New Shangri-La targets conventioneers

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Strategically located in the new business and commercial area, the Shangri-La Hotel Guangzhou is adjacent to the city's international convention and exhibition center, with easy access to major tourist attractions and transportation.

With 5,800 square meters of tranquil gardens overlooking Pearl River, the hotel provides meeting and banquet facilities in addition to 704 rooms and 26 serviced apartments.

There are also eight restaurants and bars, offering a wide range of cuisine from local Cantonese favorites to authentic Italian food.

As a veteran hospitality provider for the Canton Fair and other international trade expos, the "dedicated and experienced team at Shangri-La Hotel Guangzhou has impressed many event organizers and delegates with their professionalism," said Frank Wen, vice-president and general manager of the hotel.

Over the last several years, the hotel has hosted the China Oil and Seeds Conference from 2010 to 2013, the sixth Forum of Overseas Chinese Worldwide in 2010, among others. Some of the events each attracted more than 1,000 participants.

The first person of Chinese descent to carry the titles of area manager and regional vice-president in the Shangri-La family, Wen believes the development of staff is the main driver of superior quality and service at a hotel.

He said he strives to cultivate talent by incorporating coaching and training into his daily work.

Blending global operations management with local market context, Wen has made efforts to exemplify the Shangri-La brand of hospitality by anticipating the needs of guests while exceeding their expectations.

To cater to the constantly changing demands of event organizers, the hotel unveiled new promotions this year, including themed coffee breaks.

"Coffee breaks are no longer intervals between meeting sessions but interactive intermissions to refresh and engage delegates," Wen said.

The hotel now offers "a selection of invigorating themed coffee breaks that provide more than just a jolt of caffeine, but instead are designed to perk up business meetings and conferences with new ideas and energy."

Questions:

1. What hotel brand is targeting convention goers?

2. What city is popular for conventions?

3. What are some big meetings there?

Answers:

1. Shangri-La Hotel.

2. Guangzhou.

3. The Canton Fair and other international trade expos, Forum of Overseas Chinese Worldwide.

About the broadcaster:

Nelly Min is an editor at China Daily with more than 10 years of experience as a newspaper editor and photographer. She has worked at major newspapers in the U.S., including the Los Angeles Times and the Detroit Free Press. She is also fluent in Korean.