directly with a hotel. If booked through a central Marriott group sales office, there is a three-page contract that makes reference to the Rewarding Events program on page 2 of the agreement. A MR member number should be included in this area of the contract by the group sales office.
FAQs:
Q: What brands participate in the Rewarding Events program?
A: AC Hotels by Marriott, Aloft, Autograph Collection, Courtyard by Marriott, Delta Hotels by Marriott, EDITION, Element, Fairfield by Marriott, Four Points by Marriott, Gaylord Hotels, JW Marriott, LeMéridien, The Luxury Collection, Marriott Hotels, Marriott Vacation Club, Moxy Hotels, Protea Hotels by Marriott, Renaissance Hotels, The Ritz-Carlton, Sheraton, St. Regis, Tribute Portfolio, W Hotels, & Westin.
Residence Inn by Marriott, TownePlace Suites, & Marriott Executive Apartments do not participate in the program.
Q: How do I find a hotel that participates?
A: Click on the link to the Rewarding Events page and then in the "Plan" section of the page click on the "Find a Hotel" box. Enter the city you'd like to have your meeting in, purpose of event (Business) and then check the "I need meeting/event space" box. Enter the size of your meeting (2 attendees should work) and then click the "Find" box. Leave the start date and end date blank. A list of potential hotels will be shown. The smallest meeting room is not usually shown online --- you may need to call each hotel to find out which one has a boardroom or other small meeting room. Once you've found a small meeting room, then request a quote online.
Q: How quickly will Marriott respond with a quote?
A: Usually within a day or two --- and usually via email. The email should contain a telephone number of the group sales contact. Give them a call and tell them you'd like to follow up on the quote and you're interested in booking the smallest room available for a 2 person meeting for an hour. If they quote a price that's higher than you want to pay, ask them if they can get approval for a lower priced meeting (e.g., a recent quote was for $75 for an 8 hour use of a CY boardroom). They accepted a counter of $50 for a one-hour meeting in the room (plus service charge plus local sales tax). Urban hotels may charge significantly higher rates for meeting space than a smaller, less congested city.
Q: Is a contract required?
A: The terms of the program suggest "yes" --- although there are reports that 10 elite nights have been granted without contracts. A best practice would be to obtain a contract.
Q: How long do points and EQNs take to post after the event is over?
A: Generally, this takes 3+ business days. According to Marriott, it can take 15 business days. If you do not see anything post after 15 business days, contact the hotel before contacting Marriott customer support. The hotel has to be the one to post it.
You will get an e-mail with a subject line Your Rewarding Events Award has Posted: EVENT NAME
Q: Will the hotel know what I am talking about when I say points and elite night credits?
A: Probably not. They may know about the rewarding events points being 3x per dollar spent, but not always. Usually they know of only the Marriott system (Group Posting Tool) where they input how much you spent and when. This is done after the event and is usually authorized by the sales or general manager.
Q: The contract doesn't say anything about points, will I still earn them?
A: YMMV but so far all the electronic contracts from the website state it, but some fail to read it. The paper contracts usually talk about points, but some reports that they don't, but still post. Remember this is a Marriott Rewards benefit that the hotels don't seem to be footing the bill for.
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Jun 4, 2018, 7:55 am
#2356
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: South Florida
Programs: AA LTG (EXP), Hilton Silver (Dia), Marriott LTP (PP), SPG LTG (P) > MPG LTPP
Posts: 11,329
so now i'm having a little bit of trouble with this property....they state that the meeting does not qualify for 10 nights elite credit & i am only entitled to 3 points per usd spent as per the t&c of the rewarding events program....they claim that a minimum spend is required in order to get the 10 nights credit....i've gone back & forth with them a few times but they seem to be stuck to their stance....is there a particular number to call to get this sorted out or do i just call marriott customer support????
Did you ask about the Group Posting Tool? As long as they use that you should be good to go since MR is the one to issue the nights and not the property. If they don't know what that is then escalate with MR to get their contact to "educate them".
