00

[Chapter]

INTRODUCTION

chapter
symbol

page #
title
00 Introduction. ........................................................i

01 Space Planning & Interior Design. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Revised: January 2013

02 Fire Protection & Life Safety. ...................................15

03 Support & Facilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

04 Acoustics, Noise & Vibration Control...................45

Revised: January 2013

05 Operable Partitions. ..........................................59

Revised: January 2013

06 Audio / Visual. ................................................. 67

07 Voice & Data.................................................................99

08 Lighting.....................................................................107

09 Electric Power...........................................................121

10 HVAC. ...................................................................127

Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center

GM Wintergarden

© Marriott International, Inc. | Revised: January 2013 00 Introduction | May 2007 i

 Program A - Digital Photography Photo Shoot

Introduction
The Event Space Design (ESD) document is intended
to inform, educate, and assist the design and operations
team with making wise decisions when designing or
renovating event facilities. From small Boardrooms
to Ballrooms and Exhibit Halls where large events are
hosted, providing flexible, high quality facilities and
support is the top priority to maximize the experience
Atlanta Marriott Marquis

and satisfaction of our guests.

>>
Marriott Marquis
Atlanta, GA

Approach
The ESD’s goal is to provide a comprehensive reference that informs and
educates the user about the interrelated factors that define event facilities.
While the document outlines the minimum requirements and ideal
alternatives for event space design, inevitable project limitations may require
participants to consider balanced compromises. When used appropriately,
the ESD will provide the information that permits the team to make
wise decisions that balance the project’s limitations with the operational
consequences.

DEVELOPMENT

The Event Space Design

supplement aspires
BRAND to balance important
OPERATIONS A&C decisions and improve
communication between
cooperating parties.

Illustration 0-01

ii 00 Introduction | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc.

 The ESD has been created to help guide the design teams in making
informed decisions and to facilitate communication and broaden the
overlapping circle of knowledge. (See Illustration 0-02)

Issue Implication Consequence

>>

Dallas Marriott Solana A point, matter, Something implied or An act or instance

Westlake Boardroomt or dispute, the suggested as naturally of following
decision of which is to be inferred or something as an
of special or public understood effect, result, or
importance outcome

Illustration 0-02

Just as there are implications for every issue, there are also consequences that
result from the decisions made.
Wherever possible, visual illustrations are used to convey the message
more clearly to a broad spectrum of intended users. The diagrams below
(Illustrations 0-03 and 0-04) illustrate the underlying principle for
presenting information in the ESD:

The chapters are organized sequentially from

general subjects to specific subjects, from top to
bottom. This organizing principle, along with the
color coding of the chapters, assists the reader in
navigating through the document. General Event Management
Chapter 1: Space Planning & Space Planning & •

>>
Interior Design Interior Design
Chapter 2: Life Safety • Life Safety
Chapter 3: Support Facilities • Support Facilities
Chapter 4: Acoustics, Noise & • Acoustics, Noise &
Vibration Control Vibration Control
Chapter 5: Operable Partitions • Operable Partitions
Chapter 6: Audio / Visual • Audio / Visual
Chapter 7: Voice / Data • Voice / Data
Chapter 8: Lighting • Lighting
Chapter 9: Electric Power • Electric Power
Chapter 10: HVAC • HVAC
>>

Specific
The diagram above illustrates our integrated
approach to presenting information; one
topic interrelates with all other subjects.

Illustration 0-03 Illustration 0-04

© Marriott International, Inc. 00 Introduction | May 2007 iii

Useful Event Management Links
The links provided below offer a wealth of information related to Event
Management. Other topic-related links are located at the end of each chapter
under “Operating Procedures.”

• Event Management Home Page on MGS

Link

• Event Management Tools and Resources

The tools and resources listed below are helpful in developing
your action steps. Link

>>
+ Business Planning Template
+ Equipment
+ Glossary of Terms
Marriott City Center
+ Organizational Strategy and Implementation Salt Lake City , UT
+ Standards
+ Training and Certification
+ Vendors

• Event Operations Standards

Helpful tools and resources related to Event Operations.
Link

Phoenix, AZ
JW Marriott Desert Ridge

>>

iv 00 Introduction | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc.

 In the pdf version of the ESD, bookmarks and the Navigation Tools
navigation bar help one quickly navigate within
the document.
The electronic version (.pdf) of this document utilizes 3 useful tools to assist

>>
the user in navigating within the document as well as to locate the most
current sources on Marriott Global Source (MGS).

02
[Chapter]

• When clicked, Links direct you to the electronic document on

FIRE PROTECTION &
LIFE SAFETY
MGS. You must have access to both MGS and the world wide
web in order to use this feature. Directions for how to use MGS
• Chapter Contents 15
• Required Standards 16
• Introduction 16
• Required Criteria 17

are on the next page.

• Assembly Criteria 17
• Exiting Criteria 18
• Prefunction Areas 19
• Operational Procedures 20

A
Additional Assistance 2 0

• Bookmarks are used in the Title Pages at the beginning of each

chapter. When clicked on, they take you to the topic within the
chapter. See A .
• The Navigation Bar appears on the bottom of every other page.
Clicking on a chapter button will direct you to the title page of

02 the desired chapter. See B .

[Chapter]
B
New York Marriott Marquis Times Square

‰Ä I # ; 12 §¤ 5 Ÿ ž7 Fire Protection & | May 2007 15

Life Safety

FIRE PROTECTION &

LIFE SAFETY
• Chapter Contents 15
• Required Standards 16
• Introduction 16
•
•
Required Criteria
Assembly Criteria
17
17 A Chapter 04: Acoustics, Noise & Vibration Control
• Exiting Criteria 18
•
Chapter 01: Space Planning & Interior Design

Prefunction Areas 19
• Operational Procedures 20

Additional Assistance 2 0 Chapter 05: Operable Partitions

Chapter 03: Support Facilities

Chapter 09: Electric Power

Chapter 06: Audio / Visual
Chapter 00: Introduction

Chapter 07: Voice / Data

Chapter 02: Life Safety

Chapter 08: Lighting

New York Marriott Marquis Times Square

Chapter 10: HVAC
‰Ä I # ; 12 §¤ 5 Ÿ ž7 Fire Protection & | May 2007 15
Life Safety

B         
>>

The navigation bar appears on every other

page of the pdf version of the document. These
buttons direct you to the desired chapter.

© Marriott International, Inc. 00 Introduction | May 2007 v

Access to Marriott Global Source (MGS)
A wealth of information can be accessed on Marriott Global Source (MGS),
including the most current Design Standards and SOP’s.

1 Open MGS. On your computer, open up

Internet Explorer and type the following
URL into the address bar:

http://mgs.marriott.com/
The window shown in Frame 1 will
appear. Click on “Enter Marriott Global
Source.”
Frame 1

2 Log on to MGS. The log-on screen will

appear (as shown in Frame 2 ). You must
have a log-on name and password to
Enter MGS. Once you enter your log-on
name and password, click “log on.”

Frame 2

3 Conduct a Search. After you click “log

on” (Frame 2 ), the screen to the right
(Frame 3 ) will appear. To conduct a
search, locate the search tool in the
upper right region of the screen and type
in the information you are seeking. Click
“search.”

Frame 3

4 Searching and Advanced Searching. A

page similar to what is shown to the
right (Frame 4 ) will appear, showing
descriptions of the files.
The advanced search options allow you to
search by: brand, document size, format,
region, relevance, and related searches.
All Design Standards are available in .pdf
Frame 4 and .doc formats.

5 Search Completed. Click on the desired

file and follow the prompts to download.

Frame 5

vi 00 Introduction | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc.

 Search Capabilities
If you are looking for a specific item within the document, you can utilize
the search tool in Adobe Acrobat.

1 Open the ESD. The window shown in

Frame 1 will appear.

Frame 1

2 Click on the Search Tool. The search icon

is depicted by binoculars, as shown in
Frame 2.

Frame 2

3 Conduct a Search. Once you click on the

search tool (Frame 2 ), the screen to the
right (Frame 3 ) will appear. Type in the
information you are looking for in the
text box and click “search.”

Frame 3

4 Searching and Advanced Searching. A

page similar to what is shown to the
right (Frame 4 ) will appear.
You can refine your search with advanced
options.

Frame 4

[ End of Introduction ]

© Marriott International, Inc. 00 Introduction | May 2007 vii

 01
[Chapter]

SPACE PLANNING &

INTERIOR DESIGN
• Chapter Contents 1
• Introduction 2
• Ballroom Adjacencies 3
• Meeting Room Adjacencies 4
• Function Spaces: Interior Design General 5
• Boardroom 6
• Meeting Rooms 8
• Prefunction 10
• Ballroom 11
• Exhibit Hall 12
Operational Procedures 1 3

Revised: January 2013

Supersedes: March 2010 and previous editions.
Vertical line in page margin indicates
revised text or change.

Renaissance Worthington Hotel Fort Worth

Grand Ballroom Foyer

© Marriott International, Inc. | Revised: January 2013 01 Space Planning & | May 2007 1
Interior Design
Space Planning &
Interior
Design

>>
Establishing strong relationships between function
space, support space, and processional space is a Marriott Waterfront
Seattle, WA
cornerstone of the event experience. As a starting point,
this chapter addresses 2 fundamental components that
interrelate and reinforce one another: basic space planning
principles and guidelines for various event spaces.

In addition to developing strong, logical spatial

relationships, the space planning component must also
factor in project specific circumstances such as program,
site, client, budget and brand. The ideas expressed in this
chapter (adjacency diagrams) are intended to be used as a
starting point for discussion—not a final solution.

Additionally, the basic guidelines and characteristics that

define various event spaces are provided in order to educate
the user and to present a basic design framework. Spatial
proportions, approximate size, and surface treatments
are described, yet it is important to understand that
these features may vary from what is presented in this
document.

2 01 Space Planning & | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc.

Interior Design
 Ballroom Adjacencies

Ballroom Adjacency Diagram

Function / Event Space Toilets Storage

Utility / Support Space Prefunction

Phones

Service Station
2m Wide

Partition
Door Storage

Back-of-House Corridor 4m Wide

Ballroom
Natural Light: Where possible introduce natural
light at windows; views preferred. Prefunction
35% to 40% of

L=1.75 x W
Ballroom Area
(Preferred Shape)
Dishwashing /
W Pantry /
Beverage /
Coolers

Prefunction

Foyer
Toilets Service
Elevators

Illustration 1-01

Meeting Rooms

© Marriott International, Inc. | Revised: January 2013 01 Space Planning & | May 2007 3
Interior Design
Meeting Room Adjacencies

Meeting Room Adjacency Diagram

To Ballroom
Service Function / Event Space
Elevators
Passenger
2000 kg
Elevators Pantry
1600 kg
Utility / Support Space

Foyer

Toilets

Coat

Meeting Room
Phone

Back-of-House Corridor 2m Wide

Public Circulation 3.2m Wide

To Hotel Lobby
Prefunction Meeting Room Natural Light: Where possible introduce natural
light at windows; views preferred.

Meeting Room Meeting Room

Business Center

Meeting Room

To Function Porte Cochere

Illustration 1-02

4 01 Space Planning & | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc.

Interior Design
 Function Spaces: Interior Design General
Function area interior design is required to accommodate a variety of spaces
and functions.

SCALE
Function areas are typically large volumes that require selecting items and
designs that are scaled to the space.

FLEXIBILITY
Function areas are used for a wide variety of activities. Select and size
furnishings so that they can be moved and rearranged easily.
>>

STYLE
Function area interior design is intended to serve as a back-drop to a variety
Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Center
Ontario Boardroom of events. Therefore, the interior design style should not overwhelm the space
and prevent it from being customized to support guests’ program.

DURABILITY
Furnishings, finishes and details must be selected with a high priority for
durability due to the number of people being hosted, the variety of activities
staged and the requirement to constantly reconfigure spaces.

COORDINATION
Interior design of function areas must complement the design of the other
areas of the hotel.

SIGNAGE & GRAPHICS

Signage and graphics must be integrated with the interior design of the
facility.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Furnishings are required to support F&B functions. Credenzas, seating
arrangements, registration desks, tables, etc. require coordination of finishes,
size and location to verify they perform properly.

© Marriott International, Inc. 01 Space Planning & | May 2007 5

Interior Design
Boardroom
PROGRAM / PURPOSE
• Average area ~ 50 m2 (500 sq. ft.) for Boardroom only.
• Highest degree of privacy, the participants, activities and
discussions within a Boardroom should not be visible or detectable
beyond the principal meeting area.
• The “typical” Boardroom is a “premium” Meeting Room with
fixed table and seating accessed from a general corridor or
Prefunction. Ideally, a full service Boardroom would be entered
through a private Foyer, to a Lounge Seating area and then to the
main Conference area. A private Toilet and supporting Service
Pantry, accessed either from the Prefunction or Service Corridor
are optional desirable amenities.

>>
• Natural Light: Where possible introduce natural light at windows;
views preferred.
• Outdoor terrace or balcony areas are highly desirable. London Marriott Hotel Park Lane
• Quantity and size of Boardrooms are dictated by the project Executive Boardroom
specific Facilities Program.

RELATIONSHIP / NEIGHBORHOOD
• Primary function is to host small meetings for executive hotel
guests and senior guests using the Ballroom and Exhibit Hall.
• Secondary: Support the meeting and presentation needs of the
hotel’s Executive Staff and Sales and Marketing Departments.
• Typically situated/positioned in the general proximity of the
Conference / Meeting Room areas, Ballroom Prefunction,
Executive Business Center, or Executive Offices. In larger
facilities, multiple Boardrooms might be provided and would
generally be distributed as noted.

Typical Boardroom Space Planning Diagram

with Optional Support Functions

Lounge Seating Pantry

Boardroom

Toilet Foyer

Illustration 1-03

6 01 Space Planning & | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc.

Interior Design
 INTERIOR EXECUTION
JW Marriott Hotel San Francisco • Corporate, formal interior décor, with premium execution of mill
Boardroom work / paneling, upholstered walls, detailed ceilings, lighting,
flooring and built-in accessories.
• Permanent installation of executive conference table with assigned
>>

seating for 10 to 12 participants (including individual built-in

electrical, telecommunication and data ports).
• Clear Ceiling Height: Typically ~ 3 to 3.50 m (10 to 12 ft.) above
floor, preferably coffered ceiling with programmable decorative
and task lighting.
• Window Treatments: Decorative side and valance panels with
full sheer and black-out drapery or shades.

FEATURES
• Recessed Credenza.

ACOUSTICS
• See Chapter 4: Acoustics, Noise & Vibration Control.

COMMUNICATIONS. AUDIO / VISUAL

• Object Wall: Selected A/V equipment as appropriate. That
typically includes a flat panel TV.
• Provide telephones.
• Include a minimum of two computer data ports.
• See Chapter 6: A/V.
4
LIGHTING CONTROLS
• See Chapter 8: Lighting.
2

Example: Boardroom Plan

3
4

1
2

1 Object Wall
2 Credenza
3 Executive Conference Table With 3
Seating for 10-12
4 Service Entrance
1

Illustration 1-04
1 Object Wall
2 Credenza
3 Executive Conference Table With
© Marriott International, Inc. Seating for 10-12 01 Space Planning & | May 2007 7
Interior Design
4 Service Entrance
Meeting Rooms
PROGRAM / PURPOSE
• Average area ~ 60 to 120 m2 (650 to 1300 sq. ft.).
• Multi-functional room proportions, typically rectangular to near
square.
• Sized for the staging of small to medium assemblies, generally of
50 persons or less typically, in classroom, seminar, conference or
theatre configurations.
• Larger Meeting Rooms +90 m2 (1,000 sq. ft) may be divisible by
operable walls.

>>
• Several adjacent Meeting Rooms might be combinable to an area
not to exceed 300 m2 (3,200 sq. ft.).
• Natural Light: Where possible introduce natural light at windows;
The Buttes, A Marriott Resort
views preferred. Meeting Room
• Outdoor terrace or balcony areas are highly desirable.
• Quantity and size of Meeting Rooms are dictated by the project
specific Facilities Program.

RELATIONSHIPS / NEIGHBORHOOD
• Primary purpose is to support “break-out” functions and meetings
of the main Ballroom or Exhibition Hall areas.
• Secondary purpose is to accommodate smaller hotel meeting and
conference customers.
• May be situated / positioned along the gallery / passage
connecting the hotel’s main lobby and satellite function lobby /
arrival, equally accessible from the hotel guestrooms and Meeting
/ Convention Facilities.
• In larger facilities, Meeting Rooms might be distributed
throughout the hotel and situated on multiple levels, however,
the preferred arrangement is their placement in support of the
Meeting / Convention Facilities.
• Meeting Rooms might share a lobby / Prefunction space or be
clustered about a “communal living room.”
• Shared Prefunctions of Meeting Rooms and Ballrooms should be
avoided.
• Guest access / circulation through Meeting and Ballroom
Prefunction spaces should be avoided since Prefunctions are
provided for the quite enjoyment of the adjacent assemblies.
• Direct Service Corridor support is preferred, however, catering
might be delivered through the main entry door(s) or staged in
the Prefunction if required.
• Toilets are typically provided for the exclusive use of function
area guests.

8 01 Space Planning & | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc.

Interior Design
 • If remote from the main Banquet Kitchen or Service Corridor, a
satellite pantry / staging room is required.
Marriott Downtown
Salt Lake City , UT • If remote from the main Banquet Storage, provide a secondary
store room equal to 12 m2 (130 sq. ft.) or 5% of the meeting area,
whichever is greater.
<<

INTERIOR EXECUTION
• Business multi-purpose interior décor, moderately decorative,
nominal interior millwork, preferably “tackable” vinyl /fabric wall
surfaces, combination presentation and chair rails.
• Window Treatments: Decorative side and valance panels with
full sheer and black-out drapery or shades.
• Clear Ceiling Height: Minimum ~ 3.50 m (12 ft.) above floor.

FEATURES
• Similar to Ballroom
• Recessed Credenza: Consider recess for built-in credenza style
case piece with granite top and wood cabinetry for food and
beverage service.

ACOUSTICS
• See Chapter 4: Acoustics, Noise & Vibration Control.

COMMUNICATIONS. AUDIO / VISUAL

• Provide telephones.
• Include a minimum of two computer data.
• In order to provide flexibility in placement, the type and size of
projection screen, marker and tack board, and A / V equipment is
typically not “built-in”.
• See Chapter 6: A/V.

LIGHTING CONTROLS
• Locate dimmers for lighting in paneling at public / guest door.
• See Chapter 8: Lighting.

DOORS
• Meeting Rooms: See Ballroom doors on page 44.

© Marriott International, Inc. 01 Space Planning & | May 2007 9

Interior Design
Prefunction

PROGRAM
Accommodate space for assembly, reception, registration / coat rooms,
intermission activities, public toilets, telephones and Internet kiosks.

RELATIONSHIPS / NEIGHBORHOOD
• Primary: Ballroom; Meeting Rooms; Banquet Service Corridors.
• Secondary: Guest elevators, Lobby and circulation routes.
• Natural Light: Where possible introduce natural light at windows;
views preferred.
• Outdoor function terraces or lawns / gardens are highly

>>
advantageous and should be provided wherever feasible.
• Easily accessible from main Entrance and Lobby.
• Extend along front and sides of Ballroom. Renaissance
• Typically, provide a dedicated entrance directly from the exterior. Las Vegas, NV

• Provide an exterior Porte Cochere and Entrance similar, but

secondary to, the main hotel entrance (to avoid confusing guests).

SIZE / AREA
Area is typically 35 to 40% of net Ballroom and Meeting Room areas.
• Accommodate space for temporary set up of food and beverage.
• Corridor Width: Provide width to accommodate emergency
exiting, Ballroom partition pockets, food service set-up and
socializing area.
• Ceiling: 4.50 m (14.5 ft.) above floor minimum. Higher ceilings
required for larger facilities.

SEATING AREAS
• Area is generally used for “standing” functions and assemblies,
seating and furniture installations in pre-function areas are
dependent on and scaled to the size of Prefunction space.
• Maintain emergency egress pathways.
• Provide casual seating groups to accommodate relaxation and
conversation activities of meeting area guests. Size pieces to
accommodate easy re-configuration and removal by hotel staff.
<<

Marriott
Monterey, CA

10 01 Space Planning & | May 2007 | Revised: January 2013 © Marriott International, Inc.
Interior Design
 Ballroom
PROGRAM
Renaissance Ballroom
Detroit, MI • Primary: Large, column-free area for staging large business and
social functions.
• Secondary: Large area for staging exhibit events.
>>

• Average areas: Junior Ballrooms: 300 to 500 m2 (3,200 to 5,400

sq. ft.)
• Grand Ballrooms: 600 to 4,000 m2 (6,500 to 45,000 sq. ft.)
• Multi-functional room proportions, typically rectangular plan,
however, non-rectangular or stepped / indented configurations
may be considered. Curved or radius elements may be problematic.
• Salons and Subdivisions: Side and perimeter areas of larger
Ballrooms are divisible into small function salons utilizing
operable wall systems. Subdivisions of 80 to 100 m2 (900 to
1,000 sq. ft.) are customary. Central or main subdivisions are
considered at the center and quarter points of the whole Ballroom.
• Natural Light: Where possible introduce natural light at windows;
views preferred.
• Outdoor function terraces or lawns / gardens are highly
advantageous and should be provided wherever feasible.

Example: Ballroom Plan

Illustration 1-05
RELATIONSHIPS / NEIGHBORHOOD
• Although a crucial element of the hotel, the Ballroom and
Conference facilities might equally support a client or customer
who is not a resident guest of the hotel but a participant of an event
hosted in the Ballroom and Conference areas. Consequently, the
placement of these facilities must be convenient to the resident
hotel guest but separate enough so as not to compromise the
quiet enjoyment of the hotel’s core facilities and guestrooms of
non event participants. This degree of separation is often fostered
by the radically different architectural, structural and occupancy
differences of the two interdependent functions.

© Marriott International, Inc. 01 Space Planning & | May 2007 11

Interior Design
INTERIOR EXECUTION
• Business multipurpose interior décor, more decorative / formal
than the accompanying Meeting Rooms and less formal than
the Boardrooms. Higher degree of decorative interior millwork,
preferably “tackable” vinyl / fabric wall surfaces, combination
presentation and chair rails.
• Decorative yet functional / working ceilings receptive to multiple
event and theatrical mounting/staging points, theatrical lighting
and AV installations.
• Decorative / theme lighting, chandeliers, sconces or torchieres are
provided. Focal chandeliers should be designed / installed so as not
to interfere or obstruct special event or theatrical presentations.
Chandeliers may be retractable or removable.
• Window Treatments: Decorative side and valance panels with
full sheer and black-out drapery or shades.

ACOUSTICS
• See Chapter 4: Acoustics, Noise & Vibration Control.

COMMUNICATIONS. AUDIO / VISUAL

• See Chapter 6: A/V.

LIGHTING CONTROLS
• Locate dimmers for lighting in paneling at public / guest door.
• See Chapter 8: Lighting.

