 | • Infused flavors 'water bar' As the summer heat begins to wain with the arrival of fall, planners want to make sure their attendees continue making proper hydration a priority through the entirety of the gathering. Regardless of the season, staying hydrated can reduce fatigue, help with headaches, and promote good digestion, just to name a few benefits. Radisson Blu Mall of America offers attendees flavor options for their water at the new H2O Mixology Bar. |
| The idea stemmed from when Allen Plante, Director of Banquets and Events, saw a Broadway instructor with a water bottle which housed an infuser, filled with lemon and rosemary. This got him thinking about the guests of Radisson Blu and how they may enjoy the added benefits of a ‘water bar.’ Guests are given an array of options from the H2O Mixology menu; Strawberry Jalepeno, Cucumber Rosemary, Honeydew Sage, Lemon Ginger, Rosemary Lemon, Cucumber Jalepeno Mint, Orange Blueberry, and Double Mint. Radisson Blu is pleased to provide fruits, vegetables, and herbs that are, mostly, locally sourced. |  |
 | The beauty of the water bar is it can be used at any time of day and for any event. The ‘Water Doctor,’ as the servers are called, wear white lab coats and glasses. Water, branded infuser bottles, and fresh ingredients await guests to choose from a suggested recipe or to come up with their own combination of flavors. All of this creates a WOW factor and sets the scene for guests to learn the benefits of different ingredients and have fun with it all. For larger groups, Plante suggests selecting four recipes and have them ready for the group when they break from the meeting, the Water Doctor will continue to make up bottles for the ‘live action’ feel while attendees take bottles to go. |
The additional wow factor is the souvenir water bottle. Radisson Blu has recently focused on creating “Memorable Moments,” by creating experiences such as the H2O Mixology Bar. They take this idea one step further with the souvenir of the guests’ experience.
Gina Zappa, Director of Business Administration, Direct Travel, had the pleasure of attending a meeting at the Radisson Blu Mall of America, where they offered an H2O Mixology Bar to attendees. “It was so different and fun!” exclaimed Zappa. “You don’t typically see a bar set-up during a meeting in the middle of the day, but then I learned it was actually a mixology station. They had a great selection of options listed on the menu including variations with ginger, cucumber, mint, and a variety of fresh fruit. You could either make a selection from the menu or have something customized based on your individual preferences. Taking it even further, was the great ambiance it created—instead of a traditional flower bouquet decorating the area, they adorned the bar with cute little pots of planted herbs—basil, thyme, etc…. I can’t wait to do something similar at my next meeting!”
Staying hydrated is a necessity. By making a necessary element an experience, planners are able to engage every attendees’ eye of whimsy. And that is something they will rave about long after the meeting has ended.
Gina Zappa, Director of Business Administration, Direct Travel, had the pleasure of attending a meeting at the Radisson Blu Mall of America, where they offered an H2O Mixology Bar to attendees. “It was so different and fun!” exclaimed Zappa. “You don’t typically see a bar set-up during a meeting in the middle of the day, but then I learned it was actually a mixology station. They had a great selection of options listed on the menu including variations with ginger, cucumber, mint, and a variety of fresh fruit. You could either make a selection from the menu or have something customized based on your individual preferences. Taking it even further, was the great ambiance it created—instead of a traditional flower bouquet decorating the area, they adorned the bar with cute little pots of planted herbs—basil, thyme, etc…. I can’t wait to do something similar at my next meeting!”
Staying hydrated is a necessity. By making a necessary element an experience, planners are able to engage every attendees’ eye of whimsy. And that is something they will rave about long after the meeting has ended.
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