Jun 4, 2018, 8:47 am
#2357
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: India
Programs: Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, IHG Plat, HH Gold, Trident Plat, DL Diamond, AI Maharajah
Posts: 29,678
They are wrong (and not an uncommon event given there are two different Rewarding Events programs), I find many properties are not well versed in the MR program. I had one claim that all status was lifetime so once you made Platinum you never had to stay another night to keep status, well... Personally, I will try once to work it out with the property, if that fails then I go to MR. Unfortunately, there are some CSRs that will automatically side with the property and not do the research to find out what is right. I do know there is a group within MR that deals with rewarding events, but I don't know their contact info.
Did you ask about the Group Posting Tool? As long as they use that you should be good to go since MR is the one to issue the nights and not the property. If they don't know what that is then escalate with MR to get their contact to "educate them".
Did you ask about the Group Posting Tool? As long as they use that you should be good to go since MR is the one to issue the nights and not the property. If they don't know what that is then escalate with MR to get their contact to "educate them".
Jun 4, 2018, 9:35 am
#2358
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Ottawa, Canada.
Programs: Bonvoy-lifeime Titanium,Amex Plat
Posts: 904
I just held a two hour meeting at a Fairfield Inn for approx. $100.00 plus taxes. Held the meeting a week ago and the 10 nights posted 3-4 days later and received an email from the Group Posting system advising me of that the 10 nights were posted to my account.
So I can confirm that minimum spend is NOT required. Are you sure that the hotel you are dealing with is part of the "Rewarding Events" program!!
If so, your hotel might not be aware of the Group Posting tool which has happened to me at a few properties including at a hotel in India. Before signing a contract, I had the hotel call Marriott Rewards to find out if the meeting will qualify for the 10 nights and if so how to post it on the tool.
So I can confirm that minimum spend is NOT required. Are you sure that the hotel you are dealing with is part of the "Rewarding Events" program!!
If so, your hotel might not be aware of the Group Posting tool which has happened to me at a few properties including at a hotel in India. Before signing a contract, I had the hotel call Marriott Rewards to find out if the meeting will qualify for the 10 nights and if so how to post it on the tool.
Jun 4, 2018, 9:59 am
#2359
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: Delta Diamond, Marriott Ambassador & Lifetime Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, United Silver
Posts: 6,334
so now i'm having a little bit of trouble with this property....they state that the meeting does not qualify for 10 nights elite credit & i am only entitled to 3 points per usd spent as per the t&c of the rewarding events program....they claim that a minimum spend is required in order to get the 10 nights credit....i've gone back & forth with them a few times but they seem to be stuck to their stance....is there a particular number to call to get this sorted out or do i just call marriott customer support????
As it has been said so many times, properties have nothing to do with the awarding of 10 elite-qualifying nights. Many properties don't even know about this benefit.
If the property posts your event correctly as a Rewarding Events eligible event using the posting tool then Marriott International should automatically award your account 10 elite-qualifying nights.
Jun 4, 2018, 12:03 pm
#2360
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, MM, NR; HH Diamond, Bonvoy LT Gold, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Diamond, others
Posts: 12,159
That's fine; just have them use the Group Posting Tool and not give you the credit. Marriott corporate will give you the credit anyway.
Jun 4, 2018, 12:16 pm
#2361
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: India
Programs: Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, IHG Plat, HH Gold, Trident Plat, DL Diamond, AI Maharajah
Posts: 29,678
Jun 4, 2018, 12:33 pm
#2362
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: CLE -> BNA
Programs: IHG Spire Ambassador, Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Gold, Bonvoy Titanium, UA Silver, RR A-List
Posts: 312
edit: first 11 people got the info; will post in a few weeks when I can get another bolus in
Last edited by kerrigjl; Jun 4, 2018 at 2:03 pm
Jun 4, 2018, 2:10 pm
#2363
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: Delta Diamond, Marriott Ambassador & Lifetime Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, United Silver
Posts: 6,334
It's gone. Officially.