Exhibit Hall
PROGRAM
• Primary: Space is typically used to stage large exhibits and
promotional events.
• Secondary: Space may be required to accommodate large social
and business events similar to the Ballroom.

RELATIONSHIPS / NEIGHBORHOOD
• Entrance: Dedicated entry to exterior required.
• Service: Access to loading dock, exhibit entry and service
infrastructure required. Dedicated area separate from hotel is
preferred to avoid circulation and security conflicts.

INTERIOR DECOR
• General: Elements similar to Ballroom but with an emphasis on
durability and simplicity. Degree of difference is dependant on the

12 01 Space Planning & | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc.

Interior Design
 intended use solely as an exhibit venue or the desire to flexibly use
for social and business functions. (refer to Chapter 3: Support
Facilities )

CEILING
• Open ceiling designs are preferred.

FLOOR
• Carpet tiles are typically used due to the degree of abuse, however,
interior design options are limited. If space is intended to be used
frequently for social and business events, broadloom carpet may
be appropriate.
Example: Exhibit Hall Plan

Illustration 1-06
WALLS
• Design elements (millwork, lights, reveals, etc.) are used to
reduce the scale of the large wall. The walls serve as a backdrop to
functions rather than serving as a design focal point.

ACOUSTICS
• See Chapter 4: Acoustics, Noise & Vibration Control.

COMMUNICATIONS. AUDIO / VISUAL

• See Chapter 6: A/V.

LIGHTING CONTROLS
• Locate dimmers for lighting in paneling at public / guest door.
• See Chapter 8: Lighting.

© Marriott International, Inc. 01 Space Planning & | May 2007 13

Interior Design
Operational Procedures
• Event Operations Study Guide. Provides descriptions and
diagrams of table configurations as well as Meeting Room setup
types. Link
[ End of Chapter 1 ]

14 01 Space Planning & | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc.

Interior Design
 02
[Chapter]

FIRE PROTECTION &

LIFE SAFETY
• Chapter Contents 15
• Required Standards 16
• Introduction 16
• Required Criteria 17
• Assembly Criteria 17
• Exiting Criteria 18
• Prefunction Areas 19
• Operational Procedures 20

Additional Assistance 2 0

New York Marriott Marquis Times Square

© Marriott International, Inc. 02 Fire Protection & | May 2007 15

Life Safety
Fire Protection &
Life
Safety
The safety of our guests and associates is one of our

>>
highest priorities, particularly when large numbers of
guests are gathered for meetings and events. To address
Marriott Marquis Times Square
New York, New York
this priority, life safety and fire protection features are
incorporated into our facilities.

This fire protection and life safety overview is primarily

intended to provide event management personnel with
a basic awareness of the fire protection and life safety
considerations associated with assembly areas but can
also serve to provide a project design team with a better
understanding of Marriott’s criteria.

Required Standards
The following codes, regulations and referenced standards are the primary
criteria utilized to design fire protection and life safety for Marriott
facilities. One standard does not supersede the other. The requirements of
each standard are included and resolved into a unified plan. If a conflict is
encountered, Marriott’s Corporate Fire Protection group can assist with the
resolution.
• National Fire Protection Association. NFPA 101 Life Safety
Code - current edition
• Marriott Design Standards. Module 14: Fire Protection & Life
Safety - current edition. Link
• Governing Code of the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

16 02 Fire Protection & | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc.

Life Safety
 Required Criteria
The following partial list of Marriott’s criteria highlights the criterion
that most significantly influences the event space design and operation.
The project’s governing codes may require additional and more stringent
requirements.
This criterion assumes that the project is new and fully fire sprinklered.
Application to projects with existing conditions may vary and require
consultation with Marriott.
This summary is not a complete code study. The designer of record is
>>

responsible for developing a comprehensive fire protection and life safety plan
that integrates Marriott’s criteria and the governing codes with the unique
Renaissance arrangement of each event facility.
Washington, DC

Assembly Criteria
A Main Entrance / Exit:
The main entrance to assembly areas shall
Assembly Criteria Diagram
accommodate two-thirds (2/3 rds) of the
occupant load (12.2.3.6.2) and the other Illustration 2-01
exits shall accommodate one-half (1/2)
the occupant load (12.2.3.7). Therefore,
the total occupant load width is 116%.
This requirement recognizes the fact that Restaurant
the majority of assembly occupants, in Porte Cochere D
an emergency situation, will intuitively
attempt to exit the area through the door
they entered. Restrooms
Business Center
B Occupant Load Factor- Meeting, Ballroom Support
and Exhibit Halls: A Prefunction
0.65 m2 (7 sq. ft.) net per occupant (7.3.1.2).
The “concentrated use, without fixed
seating” load factor is used to reflect Sales
& Marketing’s desire to accommodate B C
receptions, dances and activities that
generate concentrated use. A “less Meeting Meeting
B Ballroom
concentrated use” factor would limit use
to banquet table set-ups only and would
severely limit sales opportunities.

C Occupant Load Factor - Boardroom:

1.4 m2 (15 sq. ft.) net per occupant for
Board Rooms with fixed table and seating
(7.3.1.2).
Assembly Occupancy Definition: 50 or more
D Occupant Load Factor – Restaurants & people (350 sq. ft. @ 7 sq. ft. per occupant)
Lounges: (3.3.168.2).
1.4 m2 (15 sq. ft.) net per occupant
(7.3.1.2). Horizontal Exits: not permitted. This
code strategy is appropriate when exiting
can be managed, such as in prisons or
The numerical reference after each topic is hospitals, but is deemed inappropriate
the NFPA 101 - 2006 item number. by Marriott for assembly uses for large
concentrations of occupants.

© Marriott International, Inc. 02 Fire Protection & | May 2007 17

Life Safety
Exiting Criteria
1 Travel Distance to Exits: 76 m (250 ft.). 7 Number of Exits: 2 minimum, unless
serving less than 50 occupants (7.5.1).
2 Dead-end Corridors: 6.1 m (20 ft.) max. 3 minimum for 500-1000 occupants. 4
(12.2.5.1.3). minimum for 1000 or more (7.4.1.2).

3 Common Path of Travel: 6.1 m (20 ft.) when 8 Exit Separation: separate a minimum
serving 50 or more persons or 23 m (75 of 1/3 the diagonal of the room or area
ft.) when serving less than 50 occupants (7.5.1.3).
(12.2.5.1.2).
9 Panic Hardware: required when
4 Egress Capacity Factors - Stairs: 0.8 cm occupant load is 100 or more (12.2.2.2).
(0.3 inch) per person (7.3.3.1).
10 Exiting at Hazardous Areas: Assembly
5 Egress Capacity Factors - Level Components, exiting is not permitted through
Doors & Ramps: 0.5 cm (0.2 inch) per person kitchens, storerooms, restrooms,
(7.3.3.1). closets, platforms, stages, projection
rooms or hazardous areas (12.2.5.2).
6 Doors in Movable Partitions: not permitted
as required exit.

Exiting Criteria Diagram

Porte Cochere

Prefunction
5

9 7

8
6 Ballroom Meeting Meeting

2
x
Kitchen 10
Illustration 2-02

18 02 Fire Protection & | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc.

Life Safety
 Prefunction Areas
From a life safety perspective, Prefunction areas are designed as transitory
spaces for uses incidental to the assembly function. Such uses include
registration tables, food & beverage set-ups and general circulation before
and after assembly events. Consequently, the area is assumed to be
“non-simultaneously occupied”; either the guests are in the meeting area or
in the Prefunction area but not in both areas at the same time. Therefore,
the Prefunction area is not assigned an exit occupant load and the exit
corridor and stair requirements are minimized.
Consequently, Marriott does not permit use of this area for other than
incidental uses unless the area was originally designed for or planned to
>>

accommodate the additional occupant load. If the Prefunction area is

being considered for other assembly uses, consult Marriott Corporate Fire
Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile
Prefunction Foyer Protection for assistance.
Prefunction Area Exit Access Diagram
Illustration 2-03
Occupant Load. If the Prefunction area is
intended for any assembly use (exhibits area,
reception party, restaurant function, etc.) at Restaurant
the same time as the meeting area, then an Porte Cochere
additional exit load and additional corridor,
door and stair capacity must be accommodated
or designed into the project. Exit Access Restrooms
Paths Business Center
Exit Access. The Prefunction area is the
Support
circulation path between the meeting area Prefunction
and exits and these paths must remain clear
and can not be used for or blocked by other
activities.
Exit Access Obstructions. Similarly, the
Meeting Room doors, paths and exit doors and Meeting Meeting
stairs can not be blocked by exhibits, food & Ballroom
beverage facilities, tables, chairs, props and
decorations.

Outdoor Venues
Outdoor areas such as pool decks, restaurant terraces and spa areas are
frequently used to offer variety and flexibility to event programs. However,
while open outdoor environments are inherently safe, they must also address
the requirements for dependable fire protection and life safety.
Of particular relevance is the requirement to provide two or more remote,
unobstructed means of egress for assembly events. For example, if a pool
deck is enclosed with a fence, then at least two exits are required in the event
of an emergency (12.2.4.4).

© Marriott International, Inc. 02 Fire Protection & | May 2007 19

Life Safety
If tents or other temporary structures are utilized for events, they must
conform to Marriott’s Tent and Temporary Structure Policy.

Operational Procedures
The following resources provide additional information for managing
specialized event activities. The referenced documents are available on
Marriott Global Source (MGS).

• Meeting Room Configurations and Setup Standards.

See Link and NFPA 101 - 12.2.5
• General Event Space Setup and Maintenance Standards.
See Link and NFPA 101 - 12.7.9
• Impediments to Egress: Prohibits the use of curtains, mirrors,
and decorations to conceal or obstruct required exits. See Link
and NFPA 101 - 7.5.2
• Stages and Platforms: Defines uses and prohibits blocking
required exits. See NFPA 101 - 12.4.5
• Crowd Managers: Defines the requirements for trained crowd
managers in assembly use. See NFPA 101 - 12.7.6
• Exhibits: See NFPA 101 - 12.7.5.3
• Tents and Temporary Structures: Outlines the policy and

>>
procedures for tents and temporary structures. See Link.
• Christmas Trees and Decorations: Defines the policy for
use of artificial, live and cut trees. See Link. JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes
• Candle Policy: Provides requirements and restrictions on the
use of lighted candles. See Link and NFPA 101 - 12.7.2
• Use of Pyrotechnics: Outlines the policy and procedures
for the indoor use of pyrotechnics. See Link and NFPA 101 -
12.7.3)

Additional Assistance
If you require assistance with the application of this information, contact
Marriott Corporate Fire Protection at 301 380 7502.

[ End of Chapter 2 ]

20 02 Fire Protection & | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc.

Life Safety
 03
[Chapter]

SUPPORT FACILITIES
• Chapter Contents 21
• Introduction 22
• Event Management Organization 23
• Director of Event Management (DEM) 24
• Director of Event Planning (DEP) 24
• Event Manager 25
• Director of Event Operations (DEO) 25
• Banquet Manager 26
• Event Services Manager 26
• Banquet Storage 26
• Event Technology Manager 27
• A/V Equipment Storage 28
• Sound Equipment Room 28
• Exhibit Storage 30
• Service Corridor 31
• Service Vestibules 32
• Exhibit Entry 33
• Telephone Areas 34
• Production Entry 34
• Business Center 35
• Toilets 36
• Coat Room 36
• Registration Desk 37
• Function Area Food & Beverage 37
• Banquet Kitchen 37
• Chef’s Office (Closing Room) 38
• Beverage Station 39
• Steward Area 39
• Ceiling Hang Facilities 40
• Ballroom—Meeting Room Doors 44

San Diego Marriott Hotel & Marina

© Marriott International, Inc. 03 Support Facilities | May 2007 21

Support
Facilities
From the event attendees perspective, the meeting
areas are the focus of their attention. However, successful
events can only be produced if supported by the proper
type of auxiliary spaces and services that permit seamless
event planning, set-up and execution.

>>
Selecting the appropriate support infrastructure requires
careful facilities planning and evaluation of the event Boston Marriott Long Wharf

market requirements in order to make the necessary

compromises required by each project’s limited budget,
size and market. Support facilities not included in the
original design may be difficult or impossible to add
later.

22 03 Support Facilities | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc.

 Event Management Organization
Successful events are the product of the dedicated efforts of a coordinated
event management team that plans, manages, and executes group events.
When the Sales Team has completed a contract for a client’s event, the
responsibility to produce the event is turned over to the Event Management
Team.
The Event Planning Team reviews and approves the contract, then plans
and details the event. The Event Operations Team executes all facets of that
event.

Administrative Offices
• Director Marketing
• Director of Sales
• Event Housing Director
Event Management
(DEM) Function Space
• Ballroom
• Meeting Room
• Board Room

Director Event Planning Director of Event Operations

(DEP) (DEO)

Event Event Event Banquets Event Event

Manager Manager Manager Services Tech.

The Event Management Team size

and division of responsibilities will Banquet Event Equipment
vary depending on the hotel’s size, Service Service Storage
Storage Storage
market and quantity of events. The
Event Management Team’s roles and
responsibilities at a small hotel may Director
of Event The DEM, DEP, and DEO
be shared by several individuals. At a Planning may consolidated into one
large resort or convention hotel, the position: Director of Event Equipment
& Planning & Operations. Room
Event Management Team may consist Operations
of multi-disciplined teams of event Smaller Hotels
managers and associates. Illustration 3-01

© Marriott International, Inc. 03 Support Facilities | May 2007 23

Director of Event Management (DEM)
Director of Event Management
The Director of Event Management (DEM) is administratively responsible
for all event activities at the hotel. The DEM coordinates event requirements
with the Director of Sales & Marketing and manages the activities of Event
Managers and is therefore typically located in the administrative office
area.
1. Location & Size
• Administrative office area adjacent to Sales Offices.
• 10 to 15 m2 (110 to 160 sq. ft.).
2. Features
• Enclosed office and door (for privacy).
• Standard office furnishings.
• Computer and phone.
3. Finishes
• Floor: Carpet.
• Walls: Vinyl wall covering.
• Ceiling: Acoustical tile.

Illustration 3-02

Director of Event Planning (DEP)

The Director of Event Planning (DEP) reviews event contracts to define
room assignments, room sets, menu plans and guest room blocking (with
event housing at larger hotels). The DEP reports to the DEM. At smaller
hotels, the DEM, DEP, and Event Manager may be an individual.
1. Location & Size
• Adjacent to DEM.
• 10 m2 (100 sq. ft.).
2. Features
• Office, open office or work station.
• Standard office furnishings.
• Computer and telephone.
3. Finishes
• Floor: Carpet.
• Walls: Vinyl wall covering.
• Ceiling: Acoustical tile.

24 03 Support Facilities | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc.

 Event Manager
At larger hotels, one or more event managers may support the Director of
Event Planning.
1. Location
• Adjacent to DEP.
2. Features
• Open office or workstation.
• Computer and telephone.

Event Manager

A B
B

A Director of Event Planning (DEP)

B Event Manager
Illustration 3-03

Director of Event Operations (DEO)

Director of Event Operations
The Director of Event Operations (DEO) is responsible for executing the
event program produced by the Event Planning team. The DEO reports
to the DEM but is ideally located adjacent to the Function Areas they
manage.
1. Size & Location
• Location: Adjacent to the Function Area.
• 10 m2 (100 sq. ft.).
2. Features
• Office, open office or work station.
• Standard office furnishings.
• Computer and telephone.
3. Finishes
• Floor: Carpet.
• Walls: Vinyl wall covering.
• Ceiling: Acoustical tile.
Illustration 3-04

© Marriott International, Inc. 03 Support Facilities | May 2007 25

Banquet Manager
Banquet Manager Office
The Banquet Manager is responsible for food and beverage service, execution
& presentation for events. This includes equipment related to all related
areas.
The Banquet Manager reports to the DEO and is located adjacent to the
Function Area they manage and the banquet service storage area they
control.
1. Size & Location
• Adjacent to Function Area.
• 10 m2 (100 sq. ft.).
2. Features
• Office / Open office or work station.
• Computer / telephone.

Event Services Manager

The Event Services Manager is responsible for event venue set-up that Illustration 3-05
includes movable partition placement, table and chair set-up and staging.
The Event Services Manager reports to the DEO and is located adjacent to
the Function Area and the event service storage area they control.
1. Size & Location
• When required (see project Facilities Program), locate the Event 13% of Ballrooms and
Service Manager’s Office off a foyer, behind the Ballroom. Meeting Rooms / net
area, minimum
• 9.3 m2 (100 sq. ft.).

>>
Banquet Storage
Provide an enclosed, secured room for the storage of banquet and event
service equipment associated with Ballrooms and Meeting Rooms.
1. Size / Area Ballroom &
Meeting Rooms
• 13% of Ballrooms and Meeting Rooms / net area, minimum.
• Where configurations do not permit single space, include
multiple storage areas in close proximity to respective rooms
being served.
• Ceiling: 3 m (10 ft.) minimum height.
13%
Illustration 3-06

26 03 Support Facilities | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc.

 Banquet Storage 2. Location
• Adjacent to Ballroom and Function Areas.
• Directly adjacent to service corridor.
• Ideally, event service and banquet service storage should be
separated in dedicated areas or rooms to avoid damage to the
A B
small banquet service items by the movement of the large event
service storage items (tables, chairs, stages, etc.).
3. Event services. Approximately 2/3 of the storage area is used for
large items such as banquet tables, chairs, staging, dance floors and
props.
4. Banquet services. Approximately 1/3 of the storage area is used
for small items typically stored on shelving such as the table top
B amenities, coffee service, linens, skirting and buffet service ware.
5. Finishes. Provide the following:
A
• Floor: Sealed concrete.
• Walls: Painted.
• Ceiling: Exposed structure.
6. Features
• Doors: Event Services - pair of doors - 6’-0” min. opening.
A Event Services • Doors: Banquet Services - single door - 4’-0” min. opening.
B Banquet Services • Hardware: Lock.
Illustration 3-07
• Finishes: Utility.
• Floor: Sealed concrete.

Event Technology Manager

Event Technology Manager Office
The Event Technology Manager is responsible for event audio and visual set-
up, execution and equipment.
The Event Technology Manager reports to the DEO and is located adjacent
to the Function Area and the A/V Equipment Storage Room they control.
1. Size & Location
• When required (see project Facilities Program), locate the Event
Service Manager’s Office off a foyer, behind the Ballroom.
• 9.3 m2 (100 sq. ft.).
2. Features
• Office, open office or work station.
• Standard office furnishings.
• Computer and telephone.
3. Finishes
• Floor: Carpet.
• Walls: Vinyl wall covering.
Illustration 3-08 • Ceiling: Acoustical tile.

© Marriott International, Inc. 03 Support Facilities | May 2007 27

A/V Equipment Storage
A/V Equipment Storage
The A/V Equipment Storage room provides a secure, enclosed storage room
to store and distribute A/V equipment such as microphones, televisions,
projectors, screens, flip charts and associated A/V equipment.
Ideally, the storage room is adjacent to or integrated with the Event
Technology Manager’s office that controls this facility.
1. Size & Location
• Location: Adjacent to the Function Area and event technology
manager. May be combined with A/V storage if coordinated.
• Size: Varies with hotel size and equipment management policy.
Typically 2% to 3% of total function space.
2. Features
• Walls: Construct to structure above for security.
• Door: “Dutch” door with shelf to control equipment
distribution.
• Lock: Door lock for equipment security.
• Storage: A variety of shelving and racks custom selected or made
for the equipment required.
3. Finishes
• Walls: Painted. Illustration 3-09
• Floor: Vinyl tile.
• Ceiling: Acoustical tile or structure above.

Sound Equipment Room

The sound equipment room is managed by the Event Technology Team.
1. Location
• The main function space sound equipment is located in a dedicated
sound equipment room that is on the same level and has its main
door opening to the service corridor associated with that function
space.
• No other system equipment is located in the sound system
equipment room, except for possibly an IDF for the property
LAN and telecommunications services.
• The sound equipment room is not intended to provide storage
of portable A/V equipment. It may, however, serve as the A/V
Department offices.
2. Features (See Event Technology Manager)
• Sound and telecommunications equipment is contained in
totally enclosed and lockable steel equipment cabinets to prevent
damage.

28 03 Support Facilities | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc.

 • The sound equipment room is an environmentally conditioned,
secure room. This room is designed to provide continuous
temperature control between 60 and 90 degrees and maximum
humidity of 50%.
• There is no equipment in the ceiling space above this room that
requires maintenance, adjustment, or service, or that can leak or
produce condensation.
• Where function spaces are remote from the equipment room,
provide a large touch screen control panel in a rugged enclosure
in the service corridor associated with these rooms.
3. Finishes
• Floor: Sealed concrete or vinyl tile.
• Walls: Painted.
• Ceiling: Acoustical tile.

Typical Sound Equipment Room Layout

Notes : A/V Telecom

1 Floor standing equipment racks for

main A/V systems. 6 7
2 Electrical contractor to provide (3) 20A
3' - 0"

isolated ground circuits for each rack.

Flex into top of each rack using liquid- 5
tight non-metallic conduit without
2 2
compromising integrity of isolated
ground. (Back) (Back) (Back)
3 Exact location of A/V equipment racks 3 4 1 1
shall be coordinated with field
conditions. (Front) (Front) (Front)
4 Data / Telecom rack furnished by A/V
contractor. Data / Telecom wiring, 7
patch panels and other equipment by
Data / Telecom contractor.
4' - 0"

5 A / C power panel. 8
6 Chemically charged ground rod.
7 Convenience quadraplex power
outlet.
8 House phone.

A/V Heat Load: 7,000 BTU / HR

Illustration 3-10
Image Courtesy of Electro-Media Design, Ltd.

© Marriott International, Inc. 03 Support Facilities | May 2007 29

Exhibit Storage
At large resort, convention and Exhibit Hall facilities provide a secure area,
protected from the weather, to temporarily store exhibits and packaging
materials. This function may be provided off-site by event production
companies.
Stored materials may consist of exhibits that arrive before the scheduled
event, packing crates and materials being temporarily stored during events
of exhibits that cannot be removed immediately after an event.
1. Size & Location
• Location: Immediate access to the main service corridor and
loading dock.
• Size: Based on exhibit area size, use and available project space.
2. Features
• Doors: Minimum 6’-0” clear opening by 8’-0” high.
• Floor: Sealed concrete.

Exhibit Storage

Illustration 3-11

30 03 Support Facilities | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc.

