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This Event Planner Joined Marriott’s LGBTQ+|ONE to Expand His Network Globally

Courtesy of Bas V.Z.

Name: Bas V. Z.
Position: Banquet Manager
Hotel: Sheraton Amsterdam Airport Hotel and Conference Center
Dream destinations: Japan and Latin America
Drink or treat of choice: A lovely glass of wine — you can always wake me up for that!

For this event manager extraordinaire, the bigger the event is, the better.

Bas, a Banquet Manager at the Sheraton Amsterdam Airport Hotel and Conference Center, is responsible for 32 meeting rooms of event space, which can host groups of up to 600 people.

“Together with my team we ensure that every event, small or large, is a resounding success!” he says.

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Bas is one of the more recent members of Marriott’s LGBTQ+|ONE Associate Resource Group and is hoping to connect with more associates beyond his hotel through the group. “Joining this group brings me into contact with colleagues around the world and working with these people is an honor!” he says.

Bas says he already feels welcomed not just by the group, but by the company. “For me, it shows that everyone is welcome in this company and through this group, you can expand your network all over the world!”

Learn more about Bas’ experience as a new member of the LGBTQ+|ONE ARG and as an event planner at Marriott.

How do you think LGBTQ+|ONE has contributed to fostering a more inclusive and diverse workplace?

Having groups like LGBTQ+|ONE makes everyone feel at home at the hotel and at Marriott. Marriott makes no distinction between people with different ideas, preferences, or beliefs, and all of this ensures a pleasant and safe workplace.

What are your future goals within the Associate Resource Group?

To participate more actively in the ARG in order to put this group on the map in the Netherlands, too!

Sheraton Amsterdam Banquet Manager Bas ARG
Courtesy of Bas V.Z.

How would you describe Marriott’s culture?

Cozy and open! Everyone is always up for a chat and everyone’s door is always literally and figuratively open. Oftentimes working for Marriott doesn’t really feel like work — besides doing our actual day-to-day jobs, my colleagues and I do a lot of fun and enjoyable things together, from team outings to grabbing a drink.

What is your favorite part of the job?

My colleagues! And not knowing what the next day is going to be like, and how we’ll make it a success again. Furthermore, I really get a kick out of large groups! Events of more than 300 people and lasting several days, those are the events I do it for!

How would you describe your experience as a Marriott associate?

Very good! I was very well supervised early in my career at Marriott, so I can now really reap the benefits. Marriott, and Sheraton in particular, have allowed me to grow at my own pace and they give me the opportunity to do so. As a Marriott employee, you can be proud of the company you work for and be recognized for what you do!

Sheraton Amsterdam Banquet Manager Bas ARG

What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?

[Working at] The hotel’s biggest event which took place in February. The event consisted of 550 people including lunches, walking dinners, DJs, parties — you name it. What a wonderful week that was and what a success!

How have you used the Marriott Explore Rate?

The Marriott Explore Rate is something I use almost every month! Just a weekend in London or a long holiday to America, the Marriott App is the first thing I check.

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