I sent an email complaining to Arne Sorenson that the "new" changes haven't been revealed, which is deeply unfair to legit event planners with contracts on the books. I also complained that if the rumored changes and marketing materials indicating the 10 elite-qualifying nights was going away then it would be a negative change. Between my colleague and I, we do $400,000 a year with Marriott.
A "corporate liaison" from Marriott called me. She first said all the current contracts would be honored by the old program. Then when I read the FAQs, which say current contracts will be credited based on the new program, she said she was wrong and the FAQs were correct. She confirmed the new Rewarding Events would only credit 10 nights for the first event and 1 night for every 20 room nights. I complained that this penalizes big spenders who do banquets and non-room events. She said road warriors who spend 300 nights per year complained that people who never stay in hotels are getting status. I said if that was the case then people who do banquets shouldn't get any Marriott points. Apparently, the new program will give points for food-and-beverage spending which SPG Pro didn't do. I said that kind of contradicts her justification of the change. She then said she used a bad analogy. I said I understood that Marriott wanted the new program to move toward a revenue model, but penalizing big-spending customers for legit events is bad business. I also told her my colleague and I will reconsider our events business with Marriott after August 1. She said she would relay my further complaints, but I could definitely tell Marriott doesn't care even though it's obvious they haven't fully thought the Rewarding Events component out.
I sent an email complaining to Arne Sorenson that the "new" changes haven't been revealed, which is deeply unfair to legit event planners with contracts on the books. I also complained that if the rumored changes and marketing materials indicating the 10 elite-qualifying nights was going away then it would be a negative change. Between my colleague and I, we do $400,000 a year with Marriott.
A "corporate liaison" from Marriott called me. She first said all the current contracts would be honored by the old program. Then when I read the FAQs, which say current contracts will be credited based on the new program, she said she was wrong and the FAQs were correct. She confirmed the new Rewarding Events would only credit 10 nights for the first event and 1 night for every 20 room nights. I complained that this penalizes big spenders who do banquets and non-room events. She said road warriors who spend 300 nights per year complained that people who never stay in hotels are getting status. I said if that was the case then people who do banquets shouldn't get any Marriott points. Apparently, the new program will give points for food-and-beverage spending which SPG Pro didn't do. I said that kind of contradicts her justification of the change. She then said she used a bad analogy. I said I understood that Marriott wanted the new program to move toward a revenue model, but penalizing big-spending customers for legit events is bad business. I also told her my colleague and I will reconsider our events business with Marriott after August 1. She said she would relay my further complaints, but I could definitely tell Marriott doesn't care even though it's obvious they haven't fully thought the Rewarding Events component out.
Jun 4, 2018, 2:37 pm
#2364
Join Date: May 2013
Location: New York
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott LTPP, Hertz Five Star
Posts: 1,079
It's gone. Officially.
I sent an email complaining to Arne Sorenson that the "new" changes haven't been revealed, which is deeply unfair to legit event planners with contracts on the books. I also complained that if the rumored changes and marketing materials indicating the 10 elite-qualifying nights was going away then it would be a negative change. Between my colleague and I, we do $400,000 a year with Marriott.
A "corporate liaison" from Marriott called me. She first said all the current contracts would be honored by the old program. Then when I read the FAQs, which say current contracts will be credited based on the new program, she said she was wrong and the FAQs were correct. She confirmed the new Rewarding Events would only credit 10 nights for the first event and 1 night for every 20 room nights. I complained that this penalizes big spenders who do banquets and non-room events. She said road warriors who spend 300 nights per year complained that people who never stay in hotels are getting status. I said if that was the case then people who do banquets shouldn't get any Marriott points. Apparently, the new program will give points for food-and-beverage spending which SPG Pro didn't do. I said that kind of contradicts her justification of the change. She then said she used a bad analogy. I said I understood that Marriott wanted the new program to move toward a revenue model, but penalizing big-spending customers for legit events is bad business. I also told her my colleague and I will reconsider our events business with Marriott after August 1. She said she would relay my further complaints, but I could definitely tell Marriott doesn't care even though it's obvious they haven't fully thought the Rewarding Events component out.