 Service Corridor
The main service corridor is the hotel’s circulation backbone providing
access and circulation for numerous functions including banquet service
exhibit access, access to function support areas and storage and, a means of
egress during emergencies.
1. Location
• Locate to permit service circulation to Function Areas.
• Verify that service circulation is continuous from the Function
Area to support areas and loading dock and are not functionally
limited by doors, elevator capacity, level changes and restrictive
corridor arrangements.
2. Size
• Means of Egress: At a minimum, service corridor widths must
provide required means of egress capacity for emergency exiting.
• Minimum Width: Typically, 3 m (10 ft.) net clear of partition
pocket, service vestibules and food service equipment.
• Large Hotels: Additional width may be required at larger hotels.
• Meeting Room: A minimum of 1.8 m (6 ft.) net, clear width
servicing individual rooms.
3. Finishes
• Floor: Colored, sealed concrete (minimum) or vinyl composition
tile. Use smooth, “seamless” floors to avoid rolling cart noise
created by tile joints or heavy patterns.
• Base: Epoxy painted masonry or vinyl base.
• Walls: Provide durable walls and protection to resist cart and
material handling traffic. Examples include: epoxy, painted
masonry; continuous double (high and low) railing, diamond
plate wainscot.
• Ceiling: Exposed structure or accessible acoustical tile (preferred)
to limit noise.

Service Corridor

Bev. Station

10'

F&B Service

Illustration 3-12

© Marriott International, Inc. 03 Support Facilities | May 2007 31

Service Vestibules
The following service vestibule arrangements provide varying degrees of the Service access to Function Areas from the
service corridor is provided through service
four attributes. vestibules that ideally, provide the following
benefits:
1. Double Door Vestibule • Circulation Width
• Circulation: Excellent, two-way traffic. • Acoustical Control
• Light Glare Control
• Acoustics: Reasonable; baffle design. • Good Appearance
• Light: Reasonable; baffle design.
• Appearance: Service door hidden from direct view.
Angled Double Door Vestibule
2. Single Door Vestibule
• Circulation: Limited, one-way traffic. B
• Acoustics: Same as above.
• Light: Same as above.
• Appearance: Same as above.
A
3. Exposed Door Vestibule
• Circulation: Limited, one-way traffic.
• Acoustics: Limited. B
• Light: Limited.
• Appearance: Ballroom side of door is subjected to abuse.
A
4. Angled Double Door Vestibule
• Circulation: Excellent, two-way traffic.
• Acoustics: Excellent. Illustration 3-13
• Light: Excellent.
A Ballroom Area
• Appearance: Visible.
B Service Corridor

Double Door Vestibule Single Door Vestibule Exposed Door Vestibule

B B B

A A A

B B
B

A A
A
Illustration 3-14 Illustration 3-15 Illustration 3-16

32 03 Support Facilities | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc.

 Exhibit Entry
A large exhibit entry door is provided at Ballrooms and Exhibit Halls
where it is anticipated that the event market requires access for large props,
equipment, cars, buses and trucks.
1. Location
• Service corridor: Typically provide at rear of large Function Area
with direct access to service corridor with continuous path to
exterior.
• Prefunction: May be located at other locations with direct access
to exterior.
• Path: Design access with large turning radius.
2. Size
• Door: 3 x 3 m (10 x 10 ft.) minimum.
• Trucks: Larger doors may be appropriate if large vehicles are
anticipated – 4 m (13 ft.) or more.
3. Finishes
• Coordinate opening location with interior design. Door is
typically concealed from guest view with a curtain, wall panel or
operable wall coordinated with interior design.
• Design doors (typically roll-down type or hollow metal frame)
and access as inconspicuous as possible and to withstand repeated
use.

Exhibit Entry A Event Entry

A Removable Transom

Illustration 3-17 Illustration 3-18

© Marriott International, Inc. 03 Support Facilities | May 2007 33

Production Entry
Large Function Areas may benefit from the use of a large door opening
direct to the service corridor to expedite the movement of event production
equipment, tables and chairs. The door is not used when events are in
progress.
1. Location
• Locate from Ballroom or Exhibit Hall direct to service corridor at
rear.
• Wall or service vestibule.
2. Size
• Single door: 1.2 m (4 ft.).
• Double door: 1.8 m (6 ft.).

Production Entry Production Entry

B B

A A

A
A

A Function Area
B Corridor
Illustration 3-19 Illustration 3-20

Telephone Areas
Telephone alcoves integrated with the toilet area are rapidly becoming
obsolete as event attendees increasingly rely on cell phones, Blackberry and
wireless communications that allow for use throughout the event venue.
However, limited “pay” telephones access is provided by house phones with
data ports that permit credit card and computer use.

34 03 Support Facilities | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc.

 Business Center
The Business Center provides the business traveler and event attendee with
convenient access to office technology for working on-site.
1. Location
• Hotels with large Function Areas may locate the Business Center
adjacent to the Function Area being served while small hotels
may choose to centrally locate the business center closer to or in
the hotel lobby area.
• When the Business Center is located in the Function Area,
consider integrating the Business Center with related support
facilities (Meeting Planners Office, Registration Desk, Coat
Room, etc.) to permit multi-functional use of space.
• Large hotels may consider having Xerox or Kinko’s set up and
operate the Business Center.
• Medium hotels may consider implementing their own facility.
• Smaller hotels may consider incorporating the equipment into
the gift shop or utilizing an outside vendor to set up a stand-alone
facility.
2. Size
• Varies based on hotel size, market and location.
3. Services
• Photocopying • Complimentary office supplies
• FAX • Access to house telephone to request
• Laser printer assistance
• Guest work area • Computer access to internet
4. Operational References
• Business Service Centers Link
Business Center
D D
C Illustration 3-21

E B
A

E C
G F
B A

A Entrance
B Reception Station
C Guest
D Library
F
E Attendant Work Area G
F Meeting Planner Office (optional)
G Computer Work Stations

© Marriott International, Inc. 03 Support Facilities | May 2007 35

Toilets
Toilet facilities are typically provided as dedicated Function Area facilities
at larger facilities. At small hotels, toilet facilities may be integrated with
restaurant and lobby toilets when travel distances are minimal.
1. Location
• Adjacent to the facilities being served.
• Typically located on the same floor as the Function Area.
2. Size
• Code: Provide the fixture counts as required by code.
• ADA: Incorporate the requirement for accessibility.
• Rule of Thumb: At a minimum, provide one fixture (toilet /
urinal) for every 93 m2 (1000 sq. ft.) of Function Area for men
and one for women for small Function Areas. At large Function
Areas, code required fixture requirements may be sufficient.
• Women: Consider increasing the number of toilets for women
that require more time per use.
• Schedule: Consider increasing the fixture count at hotels that
are predominately serving business / conference meeting where
breaks are rigidly scheduled, resulting in high peak uses as
opposed to social events where use is staggered.
• Exterior Functions: Consider including capacity generated by
areas used for exterior functions.

Coat Room
1. Location
• When a Coat Room is required because of weather conditions,
locate near Prefunction lobby / foyer and Ballroom entry
circulation. Position room within a securable area but within
sight of pedestrian flow.
2. Size
• Size space based on regional requirements, but no less than 0.027
m2 (0.3 sq. ft.) per anticipated population count. A Coat Room
may not be required in certain regions or arid climates.
3. Features
• Provide sufficient coat / garment hanging racks with equipment
type based on market analysis and Facilities Program.
• Provide minimum of 1.5 (long) x 0.6 (deep) m (5 x 2 ft.) counter
space for two attendants and roll-down shutter adjacent to Coat
Room entry door.
• Provide electrical and data connections to function as remote
check-in.

36 03 Support Facilities | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc.

 Registration Desk
At small hotels, event registration activities can be accommodated at portable
table set-ups. At larger Function Areas, a dedicated, built-in registration desk
can simplify event preparations and is recognized by event planners as an
attractive amenity.

Registration Desk If properly designed, the registration desk can be adapted to serve a variety
of functions such as coat check area, temporary storage area or meeting
planner area.
24" 24"
1. Location
• Adjacent to the large meeting area being served.
3'-0" 3'-11"
• Locate near the point of entry for event attendees.
5'-0" 2. Size
Aisle
• Length: Base on hotel size and event market.
Illustration 3-22 • Height: Similar to hotel front desk.
• Width: 24 inch, typical work counter.
• Aisle: 5’-0” to permit passing behind seating.
3. Features
• Lockable Storage Cabinets: for registration materials.
• Seating: Barstool height to address standing attendants.
• Voice / Data Ports: For communications.
• Power outlets.
Function Area Food & Beverage
The design, location, and selection of food and beverage production facilities
are based on the consideration of the integrated requirements for restaurants,
bars, room service, and Function Areas and cannot be selectively isolated and
defined for Function Areas alone. Refer to respective Hotel Design Standard
for criteria for a comprehensive design process. However, the following areas
associated with Function Areas require special consideration.

Banquet Kitchen
Provide separate bulk food production facilities to service Ballroom
with banquet prep, banquet plating and food preparation line, dry and
refrigerated storage, ware washing, and pot and silver washing area when one
or more of the following occur:
• Ballroom is located on a different floor than main kitchen.
• Main Kitchen size, capacity, design, location, or operation is not
capable of efficiently servicing the Ballroom.
• Banquet seating capacity exceeds 1,500 seats.
• See Marriott Design Standards, Module 10: Link

© Marriott International, Inc. 03 Support Facilities | May 2007 37

Chef ’s Office (Closing Room) Atlanta Marriott Marquis

<<
The “Chef’s Office” provides the sales and event management team of resort,
convention and any hotel that depends on group business with a strong,
competitive advantage for selling and “closing” group business. The Chef’s
Office facility is designed to showcase the hotel’s culinary expertise while
providing the prospective group customers with a transparent view of the
hotel’s back-of-house standards and practices.
1. Location and Size
• Locate in banquet or production kitchen area with a clear view
of the food production area. The location and path to the chef’s
office is choreographed to show the heart of the hotel at its best.
• 10 to 20 m2 (100 to 200 sq. ft.).
3. Features
• Window to production area.
• Working office for executive chef or culinary leadership team.
• Feature lighting above table.
• Finishes similar to kitchen.
• Other banquet venues may augment the Chef’s Office as facilities
and opportunities for customers to experience taste panels and

>>
banquet settings.
4. Operational References
• Closing Room definition, purpose, & execution. Link Baltimore Marriott Waterfront

• Chef’s Office Design Trends. Link

Chef’s Office (Closing Room) A Chef’s workstation and computer

Illustration 3-23 B Plasma screen
C Glass window or wall
D Table with minimum seating for 6
A E Walk-in cooler for wine storage
B and service
E F F Storage and service counter with
under-counter shelves, cabinets

E
F A

D
C

D
B

38 03 Support Facilities | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc.

 Beverage Station
1. Program
• Staging area for production and distribution of beverages for
catering functions.
2. Functions
• Coffee production.
• Cup and saucer storage.
• Refrigeration for condiments.
• Ice production.
• Worktables with sinks.
3. Location
• Staging area adjacent to Ballrooms and Meeting Rooms that are
distant from the Main Kitchen.
4. Equipment
• Mobile bars as required (1 per 100 guests) When not in use, built-in
bars in Prefunction spaces that can blend into surroundings are
preferred.
• Bottled beverage storage.
• Clean glassware storage.
• Coffee break space.
• Ice production and storage with trench floor drain.
• P.O.S. terminal hookups for banquet bar facilities.
• Refrigerated, lockable storage space for wine and beer and
dedicated space for catering.
• Soiled glassware storage.
5. Finishes
• Floor: Concrete, sealed.
• Base: Same as walls.
• Walls: Ceramic tile or FR-FRFP.
• Ceiling: Accessible acoustical tile on corrosion resistant grid and
supports.

Steward Area
At smaller hotels, banquet service ware and “silver” ware storage is
accommodated in the ware washing area.
At larger resort and convention hotels, a dedicated Steward Office and
service storage room is provided. The steward is typically responsible for
maintaining food service ware, silverware, ware washing, burnishing, and
storage and inventory of glassware and plates.

© Marriott International, Inc. 03 Support Facilities | May 2007 39

Ceiling Hang Facilities
Event participants and their production companies typically customize the
function space to suit their needs by temporarily installing lights, speakers,
projectors, banners and a variety of other props at the ceiling, walls and on
the floor. By providing permanent hang points and tracks at the ceiling, the
following advantages are created.
• Damage to ceilings and walls is reduced.
• Production costs can be reduced.
• Event turn times can be reduced.
• Event space flexibility produces higher quality events.
• Floor mounted equipment and wires are minimized, resulting in
fewer tripping opportunities.
• A wider variety of events can be accommodated.

>>
• Permanent hang points are more dependable than temporary
rigging.
San Diego Marriott Hotel & Marina

All of the above attributes results in an event venue that is more competitive
and attractive to event customers. The following 5 hang utilities are
typical.

Primary Head Table Locations

Illustration 3-25

+ + + +
+ + + + + +
+ + + +
Hang Facilities Rules-of-Thumb
+ + + + + +
- As many as 12 to 18 in large salons
+ + + + - 15’ - 20’ apart
- 4 to 6 per head table location in large salons

+ +

+ Fixed Hang Point Location (Examples)

Primary Head Table Locations Illustration 3-24

40 03 Support Facilities | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc.

 Diagram of Hang Point Locations
Live Load Rated – Safety Factor of 5
The 5 to 1 ratio is reflective of the design of all
A A
the included hardware, meaning the tensile
or breaking strength of each component
(shackles, wire rope slings, beam clamps,
and spansets) is five times higher than the
maximum rated load, so each component’s
designed and tested breaking strength is at
least 5,000 lbs.

This is both a safety factor and a design factor 30-458

for the accelerated loads placed upon the
points as the suspended loads are raised or
lowered (or stopped) when chain motors are
being used.

Whatever we are attaching to and everything

we attach with must meet this criteria that is
accepted practice throughout the rigging and
production industry.

The hang points are triangulated back to the A Hang Point Locations Illustration 3-25
structure to hold their position with radial and
lateral loads.

Fixed, Passive Hang Points

Hang points are typically 5/8” shoulder eye bolts or swivel rings (made
by “Crosby”) located above the ceiling and accessed at 6 x 6 or 8 x 8 inch
covers.
Location
• Front edge of stage and head table locations and in front of stage
and head tables.
Capacity
• “Live load” rated for 500, 750, or 1,000 pounds.
Spacing
• 10, 15, and 20 feet maximum (to accommodate 20 ft. trusses
provided by production) arranged in an orthogonal grid.

© Marriott International, Inc. 03 Support Facilities | May 2007 41

Retractable, Powered Hang Points
At high use locations, retractable, powered hang points may be appropriate.
These devices retract into the ceiling when not needed are typical, appearing
as small 4” round plates painted to match the surrounding ceiling. When
lowered, they reveal an 18” strut that can support lighting fixtures, speakers,
video projectors and displays, trussing, etc. or secure a short light pipe and
up to four lighting fixtures.

Power
• These devices are typically equipped with two 2,000 watt twist-
lock Hubbell connectors for lighting circuits connected to the
room’s dimmer bank to a pigtail patch arrangement.
• They also include a 20 amp technical power outlet for other event
technology equipment.
Network
• Each device also includes two to four RJ45 network jacks. These
connectors provide signals and support video projectors, self-
powered speakers, flat panel displays, etc. that are supplied power
from the outlet and signal from the network connectors. This
avoids having to string cables around the ceilings of the spaces.

>>
Capacity
• The devices are load-rated and, if properly supported from the
Image Courtesy of LiteLab
structure, can be considered as part of the rigging system. They
can support up to 2,500 pounds, but are usually provided as 500
pound live-load rated points, or 1,000 pound dead hang points.
Manufacturer
• BussPorts by LiteLab Link

Light-weight Hang Track

Unistrut
or
Kindorf

Load-rated
shoulder eye

Illustration 3-26a

Image Courtesy of Electro-Media Design, Ltd. Illustration 3-26b

42 03 Support Facilities | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc.

 Light-Weight Hang Track
Installation of a light duty, perimeter hang track provides a quick and
dependable hanging utility while avoiding damage to ceilings and walls by
the temporary installation of nails, screws, hooks and tape used when hang
tracks are not available.
Hang tracks can also be used to temporarily support A/V and communication
and power wires at the ceiling level and avoid taping wires on the floor.
If project budget is limited, at a minimum, provide at walls behind typical
head table locations.
Location
• Install at perimeter of walls, 6 inches from the wall surface.
Design
• Coordinate with ceiling design and operable wall tracks.
Operable Wall Hang Point Device • Fabricate from “Kindorf” or “Unistrut” and either recess or
surface mount.

1 1
Operable wall Hang Point Device
2
Tracks installed for the operable partitions are load rated all along their
length. In some cases, these tracks may be used to support trussing, speakers,
and display devices if the track is steel. If the tracks are aluminum, however,
do not use hanging devices since the aluminum tracks are too soft and
susceptible to damage.
Capacity
3 • 250, 500, 750 pounds depending on the device being used and
track support capacity. (see Illustration 3-27 )
Manufacturer
4
• “AlumaLok” Link

5
Light Pipes
1 Hardened Steel Gripping Arms Light pipes are Schedule 40 steel pipes permanently installed in the ceiling
2 Locking Thumb Knobs to which theatrical lighting instruments are attached to serve platforms,
3 2” Dia. C-Clamp Location headtables and staging.
4 Threaded Mounting Holes
3 Locations Power
5 Allen Head Driver (for grip arm • Typically, a plugging strip near each of the light pipes provides
positioning) the dimmed circuits for these lighting fixtures.
Illustration 3-27 Capacity
Image Courtesy of AlumaLok • It is sometimes suggested that light pipes be provided in lieu of
load-rated powered or passive hang points. Rigging practices
advise against using lighting pipes as the exclusive rigging
accommodations. The weight loading of light pipes are typically
250 pounds for each 4 feet of length with only a 2:1 safety ratio.
This is way too low for use to hang trusses.

© Marriott International, Inc. 03 Support Facilities | May 2007 43

Ballroom—Meeting Room Doors
The following elements of meeting area doors require coordination to
provide an integrated design solution.
Meeting Room Door, View From Prefunction Side
16 Salon A Illustration 3-28

3
16 Salon A
2
12
15 4

10 1 10

Meeting Room Door, View From Ballroom Side

6
7
9
4
11
8

14

13

1 Lock (Key or Electronic) 10 Door in Open Position (Verify That

2 Continuous Architectural Hinge Graphics, Lights, Etc. are NOT Obscured)
3 Magnetic Hold Open 11 Acoustical Seal
(Connect to Fire Alarm) 12 Edge Protector
4 Viewport 13 Kick Plate
5 Closer (Exposed or Concealed) 14 Internal (Preferred) or Exposed (Top Rod
6 Door (Wood or Metal - Rated) Only W/ Fire Bolt
7 Frame Type (Metal w/ Wood Trim) 15 Digital Signage
8 Panic Hardware (100 People) 16 Room Identification (Static) with ADA
9 Acoustical Seal

[ End of Chapter 3 ]

44 03 Support Facilities | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc.

 04
[Chapter]

ACOUSTICS, NOISE &

VIBRATION CONTROL
• Chapter Contents 45
• Introduction 46
• Basic Principles & Design Goals 47
• Speech Intelligibility (Can You Hear Me Now? 47
Vs. Can You Understand Me Now? 47
• Sound Behavior In Rooms: 49
Sound Meets Structure 49
• Acoustical Isolation 50
• Background Noise 53
• Real World Implications & Consequences 54
• Understanding Before Specifying 54
• Noise vs. Signal – A Vicious Circle 54
• Losing the Message – Another Vicious Circle 55
• HVAC Systems Do Not Improve With Age 55
• “Nothing Says Quality Like Quiet” 55
• Industry References for Acoustic Isolation 56
• Background Noise Guidelines 56
• Reverberation Time Guidelines Revised: January 2013 57
• Industry References for Acoustic Isolation 58

JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa

© Marriott International, Inc. | Revised: January 2013 04 Acoustics, Noise & | May 2007 45
Vibration Control
Acoustics, Noise
& Vibration
Control

>>
Marriott Conference Center
Monterey, CA

Can you hear me now? vs. can you understand me

now?

The guests have come to our hotel to have a meeting. The

single most important element of a successful meeting is
effective verbal communications.

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 Basic Principles & Design Goals
Speech Intelligibility Rating Chart

Speech Intelligibility (Can You Hear Me Now?

Vs. Can You Understand Me Now?

Intelligibility is the term used to describe the capability to understand the

spoken word, typically originating from a presenter standing at the lectern.
Speech intelligibility is directly dependent on many factors including
background noise, reverberation time, and room shape and size.

The most used methods for the testing and rating of speech intelligibility
are Percentage Articulation Loss of Consonants and Speech Transmission
Index.
Articulation Loss of Consonants (%Alcons)
• Articulation Loss of Consonants (%ALcons) expresses loss of
consonant definition and therefore the lower the value, the higher
the intelligibility. %Alcons of 0 indicates perfect clarity and
intelligibility with no loss of consonant understanding, and 15%
typically is the maximum loss acceptable.

Speech Transmission Index

• Speech Transmission Index (STI) is a measure of intelligibility
with values varying between 0 (completely unintelligible) and 1
(perfect intelligibility).
Illustration 4-01 • These ratings are significantly different in terms of underlying
Image Courtesy of Electro-Media Design, Ltd.
theory and testing methods. However, they can be related as
shown on Illustration 4-01.

What causes a reduction in effective communication between a presenter

and the listeners? Destructive interference does. In order to understand
interference, we must understand the distinction between the signal (desired
sound) and noise (undesired sound which interferes with the signal). The
signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) is the relationship between the loudness of
the message to the background noise it must overcome to be heard and
understood – the higher the S/N, the better.

© Marriott International, Inc. 04 Acoustics, Noise & | May 2007 47

Vibration Control
 Desired sound (or signal) is the sound energy that travels directly from the
talker to the listener through the air, with or without a sound reinforcement
system. By directly, we mean the shortest distance between the talker (or
the sound system speakers) and the listeners’ ears.

Direct vs. Reflected Sound

d
d)

d Direct Sound
(Unamplified)

ound Direct Sound

(Amplified)

Reflected Sound

Image Courtesy of Electro-Media Design, Ltd. Illustration 4-02

Undesired sound is any other sound energy (noise) from any source that
can be heard by the listener. Undesired sound includes background noise
from the heating / cooling system or other equipment noise from adjacent
meeting or service spaces, noise that bounces around the room as echoes
or lingers due to excessive reverberation, noise from guests in the audience,
and sound system distortion. Since background noise interferes with
effective verbal communications, good acoustical design strives to minimize
or eliminate unwanted noise while transmitting, and where possible
enhancing, desired sound.

Factors Reducing Speech Intelligibility

Echoes HVAC Noise from Noise from Noise from Noise from Reverberation
Noise Roof Equip. Prefunction Service Adjacent
Mtg. Room
Noise from
Outside Bldg.

Presenter's Message

Image Courtesy of Electro-Media Design, Ltd. Illustration 4-03

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 Sound Behavior In Rooms:
Sound Meets Structure

When sound waves strike the surfaces of an enclosed space, the impinging
sound energy is partially reflected, partially absorbed and partially
transmitted. The characteristics of the surface materials and construction
type will determine how much is actually reflected, absorbed and / or
transmitted.

