The High Performance Meeting

The Events and Food and Beverage teams at the JW Marriott at LA Live sure know how to turn an all day meeting into a sensory spectacle. I knew it wasn't going to be a typical business-as-usual meeting day when I walked in the meeting room for our group of about fifty JW Marriott general managers, regional teams and national public relations partners and the lights in the meeting room were staged, soft up tempo music was playing , white flowers on the table, candles and a breakfast buffet designed to be simply admired.

For our morning break, the culinary team brought out a tantalizing fruit and juice display of fresh, dried and "wet," a visually clever idea to refresh the body. But it was the lunch display that blew me away for its visual appeal and
thoughtful design. Bowls of individually assorted lettuces and an array of toppings opened up the buffet. We were like kids in a candy store but instead of sugary snacks, it was healthful indulgences. Artfully displayed proteins of tuna, salmon, crab and beef were set to nourish without overstuffing. And the dessert portion of the buffet, with it's imaginative twists to comfort baked goods such as doughnuts and cupcakes, were academy awards worthy. I looked at my plate and it was a farmer's market delight with green lettuces, red roasted peppers, yellow baby carrots and soft pink salmon. Healthfully intentional. It was truly magnificent.

And the WOW's kept coming when the banquet team rolled our afternoon break of cheeses, dried fruits, chutneys and mini beverages displayed alongside a curved tree branch to add to the table flair. Sure, the hotel team brought out their A-game for their top peers, however, I peeked at other meeting displays near our's and the food presentations were just as eventful. I also need to mention the anticipatory service  delivered by the JW associates throughout the day were obviously delivered with genuine intent. A huge bravo to the events, culinary and banquet teams at the JW Marriott at LA Live for showing us how all day meetings should be done. Shouldn't meetings always be this fantastic? It is at the JW.

JW Marriott at LA LIVE!

There is a new player in tinseltown and I couldn't be more pleased to see the new JW Marriott at LA Live making a splash in this glitzy haven in Southern Cal. The JW is part of LA's entertainment district comprising of the Staples Center, Nokia Theater, Club Nokia and a number of restaurants such as Flemings and BOCA at the Conga Room. The JW's sister hotel, the Ritz Carlton, stands tall next to the JW tower.

The brand has a wide portfolio of styles from classic to modern. The JW at LA Live belongs to the latter and may I add, ultra hip, complete with a host of amenities and venues which hits a home room with the Gen X'ers and millennial generations. 

I joined my fellow JW GM's at a reception in the Mixing Room in the lobby area last evening. I give the whole
ambiance a thumbs up with delicious food (especially those sauteed chile peppers) and an invigorating setting mixing the flashing gigantic billboard lights just outside the venue with the cozy setting inside.

The rooms are plush and provide all the amenities you would expect from a JW. 

Seven Heaven in Sedona

These pictures at Seven Canyons golf club do not require descriptions. This course is one of the most beautiful courses I've played at in the world. The Red Rocks as a backdrop provided a constant reminder that there is an omnipotent being responsible for carving such dramatic formations. The course is tight with dramatic elevation changes. As much as I would have loved to break 90 at Seven Canyons, one's score takes a backseat to the majestic scenery. Regardless of how you're playing, there are times when you must pause and simply admire your surroundings. Seven Canyons is one of them.