I sent an email complaining to Arne Sorenson that the "new" changes haven't been revealed, which is deeply unfair to legit event planners with contracts on the books. I also complained that if the rumored changes and marketing materials indicating the 10 elite-qualifying nights was going away then it would be a negative change. Between my colleague and I, we do $400,000 a year with Marriott.
A "corporate liaison" from Marriott called me. She first said all the current contracts would be honored by the old program. Then when I read the FAQs, which say current contracts will be credited based on the new program, she said she was wrong and the FAQs were correct. She confirmed the new Rewarding Events would only credit 10 nights for the first event and 1 night for every 20 room nights. I complained that this penalizes big spenders who do banquets and non-room events. She said road warriors who spend 300 nights per year complained that people who never stay in hotels are getting status. I said if that was the case then people who do banquets shouldn't get any Marriott points. Apparently, the new program will give points for food-and-beverage spending which SPG Pro didn't do. I said that kind of contradicts her justification of the change. She then said she used a bad analogy. I said I understood that Marriott wanted the new program to move toward a revenue model, but penalizing big-spending customers for legit events is bad business. I also told her my colleague and I will reconsider our events business with Marriott after August 1. She said she would relay my further complaints, but I could definitely tell Marriott doesn't care even though it's obvious they haven't fully thought the Rewarding Events component out.
If you are really taking that much business to MR, you should probably physically write (it's surprising how much non-bulk snail-mail from real people gets these days) to Arne Sorenson about how other programs reward your meeting spend better and how much you've spent. They might tell you to pound sand, but they might reconsider the decision (either on the whole, or more likely, on an individual exception basis.)
A program that rewards $50 and $100,000 meetings the same is incongruent though. You could say the same about the legacy MR program, but there were no SNAs or anything like that and for the overwhelming majority of people, the lack of points on cheap meetings for lifetime qualification put a damper on generally using meetings other than one to hit the next level.
Jun 4, 2018, 2:39 pm
#2365
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: Delta Diamond, Marriott Ambassador & Lifetime Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, United Silver
Posts: 6,334
Here was a point I made to her and just now in a follow-up email to Mr. Sorenson. Read this from the Rewarding Events FAQs on the Marriott.com website:
"Members of both programs will be able to earn points for meetings and events through the new Rewarding Events structure. SPG Pro will end in August. We will honor any existing meeting and event contracts on the books at the new earning rate."
The last sentence could be read multiple ways. For example, you could read it as saying events contracted as SPG Pro will be events under Rewarding Events after August, particularly in the context of the preceding sentence. Or you could read it as only the "earning rate" points will change but the 10 elite-qualifying nights for existing contracts will be honored since the "nights" aren't an "earning rate."
It's a complete mess, but especially to people who have events on the books.
The corporate liaison added that full terms and conditions will not be available until August 1.
"Members of both programs will be able to earn points for meetings and events through the new Rewarding Events structure. SPG Pro will end in August. We will honor any existing meeting and event contracts on the books at the new earning rate."
The last sentence could be read multiple ways. For example, you could read it as saying events contracted as SPG Pro will be events under Rewarding Events after August, particularly in the context of the preceding sentence. Or you could read it as only the "earning rate" points will change but the 10 elite-qualifying nights for existing contracts will be honored since the "nights" aren't an "earning rate."
It's a complete mess, but especially to people who have events on the books.
The corporate liaison added that full terms and conditions will not be available until August 1.
Jun 4, 2018, 3:09 pm
#2366
Join Date: May 2013
Location: New York
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott LTPP, Hertz Five Star
Posts: 1,079
The last sentence could be read multiple ways. For example, you could read it as saying events contracted as SPG Pro will be events under Rewarding Events after August, particularly in the context of the preceding sentence. Or you could read it as only the "earning rate" points will change but the 10 elite-qualifying nights for existing contracts will be honored since the "nights" aren't an "earning rate."