Sound Reflection, Absorption and Transmission

Reflection Absorption Transmission

Image Courtesy of Electro-Media Design, Ltd. Illustration 4-04

SPECULAR AND DIFFUSE REFLECTIONS

Reflection
• Reflection of sound can be specular or diffuse in nature. In room
acoustics, diffuse is typically preferred over specular.
+ Specular reflection is a mirror-like reflection from a surface
in which energy from a single incoming direction is reflected
into a single outgoing direction.
+ Diffuse reflections on the other hand occur when energy
Illustration 4-05
from a single incoming direction is reflected in a broad range
Image Courtesy of Electro-Media Design, Ltd.
of directions.

© Marriott International, Inc. 04 Acoustics, Noise & | May 2007 49

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 Echoes
• Sound energy is referred to as an echo when it is reflected from
a flat hard surface and is perceived by the listeners as a delayed
version of the original (direct) sound. Echoes (echoes) sound
(sound) like (like) the (the) original (original) sound (sound) and
can be very disorienting, dramatically reducing intelligibility
and increasing stress. There are no benefits to having echoes in
meeting spaces. Echoes are reduced when absorptive, diffusive
surfaces are provided on the wall surfaces.

Absorption
• Absorption of a given material is its capability to transform the
incident sound energy into heat (or other forms of energy in case
of nonporous absorbers).
• Acoustically absorptive materials are generally limp, dense, fibrous
and porous to allow air to enter the material. Examples include
mineral wool, glass wool or polyurethane foam (open cell). These
materials are typically covered with a fabric for aesthetic and
protection purposes.

Transmission
• Transmission describes what happens when the sound energy
passes right through a barrier. Together with sound absorption,
this is the “missing link”, when comparing the total reflected and
transmitted energy with the incident energy.

Reverberation
• Reverberation is the term used to describe how long sound energy
continues to linger in an enclosed function space. Reverberation
Time (RT60) is the length of time (in seconds) it takes for the Reverberation Variables
initial impulse of sound energy to reduce by 60 decibels. Room Volume: Larger room volume and surface
area tends to increase reverberation times.

Acoustical Isolation Absorption: Increasing the area of acoustically

absorptive materials in a room reduces
Acoustical isolation (or insulation) is a generic term used to describe the reverberation.
ability of a material or a partition assembly to reduce the transmission of
Diffusion: The length of time sound energy
sound energy between two spaces. persists in a room is related to the room’s
interior volume surface area, and the amount
Sound reaches our ears through the air. Thus, a key principle of airborne and location of acoustical absorption. In smaller
acoustic isolation is to make the barrier between two adjacent spaces airtight. rooms, acoustically diffusive materials may also
help reduce reverberation.
This includes partition fabrication (seams, edges, etc.), the surrounding
construction and holes in the construction (electrical outlets, access panels,
entry doors, ducts, etc.)
Structure-borne sound is sound that originates as vibration or an impact
communicated to the building structure. Structure-borne sound is perceived

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 by a listener as airborne sound radiated directly from nearby vibrating
surfaces.
Since sound propagates differently through different media, specific
indicators and evaluation methods exist to quantify acoustical isolation.
These indicators include STC, NIC, and IIC.

Sound Transmission Class (STC)

• Sound Transmission Loss (TL), and the equivalent
European Sound Reduction Index (SRI), quantify airborne noise
transmission under controlled (laboratory) conditions. American
(ANSI) and international (ISO) standards were developed for
guiding the testing procedures.
• Sound Transmission Class (STC) is a single number rating
extrapolated from sound transmission loss measurements. This is
the most commonly used indicator of airborne sound transmission
in the construction industry.
• Sound Transmission Class ratings result from standards based
testing in a laboratory under ideal construction conditions.

Field Sound Transmission Class (FSTC)

• FSTC is determined from standards based field testing. Due to its
complexity, FSTC testing is not routine and can be prohibitively
expensive to perform, especially for large partitions and multiple
flanking transmission paths.
• Frequently, FSTC and STC terms are used interchangeably and
erroneously as meaning the same. In practice, FSTC test results
of installed partitions are lower than the rated STC for the same
partition. Factors contributing to this difference include the
partition size (compared to the laboratory test), flanking paths,
etc.
• Because of its simplicity, STC ratings are very popular among
building designers. However, the STC rating is not a good single
predictor of how well a partition will perform when installed (even
if installed perfectly). The two main reasons for this drawback
are:
+ STC computations involve frequencies between 125 and
4,000 Hertz (Hz) while humans with normal hearing can
detect sounds between 20 and 20,000 Hz. Therefore, the
measurement is accurate for speech sounds but less so for
amplified music and mechanical equipment noise below 125
Hz.
+ The curve-fitting process used to determine STC ratings allows
for different partitions having the same STC rating perform
very differently.

© Marriott International, Inc. 04 Acoustics, Noise & | May 2007 51

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 • The subjective effectiveness (from a listeners’ perspective) of a
perfectly installed partition also varies according to the nature of
the sound or noise, size of the partition, distance from the listener
to the partition, as well as the size, reverberation and noise level of
the room the listener is in. Thus, to effectively isolate spaces, one
must consider the STC ratings, the actual sound transmission
loss characteristics for the specific partition construction and the
expected signal on both sides of the partition.

The chart below (Illustration 4-06) presents a subjective interpretation

of the isolation quality of various STC rated assemblies, assuming low
background noise level.

Subjective Effectiveness of STC and FSTC

STC Field STC Subjective Description of Effectiveness

26-30 20-22 Most sentences clearly understood

30-35 25-27 Many phrases and some sentences understood without straining to hear
35-40 30-32 Individual words and occasional phrases clearly heard and understood
42-45 35-37 Medium loud speech clearly audible, music easily understood
47-50 40-42 Loud speech audible, music easily heard
Loud speech audible by straining to hear; music normally can be heard
52-55 45-47
and may be disturbing
Loud speech essentially inaudible; music can be heard faintly but bass
57-60 50-52
notes disturbing
Music heard faintly, bass notes “thump”; power woodworking equipment
62-65 55
clearly audible
70 60 Music still heard very faintly if played loud
75+ 65+ Effectively blocks most air-borne noise sources

Image Courtesy of Electro-Media Design, Ltd. Illustration 4-06

Noise Isolation Class (NIC)

• Noise Isolation Class (NIC) is the term used to express the
subjective bottom-line effectiveness of (envelope) sound isolation.
NIC is applied to an assembly of elements that includes the
partition construction, the partition area, flanking paths, and the
room acoustics at the receiver end.
• NIC ratings are not assigned to a specific construction element
or used in place of an FSTC value. NIC is however, a simple,
practical way to indicate the expected level of sound isolation
between spaces.

Impact Isolation Class (IIC)

• Impact Isolation Class (IIC) is a single-number rating that
measures the impact sound isolation provided by a floor / ceiling

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 assembly. The higher the IIC rating, the greater the impact
isolation provided by the building structure.
• Typical impact noise examples include footsteps, sliding chairs,
rolling luggage and service carts, etc. Acoustic control measures
usually include attempts to isolate the source of the impact, or
cushion it. For example, carpets perform significantly better
than wood and tile floors. In some situations it is necessary to
complement the treatment at the source (e.g. tile underlayment)
with a resiliently suspended ceiling on the receiving side.
• It is important to understand that the sound isolation between
rooms is not determined only by the common wall or floor.
All parts of the construction—side walls, ceilings, floors
under walls—transmit sound. Flanking sound transmission
(transmission of sound energy over, under and around a
partition) may be the dominant source of sound transmission.
If this happens, improving the common wall or floor may not
significantly change the combined sound isolation.
• One somewhat obvious means of improving apparent sound
isolation is to reduce the offending noise or sound at its source. This
includes isolating or relocating vibrating and noisy machinery,
turning down the sound system (or making it more effective),
implementing operating practices, etc. Reducing the source of
undesired noise is always cheaper, easier (in the beginning) and
better in the long run—than treating the problem.

Background Noise
In acoustics and specifically in acoustical engineering, background noise is
any sound other than the desired sound. This unwanted residual sound is
present whether or not the sound source of interest (music or speaker) is in
operation. The higher the background noise, the less sensitive the listener’s
Broad Spectrum Background Noise hearing is to hear (let alone understand) the desired signal.

Broad spectrum (blend of low, mid, and high

frequencies) background noise is used in open
offices, jury and witness boxes, etc. to reduce Heating, Ventilating & Air Conditioning (HVAC)
the listeners hearing sensitivity to nearby verbal • The most common source of background noise in function
communications and to increase speech privacy
(by reducing speech intelligibility). areas is the HVAC system. Noise is generated by the fans, ducts,
diffusers, and sometimes by vibrations from the machinery
This practice is known as sound masking (also
erroneously referred to as pink noise). While causing building elements to vibrate and produce noise. Another
effective at specific applications mentioned source of background noise comes from noise in adjacent spaces
above, this is not a desirable feature in meeting
spaces. getting into the listening room. This sound may be from an
adjacent meeting space, ice machines in the service corridor,
sound of rain on the roof, etc.
• In spite of numerous efforts to establish a widely accepted, useful,
single-number rating method for evaluating noise in buildings,
a variety of techniques exist today including (but not limited

© Marriott International, Inc. 04 Acoustics, Noise & | May 2007 53

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 to) Noise Criteria (NC), Room Criteria (RC), Balanced Noise
Criteria (NCB), Noise Rating (NR). The most commonly used
indicators are NC and RC.
Noise Criteria (NC)
• Noise Criteria (NC) is used to assess the acceptability of
mechanical background sound in unoccupied spaces. The
practical NC scale ranges from NC 15 to NC 65.
• Although NC ratings are widely used by building designers, one
must be careful if relying solely on this indicator when establishing
noise guidelines. Since NC is defined for the octave bands
between 63 Hz and 8000 Hz, this criterion does not account for
low-frequency noise energy in 31.5 Hz and 16 Hz bands. These
are usually associated with structure-borne noise and airflow
turbulence noise in ductwork systems that could induce rattling
of light fixtures, diffusers etc.

Room Criteria (RC)

• Room Criteria (RC) achieves a better balance between low
frequency and high frequency components. This method takes
into account background sound in rooms over the frequency
range 16 Hz to 8000 Hz with the objective to design spectra that
meet an RC curve within ±2 dB at all frequencies.

Real World Implications & Consequences

Understanding Before Specifying

Human perception vs.
• Since we are dealing with energy, all acoustical phenomena are Noise Reduction Expectations
multidimensional in nature. This means that knowledge of many
different and interrelated dimensions or factors is required to Acoustical terms arise from a logarithmic
function. Thus, with respect to STC, NC, NIC
understand what is actually going on in any particular situation. ratings, and overall sound levels. A three (3)
Some of the dimensions are level or amplitude, frequency, point difference is barely audible to a human,
but represents a doubling or halving of sound
direction, phase, and time. energy.
• Therefore, every specification (noise levels, reverberation, sound
Subjectively, to cause a perception of a halving
transmission classes, etc.) for an acoustical phenomenon is a or a doubling of sound level as perceived by a
compromise, and in a sense is an average of level, frequency, human, there must be a ten (10) point difference
in STC, NIC, or NC. For example, room with an NC
phase, vector, and time factors. In the real world, noise sources 40 will be perceived as twice as loud as a room
are not typically average and can differ in extreme ways, thus with an NC 30.
frustrating efforts to apply a one-size-fits-all solution.

Noise vs. Signal – A Vicious Circle

• A vicious cycle is triggered when the meeting space background
noise is high. Guests complain that they cannot hear the presenter
and ask for the sound system to be turned up. This increased level
of sound in Salon A impinges on, and passes through to Salon B,

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 raising the background noise. This leads to guests in Salon B to
have reduced hearing sensitivity and ask for the sound system to
be turned up, and so on.

Losing the Message – Another Vicious Circle

• Another vicious cycle is triggered if there is insufficient acoustical
absorption in a meeting space to absorb the undesired noise
The single most effective way to
quickly. This interfering noise persists as reverberation energy
improve meeting area acoustics and decreases the listener’s hearing sensitivity by masking the
presenter’s speech (signal).
is to provide acoustical wall • Guests complain that they cannot hear when, in fact, they are
treatment. Providing acoustical hearing a lot but are not hearing enough of the desired sound
to understand the presenter. The message gets lost in the
absorptive wall panels reduces background noise. Turning up the sound system only makes this
situation worse, as the additional sound adds to the noise and
background noise (echoes, further reduces the listeners’ sensitivity.
reverberation, HVAC, etc.), + Portable Speakers that aim their sound energy horizontally
are even less effective in reverberant spaces since so much of
minimizes transmitted noise their sound energy is directed against and reflected off of wall
and ceiling surfaces.
from adjacent areas and + Highly Controlled Speakers can partially compensate for
significantly improves speech high reverberation in the house sound systems. These speakers
provide tighter control of the midrange and lower frequencies
and music intelligibility. to reduce the amount of sound energy they project against
the operable partitions and side walls. These speakers are
larger and more expensive than speakers used when adequate
reverberation control (acoustical absorption on the walls) is
provided.

HVAC Systems Do Not Improve With Age

• The quality of mechanical equipment and general construction
is never better than when the building is new. As time passes,
seals and bearings wear and background noise increases. Thus,
compromising design standards during value engineering, cost
cutting, or material or method substitution will have a long term
impact on the guest experience.

“Nothing Says Quality Like Quiet”

• Lower background noise and lower reverberation time result
in a meeting environment that is subjectively more intimate
(and safe), less stressful, more comfortable, more effective, and
ultimately provides a higher quality meeting experience. This is
why four and five star hotels strive for low background noise, low
reverberation time, and high isolation from adjacent spaces.

© Marriott International, Inc. 04 Acoustics, Noise & | May 2007 55

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Industry References for Acoustic Isolation

Background Noise Guidelines

• “Ideal” background noise levels have been researched by
acousticians and psychologists for a long time. Recommendations
for creating “good” to “very good” listening conditions ranges
from NC 25~30 (for smaller rooms) to NC 30~35 (for larger
rooms). The recommendations for smaller rooms (including
Boardrooms) used for audio or video teleconferencing is NC
20~25.
• Marriott’s Standards call for NC 35 for both small meeting
spaces and larger meeting spaces. This is at the higher end of
recommended levels and NC 35 will sound moderately loud in
the smaller rooms.
• The International Association of Conference Centers (IACC)
maintains design standards to guide the construction of member
facilities that specialize in smaller group, management and
executive level collaborative style meetings. The IACC calls for
background noise levels to not exceed NC 25 for smaller rooms
and NC 35 for larger rooms.
• In spite of their stated intentions, Marriott properties and
marketing teams always end up booking meetings and social
events into Exhibit Halls, eventually. Therefore, wherever
possible, use the more stringent guidelines for Ballrooms when
designing Exhibit Halls. The industry recommendation for
Exhibit Halls is NC 30~35.

Noise Criteria Chart for Unoccupied Spaces

Image Courtesy of Electro-Media Design, Ltd. Illustration 4-07

56 04 Acoustics, Noise & | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc.

Vibration Control
 Reverberation Time Guidelines
• “Ideal” reverberation time levels have been studied by acousticians
and psychologists for a long time. Recommendations for creating
“good” to “very good” listening conditions range from RT60
of 0.6 seconds to 0.8 seconds maximum (for smaller Meeting
Rooms) and RT60 0.8 seconds to 1.0 seconds maximum (for
larger Meeting Rooms). All recommendations are for unoccupied
rooms.
+ Marriott’s Standard currently is RT60 of 1.2.
+ The IACC Universal Criteria is RT60 of 0.8 seconds for
smaller rooms and RT60 of 1.2 seconds for larger rooms.

Optimum Reverberation (500Hz – 1000Hz) Chart

0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2.0 2.2 2.4 2.6 2.8 3.0
Liturgical - Orchestra, Chorus or organ

Symphony ('Romantic' works)

Secular Choral Works

Performance

Opera

Contemporary Orchestral Works, Recital & Chamber Music

'Semi-classical' concerts & Choral groups using Sound System

Touring 'Broadway' musical comedies, choral groups using sound system

'Dance' Bands, Etc. Using Sound System

Churches Cathedrals
Music & Speech

General Purpose Auditoria

High School Auditoria

Small Theaters

Cinema

Lecture & Conference Rooms

Playhouses, 'Intimate' Drama Production

Speech

Elementary Classrooms

Recording & Broadcast Studios for Speech Only

MI
IACC

0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2.0 2.2 2.4 2.6 2.8 3.0

Image Courtesy of Electro-Media Design, Ltd. Illustration 4-08

© Marriott International, Inc. | Revised: January 2013 04 Acoustics, Noise & | May 2007 57
Vibration Control
Industry References for Acoustic Isolation
• “Ideal” acoustic isolation ratings for partitions between meeting
spaces have been studied by acousticians. Their recommendations
for partitions to create “good” to “very good” listening conditions
in meeting spaces calls for an STC 60 minimum for fixed
perimeter walls and an STC 54 minimum for operable partitions.
This roughly correlates to NIC rating ranging from NIC 46~49
(operable walls) to NIC 52~55 (fixed walls).
• Marriott’s Design Standard calls for acoustic isolation between
spaces separated by fixed walls of STC 55 and acoustic isolation
between spaces separated by operable partitions of STC 48.
• The IACC Universal Criteria calls for acoustic isolation between
meeting spaces to provide a minimum of NIC 50~60 for fixed
walls and NIC 45~50 for operable partitions. This roughly
corresponds to STC 55~65 (fixed walls) and STC 50~55 (operable
walls).
• Most four and five-star hotels require double operable partitions
to separate the main divisions of the Ballrooms. They also
typically require fixed partitions for meeting spaces to be rated
STC 54~55.

[ End of Chapter 4 ]

58 04 Acoustics, Noise & | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc.

Vibration Control
 05
[C h a p t e r]

OPERABLE PARTITIONS
• Chapter Contents 59
• Introduction 60
• Design Standards 62
• Design Criteria. 62
• Design Decisions 63
• Paired Panel or Single Panel 63
• Manual or Electric Operation 64
• Aluminum or Steel Track 64
• Single Wall or Double Wall  64
• Design Details 64
• Sound Baffle Wall 64
• Acoustical Flanking Path 65
• Perimeter Wall 65
• Partition Pocket 65
• HVAC Ductwork 65
• Sound Testing 65
• Operational Procedures 66

Revised: January 2013

Supersedes: May 2007 and previous editions.
Vertical line in page margin indicates
revised text or change.

New Orleans Marriott

© Marriott International, Inc. | Revised: January 2013 05 Operable Partitions | May 2007 59
Operable
Partitions
The operable partitions that subdivide meeting and
Ballroom areas provide two important functions. First,

>>
they provide a means to customize and adjust function
New Orleans Marriott
space size to the area required for planned events.
A training video is included with each
Secondly, and most importantly, operable partitions operable partition installed in a
Marriott Hotel.
provide acoustical (and visual) privacy between adjacent
events.

Operable partitions are valuable function utilities that

provide function areas with flexibility and productivity if
they are properly constructed, operated and maintained.
When they are poorly constructed and operated, they are
the primary source of customer complaints.

While the operable partition product is quite simple, the

integration of the system into hotel construction and
the daily operation of the partition involves numerous
variables that require active management if the operable
partitions are to perform their task of making function
areas more productive.

60 05 Operable Partitions | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc.

 Design, Construction Coordination and Responsibility. The
design, installation and performance of operable partition systems are
dependent on the talents of numerous team members. A successful
project requires a disciplined process from design through construction
and partition operation, with a clear line of responsibility. The following
contributions are required ingredients for a successful event experience. If
one element is ignored, the entire system will not perform.

Image Courtesy of Modernfold

A Illustration 5-01

Constituent Responsibility
F
A Operations Program

B Owner Budget

C Architect Design / Specs

• Structural Support and Deflection
• MEP Designer Ductwork Path
• Acoustical Design

D Manufacturer Info & Product E

E General Contractor Control & Coordination

• Wall Contractor Perimeter Construction
• MEP Contractor Wall Penetrations
• Subcontractor Installation

F Acoustical Consultant Testing

© Marriott International, Inc. 05 Operable Partitions | May 2007 61

Design Standards

Design Criteria.
The following criteria is required for the operable partition system:
Acoustical Rating
• Recommended: Panel rating of STC 54 with an installed
system test rating of 46 NIC.

Operable Partition Floor Seal

Panel Construction
• Welded steel frame with lock formed welded steel faces

Floor
• Level +/- 6 mm in 3 meters (1/4 inch in 10 feet) non-accumulating

Walls
• Plumb
Illustration 5-02

Floor Seal
• Mechanically operated

Sound Baffle Wall & Flanking Construction

• Construct walls and details equal to operable partitions to achieve Solid Flanking Construction
the installed system test rating (NIC) required.
A
Deflection Criteria
• L/360 for any component

Partition Pocket
• Design operable partition to seal against wall blocking at back of
partition pocket.

A Blocking
Manufacturers Illustration 5-03
• Modernfold Acousti-seal Encore Link
• Hufcor 641 Series Link
• Advanced Alpha Series 5MR8 Link

62 05 Operable Partitions | May 2007 | Revised: January 2013 © Marriott International, Inc.
 Partition Pocket Design- Not Recommended Preferred Partition Pocket Design

A A
B B
C C

D D

A Ballroom Interior Wall A Ballroom Interior Wall

B Panel pocket B Panel pocket
C Pocket doors form part of acoustic barrier C Pocket doors decorative only
between rooms-- not reliable D Operable panel continues fully to wall�
D Operable panel continues only past pocket doors

Illustration 5-04 Illustration 5-05

Design Decisions
Single Panel Partition
Based on the project’s size and function, the design team is required to make
the following functional choices. This summary is intended to assist with
making prudent selections.

Paired Panel or Single Panel

• Paired Panel: Are hinged together in groups of two and are
generally selected due to the following:
+ Simplicity and lowest cost.
+ Height limitation: 18 to 24 ft.
+ Center stacking in pocket.
Illustration 5-06
• Single Panel: Are typically required when:
+ Height of panel exceeds pair-panel limitations.
+ Remote or side stacking configurations are required.
+ Special panel configurations are required.
Paired Panel Partition

Illustration 5-07

© Marriott International, Inc. 05 Operable Partitions | May 2007 63

Manual or Electric Operation
• Manual: Is typically preferred due to: Operable Partition Track
+
Lower initial cost.
+
Lower maintenance cost.
+
Dependable operation.
+
Flexibility in set-up.
• Electric Operation: Is typically selected when:
+ The panels are very tall.
+ The convenience of electric operation, labor and time are more
important than the possibility that the mechanism might fail
and disrupt function schedules.

Aluminum or Steel Track

Aluminum and Steel tracks are typically provided by all manufacturers. Illustration 5-08
Image Courtesy of Hufcor
• Steel tracks are used when panel height and weight exceeds
aluminum track capacity.
• Aluminum tracks can be damaged when misused as rigging
points. Steel tracks are typically more durable.

Single Wall or Double Wall

As the size of the room and area of the operable partition increases, it is
more difficult to achieve the desired acoustical separation (NIC). When the
project requires a high level of acoustical separation at a large Ballroom or
Exhibit Hall, install a second, parallel operable partition at the center of the
room. The space between the partitions can be utilized as a service corridor.

