Property Overview
Located in downtown Los Angeles, the JW Marriott L.A. LIVE is a luxury hotel and event center catering to big conventions and exclusive events. The hotel is connected to L.A. LIVE, the city’s huge entertainment and sports complex which includes the Los Angeles Convention Center and the Crypto.com Arena, home of the Los Angeles Lakers (NBA), Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA), and the Los Angeles Kings (NHL). The JW Marriott L.A. LIVE hosts over 30 million dollars’ worth of high-end events per year, from posh Hollywood events to prime sporting events.
“We’re a convention hotel, with 90% of our business coming from conventions and 10% from social events,” said Winston Walden, the Director of Event Operations at the JW Marriott Los Angeles at L.A. LIVE. “We host the Emmys, we do the after-parties, the VIP meets, and the media center. After people win awards, they come over here, so we host the winners.”
Setting the Bar High
Since they host such high-visibility events, there’s a lot of pressure to maintain a spotless venue and impeccable service. “People come to the JW Marriott L.A. LIVE with high expectations,” says Walden. “We’ve got the prime location for downtown LA events. We set the trends, so when people come here, they expect the very best.”
After several years of use, the property’s old chairs needed to be replaced. They weren’t all matching, and some had tears, so they had to use Spandex covers over them. “We were looking for new chairs that were durable, timeless, and attractive,” said Walden, Director of Event Operations at the JW Marriott Los Angeles at L.A. LIVE. The furniture needed to complement events of all types, from black tie formal ceremonies to super-casual, after-game parties.
Winston Walden had worked with MityLite products before and appreciated their durability. “I called up [my sales representative] Holli Webb at MityLite and was immediately impressed with her knowledge,” said Walden. “Her professionalism stood out, and she got my trust right away. We talked about the property’s needs, and I asked her if I could get a sample.”
Finding the Best Chair for Red Carpet Events
Walden said his sales representative, Holli, “knocked it out of the park” with a sample of the MityLite Classic Banquet Chair. This design matched their criteria for appearance, comfort, and utility.
In all, Walden talked to five companies and requested samples from each. After the samples had all arrived, Walden lined them up and invited the owner and general manager to come and check them out.
“We all liked the timeless look of the MityLite chairs and how they feel when you sit in them,” said Walden. “The owner was really intrigued with the flex-back, which is more comfortable than other banquet chairs. I liked the way they stacked 10 high — that means we can set up and take down events faster. We also liked the foam cushions best on the MityLite chair and the way the foam sprang back so well.”
The Solution: MityLite Banquet Chairs
JW Marriott at L.A. LIVE selected the MityLite Classic Banquet Chair, adding the flex-back feature so that guests can lean back in their seats for individual comfort. They ordered 5,000 chairs in a dark color that contrasted with the carpet for a sleek, modern look.
The chairs arrived last October in several waves of shipments. “They shipped quickly for such a large order. My sales rep made sure that everything was ready — loading deck size, etc. — so it was a flawless transition from the old chairs to the new ones.”
Walden and the events team like the stacking density of the MityLite chairs — since they stack two chairs higher than their old chairs, they can cart around chairs more quickly. He also really likes not having to use spandex chair covers anymore.
Getting the new chairs has simplified event setup and added to the property’s aesthetic. “My ROI is great on the MityLite banquet chairs. We set up faster. It’s made the whole look and feel of the property more elegant, clean, and slick.”
“I’ve never heard anybody say anything bad about the new chairs,” said Walden. “Everybody loves the MityLite chairs and the touch and feel of them. People like the design, the color, and the graceful lines, which look great at red carpet events or casual after-game parties.”
Advice to Other Properties
When asked if he has any advice for properties in the market for new chairs, Walden has some actionable tips to share. “Choose something in a color that contrasts with the floor. It makes a big difference in big event venues, so it’s not just one solid color,” he said.
Walden also said that working with a knowledgeable sales rep makes all the difference. “It’s important to understand that getting event furniture is a process, and it’ll be easier if you find a sales rep you trust. Holli was phenomenal. I let her lead, and she found the best solutions for our property. I’d tell her, ‘This is what we need’ and she’d say, ‘Have you ever tried this?’ She anticipated every need and solved every problem.”
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Products Featured in This Article
Classic Banquet Chair
6 Chair Back Styles, 3 Seat Styles