@CJKatl has already pointed out (in other posts) on what the letter of the current agreement allows (like discontinuation of the entire program immediately, or modification of terms) but a continuing program under a merged program immediately subjecting new unpublished terms is something that I could see frowned upon. Even if airlines don't give a ton of warning on award redemption or benefit changes they generally give a couple months minimum, unless they are insolvent.
If MR gives at least a couple weeks or a month warning I could see less of a challenge, but telling people they're subject to one set of terms and then telling people that these are the terms immediately is an area that I could see causing potential trouble in the future.
Jun 4, 2018, 3:19 pm
#2367
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: South Florida
Programs: AA LTG (EXP), Hilton Silver (Dia), Marriott LTP (PP), SPG LTG (P) > MPG LTPP
Posts: 11,329
Again, you are expecting them to know the rules. Most times they don't. Simply ask if they will be using the Group Posting Tool, DO NOT ask what that will trigger. It is outside their control. I suspect they do pay for the points you earn on the event, but the 10 nights come from MR. I do believe they are making up the point about the amount of spend needed, it may be what they were told by the person that trained them or material they read, but again, it's wrong.
Jun 4, 2018, 3:31 pm
#2368
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: South Florida
Programs: AA LTG (EXP), Hilton Silver (Dia), Marriott LTP (PP), SPG LTG (P) > MPG LTPP
Posts: 11,329
It's gone. Officially.
I sent an email complaining to Arne Sorenson that the "new" changes haven't been revealed, which is deeply unfair to legit event planners with contracts on the books. I also complained that if the rumored changes and marketing materials indicating the 10 elite-qualifying nights was going away then it would be a negative change. Between my colleague and I, we do $400,000 a year with Marriott.
A "corporate liaison" from Marriott called me. She first said all the current contracts would be honored by the old program. Then when I read the FAQs, which say current contracts will be credited based on the new program, she said she was wrong and the FAQs were correct. She confirmed the new Rewarding Events would only credit 10 nights for the first event and 1 night for every 20 room nights. I complained that this penalizes big spenders who do banquets and non-room events. She said road warriors who spend 300 nights per year complained that people who never stay in hotels are getting status. I said if that was the case then people who do banquets shouldn't get any Marriott points. Apparently, the new program will give points for food-and-beverage spending which SPG Pro didn't do. I said that kind of contradicts her justification of the change. She then said she used a bad analogy. I said I understood that Marriott wanted the new program to move toward a revenue model, but penalizing big-spending customers for legit events is bad business. I also told her my colleague and I will reconsider our events business with Marriott after August 1. She said she would relay my further complaints, but I could definitely tell Marriott doesn't care even though it's obvious they haven't fully thought the Rewarding Events component out.
I sent an email complaining to Arne Sorenson that the "new" changes haven't been revealed, which is deeply unfair to legit event planners with contracts on the books. I also complained that if the rumored changes and marketing materials indicating the 10 elite-qualifying nights was going away then it would be a negative change. Between my colleague and I, we do $400,000 a year with Marriott.
A "corporate liaison" from Marriott called me. She first said all the current contracts would be honored by the old program. Then when I read the FAQs, which say current contracts will be credited based on the new program, she said she was wrong and the FAQs were correct. She confirmed the new Rewarding Events would only credit 10 nights for the first event and 1 night for every 20 room nights. I complained that this penalizes big spenders who do banquets and non-room events. She said road warriors who spend 300 nights per year complained that people who never stay in hotels are getting status. I said if that was the case then people who do banquets shouldn't get any Marriott points. Apparently, the new program will give points for food-and-beverage spending which SPG Pro didn't do. I said that kind of contradicts her justification of the change. She then said she used a bad analogy. I said I understood that Marriott wanted the new program to move toward a revenue model, but penalizing big-spending customers for legit events is bad business. I also told her my colleague and I will reconsider our events business with Marriott after August 1. She said she would relay my further complaints, but I could definitely tell Marriott doesn't care even though it's obvious they haven't fully thought the Rewarding Events component out.