Design Details
In order for the operable partitions to perform properly, the following
perimeter construction is required.

Sound Baffle Wall

The sound baffle wall above the operable partition must be installed from
the partition to the roof structure above and from wall to wall, without open
penetrations. One unprotected opening can seriously degrade the operable
partition’s acoustical performance.

64 05 Operable Partitions | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc.

 Acoustical Flanking Path
Every possible sound leak path must be evaluated and sealed to minimize
noise between divisions. Typical flanking paths include hollow wall cavities,
partition pocket doors, partition pocket ceilings, uneven floors, ductwork
penetrations, electrical conduit penetrations, sound baffle wall perimeter
leaks, etc.

Perimeter Wall
Make certain the area the partition seals against is plumb and smooth.
Typical Section of Partition Mortar joints, crown molding, baseboard, chair rails, and carpet are
potential sound leaks. Additionally, provide solid blocking and insulation
behind the closure point.

A Partition Pocket
B Provide the same flooring in the partition pocket as under the partition.
C This will generally be carpet and pad, but could also be wood flooring. The
D goal is to have the bottom seal of the partition sitting on the same flooring
E
thickness in the room and in the pocket so that no gaps result from different
thicknesses.
F
G Do not rely on pocket doors for acoustical separation. Seal partition to rear
H of pocket at continuous solid blocking to avoid sound transmission through
I wall cavity.

HVAC Ductwork
A Sound baffle Ductwork should avoid penetrating sound baffles above operable partitions
B Track (alternate configurations) if possible, by running along service corridors or Prefunction spaces. This
C Trolley (wheeled)
arrangement provides flexible temperature control in each of the divided
D Finished ceiling materials
spaces without compromising acoustic separation.
E Top seal
F Operable panel Locate main feeder outside of the divided rooms.
G Drop seal
H Bottom sound seal When ductwork penetrates a sound baffle, cover supply duct with acoustical
I Finished floor materials wrap in order to minimize sound transmission and use “Z” sound traps for
return ducts.
Illustration 5-09
Sound Testing
The only way to objectively verify the operable partition’s performance is to
conduct an “in-place” sound test (NIC). Ideally, this test is conducted by an
independent acoustical consultant engaged by the project owner.
Responsibility for the system’s performance should be managed by the
General Contractor who directs the work of the subcontractors responsible
for the many trades involved in the operable partition and perimeter
construction.

© Marriott International, Inc. 05 Operable Partitions | May 2007 65

Operational Procedures

Operational Education and Training

In order to perform reliably, operable partitions must be operated by
knowledgeable, trained banquet staff to respond to the variety of staffing
arrangements and normal turnover. Education and training activities are
required on a continuous cycle.
Maintenance: Operable partitions require regular preventative maintenance
to perform reliably. Consult the following for assistance.
• Meeting Rooms 101 & 102 Link
• Meeting Rooms 101 Current Best Methods Link

[ End of Chapter 5 ]

66 05 Operable Partitions | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc.

 06
[Chapter]

AUDIO / VISUAL
• Chapter Contents 67
• Introduction 68
• Primary Functions, Minimum Standards 70
• Background and Foreground Music 70
• Speech Reinforcement 70
• Program Audio Reproduction 71
• General Requirements 71
• Control Systems 72
• Processing 73
• Patchbays 75
• Input/Outputs 75
• Tie Lines 76
• Speaking of Speakers 77
• Infrastructure Issues 79
• Conduit, Cable Trays, and Cable 80
• Equipment Room 81
• Area by Area Requirements 83
• Ceiling Support Utilities 84
• Issues, Implications, & Consequences 84
• Reliability and Performance 84
• Flexibility 85
• Ease of Use 85
• Cost Effectiveness 85
• Microphone Quality 86
• Portable Speakers vs: Built-in Speakers 86
• Feedback Causes and Cures 88
• Number of Open Microphones (NOM) Issues 90
• System Life Expectancy 90
• Preventative Maintenance Programs 91
• Operations Training & Troubleshooting 91
• Documentation 92
• Renovation Strategies 92
• Value Engineering Strategies 92
Lincolnshire Marriott Resort • Design, Procurement, and Installation Options 93
Marriott Theater
• Selecting a Consultant 96
• Selecting a Systems Contractor 97

© Marriott International, Inc. 06 Audio Visual | May 2007 67

 Visual
Audio &
It is the intent that the function space sound systems fully
support effective meeting activities. This is accomplished
by providing a robust built-in sound system capable of
providing intelligible sound reinforcement of speech,
reproduction of program audio, and the capacity of
integrating with and complementing portable equipment
and systems.

>>
Room acoustics are a critical factor to effective sound
Renaissance Concourse Hotel
system design and performance. The goal is to provide Concourse Ballroom

high-quality, intelligible, natural sounding, long-term This 11,000 sq-ft Ballroom can accommodate
groups up to 1,500 people with high-speed
Internet and advanced technology.
listening conditions to support the meeting activities.
This requires control of the levels of background noise
and reverberation in the function space.

High levels of background noise (typically from HVAC

systems) require larger, more powerful (and more
expensive) sound systems to overcome the noise. Hard,
reflective wall and ceiling surfaces create echoes and
reverberation that not only allow the background noise
to build in level, it also causes much of the sound system
energy to become background noise itself. This creates
very difficult listening conditions where the guests
may complain that it’s too loud, but still they cannot
understand what is being said.

See Chapter 4: Acoustics, Noise & Vibration Control for

more information.
68 06 Audio Visual | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc.
 Salient Qualities
The quality of effective hotel A/V systems, built-in or portable, are
evaluated according to the following criteria:

• Reliability refers to the consistent operation of the sound and

A/V systems on a day-to-day and event-to-event basis. The systems
are expected to provide predictable service and operations every
time, all of the time.
• Performance refers to the intelligibility, fidelity, and technical
capabilities, and overall sensory impact of the A/V systems.
Performance provides effective, natural-sounding reinforcement
of the spoken word throughout all of the audience areas.
• Flexibility refers to the ability of the system to accommodate a
wide range of user requirements, and to be changed quickly and
easily from one setup to another.
• Ease of Use refers to the capability of the system to be operated
by a wide range of users for the basic functions to the more
advanced functions.
• Cost-effectiveness refers to a balance between performance,
low first cost, and low operating cost including maintenance,
servicing, upgrading, supporting, and operating the systems.

Quality Circles

Image Courtesy of Electro-Media Design, Ltd. Illustration 6-01

© Marriott International, Inc. 06 Audio Visual | May 2007 69

Primary Functions, Minimum Standards

Functional Requirements
The three primary functions of the built-in house sound systems are:
Background and Foreground Music Music Sources & Subscription
• Background music is defined as instrumental (no words or Services
lyrics) that is played at a low level to provide aural cues and subtle When planning for music programming
accompaniment to guests. (background and event), make certain that
• Foreground music is defined as having more dynamic your music sources are legally sanctioned and
cover licensing for “performance fees” and
character and entertainment quality than background music and “mechanical reproduction fees” controlled by
may include music with lyrics. The built-in house sound systems recording artist and record labels. Utilizing
CDs, iPods, MP3 players, etc. that are not
are not expected to be “concert level” music systems or provide properly licensed may subject the property to
reinforcement of live music entertainment. penalties.

Speech Reinforcement
Speech reinforcement provides amplification of voices for the
presenters at the main presentation lectern, panel, or platform and
for questions and statements from audience members. This spoken
word is amplified and evenly distributed as highly intelligible sound
throughout an audience or listening area.
• Equivalent Acoustic Distance. The design goal is to create
the experience for every listener in an audience to hear and
understand the presenter with approximately the same level and
intelligibility as if the presenter was talking to each listener in a
normal voice from approximately six to eight feet away, in a quiet
room. This is referred to as: “Equivalent Acoustic Distance” or
having an EAD of six to eight feet.
• House Sound System. Even when an event uses portable
speakers for live entertainment and / or high level reproduction
of recorded presentation programs such as from DVDs, television

Equivalent Acoustic Distance

2
1 3 << EAD with and without
sound system

Direct Sound (Unamplified) 1 Actual Distance is 8'

Direct Sound (Amplified) 2 EAD = 8'
EAD = Equivalent Acoustic Distance 3 Sounds Like 8'
Image Courtesy of Electro-Media Design, Ltd. Illustration 6-02

70 06 Audio Visual | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc.

 broadcasts, etc. The built-in overhead house sound systems are
used to provide speech reinforcement from the platform or lectern
and from audience participation microphones.

Program Audio Reproduction

• Sound Reinforcement Systems provide amplification of
speech and audio portions of prerecorded or broadcast audiovisual
sources such as computers, video and audio tapes, etc. Sound is
evenly distributed throughout an audience by ceiling speakers.
• Portable Sound Systems including mixers, amplifiers, and
speakers are typically used for live music reinforcement and for
high level program audio reproduction from recorded audio /
visual presentations. The house ceiling sound system may be used
as “fill” for these events.
The Ballroom sound reinforcement systems are not intended to
be the primary reinforcement for live musical entertainment.

Portable Sound Systems

1 Central Cluster Speakers on Truss

2 Portable Speakers on Stands

Image Courtesy of Electro-Media Design, Ltd. Illustration 6-03

General Requirements
Provide built-in sound reinforcement systems for each function space (each
Ballroom section or salon, Meeting Room) that has over 1,000 sq. ft. of floor
space or when combined with an adjacent space(s) is equal to or larger than
1,000 sq. ft.
Sound systems are comprised of several elements including signal sources
(microphones, background music receivers, computers, etc.), input panels,
control systems, processing systems, monitoring systems, amplification, and
speakers.

© Marriott International, Inc. 06 Audio Visual | May 2007 71

System Elements
Control Systems Typical Control Panel
• Control Panels. Sound systems are controlled by a control
system that has a master touch panel located at the sound system
equipment rack. Each room or salon is also equipped with a
small control panel with an LCD display that may use touch
screen or push button technology. Control systems are digitally
programmable and provide guests and staff with user interface for
day-to-day sound system functions.
• In-Room Sound System Controls: In-room sound system
controls are positioned in each Meeting Room and Ballroom salon
to be readily available primarily to the A/V staff and sometimes
to the guest meeting planner. (refer to Illustration 6-05 ) Illustration 6-04
Image Courtesy of Electro-Media Design, Ltd.
• Control Panel Protection. While providing ready access by
the staff, the control panels should also be recessed to protect them
from physical damage. This may be accomplished by recessing
them in a special millwork detail or through the use of standard
metal recessed assemblies. (refer to Illustration 6-09 )

Ballroom Floorplan - Input Jacks & Controls

Primary Head Table Locations

Control

A / V I / O Panel

Illustration 6-05
Image Courtesy of Electro-Media Design, Ltd.

72 06 Audio Visual | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc.

 Processing
• Provide sound system processing that translates the commands
from the control systems into processes that manipulate the
sound signals from the microphone or program in a way that
produces the results required. The preferred processing equipment
is DSP based (digital signal processing) that provides this mixing,
routing, equalization, leveling, combining, and other functions.
• Analog Processing Systems have individual pieces of
equipment for each function. They include, for each Ballroom
salon or meeting space individual mixers, equalizers, routing
matrixes, etc. each with its own power supply, case, input and
output connections, and controls.

Analog Signal Flow Diagram

Illustration 6-06a
Image Courtesy of Electro-Media Design, Ltd.

• Digital Systems have digital signal processing devices that

accept all of the inputs and drive all of the outputs of the function
spaces very efficiently. Individual functions provided by each of
the analog components are all performed inside of the digital
signal processor.
• So, while a typical analog eight salon Ballroom sound system
would have eight each mixers, equalizers, and amplifiers, and
one routing matrix, the digital equivalent would have one digital
signal processor and eight amplifiers. Thus, the number of actual
cable connections is less than half compared to analog systems.
Digital systems take up less room as well.
Digital Signal Flow Diagram

Illustration 6-06b
Image Courtesy of Electro-Media Design, Ltd.

© Marriott International, Inc. 06 Audio Visual | May 2007 73

 • A critical issue relating to digital systems is that the system is
essentially a computer (the DSP processor and control system)
and the software that runs on and in the computer. That software
is assembled for each specific project and the maintenance and
upgrading of the system requires the use of the original system
code.
• It is critically important that the hotel receive unrestricted,
perpetual license to use its own copy of the original software
(referred to as uncompiled source code) developed for its systems
during installation. Without this software, maintenance or
upgrading of the system can only be performed by the original
installer or new software must be written and installed.
• Another critical issue relates to the quality of the software itself.
Since each system must have control software written specifically
for it, the quality depends on the programmer’s skill working
for the equipment installer. This control system programming is
closely supervised by a consultant to ensure an easy to use, intuitive
control system. A computer is only as good as its programming.
See “Ease of Use” section above.

Analog vs. Digital: Cost Trends

Decreasing Increasing

$
Equipment Labor
Costs DecreasingCosts Increasing
Equipment Labor
Costs Costs
Digi
tal

Digi
tal
Cost /
log
Ana Channel

log
Ana

Systems $ Large Systems

Small Systems
At break-even point Large Systems

Analog: 50% Equipment / 50% Labor

Digital: 70% Equipment / 30% Labor At break-even point
Analog: 50% Equipment / 50% Labor
Digital: 70% Equipment / 30% Labor
Image Courtesy of Electro-Media Design, Ltd. Illustration 6-07

74 06 Audio Visual | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc.

 Patchbays
• Provide patchbays from all incoming and outgoing circuits
and internally between the DSP to route signals and amplifiers
to power ceiling speakers. Patchbays are critical to hotel sound
systems, whether they are analog or digital. Patchbays provide
the A/V technician with direct access to input cables, tie lines,
and specific internal wiring in the sound system equipment rack.
(refer to Illustration 6-08 )
Patchbay

Image Courtesy of Electro-Media Design, Ltd. Illustration 6-08

• Patchbays are used by the installer and later by the servicing
technician to balance and adjust the sound system. They are used
proactively during set up of events by the A/V technicians to
route signals around the event space, thus speeding set up time
and reducing the need to lay cables around or through the event
space.
• Patchbays are perhaps most critical later in the life of a sound
system, as they are essential for trouble shooting and patching
around any piece of suspect or failed equipment. In the event
of a complete failure of the control system or DSP components,
the A/V technician can very quickly restore sound to the house
system by routing signals from a portable mixer through the
patchbay to the amplifiers driving the ceiling speakers.
• Patchbays should NEVER be eliminated from any multi-channel
sound system. Doing so is as risky as removing the spare tire from
Typical Input Plate Showing your car.
Tie Lines
Input / Outputs
• Provide input plates around the periphery of the event spaces, at
least one per Meeting Room and Ballroom salon, equipped with
microphone and line level jacks. (see Illustration 6-09 )
• The input jacks are positioned around the room periphery to
provide services to the most popular lectern and platform locations.
This minimizes the necessity of laying cables across doorways or
across a guest or staff circulation path. (see Illustration 6-05 )
Illustration 6-09
• While providing ready access by staff, the input plates are also
Image Courtesy of Electro-Media Design, Ltd. recessed to protect them from damage. This is accomplished by

© Marriott International, Inc. 06 Audio Visual | May 2007 75

 recessing them in a millwork detail or through the use of recessed Protective Box
connector assemblies. (see Illustration 6-10 )
• ADA. Marriott determined that sound system jacks fall under
the category of “telecommunications jacks” for Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance. This calls for a 15” mounting
height to the center of the plate. Older hotels may have jacks
located in the base; a popular practice in the 70’s and 80’s.
• XLR Jacks. The input jacks specified in the Design Standard are
commercial or professional grade called XLR type jacks and are
quite rugged. Consumer grade jacks are not used.
• Standard XLR jacks have locking latches that prevent cables from
unplugging if pulled. Marriott specifies special versions of XLR
jacks that have a detent instead of a locking latch. This minimizes
the chance of a guest or staff becoming entangled in cables if they
trip on one. Locking latches are also the first part of the jack that
breaks under heavy use.
• Labels. The Design Standard calls for logical labeling of the
input jacks that does not repeat numbers. That way technicians
need to remember only the circuit number they are working with,
reducing errors.

Tie Lines Illustration 6-10

• Tie Lines: Provide interconnecting cabling between and among Image Courtesy of Electro-Media Design, Ltd.
the function spaces, associated Prefunction and activity areas,
and appropriate communication “points of presence” in the
facility such as television head end rooms, telephone equipment
rooms, computer rooms, the loading dock, business center, A/V
department operations office, etc. (refer to Illustration 6-09 )
• The tie line network also serves function spaces such as breakout
rooms and other areas that may not be equipped with built-in
audio / visual or sound systems.
• This tie line network permits the A/V staff to send any signal
from anywhere to anywhere within the facility. It also serves to
connect and distribute Internet and telecommunications services
throughout the facility.
• The term “tie lines” refers to cables that are installed between
various locations within a hotel to permit “tying” the associated
systems together, or to provide services into or out of the event
spaces.
• The locations where tie lines are typically installed include
between each event space (meeting or Ballroom salon) and the
associated equipment rack, between various equipment rack
locations when there are multiple equipment rooms, between
control booths and the associated event space rack location, and
between the equipment rack locations and the main telephone
room for telecommunications services.

76 06 Audio Visual | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc.

 • The type of cabling that comprises the tie lines depends on the
intended accommodations. Network cabling is common on
all tie line panels; typically four to six network cables and two
multi-mode fiber cables are provided in each run. Between event
spaces and their associated equipment racks, two coaxial video
and two standard analog audio cables are also included.
• Some hotels where television broadcasts are frequent may have tie
lines run to a weather tight panel located near the loading dock
to accommodate broadcast or production trucks.
• Tie lines are also part of the retractable powered lighting
supports / hang point devices. Two or four network connectors
are provided and run to the A/V patchbay where they can be used
to send audio, video, or control signals to speakers, projectors or
lighting devices.

Speaking of Speakers
• Speakers: Provide an array of flush, high quality ceiling speakers
spaced to provide high intelligibility, low distortion, wide
frequency response, wide dynamic range, and direct even sound
coverage throughout the function spaces seating and audience
areas. It is not expected that these speakers will provide low
frequency energy below 125 Hz, so large enclosures or backboxes
are not required.
• Provide individual zones of speaker control to permit turning
off speakers above head tables and platforms, when necessary.
This controls feedback and improves overall system volume. (see
Illustration 6-11 )

Ballroom Ceiling Plan: Typical Speaker Zoning

Service Corridor

Indicates coverage and circuiting for

head-table control

Speaker

Prefunction Corridor

Illustration 6-11
Image Courtesy of Electro-Media Design, Ltd.

© Marriott International, Inc. 06 Audio Visual | May 2007 77

 • The relationship between the array of ceiling speakers and the
room acoustics is critical. The effectiveness of the speakers
to deliver intelligible speech into the audience depends on the
amount and location of acoustical absorption in the room.
• Sound that travels directly from the speaker to the listeners’
ears contributes directly to intelligibility. Sound that bounces
off of hard walls, operable partitions, or ceiling surfaces creates
reverberation that interferes with intelligibility. (Illustration
6-12 )

Direct and Reflected Sound

Direct Sound (Unamplified)

Reflected Sound
Image Courtesy of Electro-Media Design, Ltd. Illustration 6-12

When a function space is provided with acoustical absorption on the walls,

speakers can have a broader dispersion pattern (similar to flood lights) since
sound that ends up on the walls is absorbed and not reflected; thus fewer
speakers are needed to provide good coverage.
Conversely, when function space walls are hard and acoustically reflective,
speakers must be selected for narrow, tightly controlled dispersion patterns
(similar to spot lights) to minimize the amount of sound energy that falls
on the walls that becomes interfering noise. These speakers are usually larger
and more expensive and more speakers are subsequently required to provide
even sound coverage. (Illustration 6-13a & 6-13b )
• Since the goal of both room acoustics and sound system design
is to provide a high quality listening experience for the hotel’s
guests, if an investment is made in improving the room acoustics
by providing acoustically absorptive wall treatment, some of that
investment is recovered by simplifying the sound system.

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 Broad Dispersion Pattern Example

1
2 3

Broad Pattern Speakers 1 Head Table Speaker Turned Off

Direct Sound (Amplified) 2 Hard Surface
Reflected Sound 3 Absorptive Panels

Image Courtesy of Electro-Media Design, Ltd. Illustration 6-13a

Narrow Dispersion Pattern Example

1 2

Narrow Pattern Speakers 1 Head Table Speaker Turned Off

Direct Sound (Amplified) 2 Prevents Reflection of Hard
Reflected Sound Surfaces

Image Courtesy of Electro-Media Design, Ltd. Illustration 6-13b

Infrastructure Issues
• Power & Grounding
+ The quality of the power and grounding is even more important
with digital sound systems than it is for analog systems.
Typically, a UPS power / conditioner is provided for the DSP
and control system equipment. (refer to Illustration 6-14 )
+ It is important to put as much of the signal processing
equipment on the same power phase and from the same power
panel to ensure that the power to the equipment does not
generate hum due to different phases or grounds.
+ The ground needs to be excellent; this is how interference from
cell phones, power and lighting components, etc. is drained

© Marriott International, Inc. 06 Audio Visual | May 2007 79

 Power and Grounding Diagram

Image Courtesy of Electro-Media Design, Ltd. Illustration 6-14

away from the sound system equipment. Unlike a power or

safety ground, the signal ground provides very low resistance
to very high frequency signals to keep them out of the sound
system. The Design Standard calls for an excellent technical
signal ground that works well and is very reasonable in cost.
+ An alternative to providing the good technical power and
ground is to provide a complete balanced and isolated power
supply to the equipment. This approach is bulky and expensive
and is not as effective as providing the recommended power
and grounding.

Conduit, Cable Trays, and Cable

• The entire sound system is interconnected by cabling. This network
of cables is similar to the nerves in your body. These cables are
relatively fragile, are susceptible to damage and interference, and
can be difficult and expensive to troubleshoot and repair. They
must be protected during the initial installation.

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 • The cables that connect the input and control plates to the
equipment racks typically run up the walls; these are contained
in conduit all the way to the equipment rack or at least all the way
to their cable tray.
• Speaker cables are typically run open above accessible ceilings
to the speakers. The cables are tied off high in the ceiling as
mechanical equipment service, and rigging companies work
in the ceiling, and can damage cables. Conduit are used above
inaccessible ceilings to protect cables and facilitate future
service.
• Some types of sound system cables are very susceptible to
interference from other cables. Microphone cables are the most
sensitive of all cables in any venue. Microphones generate 50 /1000
of a volt and pick up noise from nearby lighting fixtures, motors,
power cables. These cables are placed in dedicated conduit not
shared with any other type of cable.
• Eliminating conduit results in shorter reliable service life of
the sound system. Costs are higher when the system is refurbished
later in its life.
• Steel conduit extends from the device backbox to above the
cable tray so that the cable is continuously protected.
Cable trays collect cables from input and control devices and
from speakers and route them to the equipment room.

