Hyatt’s new events and meetings concept, The Campus, has been designed to evoke feelings of nostalgia and remembered fun as well as provide a platform for learning, creativity and camaraderie. The US$4 million facility, located on the lower level of Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, is the first in the US-based chain to be rolled out.
Sparked off by an idea of Andreas Stalder, senior vice-president of product and brand development for Hyatt Asia-Pacific, during an internal meeting, the 891sqm venue features spaces with names such as Lecture Hall, Library and Cafeteria, sporting icons of university life including pennants, encyclopedias, busts of famous thinkers like Einstein and Shakespeare, and even a rowing boat installed in the ceiling, complete with paddles. The staff’s uniforms blend with the theme: preppy-style blazers, striped ties and loafers.
Despite these references to the past, The Campus is a thoroughly modern facility that includes Wi-Fi internet access, state-of-the-art technology in lighting and audio systems, extra wide LCD screens for wireless PC or DVD hook up, electronic whiteboards with printing facility and USB flash drive saving, iPod docking stations, storage cabinets fitted with power supply for laptop and mobile phone charging, self-serve coffee machines and more LCD screens outside the rooms for digital displays.
According to Grand Hyatt Erawan general manager Richard Greaves, what sets The Campus apart from existing networking options is that “it’s a purpose-built meetings product”. He also described it as “a learning centre where the usual meeting icons have been refreshed”.
The Campus is divided into the Lecture Hall, Classrooms 1 to 3, Library, Union Hall, Reading Room, Internet Café, Cafeteria and Campus Commons (a hangout place where various games will be set up). The Lecture Hall can accommodate up to 140 people theatre style and 180 people for cocktails. The Classrooms for eight to 70 people and Union Hall – with an adjacent terrace – for up to 60 people both enjoy natural daylight. Meanwhile, the other spaces will be providing more opportunities for interaction among event participants.
Unlike Grand Hyatt Erawan’s other meeting alternative, The Residence, featuring a traditional set up, The Campus is ideal for training seminars and events with a more casual tone. Due to the variety of spaces, it also lends itself to socials and even wedding receptions, said general manager Greaves.
However, companies have the choice of cross-using The Campus and The Residence, and packages can be tailor made to suit specific requirements. Until October 31, points and rebates are promised to meeting planners who book at the new facility.
The Campus concept is expected to be adapted by other Hyatt properties in the near future, although initially most may crop up in Asia-Pacific, "where most of the opportunities are today," said Greaves.
For more details, visit www.bangkok.grand.hyatt.com
Margie T Logarta