As for timing of announcements, having been through some acquisitions, there are just some times you have to keep the cards close to your chest until the hand is over. Especially if it's going to be bad news and your current customers might bail resulting in a major revenue cut before the change. I've read the April event and the followup releases to be a tease. So far I haven't seen anything that makes me want to jump ship, but everyone must decide what their tipping point is and act accordingly. Even if EVERY FT member were to bail on MR, I doubt it would make a difference to Marriott or even show on their financials.
Jun 4, 2018, 3:59 pm
#2369
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: Delta Diamond, Marriott Ambassador & Lifetime Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, United Silver
Posts: 6,334
My biggest issue is not honoring what was signed. I get they have the right to change the program, but that's really only applicable to individuals booking guest rooms. You don't sign a contract guaranteeing X benefits when you book a room. For Rewarding Events, you sign a legally-binding contract for an event that guarantees benefits under Rewarding Events and most people would understand that to mean as in place at the time of signing. Especially since Marriott is honoring other parts of the old program after August 1.
Last edited by hockeyinsider; Jun 4, 2018 at 5:39 pm
Jun 4, 2018, 4:20 pm
#2370
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: California
Programs: Hyatt Global, Marriot Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 2,282
It's gone. Officially.
I sent an email complaining to Arne Sorenson that the "new" changes haven't been revealed, which is deeply unfair to legit event planners with contracts on the books. I also complained that if the rumored changes and marketing materials indicating the 10 elite-qualifying nights was going away then it would be a negative change. Between my colleague and I, we do $400,000 a year with Marriott.
A "corporate liaison" from Marriott called me. She first said all the current contracts would be honored by the old program. Then when I read the FAQs, which say current contracts will be credited based on the new program, she said she was wrong and the FAQs were correct. She confirmed the new Rewarding Events would only credit 10 nights for the first event and 1 night for every 20 room nights. I complained that this penalizes big spenders who do banquets and non-room events. She said road warriors who spend 300 nights per year complained that people who never stay in hotels are getting status. I said if that was the case then people who do banquets shouldn't get any Marriott points. Apparently, the new program will give points for food-and-beverage spending which SPG Pro didn't do. I said that kind of contradicts her justification of the change. She then said she used a bad analogy. I said I understood that Marriott wanted the new program to move toward a revenue model, but penalizing big-spending customers for legit events is bad business. I also told her my colleague and I will reconsider our events business with Marriott after August 1. She said she would relay my further complaints, but I could definitely tell Marriott doesn't care even though it's obvious they haven't fully thought the Rewarding Events component out.
I sent an email complaining to Arne Sorenson that the "new" changes haven't been revealed, which is deeply unfair to legit event planners with contracts on the books. I also complained that if the rumored changes and marketing materials indicating the 10 elite-qualifying nights was going away then it would be a negative change. Between my colleague and I, we do $400,000 a year with Marriott.
A "corporate liaison" from Marriott called me. She first said all the current contracts would be honored by the old program. Then when I read the FAQs, which say current contracts will be credited based on the new program, she said she was wrong and the FAQs were correct. She confirmed the new Rewarding Events would only credit 10 nights for the first event and 1 night for every 20 room nights. I complained that this penalizes big spenders who do banquets and non-room events. She said road warriors who spend 300 nights per year complained that people who never stay in hotels are getting status. I said if that was the case then people who do banquets shouldn't get any Marriott points. Apparently, the new program will give points for food-and-beverage spending which SPG Pro didn't do. I said that kind of contradicts her justification of the change. She then said she used a bad analogy. I said I understood that Marriott wanted the new program to move toward a revenue model, but penalizing big-spending customers for legit events is bad business. I also told her my colleague and I will reconsider our events business with Marriott after August 1. She said she would relay my further complaints, but I could definitely tell Marriott doesn't care even though it's obvious they haven't fully thought the Rewarding Events component out.