Equipment Room
• Centrally located, the sound system equipment room is on the
same floor as the function area with an access door on the service
corridor. An independent HVAC zone is required to ensure that
the equipment does not overheat or sweat due to humidity. (refer
to Illustration 3-10 on page 29)
• If not properly conditioned, the equipment deteriorates and
becomes unreliable sooner than equipment that is properly
conditioned. Some hotels provide a small split system heat pump
to condition the equipment room.
• If the sound system equipment is located remote from the areas
being served, an independent control panel may be located in the
service corridor to provide more convenient access to the system
functions. But the patchbay and monitoring can only be done at
the equipment rack.
• Secure (lock) the sound system equipment rooms to prevent
unauthorized access.
+ Where sound system equipment rooms share space with network
or telecommunications service equipment, it is important
that this other equipment be protected from physical damage
since the sound system room is often used for storage of A/V

© Marriott International, Inc. 06 Audio Visual | May 2007 81

 equipment. A chain link fence partition may be used or the
network and telecom equipment may be secured in equipment
racks.
+ Retractable projector mounts are devices installed in the
ceilings that can be retracted to be flush with the ceilings
when not in use, and lowered when needed. These devices can
support portable video projectors from the ceiling. The devices
are equipped with clean technical power outlets, network, and
signal cables to permit the A/V department to send signals
to the projector without having to string cables around the
ceilings or across the floor of the spaces.
See Chapter 3: Support Facilities for more information.
• Floor Boxes
+ Some facilities provide floor boxes strategically located to serve
frequently used platform or lectern locations. The floor boxes
are equipped with power outlets and network jacks run to
the patchbay in the A/V equipment room. The network jacks
are used for telephone, Internet, audio, or video signals, as
needed.
+ Floor boxes are specified and located carefully. They are liquid-
tight and able to withstand very heavy loads (scissor lifts,
staging, etc.) without distorting. Carpeting is glued down to
prevent its tearing at the corners when heavy loads are rolled
across the carpet.
+ The combination of properly located retractable projector
mounts and floor boxes can virtually eliminate cables running
across the floor.

Retractable Projector Mounts & Floor Box Diagram

1 2 Cable run from floorbox to

retractable projector mount to
elminate wires running on floor

3
1 Projection Screen
3/4" AV Cable Conduit 2 Projector
Video Cable Run 3 Floorbox

Image Courtesy of Electro-Media Design, Ltd. Illustration 6-15

82 06 Audio Visual | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc.

 • Sound & Life Safety
+ The sound system is completely independent of the life safety
system and does not carry life safety alarms or messages.
+ Since the sound system is capable of producing high sound
levels that could interfere with guests’ hearing the life safety
system announcements or fire alarms, it is necessary to turn
off the sound system when a local or general fire alarm sounds.
This is done automatically and requires a manual reset when
the alarm condition is silenced or re-set.

Area by Area Requirements

Prefunction Areas
• Provide sound system capacity to play background and foreground
music during reception events.
• Provide the capability to interconnect these areas with adjacent
function spaces for overflow functions.

Ballrooms & Meeting Rooms

• Provide independent sound reinforcement systems in each
Ballroom salon. Provide input / output plates, in-room controls,
A/V network connectivity, processing, recording, and ceiling
speakers.
• Meeting Rooms larger than 1,000 sq. ft. are equipped with built-
in sound systems as described for Ballrooms.

Boardrooms
• Boardrooms are defined as having fixed walls (no operable
partitions) and a fixed table. One end wall is designated as the
“object wall” or front of the room.
• Provide an electrically operated projection screen at the object
wall.
• Provide tie lines, network, telecommunications and convenience
power outlets built into the Boardroom table. If larger than
1,000 sq. ft., provide a built-in sound system having features and
functions described for Ballroom salons above and provide audio
connections in the table.
• Provide power, data, and inputs for the sound system at the front
of the room and built into the Boardroom table.

Exhibit Halls
• Exhibit Halls exclusively intended for exhibition purposes and will
never have business or social events may be equipped with basic
sound systems intended for only paging and announcements.
• Typically however, Exhibit Halls in Marriott and Renaissance

© Marriott International, Inc. 06 Audio Visual | May 2007 83

 Hotels are really “flexible function spaces” used for other types of
events besides exhibits. Business and social events require built-in
house sound systems and room acoustics with similar qualities of
those described for Ballrooms and Meeting Rooms.

Ceiling Support Utilities

Venues used to stage larger productions with a high level of A/V support
will benefit from installing the following advanced features. See Chapter 3:
Support Facilities for additional detail:
• Fixed Passive Hang Points
• Retractable Powered Hang Points
• Track Hang Point
• Lightweight Hanging Track
• Light Pipe

Issues, Implications, & Consequences

Quality Factors
Reliability and Performance
• Variables. There are many factors that affect the reliability
and performance of the sound systems. The proper design and
quality of the equipment, materials, programming of control
and processing components, equipment room environment,
power quality, and installation techniques all directly affect the
reliability and the life expectancy of the sound system.
• Digital systems have far fewer connections compared to similar
analog systems. Each connection point is a potential failure point.
Thus, digital systems are more reliable in the long run.
• Training. How the system is used by A/V staff in their day-to-
day operations also affects the reliability and performance of the
systems. Proper training can ensure that the system is operated
within its reasonable operational parameters. This includes proper
interfacing of portable equipment and components and intelligent
balancing and adjustment of system levels.
• Preventative Maintenance of the system is necessary to
ensure reliable operation, proper performance and long service
life. Routine maintenance is required for controls, connections,
fans, filters, and electro-mechanical components. See House
Sound Quality Assurance Addendum and Preventative Maintenance
Program Addendum. Link

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 • Equipment Room. The main sound system equipment room
environment contributes to or reduces system reliability. High
heat and humidity, dirty air, vibration, and other stressors can
reduce the system reliability and life.
• Service Life. A properly designed, installed, operated, and
maintained house sound system can provide 12 to 15 years of
reliable service life to the hotel.
Flexibility
• System flexibility is a result of proper design, location of inputs
and outputs, zoning of speakers, and programming of control
and processing components.
• Patchbays are a critical component in providing flexibility. This
single component allows the A/V staff to quickly rearrange the
entire system, bypassing failed components and restoring system
service. It also allows the A/V staff to troubleshoot problems, set
levels, and accommodate a wide range of room set ups and event
requirements. (refer to Illustration 6-08 )

Ease of Use
• Programming. The key factor for creating easy to use systems
is control and processing components programming. Just like
personal computer software, programming can be intuitive and
comfortable or cumbersome and difficult.
Analog vs. Digital: Cost Trends • Programmers. The art of developing intuitive user controls is
very well advanced. Some installers are adept at providing easy
to use programming while others are not. There are independent
Decreasing Increasing
control and processing system programmers available to support

$
Equipment Labor
Costs Costs installers’ efforts.
Digi • Experience. An important factor in developing easy to use
tal
systems and control software is understanding the nuances
Cost / associated with operating a hotel’s flexible function space, both
log
Channel Ana from the equipment performance as well as the public and staff
practices and interface requirements. Programming software
$ must be guided by a consultant or experienced A/V Department
Small Systems Large Systems
Technician.

At break-even point Cost Effectiveness

• Digital Systems have far fewer connections than analog
Analog: 50% Equipment / 50% Labor systems, so the labor to install a digital system is less.
Digital: 70% Equipment / 30% Labor • Costs of digital sound systems continues to fall and the cost
of technical labor continues to rise. The break even point where
Image Courtesy of Electro-Media Design, Ltd. digital systems become more cost effective has made digital
Illustration 6-07 systems much more affordable for even smaller function spaces.
(see Illustration 6-07 )

© Marriott International, Inc. 06 Audio Visual | May 2007 85

 • Life Cycle. Since digital systems can be upgraded by changing
software, their life expectancy is increased and maintenance costs
are lower over the life of the system. This reduces their life cycle
costs.

Microphone Quality
• High Quality. The quality of the guests’ listening experience
starts at the microphone. There are many good quality microphones
available designed specifically for lectern use. Microphones can
cost as little as $50 to $150 and are designed to be placed 6” to
12” away from the talker, as appropriate for lectern use.
• Low Quality. However, due to concern about theft and
tightening budgets, some hotels purchase low quality microphones
and then find the sound system performance is not what it used
to be. A simple change to a better microphone is sometimes all it
takes to improve performance.
• Wrong Type. Other times quality microphones designed for
“close talking” (a working distance of only 1” or less) are used.
These microphones result in an apparent reduction in sound
system performance when the talker stays too far away from the
microphone.

Portable Speakers vs: Built-in Speakers

• Built-in house sound systems in Marriott Hotels are primarily
used for voice reinforcement in the function spaces. By design,
they are optimized in their coverage and frequency response for
the human voice and provide high intelligibility and quality for
this purpose.
• Portable Speakers. When the meeting planner needs higher
fidelity for audio program or entertainment sound, portable
speakers are used in the function space. These speakers are
sometimes positioned to flank the stage or platform and are lifted
on stands. Other times, the larger, higher fidelity speakers are
hung from overhead supports.
Depending on the room’s acoustics and the care with which the
portable speakers are positioned, they may provide a quality guest
experience, or may actually accentuate the room’s poor acoustics
and subsequently provide an average or disappointing guest
experience. There are several reasons for this.
• Evenness of Sound Levels. ceiling speakers provide more
consistent sound coverage throughout the audience area,
compared to portable speakers. Guests seated closest to the
portable speakers are subjected to high sound levels while those
in the rear typically hear only indirect sound and reverberation.
(see Illustration 6-16a & 16b )

86 06 Audio Visual | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc.

 Ceiling Speakers

Image Courtesy of Electro-Media Design, Ltd. Illustration 6-16a

Portable Speakers

Image Courtesy of Electro-Media Design, Ltd. Illustration 6-16b

• Ceiling Speakers direct their sound energy straight down

into the audience. The sound then is heard by the guests and is
absorbed by the audience and carpet and the sound energy that
is not absorbed is reflected back up toward the ceiling where it is
absorbed by acoustical ceiling tiles.

© Marriott International, Inc. 06 Audio Visual | May 2007 87

 • Portable Speakers direct most of their sound energy
horizontally. Thus most of the sound energy is aimed at side walls
(operable partitions), ceiling, and back wall. If these surfaces are
hard, the sound reflects off the side walls and ceiling, causing
reverberation. If the back wall does not have acoustically
absorptive treatment, the sound energy reflects off the back wall
and returns to the platform as an echo. This “slap-back echo” can
be quite disorienting to a presenter.
• Vicious Cycle. Often to help the presenter, the production
company or A/V department provides “stage monitors” at the
platform so that the presenter hears his voice amplified louder than
the echo from the back wall. This subsequently raises the overall
reverberant sound levels that reduces audience intelligibility,
reduces microphone amplification, and increases the likelihood
of feedback.
• The excitement of the reverberant noise above and around the
audience dramatically diminishes intelligibility. The common
comment is: “I can hear but I cannot understand”. Turning up
the sound levels only exacerbates the problem of diminished
intelligibility, as noted above and in Chapter 4: Acoustics, Noise
& Vibration Control.
• When the meeting planner arranges for an “upgraded” sound
system, it is natural for them to expect higher quality. In large,
high, hard surfaced Ballrooms, this cannot be provided.
• Acoustical Absorption. The only way to reduce reverberation
and reduce the hollow sound is to provide acoustically absorbent
panels on side walls and acoustically absorptive coverings on
operable partitions.
• All of this leads to the conclusion that providing acoustically
absorptive wall panels throughout the function spaces consistently
and absolutely improves intelligibility and the guest’s experience
of quality for all event arrangements and for all types of sound
systems.

Feedback Causes and Cures

• Feedback is caused when sound from speaker(s) is “heard”
by microphone(s), that then is amplified and broadcast by the
speakers, and so forth. This loop causes a squealing sound that is
intolerable. (see Illustration S-17a, 17b, 17c, & 17d )
• Head Table Zones. When portable platforms are used,
microphones positioned on the raised platforms are closer to the
ceiling speakers and thus become more likely to “hear” those
speakers. This is why the Design Standard calls for “Head Table
Zones” to disable speakers above the commonly used raised
platform locations. (see Illustration 6-17d )

88 06 Audio Visual | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc.

 Feedback Caused By Speaker Sound Picked-Up by Microphones

1 Feedback Caused By Speaker

Behind Microphone
Illustration 6-17a

Proper Placement & Zoning of Speakers Eliminates Feedback

1 Proper Placement and Zoning of

Speakers Elimiates Feedback
Illustration 6-17b
Image Courtesy of Electro-Media Design, Ltd.

Feedback Caused By Speaker Sound Picked-Up by Microphones

Direct Sound (Amplified)

1 Feedback Caused By Speaker
Direct Sound (Amplified)
Over Microphone Illustration 6-17c
1 Feedback Caused By Speaker
Proper PlacementOver
& Zoning of Speakers Eliminates Feedback
Microphone

1
Direct Sound (Amplified)
1 Head Table Speaker Turned Off
Direct
To Sound
Prevent (Amplified)
Feedback
1 Head Table Speaker Turned Off
To Prevent Feedback
Illustration 6-17d
Image Courtesy of Electro-Media Design, Ltd.

© Marriott International, Inc. 06 Audio Visual | May 2007 89

 • Higher Reverberation in larger rooms produces sound energy
from speakers that is likely to be “heard” by microphones making
them susceptible to feedback. Function spaces with proper
acoustical absorption creates an environment that is less likely to
feed back.
• Higher Background Noise requires a louder sound system
so that the talker is heard and understood over the background
noise. The louder the sound system level, the more likely the
microphones hear the speakers and produce feedback.
As noted above, when more microphones are turned on, each
microphone’s apparent amplification is reduced. If the guest
or technician attempts to compensate for this amplification
reduction by turning up the sound system, feedback results.

Number of Open Microphones (NOM) Issues

• Maximum Potential Amplification of the voice in any
particular room is limited. The maximum amplification and
highest apparent quality is achieved when there is only one Normally Open Microphones (NOM)
microphone in use. Each additional microphone reduces the and System Gain
amplification for each microphone, since they have to “share”
the finite amount of amplification available. (see Illustration
6-18 )
• There are event arrangements that call for several or many
microphones. These set ups are accommodated by several
approaches. One is to provide a technician using a mixer to keep
unused microphones turned down and anticipate when someone
is going to speak, turning up that microphone when needed.
• Another approach is using non-gating automatic microphone
mixers that perform the same function, automatically.
• Another approach is to use “delegate” systems where the person
wishing to speak presses a button to activate their microphone. Illustration 6-18
Image Courtesy of Electro-Media Design, Ltd.
• If none of these approaches are applied, and multiple microphones
are in use, the system will be susceptible to feedback, have low
sound levels from the microphones, require talkers to hold the
microphones uncomfortably close to their lips, etc.
• The overall result is a lower quality experience for the meeting
planner and guests when they expect higher quality, especially
since they are charged extra for each additional microphone.

System Life Expectancy

• A system’s life expectancy is affected by the quality of the equipment
and initial installation, the equipment room environment, the
quality of the power and grounding of the system, and the quality
of how the system is operated.

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 • A properly designed, installed, operated, and maintained house
sound system can provide 12 to 15 years of reliable service life.
Some system elements may last over 20 years, such as speakers.
Other components, especially ones that have electro-mechanical
controls such as volume controls, will last for 12 years at most.
• Even with proper ongoing maintenance, a mid-life refurbishment
is required sometime around the seventh year after initial
installation.

Preventative Maintenance Programs

• Every sound system benefits from proper preventative maintenance.
Marriott has arranged a Function Space & Food & Beverage Sound
System Quality Assurance Program. Link
This service is designed to restore reliable performance to and
maintain and assess the quality of the house sound systems within
function spaces and associated activity areas.
• This program service provides information and reports on the
current state of the function space house sound systems with
respect to performance, reliability, flexibility, and ease of use.
• Performing this survey is recommended by Marriott every
time a house sound system upgrade, repair or replacement is
considered.
• Reports may also include a detailed scope of work used to solicit
proposals from local contractors. If requested, a Request For
Proposals is issued, and the resulting proposals reviewed and
negotiated with bidders.

Operations Training & Troubleshooting

• The most well designed and installed system cannot operate itself.
The features critical to a quality house sound system including
performance and flexibility also make it important that the A/V
staff and banquet managers know how the system works, how
to set it up and operate it, and how to troubleshoot and patch
around component failures.
• The A/V Department operating technicians and banquet
managers are the most important components in the system,
since they are the only ones with dynamic intelligence and ability
to learn.
• Initial staff training on the systems, proper operating instructions,
effective retraining of existing and new staff, all contribute to
successful system operations.

© Marriott International, Inc. 06 Audio Visual | May 2007 91

 Documentation
• The documentation required of the installing contractor include
as-built drawings, manufacturers operating and technical
manuals, custom-written step-by-step setup and operating and
troubleshooting instructions for each system, and laminated
drawings mounted on the wall near the equipment racks for
technicians’ reference.
• Commissioning. During final system commissioning, the
installing contractor performs “Performance Testing and
Adjustments” activities that produces a report that describes
the results of this testing. This report allows future servicing
technicians to compare system performance to the original
performance and restore it to its original levels of service. This
report is an important part of the final documentation.

Renovation Strategies
• General Renovations of function spaces must include
consideration for the house sound systems. Often, even when
there is no work planned for refurbishing the house sound systems,
these systems become damaged during the work associated with
ceilings, walls, millwork, etc. where the contractors are required to
remove and replace existing sound system equipment elements.
• Repairs. When the sound system subsequently becomes
intermittent, the work required to refurbish the system or even
just to repair the damage caused during the renovation is more
costly and difficult due to room scheduling, work-in-place, etc. It
is always more cost-effective to address the sound system at the
same time as the rest of the renovation work.
• Funding. Even if there are insufficient funds to replace or
provide an appropriate renovation of the sound system during the
work, it is a good idea to have a sound system survey performed
and short-term work defined to:
1 Protect the sound system during renovation.
2 Correct field wiring and infrastructure during the renovation.
3 Perform basic repair and maintenance on the existing system
elements to stabilize the sound system until sufficient funds
become available to refurbish or replace it as appropriate.

Value Engineering Strategies

• The systems described herein and in the current companion Design
Standard are pre-value engineered, when properly interpreted.
These system concepts and design approach have been developed
from more than 25 years and hundreds of hotels to be a careful
balance of cost and benefit.

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 • Independent Consultants who are not compensated based
on the value of the equipment they specify can provide a more
objective and cost-effective interpretation of requirements than
equipment dealers or installers that sell equipment.
• Value Engineering by Phasing may be considered rather than
a cut back. First, provide the infrastructure, conduit, cabling, and
power as required by the Design Guide. Provide the elements of
the system that must be integrated into the architecture such as
input panels, speakers, tie lines, patchbays, and amplifiers. Then,
the processing and control components may be added as funds
become available.
• Renovation Value Engineering may be possible by phasing
of the refurbishment to address infrastructure of the systems
including input plates, controls, speakers, and the associated
field wiring during the major renovation project, and providing
the main rack refurbishment later, without disturbing meeting
events.

Design, Procurement, and Installation Options

• There are four phases of a sound system development and first
year life. These are the Design, Procurement, Installation, and the
first year Warranty.
• There are three basic approaches to consider for designing and
installing sound and video systems for renovations and new
construction. One is called: “Design-Bid-Build” and the other
is “Design-Build”. Each has advantages and disadvantages. The
third approach is Consultant-Led-Design-Build and this has the
best of both worlds.
+ In Design-Bid-Build, The systems are scoped and designed,
then competitive proposals are solicited for the installation.
+ In Design-Build, the design and installation work is typically
negotiated with a single contractor.
• The Independent Consultant is a design professional that
does not work for any contractor, manufacturer, or equipment
installer, and does not get paid through sales commissions.
The Independent Consultant is typically engaged at the start
of the project by the Owner to design the systems, provide
project management, and provide quality and cost control. The
Independent Consultant is the Owner’s advocate.
• The Systems Contractor is the dealer for the A/V equipment.
The Contractor has technical departments that design, install,
and maintain the systems. Frequently, the Contractor’s sales
staff are referred to as Consultants, but they are not Independent
Consultants, since their compensation comes from the sale and
installation of equipment because these companies are in the

© Marriott International, Inc. 06 Audio Visual | May 2007 93

 business of selling A/V equipment. Their choices are influenced
by their dealership agreements with manufacturers and associated
quotas, the brands and products that the contractor has in stock,
the current manufacturer’s promotions and quotas, the margin or
profit on the products, and similar factors.
• Contractor Sales. Similarly, the contractor’s service department
is also an “early warning system” for the sales department. The
servicing technicians are trained to look for sales opportunities and
are rewarded for doing so. It is frequently much more profitable
for a contractor to sell and install a new piece of equipment than
to simply repair an existing component.
• “Free” Design Services offered by systems contractors carry
hidden costs, and the conflicting influences are not in the Owner’s
or Hotel’s best interest.
• Marriott recommends renovation and new construction projects
follow the Design-Bid-Build process and engage an Independent
Consultant to guide the process. Where fast-track projects call
for a shortened schedule, a hybrid approach of Consultant-Led-
Design-Build may be considered. This method provides the
best features of both approaches. In this case, the Independent
Consultant provides the scope and truly competitive proposals
are solicited for Design-Build Contractors with the Consultant
overseeing the entire process.
+ Process: Design
Both approaches to systems design and procurement will
include the same initial steps. If new construction, then a
scope or needs analysis is performed to determine systems
requirements. The purpose and size of the venue is considered
along with the nature of the sound and visual systems, and the
Owner’s budget.
Renovation. If the project is a renovation, then the existing
venue and infrastructure is inspected and evaluated for re-use
potential. Many system elements have long service life and cost
savings can be significant if parts of the infrastructure from
the existing systems are re-used.
Scope. The next step is the development of a treatment or scope
of systems briefing that describes the features and functions of
the systems, and provides an estimate for the technical contract
value.
Drawings. If the treatment is acceptable to the Owner, then
the Systems Contractor or Independent Consultant develops
the systems design drawings. These include three elements:
the infrastructure drawings showing how the devices interface
with the interior design, the technical drawings showing how
the equipment components interface with each other, and the
technical specifications.

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 Coordination. If this is a significant renovation project
involving an architect or interior designer, or any new
construction, it is critical that the A/V systems designer work
closely with the other designers to make sure that the A/V
system elements are properly coordinated with and integrated
into the interior architectural treatment of the venue. This is
something that Independent Consultants do much better than
Systems Contractors.

+ Process: Procurement
This is where the significant differences between the two
approaches are most evident. If the project is Design-Bid-
Build, then the Independent Consultant assembles a Request
For Proposals (RFP) package that includes the design drawings
and specifications with system descriptions, equipment lists,
and installation instructions.
The RFP Package is sent to three to five local system
contractors who competitively bid against each other to install
the systems. The competitive procurement process, managed
by the Independent Consultant, results in the highest value
and lowest overall costs.
Alternately, if the approach is Design-Build, the Systems
Contractor proceeds to build the system presumably according
to the original price estimate.

