Hi friends,

 

We all continue to do the very best we can amid an ever-changing landscape. Creative minds and partnerships are working together on solutions to tackle issues, such as hospitality staffing shortages, by providing self-service options and expansion of virtual and hybrid offerings. Consumer expectations have mostly adjusted with the understanding that we are not operating under the traditional business model of pre-pandemic life. 

 

The good news is, there indeed is a safe way to meet. The US Travel Association along with the Exhibtitions and Conferences Alliance just sponsored a “Let’s Meet There” media event showcasing industry leaders discussing the safe return of travel, professional meetings, and exhibitions. Click here to watch this insightful media event. 

 

As our industry works together to navigate these uncertain times, it’s especially important to focus on mental health and the balance of well-being alongside personal and professional obligations. One way to increase moral and motivate your team is by focusing on short-term goals. I tell my team that while long-term goal setting is very important, short term goals can build momentum and deliver quick wins. In difficult times, having a series of wins can make things feel a little more stable and in control. Short term goals also allow you to see what’s working and what isn’t much quicker as you’ll be evaluating things more frequently. 

 

As we enter this season of autumn together, I urge you to take a deep breath, reflect, and celebrate the small wins. 

Executive Director

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Eat and Meet the Yale Schwarzman Center 

Our very own Shannon LeGault, YC&E Senior Program Director, recently enjoyed lunch at Commons and said, “The space looks great and the staff seemed super happy to welcome people and show them around!”

The extensive renovations also created additional dining spaces, like The Bow Wow (grab-and-go), and the soon-to-be-open Elm (global café), Ivy (pub-fare and sushi), and The Well (21+ pub). Stay tuned for opening dates and be sure to stop in the next time you’re nearby and grab a bite at YSC!

Self-guided tours are now available to members of the Yale community through this sign-up form.

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Hotel Marcel: Historic Building Takes on New Life as Country’s First Net Zero Energy Hotel

Designed in 1967 by famed modernist architect Marcel Breuer, the Pirelli Tire Building in the Long Wharf district of New Haven has long stood vacant (for 32 years to be exact). That’s about to change thanks to local developer Bruce Becker (Becker + Becker) who set out to turn this historic building into Hotel Marcel, the country’s first net zero energy hotel. 

VIDEO: Listen to Bruce Becker describe the passion driving his Hotel Marcel project

Opening in January of 2022, Hotel Marcel features 165-guestrooms and 8 meeting spaces, including an impressive 2,500 square-foot loggia. This one-of-a-kind hospitality destination also boasts 8 historic suites on the 8th floor, formerly the Pirelli executive suites, and a full service restaurant, lounge, and bar. But perhaps most impressive are the massive solar panel arrays on its roof and parking lot canopies, which will capture 100% of the energy needed to run the hotel (no fossil fuels needed). Every detail of the hotel has been treated with the up-most care, from the sustainably-packaged toiletries to the soft and modern interior design.

Hotel Marcel is located at 500 Sargent Drive, just off I-95 and within two miles of downtown New Haven and Yale University, and close to the Amtrak and Metro North train station. For more information, be sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram!

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Update: Yale Events, Gatherings, and Meetings

The most recent update to Yale’s events, gatherings, and meetings requirements was recently published and unfortunately not much has changed in terms of loosening some of the restrictions set in place right after Labor Day. However, Yale department heads can now choose to host a larger event as long as they comply with the conditions outlined on the events and gatherings page:

“The leadership of academic and administrative units, such as deans and vice presidents, may plan and host on-campus gatherings larger than twenty (20) indoors or fifty (50) outdoors without additional approvals provided that they observe the conditions listed above and any guidance provided by the CRT.  If those planning such events have questions or concerns about those conditions or the CRT guidance, they should consult the CRT.”

Also, Yale units that host recurrent gatherings can submit their health and safety plan for approval for the entire series of gatherings, instead of getting approval for each gathering separately:

“Those units, such as Athletics and Hospitality, with CRT approved health and safety plans that address recurrent gatherings must follow those plans.  Units wishing to establish a health and safety plan for recurrent gatherings should contact the CRT at covidreviewteam@yale.edu.”

YC&E’s Greenberg Conference Center recently took advantage of this by submitting a health and safety plan for approval for our Outdoor Classroom tent. Since our tent is approved for re-occurring events, our clients don’t have to worry about this step in their planning process. We recommend going through this process if you manage a venue/space on campus or are planning a re-occurring event.

As always, YC&E is happy to answer your questions and provide guidance. Feel free to send us a message!

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ICYMI: In Case You Missed It

Student Move-In: Fall 2021

Last month, our YC&E team helped Yale College welcome the largest class in Yale’s recent history during student move-in. Approximately 5,221 students (more than 99% of the residential population) created move-in appointments through the student portal created by our YC&E operations team. These appointments became invaluable during Hurricane Henry by helping the university act quickly to reschedule students whose travel plans were impacted by the storm. 

Outdoor Classroom Extension
We are happy to announce that our Outdoor Classroom is now available for an additional month, through November 4th! Located at the Greenberg Conference Center, the outdoor classroom offers a unique opportunity to host intimate staff retreats in a beautiful outdoor setting on Farnam Gardens. The tented space accommodates 10-20 people with several retreat options available. To view our brochure with more information, click here.

Staff Picks: Favorite Food in New Haven
Earlier this summer, the YC&E social media team launched a series highlighting the incredible cuisine found in New Haven, including: New Restaurants, Outdoor Dining, Summer Treats, Food Trucks, and Global Cuisine. We wrapped up this summer series by spotlighting our very own staff’s local favorites. Check out our resident foodies’ top picks here and let us know what you think!

“Fall” into Fun!

Fall brings with it not only the foliage and cooler temperatures, but also an influx of autumn-inspired fun for the whole family.

From pumpkin patches and spooky fun, to Oktoberfest and football games, here are a few events happening in and around New Haven to help you make the most of this season.
 

Ansonia Harvest Festival (9/25, 11am to 5pm)

Hamden Brooksvale Fall Festival (9/25, 11am to 4pm)

East Rock Brewing Company Oktoberfest (10/2, 1pm to 5pm)

The Pumpkin Patch 2021 (10/2 – 10/31, 11am to 4pm, Sat-Sun)

New Haven Restaurant Week (10/3 – 10/16)

The New Haven Night Market (10/8, 5pm to 10pm)

Bear’s Smokehouse New Haven Oktoberfest (10/16, 12pm to 9pm)

Trail of Terror 2021 (various dates and times in October)

The Rocky Horror Show (various dates and times in October)

Yale Football Game (various dates and times)

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