+ Process: Installation
In the Design-Bid-Build Approach, the Systems
Contractor produces what are known as Shop Drawings. The
Shop Drawings are detailed fabrication drawings showing how
they intend to build the systems including programming for
the digital processing and control systems. Shop drawings are
reviewed by the Independent Consultant to ensure compliance
with the contract and proposal.
In the Design-Build Approach, the Shop Drawings may
or may not be developed. The Systems Contractor usually
quality-checks his own work.
Independent Consultants review the Systems Contractors’
fabrication and installation work and reports to the Owner
regarding progress and quality.

+ Process: Check-out and Commissioning of Completed

Systems
Commissioning. The completed system is inspected and
tested when the installation is complete. The Independent
Consultant makes a final inspection and performs the final

© Marriott International, Inc. 06 Audio Visual | May 2007 95

 testing, balancing and adjustments of the systems. This is also
referred to as the Commissioning process.
Completion. During commissioning, the Independent
Consultant verifies the Sound Contractor’s testing results and
the installation undergoes a final detailed inspection. Defects
or problems are reported in a “Punch List” to the Owner for
correction. When complete, the Independent Consultant
advises the Owner that the system is complete according to
the contract documents and recommends that final payment
be released to the Sound Contractor.
In a Design-Build Project, the Sound Contractor inspects
his own installation and declares it complete.
Record or As-Built Drawings. The Systems Contractor
produces a set of documents referred to as “As-Built Drawings”
and “Operations and Maintenance Manuals” for the systems.
These support both the operating staff in properly using the
systems, and also the future technicians who are called upon
to service the systems. These documents are also inspected and
reconciled by the Independent Consultant.

+ Process: First year warranty and System Maintenance

During the first year, the entire sound system is covered by
a material and labor warranty covering both the equipment
and installation. The Sound Contractor should provide the
Hotel with a 24 hour / day, 7 day / week emergency telephone
number to call for technical support and service.
When involved, the Independent Consultant monitors the
systems performance and reliability by watching the service
calls and how the installing contractor responds to requests.

Selecting a Consultant
• The engagement of an Independent Consultant is one of the
most important, valuable, and cost-effective decisions an Owner
or Hotel can make. Unlike sales consultants, professional
Independent Consultants do not sell equipment or systems. Their
objective perspective considers and balances all aspects of the
client’s needs for system quality and budget.
• Independent Consultants do not receive commissions or kick-
backs from manufacturers or installers of systems or equipment.
Their role is to be the Hotel’s technical resource and advocate and
to protect the Owner’s and Hotel’s interests.
• Your Independent Consultant should also have a perspective
of the unique requirements of Marriott’s hotel business and
operating practices. The consultant will evaluate the sound
system, room acoustics, building noise, staff training and skill

96 06 Audio Visual | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc.

 set, workmanship, infrastructure, maintenance, unique market
factors, etc.
• The Independent Consultant also advises regarding other event
technology requirements described in this Guide. The Independent
Consultant coordinates with and reviews the designs of the
Architect, Engineers, and other design professionals to make sure
their designs support the sound systems and event technology
elements. The result of this coordination process is a high level of
integration and cost-effective performance of all of the systems.
• Independent Consultants will belong to one of the professional
trade associations for these services. The most prominent ones are
the Independent Consultants in Audiovisual Technologies (ICAT,
part of ICIA) and National Council of Acoustical Consultants.
Always check the references for any Independent Consultant
before hiring them.

Selecting a Systems Contractor

• Just like hotel companies, there are major market companies and
secondary and smaller contractors. All might be able to do a good
job, and all can also disappoint. It depends on the contractor’s
management and staff assigned.
• The larger contractors will have many more product lines they
can choose from and are generally better equipped to manage
larger projects.
• Distance. As noted above, always look for contractors that
maintain a nearby service shop. By nearby, we include areas up
to a two hour drive time. This is the practical limit for how ready
the contractor is to send a service technician during the first year
warranty period. Much longer than a two hour drive and the
contractor will be reluctant to service the system.
• Professional Systems Contractors belong to one or more of
the professional trade associations. These include the National
Systems Contractors Association (NSCA) and Sound and Audio
Visual Integrators council (SAAVI, part of ICIA). The web sites
for these associations provide contractor locator services to aid
your search.
• Check References. Check for projects that were completed
several years ago to see how well they are being serviced by the
contractor. Ask for references to Independent Consultants and
check those as well.

[ End of Chapter 6 ]

© Marriott International, Inc. 06 Audio Visual | May 2007 97

 07
[Chapter]

VOICE & DATA

•Chapter Contents 99
•Introduction 100
•Voice / Data 101
•Electronic Signage 102
•Large Displays 104
•Interactive Displays 104
•Door-side Displays 105
•Value Engineering Issues 106
Value Engineering Issues 1 0 5

Lincolnshire Marriott Resort

Boardroom

© Marriott International, Inc. 07 Voice & Data | May 2007 99

 Voice &
Data
The single most important element of a successful
meeting is the ability to communicate with each other

>>
as well as opportunity to include people remote from the
Marriott Hotel
meeting. Well designed voice and data facilities allow London, England

meeting attendees to interact with each other in a room

to shape information at remote venues in the hotel or at
any location in the world.

100 07 Voice & Data | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc.

 Voice / Data

Telephone (Voice)
Each Ballroom salon, Meeting Room, and breakout room is provided with
RJ-11 jacks for dedicated house telephone lines.
Surveys of Marriott Meeting Planners has revealed that it is critical to
provide reliable cell phone operation as well. This can be problematic due
to a number of factors, from the location of the nearest cell tower, to the
construction of the building, to the location of the function spaces. If cell
coverage is a problem, look at providing a cellular repeater system such
as those available from www.cellantenna.com. These systems extend the
outdoor world of cell telephone signals into the insides of buildings and start
at only $500.
• Patchbays. Provide telephone services for direct inward and
outbound dial on patchbays in the A/V equipment room. This
patch panel is collocated with the patch panels for the tie lines
serving the meeting spaces.
• High speed digital telephone services also are provided from
the main telephone switch room to the A/V equipment room’s tie
line patch panel. These include ISDN and T-1 services. Many
corporate and government clients still require switched access
to their corporate network and these circuits serve that purpose.
Video teleconferencing and distance learning also use switched
services.
• Tie Lines. The tie line network of cables then delivers any of the
telephone services to any of the meeting spaces, as appropriate to
serve the event. The tie lines can accommodate up to 24 telephone
lines per input / output plate. See Chapter 6: Audio / Visual
for description of tie lines.

Network Services (Data)

• The A/V room tie line patchbay is typically also where the
hotel’s Internet services provider has a distribution node of its
A Note About Wireless Internet system. This permits the A/V staff to activate any network jack
Note that while wireless Internet access is
in any meeting room space with Internet services by use of the
mandatory nowadays, providing wireless patchbay and tie line cabling.
Internet access only is not sufficient; the • Wireless access points (WAPs) are provided throughout the
facility must have robust wired Internet
jacks throughout the function and public function spaces including the pre-function areas. Each individual
spaces. This is because that most government salon and meeting room should have its own WAP. Provide
agencies and some corporations do not permit
employees to use wireless Internet devices due electrical receptacles in seating and lounge areas for customer
to the weak security afforded by wireless. use. Keep in mind that operable partitions are skinned with steel
and therefore block wireless signals. One WAP is required for

© Marriott International, Inc. 07 Voice & Data | May 2007 101

 every 30 to 40 anticipated users. Provide at least one WAP in
each ballroom salon and meeting room ceiling to ensure proper
coverage.
• The wireless network should be configured to permit being used
independently for special services, from time to time.

Master Antenna Television (MATV)

• The hotel’s television and guestroom entertainment system
provider delivers limited service signals to the A/V equipment
rooms. The A/V system’s network of cabling includes amplifiers
and splitters to send the television signals to each of the input/
output plates in the function spaces and pre-function areas.
• The television signal service provider is responsible for filtering
out any content or programming that is not appropriate for public
display.
• A modulator may be included in the system to permit the A/V
staff to send live or recorded programming from the function
spaces to all or a select group of guestrooms. This is referred to as
Local Origination.

Electronic Signage
The electronic signage system consists of a variety of sizes and types of
electronic visual displays located throughout the public areas. These displays
The manufacturer for electronic signage is
serve different purposes in different types of venues and different areas of Message Link.
the hotel. An electronic signage system includes the origination or content
serving components or software, the distribution system, and the displays.

Purposes
Historically, each of these purposes has been served by independent,
dedicated systems and displays. Increasingly, the newer systems permit
multi-purposing the displays so that they can be used for various purposes
as different hotel activities and events require.
• Way-Finding (Electronic Reader Boards). These displays assist
the guests in finding information related to meetings and events.
Similar to airport flight information displays, these displays are
sometimes referred to as “electronic reader boards”. They provide
information about the name, the location, and the time of the
meeting or event.
+ These way-finding displays are typically 46” to 50” in size
and use LCD technology (today, in 2007). They are usually
vertically oriented, since that presents this type of information
in the most familiar format.

102 07 Voice & Data | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc.

 • Locater Map Graphic. An important complement to the
electronic display is a locator map graphic. This may be a back-
lighted floor plan that shows both “You Are Here” and the location
of the function spaces. The electronic display tells the guest where
to go, and the graphic locator map tells the guest how to get there.
Both are required.
• The content is typically originated and managed from the
conference services offices.

Promoting Hotel Features and Amenities

These displays promote hotel features and amenities such as the Spa, Golf,
themed restaurants, special activities, interval ownership, etc.
• Location. The best place for these displays are where guests
congregate such as lobbies, Prefunction areas, elevator lobbies,
seating groups, etc.
• Content Management. The content is typically originated and
managed from the F & B offices.

Overflow Displays
This use of electronic displays provides images of an event into the adjacent
Prefunction area. Cameras inside the event capture the images which are
displayed for guests who are outside of the room.
• Sound System Integration. Used this way, the displays will be
complemented by the Prefunction sound system.
• Control. The way-finding and/or promotional displays may
be temporarily re-purposed to serve as overflow displays. This
function is controlled from the A/V equipment room.

Rented to Events
Electronic displays as described may be rented to meeting planners to
compliment events. This is particularly popular for trade show exhibitors
and can generate healthy revenue.
• Control. This function is typically controlled by the A/V
>>

department.

Bethesda North Marriott Conference Center

Dynamic Digital Displays:

LCD and Plasma Monitors
Illustration 7-01

© Marriott International, Inc. 07 Voice & Data | May 2007 103

Large Displays
Locating
• The large way-finding displays need to be located at each
directional decision point in the guests’ journeys from the entries
to the function space areas to the meeting rooms.
• The entry points to consider include the guest elevators, the main Multi-View Flat Panel Monitor
hotel lobby, and any outside entry. The way-finding display should
be within sight of the front door to the hotel, and visible when at
the reception desk. There should also be displays visible near each
1 2
convention registration desk as well.
• Upon entry, the guest should have a way-finding display available
to begin their journey. At each fork in the road, there should be
3
another display. And finally, a door side display advises the guest
that they have reached their destination.
• Way-finding displays are mounted high enough so that a group of
people can congregate around a display and all see enough to find 1 Meetings & Events Schedules
their meeting information. 2 Video Clips
3 Marketing Graphics
• The promotional displays are located near elevator lobbies, the
main hotel lobby, and in Prefunction areas. (Various Configurations Available)

Illustration 7-02
Coordination
• The large displays must be carefully coordinated with the interior
architecture and particularly with millwork. These displays
require airflow around them for cooling. Service access, cabling
and connectors, and physical protection must be considered.

Interactive Displays
These displays are equipped with touch sensitive overlays to permit the guest
to interact with the display and information presented. These displays may
be useful for electronic concierge purposes.
Do not consider interactive displays for way-finding, however. One person
browsing an interactive display renders it useless for anyone else trying to
find information about their meeting.

104 07 Voice & Data | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc.

 Door-side Displays
LED Door Cards
There are two types of door-side displays: LCD graphic displays and LED
alphanumeric displays.

LCD Graphic Displays

LCD displays are currently the most advanced available. These displays are
about the same size as laptop screens, and are ruggedized industrial versions.
These screens can display any content and format desired.

LED Alpha-numeric Displays

These LED alphanumeric displays are typically two or three line text displays.
<<

Their display capabilities are generally limited to letters and numbers; just
enough to show the name and the times of the meeting.
Marriott Harbor Beach
Illustration 7-03 • Cost
+ The LED displays cost around a third of what the LCD displays
cost.
• Coordination and Placement
+ Like the larger displays, the door-side displays must be carefully
integrated into and coordinated with the millwork and room
name placards.
+ The same concerns associated with coordinating the large
displays also apply to the door-side displays, on a smaller
scale.
+ These displays are typically recessed into the wall, and the
backbox must be designed with adequate space for power
supplies, cable, and ventilation. The displays should also be
protected from physical damage.

LED Door Cards

>>
JW Marriott Desert Ridge
Illustration 7-04

© Marriott International, Inc. 07 Voice & Data | May 2007 105

 Value Engineering Issues
Network Services
When considering options for value engineering or cost-cutting, consider
providing the infrastructure or at least an empty raceway during construction
or renovation to accommodate the systems later.

Electronic Signage
Consider the alternative to electronic signs, especially for a larger property.
Manually printed and posted signs are very labor intensive and do not
convey the sense of quality and use of current technology.

Note on Plasma Screens

While initially less expensive, plasma display technology is NOT suitable
for use as electronic signage displays for many reasons. Their service life in
signage applications may be less than one year, while LCD displays can last
from seven to ten years.

[ End of Chapter 7 ]

106 07 Voice & Data | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc.

 08
[Chapter]

LIGHTING
• Chapter Contents 107
• Introduction 108
• Lighting Quantity 109
• Lighting Quality 109
• Lighting Control 110
• Lighting Controls Design for Meeting Spaces 111
• Lighting Control Quality 112
• Lighting Fixture Types 113
• Lighting Fixture Types for Meeting Spaces 114
• Boardrooms 115
• Meeting Rooms 115
• Prefunction 116
• Ballrooms 116
• Exhibit Hall 117
• Energy Efficiency 118
• Energy Regulations & Incentives 119
Operational Procedures 1 2 0

Baltimore Marriott Waterfront

© Marriott International, Inc. 08 Lighting | May 2007 107

Lighting
Appropriate lighting is an essential element of the
event environment. In a prominent supporting role,
quality lighting provides both functional illumination
and dramatic interest to an event. When properly
designed, quality illumination may be taken for granted.
However, when lighting is poorly designed and controlled,
poor lighting can be the source of customer irritation and
serious compromise to the even the best planned event.

This summary reviews the essential elements required for

quality event support in each event venue and outlines
our standards for lighting quantity, quality and control.

Lighting improvements that exceed this standard should

be seriously evaluated in order to capitalize on the hotel’s
anticipated event customer expectations. Relatively low
cost lighting improvements (particularly in lighting
control) may offer the opportunity to significantly
improve customer satisfaction and increase revenue.

108 08 Lighting | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc.

 Lighting Quantity
The most fundamental aspect of lighting is quantity. For reference,
lighting quantity is measured in foot-candles (FC) and is illustrated on the
continuum below. Light levels below those shown for social and meeting will
be perceived as substandard.

0 (FC) 20 40 100 1,000 10,000

Meeting : 40 foot-candles, Sun with Natural

with fluorescent or metal Overcast Daylight
Foot-candle (FC): A unit of illuminance or halide (unless restricted
illumination, equivalent to the illumination by local ordinance)
produced by a source of one candle at a Social : 20-25 foot-candles,
distance of one foot and equal to one lumen without fluorescent lights
incident per square foot. on
Dark Garage at Night
Minimum Threshold of
Human Vision Illustration 8-01

Lighting Quality
The second fundamental component of lighting is quality. Although lighting
quality remains largely an aesthetic issue, a number of qualities can be
addressed objectively. The following are general ways to ensure quality:
• Eliminate flicker.
• Eliminate or minimize glare.
• Use light sources with good color rendering.

Lighting Quality
Illustration 8-02

Both the correlated color

temperature (CCT) and
>> color rendering index (CRI)
for light sources should
be used in choosing light
sources.

Image Courtesy of Energy Star

© Marriott International, Inc. 08 Lighting | May 2007 109

Lighting Control Scenes. Typical meeting area control systems
have four scene presets, in addition to a work
light (full on and off) A scene is a combination
of lighting groups that create the lighting
When the proper lighting quantity and quality of light is provided, the event effect one would want for functions such as
operational focus shifts to lighting control, for the event management team banquets, meetings, slide shows, etc. More
scenes may be necessary in larger Ballrooms
and the event customer. or spaces that have intense video or theatrical
use.
Zones. A lighting zone is a group of lights
that are powered on one circuit. The number
of zones is dependent upon the number of
different fixture types and locations within
a room. It is important to remember that the
number of zones directly affects the cost of the
system, while the number of scenes does not.
An eight scene Ballroom can be only slightly
more expensive than a four scene.
Illustration 8-03 Lighting Control Features
Type of Control Control Feature Application
Lighting “presets” call up different scenes for Individual master dimmer controls for stand-alone
Scene Control different purposes. Meeting Rooms, or distributed power panels and
processor based systems for larger Ballrooms

Provide control points throughout a space. Multi-scene way-stations at entry points and/or 2 button
Manual Override way-stations at staff entry

IR remote control for handheld lighting control. Handheld control enables recall of pre-programmed
scenes for guest.
Portable Control
Requires a ceiling mounted IR receiver per salon or
Meeting Room.
Lighting controls automatically adapt to changes in Options include back-of-house intuitive control point for
Partitioning room configurations. all partitioning or automatic utilizing ceiling mounted
partition sensors.

Take control with connection to DMX consoles. Allow control of all architectural lighting by third party
Console Control specialty event lighting through stage board. Supply
input jacks for stage board plug-in as required.

Lights respond to room occupancy. Used in conjunction with astronomic time clock to turn
Occupant Response lights off when room is unoccupied in after-hour mode to
save energy.

Turn lights on and off automatically based on a Used in conjunction with occupancy sensors to engage or
Time Scheduling user-defined schedule. dis-engage occupancy sensors in after-hour mode.

Integrate electronic window treatments with lighting Automated window treatments can be used in meeting
Daylight Control controls. spaces and high-end board rooms that are controllable
through the lighting control system.

Daylight sensors balance electric lights with available In Prefunction areas and other areas where daylight is
Daylighting daylight. present, electric lighting can be adjusted when natural
light is present to save energy.

Lighting control integrates with building Interface to Building Management Systems when
BMS Integration management systems. required, for complete energy management.

Image Courtesy of Lutron

110 08 Lighting | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc.

Illustration 8-04 Lighting Controls Design for Meeting Spaces

Functional Area Lighting Control Type Rationale

Grand Ballroom Preset wall station controls In the Ballroom area, simple recall of preset scenes is appropriate, when
salons & • Backlit and Engraved. controls are properly labeled.
Jr. Ballroom • 4 scene (min.) recall with raise, lower and off.
salons
Infrared Handheld control Handheld control empowers the clients to have full control of their
• 4 scene (min.) recall with raise, lower and off. environment.
• Communicate to Infrared Ceiling Sensors.
Partitioning capability using wall station or ceiling Partition controls allow the individual and combined rooms to function
mounted sensors. appropriately.
Override zone control from back of the house When A/V person is available, they may want to have the ability to alter scene
In room programming jacks and handheld or zone settings, or to look at the facility remotely.
programmer when processor based systems are used.
DMX control capability by theatrical stage board for When additional stage lighting is used in Ballroom for specific events, the
all architectural lighting when required. audio / visual technician needs the ability to patch all architectural lighting
into the stage board for large events. When the stage board is unplugged, all
architectural lighting returns to its last selected scene.
Lighting in Ballroom areas must be circuited and The locations of the head table and food displays and other table presentations
zoned to accommodate maximum flexibility of space. move from one event to the next.
Hotel needs ability to turn individual light zones on and off in the appropriate
parts of the Ballroom without affecting the whole Ballroom.
Occupancy sensors. Provide occupancy sensors to communicate directly with the lighting control
system to ensure that lights are turned off or to a pre-programmed night light
Wall box-mounted manual dimmers or include as a This area is requires flexibility of lighting for multiple events or functions.
defined area within the Ballroom dimming system.
Prefunction
Provide astronomic time clock control for after hours
light level settings.
Photo sensors. Where daylight is present, integration to photo sensors can adjust electronic
light levels to save energy.
Multi-zone preset control requirements are similar to In the Ballroom area, simple recall of preset scenes is appropriate, when
Ballroom requirements. The Meeting Rooms are not controls are properly labeled.
Meeting Rooms
required to be integrated with the Ballroom, but can
be considered if it supports overall cost savings to the
project.
Preset wall station controls Simple recall of preset scenes is appropriate, when controls are properly labeled.
• Backlit and engraved.
• 4 scene (minimum) recall with raise, lower and off.
Infrared Handheld control Handheld control empowers clients to have full control of their environment.
• 4 scene (minimum) recall with raise, lower and off.
• Communicate to Infrared Ceiling Sensors.
Partitioning capability using wall station or ceiling Partition controls allow the individual and combined rooms to
mounted sensors. function appropriately.

Lighting in Meeting Room areas must be circuited The locations of the head table can move from one event to the next.
and zoned to accommodate maximum flexibility of
space.
Occupancy Sensors. Provide occupancy sensors to communicate directly with the lighting control
system to ensure that lights are turned off or to a pre programmed night light
setting when space is unoccupied.
Occupancy sensors will only be operational in the late to morning hours so
that there is no chance that lights will operate inappropriately while the space is
occupied by customers.
Amphitheater/ Preset wall station controls with ability to System has to be simple to use for multiple, relatively untrained users.
High Tech communicate, as required, to shades, screens,
Meeting Area projectors, and other such equipment.
Image Courtesy of Lutron

© Marriott International, Inc. 08 Lighting | May 2007 111

 Infrared Control Illustration 8-05 Distributed Power Illustration 8-06 Theatrical (DMX) Illustration 8-07
Control

• Multiple power panel options: • Architectural lighting control system (via

• Empowers the customer to control the -Dimming input jacks) is controlled through lighting
lighting environment remotely. -Switching stage board for special events.
• Low voltage ceiling receiver. • Distributed power is controlled via Master • Typically required in larger salons within
• Handheld 4 or 8 scene control. Grafik Eye Controllers or Grafik Processor. Ballroom.

Partition Controls Illustration 8-08 Wall Stations Illustration 8-09 Master Scene Illustration 8-10
Control

• Can be offered as a low voltage control to

• Wall mounted control offered back of • Numerous wall station control offering distributed power panels for medium sized
house. • Typical 4 scene wall station at entry. Ballrooms.
• Ceiling mounted sensors automatically read • 2 scene wall station located at staff entrance • Can be offered as a stand-alone line voltage
presence of air walls. to salons for cleaning scene. control for separate meeting spaces.

Lighting Control Quality Grafik Processor Illustration 8-11

Lighting control systems must be safe, perform flawlessly, be reliable and

look good.
1. Safety. System must conform to codes and industry standards
(AIC & SCCR) and provide fail-safe operation.
2. Performance. System must operate quietly and consistently
regardless of power input and lighting type variables.
3. Reliability. System must operate without hotel maintenance on a • Allows for optimum control of multiple
salon / Ballroom areas.
continuous 24 hour / 7 day a week schedule supported by factory • Can also be used to integrate other areas
service and backup. of the hotel into one cost-effective lighting
control system as required.
4. Aesthetics. Visible components must be uniform in design, color
and finish with intuitive, backlit, engraved controls and graphics.
5. Design Standards. Successful events require a high quality
lighting control system that is comprehensively defined in the
respective hotel Design Standard. Image Courtesy of Lutron

112 08 Lighting | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc.

 Lighting Fixture Types
The selection of the appropriate combination of fixtures and controls for
event venues can assure that the events are supported with the desired visual
setting. The following is a summary of the design issues and generic types of
lights that are used in event spaces.

Design
Ideally, lighting designs and fixture selections are managed by an experienced
lighting consultant or electrical engineer with extensive experience with
>>

hospitality functions. However, event management guidance on how the

areas will function is an important element of the design and cannot be
Renaissance Hotel & Convention Center ignored.
Schaumburg, IL
Multipurpose design
When event areas are intended to serve multiple purposes (Ballrooms used
as exhibit space / Exhibit Hall used for banquets, etc.) a combination of
lighting systems and controls may be appropriate.

Lamp selection
Many light fixtures offer the choice of incandescent or fluorescent lamps.
Incandescent lamps are preferred for the quality of the light and ease
of control. Fluorescent lamps are selected for light quantity and energy
efficiency. Generally, a good lighting design is a compromise of types based
on their intended use.

Track lighting
Large Ballroom subdivides (over 1500 sq. ft.) can benefit from having two
sets of track lighting to increase flexibility in customizing lighting settings
to highlight specific parts of the room and head tables. Consider installing
two circuit tracks to allow even greater flexibility in activating individual
lights within a track. Keep enough heads in place to avoid damage during
excessive removal / installations.

Separate down light zones

Down light zone controls can be used to prevent excessive light spill onto
projection screen or to accent buffets.
• While increasing flexibility, this option still requires planning
and identification of the most common placement of screens and
buffets.
• This option may require adding a new control zone to the room,
and in pre-set systems, may require adding a zone to the control
station.

© Marriott International, Inc. 08 Lighting | May 2007 113

 Illustration 8-12 Lighting Fixture Types for Meeting Spaces

Boardroom Meeting Room Prefunction Ballroom Exhibit Hall

Wall Sconces
• Decorative
• Dimmable
• Fluorescent
• • • • •
• Incandescent

Chandeliers
• Decorative
• Dimmable • • •
• Incandescent

Cove
• Ambient Light
• Fluorescent
• Switched
• • • •
• Manufactured or site-built

2x2 Parabolic
• Ambient Light
• Fluorescent •
• Switched

Head Table
• Ambient Light
• Incandescent
• Dimmable
• •
• Adjustable, Track

Can - Down lights

• Dimmable
• Incandescent
• Fluorescent
• • • •
Can - Down lights
• Ambient Light
• Ceramic Coated, Metal Halide
• Switched
• •
• High Ceilings

High Output T5
• Ambient Light
• Ceramic Coated
• Multi-switched
•
• 4x4

Metal Halide
• Ambient Light
• Ceramic Coated
• Zone Switched
•
• High Ceiling

114 08 Lighting | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc.

 Boardrooms
Space Min. Lux (FC) Switch • Compact fluorescent down lights, dimmed (and zoned).
Maintained • Incandescent (or compact fluorescent) wall sconces, dimmed.
• Four scene plus on / off preset/control station with black-out
Board capability.
430 (40) S/**
Rooms
** Dimmer Controls in Back of House locations
Lighting Plan of Typical Boardroom
Illustration 8-13
2 Illustration 8-15

Incandescent
Boardroom Lighting Controls •Tungsten Halogen

Fluorescent Cove
2 button wall
control
Wall Sconce
4 button wall
control
Chandelier
Illustration 8-14

1 Lighting Cove
1 2 Service Corridor

Meeting Rooms
Space Min. Lux (FC) Switch • Compact fluorescent down lights or 60 x 60 cm (2 x 2 ft.) parabolic
Maintained
fixtures for the main room, interior area, zoned switching.
• Compact fluorescent down lights or 2x4 parabolic fluorescents
Board
Rooms
430 (40) S/** around the room, dimmed (and zoned in two areas, front and
** Dimmer Controls in Back of House locations
back).
• Incandescent (or compact fluorescent) wall sconces, dimmed.
Illustration 8-16
• Four scene plus on / off preset / control station with black-out
capability.
Meeting Room Lighting Controls
Lighting Plan of Typical Meeting Room
2 button wall
control
4 button wall
control
Illustration 8-17
2

2x2 Parabolic

Incandescent
•Tungsten Halogen

Fluorescent Cove
1 Lighting Cove
Illustration 8-18 1 2 Service Corridor

© Marriott International, Inc. 08 Lighting | May 2007 115

Prefunction
Space Min. Lux (FC) Switch
• Provide incandescent chandeliers, dimmed. Maintained
• Incandescent wall sconces, dimmed.
• Compact fluorescent down lights, dimmed.
Prefunction 430 (40) S/**
• Cove lighting (fluorescent double staggered tube), 2-level
switched. ** Dimmer Controls in Back of House locations
Illustration 8-19

Ballrooms
Space Min. Lux (FC) Switch
• Provide incandescent chandeliers, dimmed. Maintained
• Incandescent wall sconces, dimmed.
• Compact fluorescent down lights, dimmed.
Ballrooms 430 (40) S/**
• Ceramic coated metal halide down lights.
• Cove lighting (fluorescent double staggered tube), 2-level ** Dimmer Controls in Back of House locations
switched. Illustration 8-20
• Track lights for head table locations, dimmed.
• Equip each subdivided space with fully
Track lighting flexibility: Large Ballroom subdivides (over 1500 sq ft) should dimmable system.
have 2 sets of track lighting to increase flexibility in customizing lighting
• Locate recessed dimmer control station at
settings to highlight specific parts of the room. Consider installing two- public entrance and service corridors.
circuit tracks to allow even greater flexibility in activating individual lights
• Zone the lighting so that head table locations
within a track. can be individually controlled.
• Ballroom: Four scene (minimum) plus full on and off, preset / • Decorative chandeliers and sconces,
control station, remote controlled with black-out capability. incandescent, cold cathode and track lighting
are individually controlled

Ballroom Lighting Control Locations Diagram

Illustration 8-21

2 button wall control

4 button wall control

116 08 Lighting | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc.

 see Illustration 8-22
Lighting Plan of Typical Meeting Room

HID Down lights

•Ceramic Coated Metal Halide

Incandescent
•Tungsten Halogen

Fluorescent Cove

Wall Sconce

Chandelier
1

2 1 Lighting Cove
2 Track for Operable
Illustration 8-22 Partition

Exhibit Hall
• Provide metal halide fixtures or 4 x 4 high output T5 lamps, zone
switched
• Wall sconces optional.

Illustration 8-23 Lighting Plan of Typical Exhibit Hall

Space Min. Lux (FC) Switch
Maintained

Exhibit Halls 430 (40) S

Metal Halide or High Output T5 Illustration 8-24

© Marriott International, Inc. 08 Lighting | May 2007 117

Energy Efficiency
One way to maximize energy performance in
Lighting system energy consumption can not be ignored. Unnecessary function spaces is to reduce operating hours
energy consumption can erode hotel profits, may be limited by governmental and optimize light output whenever the
lights are on. The below graphic illustrates
authorities and, increasingly, is a social and marketing concern. how energy can be saved and operating costs
reduced.
However, simplistic efforts to conserve energy, such as reducing lamp
wattage (quantity of light) or switching lamp types (quality of light) may

>>
seriously degrade the quality of the event environment.
Successful means to conserve energy without affecting the quality of the
Illustration 8-25
event environment (or possibly improving it) are as follows:
• Photo sensors that reduce or eliminate artificial lighting when
daylight is available. Ideally, one time clock in the building
management system (BMS) controls all zones rather than multiple
systems that are difficult to maintain.
• Occupancy sensors / Time clock integration that switch
lights off when not in use.
• Education that instructs employees how, where and when to
switch lights off when not in use.
• Control that provides the appropriate level of zones, scenes and
dimming so that only the lighting and energy that is required is
used.
• Lamp types that are selected for high lumen output (quantity)
with minimum energy that maintain the correct color of light
(quality).

With proper lighting control, incandescent lamp sources can still be

considered in energy conscious designs.
• Dimming incandescent saves energy.
• Dimming incandescent extends lamp life, reducing the operational
expenses related to re-lamping (material and labor).
• Incandescent lamps are low in cost.
• Incandescent lamp sources maintain their efficiency in color and
lumen output over the life of the lamp.
>>

• Incandescent lamps provide optimum color rendering and

ambiance for elegant environments.
Sensors (shown above):
Illustration 8-27 Incandescent Lamp Source Benefits -Photocells
Dim your lights Electricity saved Extend bulb life -Occupancy sensors
Illustration 8-26
10% 10% 2x
25% 20% 4x
50% 40% 20x Dimming incandescent lamps saves energy and
75% 60% >20x extends bulb life.

118 08 Lighting | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc.

 Energy Savings Chart

Illustration 8-28

Energy Regulations & Incentives

The following references and authorities may either dictate, encourage or
provide reference standards to promote energy conservation:

Regulations

State Codes. Many states have energy codes requiring efficient lighting
and controls.
• Codes typically based on IECC model or ASHRAE / IESNA
90.1 standard. Link

Energy Law.
• ASHRAE / IESNA 90.1-2001 Energy Efficiency Standard
regulates the amount of power allocated to lighting.
• NECA / IESNA500 Series National Electrical Installation
Standards (NEIS)

Incentives

AH & LA Good Earth Keeping Program. Supports hoteliers in

assessing current energy performance, setting goals and tracking
savings. Link

EPA’s Energy Star Program. Link Marriott, an Energy Star partner

since 2001, has embarked on an ambitious, company wide mission
to improve the environment and control costs in partnership with its
hotel owners and franchisees.
• As part of the program, all hotels receive the company’s Energy
Conservation Program Resource Guide. Link

© Marriott International, Inc. 08 Lighting | May 2007 119

 • Hotel engineers and general managers have completed the
company’s Energy Conservation Program training.

Government Tax Breaks. Link The government is providing

funding in the form of tax deductions for installing energy efficient
commercial lighting systems.

LEED. Link
• Provides a national guideline for what constitutes a green building.
The following are various methods that can be used to acquire
LEED points through lighting and lighting controls:
+ Dimming and switching.
+ Personal lighting controls.
+ Occupancy sensors.
+ Automated window treatments.

Operational Procedures
Light Maintenance: The full benefits of a lighting program will only be
realized if the lights and fixtures are properly maintained. Fixtures must
be cleaned and relamped with the correct lamp type and wattage. The
best results are obtained when the program is managed as an element of a
comprehensive, preventative maintenance plan.
• Marriott Energy Conservation Key Concepts Link
• Public Area Lighting: Indicates the standards for decorative
lighting of public spaces. Link Marriott Downtown
Philadelphia, PA
• Lighting and Dimming System Current Best Methods Link

[ End of Chapter 8 ]
>>

120 08 Lighting | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc.

 09
[Chapter]

ELECTRIC POWER
• Chapter Contents 121
• Introduction 122
• Small Meeting Room 122
• Boardroom 122
• Prefunction Area 122
• Ballroom / Meeting Rooms 123
• Service Corridor 124
• Exhibit Hall 124
• Sound System Power & Grounding 125
• Outdoor Areas 126
• Operational Procedures 126

JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa

© Marriott International, Inc. 09 Electric Power | May 2007 121

Electric
Power
Convenient access to electric power is a required
utility to support function activities.

>>
Properly designed and located electric receptacles permit JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa
Phoenix , AZ
events to be set-up faster, at less cost and with fewer
extension cables exposed on the floor.

The following criteria is intended to define a reasonable

level of electric power access.

Small Meeting Room

• 2 outlets per circuit. Space per U.S. code.

Boardroom
• 2 outlets per circuit. Space per U.S. code.
• Floor Box: below board table.
• Screen: a la carte.
• TV flat panel.

Prefunction Area
• Code required: 2 outlets per circuit, 110 volts.
• 1 outlet adjacent to Meeting Room / Ballroom door.
• Duplex voice / data @ each door entry.
• Duplex voice / data port and power @ each reader board –
electronic display.

122 09 Electric Power | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc.

 Decorative Door Ballroom / Meeting Rooms
In each Meeting Room and section / salon of the Ballroom (plus one on each
end of the non-divided sections), install:
• Event Power Distribution. In each half of the Ballroom,
install a 400A main circuit breaker panelboard to feed the 60A
Illustration 9-01a receptacles (for that half of the Ballroom). Also, provide feed-
through lugs from the bus of the panel (through a 4 inch conduit
Section at Wall Box into a junction box flush to the Ballroom interior wall with a
rated decorative door, see Illustrations 9-01a & 9-01b ). This
provides a larger single feed capacity in either half of the Ballroom
if it is divided for two events (distribution feeder is scaled down
Service Ballroom for smaller Ballrooms).
Corridor • Duplex Receptacles. Design receptacles in Meeting Rooms
and Ballrooms with only two receptacles per circuit.
A
• Floor Box. Centrally locate floor boxes and 4” empty conduit
in the Ballroom to provide the flexibility to supply utilities for
events. Also, provide duplex receptacle and 4 Cat #5e drops.
• Wall Box. The wall box is a flush outlet box that houses the A/V
Input / Output devices, the 60 ampere event power receptacle, a
B quadruplex 120 volt power outlet, and a 6 cable (minimum) data
outlet. These devices are grouped together so that they can be
C hidden behind one architectural cover when not in use to improve
D the Ballroom aesthetics. ( see Illustration 9-05 )

Electrical Component Locations in a Typical Ballroom

A Panelboard see Illustration 9-01b
B Junction Box
C 4" Conduit

Illustration 9-01b

Suggested locations for electrical

components in a typical ballroom >>
Panelboard

Floor Box
• Empty box with 4”
conduit

Wall Box
• 60 Amp
• 6 Outlet Data
• Quad- 110 Volt
• A / V I / O Panel Illustration 9-02

© Marriott International, Inc. 09 Electric Power | May 2007 123

 • Event Power. Provide a 60 ampere, 3 phase, 5 wire, 208 volt
receptacle flush in the wall in a location that provides the most
versatility for the area without cable crossing a doorway (locate
outlets in same area as the A/V terminal box location along with
a 20 ampere IG receptacle).
• Data / Telephone. Provide a six pack (6 - 4 pair Cat. #5e or
6) of RG45s and incorporate into the A/V terminal box for data
and telephone requirements in each salon and Meeting Room
(conceal these devices completely from view in Ballrooms).
• Registration / Signage. Install two IG receptacle and Cat.
#5e cable at every Ballroom and Meeting Room entrances and
Prefunction areas for set-ups and signage. Provide 1 of each low
(16” AFF) for setup and 1 of each high (at meeting room signage)
for message link type system.

Service Corridor
• Banquet Service Corridor. Provide single outlet on dedicated
circuit on both sides of the corridor, every 1.5 m (5 ft.) within
15 m (50 ft.) of the service entrances installed at 48 inches above
finish floor.
• Food Service Areas. In non-service line areas, provide single Floor Box
outlet on dedicated circuit every 3 m (10 ft.). Wall Box
•110- 4 Quad
• 2 Data Ports
Exhibit Hall 4” PVC w/ Pull

Electric power for large scale 2” PVC w/ Pull

Exhibit Hall Power Diagram
Exhibit Halls is provided in
floor boxes at a 30 ft. grid (10 ft.
booth, 10 ft. aisle, 10 ft. booth)
and perimeter wall boxes.

30’
>>

30’
Electric Room
or
Intermediate
Distribution Frame

Illustration 9-03

124 09 Electric Power | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc.

 Floor Box. The following utilities are provided at each floor box:
• 6 data ports.
• 3 duplex receptacles - 120.
• 1 30 amp - 2 pole.
The following utilities are alternated at every third box:
• 60 amp. - 3 phase - 5 wire isolated ground
• Water and drain.
• A/V.
Wall Box.
• A/V Input / Output.
• 60 amp. - 3 phase - 5 wire isolated ground.
• 2 - duplex receptacles (quad) - 120.
• 6 - data ports (minimum).
Wall Box Illustration 9-05
>>

A Wall Box
Images of a typical
floor box B A/V Input / Output
Illustration 9-04 C 60 amp. - 3 phase - 5 wire isolated ground
D 2 - duplex receptacles (quad) - 120.
E Data port

B C D E

Sound System Power & Grounding

The quality of the power and grounding is even more important with
digital sound systems than it is for analog systems. Typically, a UPS
power / conditioner is provided for the DSP and control system equipment.
(refer to Illustration 9-06 )
• It is important to put as much of the signal processing equipment
on the same power phase and from the same power panel to
ensure that the power to the equipment does not generate hum
due to different phases or grounds.
• The ground needs to be excellent; this is how interference from
cell phones, power and lighting components, etc. is drained away
from the sound system equipment. Unlike a power or safety
ground, the signal ground provides very low resistance to very
high frequency signals to keep them out of the sound system. The
Design Standard calls for an excellent technical signal ground
that works well and is very reasonable in cost.

© Marriott International, Inc. 09 Electric Power | May 2007 125

 • An alternative to providing the good technical power and ground
is to provide a complete balanced and isolated power supply to
the equipment. This approach is bulky and expensive and is not as
effective as providing the recommended power and grounding.

Power and Grounding Diagram

Image Courtesy of Electro-Media Design, Ltd. Illustration 9-06

Outdoor Areas
At outdoor event areas, provide 60 ampere, 3 phase, 5 wire, 208 volt,
twist lock receptacle. Provide the outdoor / remote event areas with a 6 pack
of Cat. 5e runs to required locations. If project parameters can not support
utility installation, at a minimum, provide 2 - 5 cm (2 inch) empty conduits
for future use.

Operational Procedures
>>

• Fundamentals of Electrical Systems Link Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay

Coastal Terrace

[ End of Chapter 9 ]

126 09 Electric Power | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc.

 10
[Chapter]

HEATING, VENTILATION, &

AIR CONDITIONING
• Chapter Contents 127
• Introduction 128
• Environmental Controls 129
• Acoustics 130
• Smoke Evacuation / Stair Pressurization 132
• Operational Procedures 132
Ductwork 1 3 1

Orlando World Center Marriott

Resort & Convention Center

© Marriott International, Inc. 10 HVAC | May 2007 127

Heat, Ventilation &
Air
Conditioning
The ability to control the event area ambient
environment (temperature, humidity, noise) is a

>>
prerequisite for event attendee comfort and satisfaction.
The Ballroom at the Orlando World Center
Resort has an open ceiling configuration
When the event area HVAC System is property designed,
the project reaps the benefit for the life of the project. If
even one element of the system is poorly designed, the
project suffers the consequence every day of its operation.
Once incorporated into the project, HVAC problems are
difficult or impossible to rectify.

The following criteria is intended to define the HVAC

requirements for dependable event space design and
operation.

128 10 HVAC | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc. © Marriott International, Inc.
 Environmental Controls
Event venues require the following environmental controls.

Design temperature & humidity

• Cooling - 228 C (728 F) / 50% relative humidity.
• Heating - 218 C (708 F).

Occupancy
• Ballrooms, Exhibit Halls, Prefunction - 0.9 m2 (10 sq. ft.) per
person.
• Boardroom, Meeting Rooms - 1.4 m2 (15 sq. ft.) per person.
• Criteria for HVAC only—not “means of egress” emergency
exiting.

Ventilation
• Prefunction: 17 m3 per hour / person (10 CFM per person).
• Event areas: 34 m3 per hour / person (20 CFM per person).

System type
• Fan-powered variable air volume (FPVAV) with hot air reheat
and variable speed drives and temperature and humidity sensors
and controls.

Preferred Ductwork Schematic

Illustration 10-01
Prefunction

Return Air
Service Corridor
Supply Air

© Marriott International, Inc. 10 HVAC | May 2007 129

Controls
• Zones: Each event space and subdivision is an independent
temperature control zone.
• Building Automation System (BAS): Each temperature
control zone is controlled by a thermostat connected to the BAS.
• Thermostat: Each thermostat includes a digital display of user
adjustable temperature set points.
• User control: Thermostats in function spaces and Prefunction
area permits meeting planners to select temperatures from 20 to
248 C (688 to 768 F).
• Pre-cool: System shall permit rooms to be pre-cooled below 208
C (688 F), on request.
• CO2 sensors: Equip system with CO2 sensors to modulate
outside air flow rates based on occupancy.
• Thermostat location: Avoid locating thermostats adjacent to
light dimmers since their heat output will give false temperature
readings.

Thermostat Control Locations in Typical Ballroom

T
T

T T

T
T T T

T Thermostat Control Locations Illustration 10-02

Acoustics

Noise Criteria (NC)

• Select equipment, air distribution system and devices to limit
background noise. NC varies from 25 (Boardrooms) to 35 (Exhibit
Halls). See Chapter 4: Acoustics, Noise & Vibration
Control.

130 10 HVAC | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc. © Marriott International, Inc.
 Equipment Vibration
• Locate and design equipment to minimize transmission of noise
and vibration to function areas.
• See Chapter 4: Acoustics, Noise & Vibration Control and
Chapter 6: A/V.

Ductwork can be a significant source of noise transfer between function

spaces. The following criteria will minimize ductwork noise.

Ductwork
Design
• Size ductwork for quiet air flow without noise or whistle. Design
air flows to avoid drafts, and movement of chandelier and
drapery.
• Design ductwork to avoid passing through acoustical partitions
above operable walls as illustrated in ductwork schematic.
(Illustration 10-03)
• If ductwork penetration of acoustical partitions is required,
insulate ductwork to maintain the acoustical integrity of the
partition. If return air ducts are required, fabricate “Z” sound
traps with two 90 degree acoustically lined elbows.

Ductwork Noise Reduction Diagram

Illustration 10-03

© Marriott International, Inc. 10 HVAC | May 2007 131

Smoke Evacuation / Stair Pressurization
Function areas typically require smoke evacuation and stair pressurization as
required by Module 14. Verify exceptions with Marriott Fire Protection.
• Fire Protection and Life Safety Link

Operational Procedures
The following resources and standard operating procedures provide additional
information to properly operate and maintain the HVAC systems.
• Meeting Rooms 101 and 102: HVAC Link
• Design Standards: Module 15 Link
• HVAC Components Link
• Engineering New Hire Training and Certification
Workbook Link
• Current Best Methods: Trouble Shooting IAQ Complaints
Link
• Indoor Air Quality Resources Link

[ End of Chapter 10 ]

132 10 HVAC | May 2007 © Marriott International, Inc. © Marriott International, Inc.