Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina Launches Themed Meetings on the Midway
A new catering initiative re-imagines meetings and events for a “way-back" experience in San Diego
The Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina is launching a new catering initiative for meetings and events and is inviting planners to explore running events outside of traditional meeting rooms: on the USS Midway. The iconic USS Midway Aircraft Carrier and Museum has inspired the program, dubbed “Meet Me at the Midway,” fueled by the hotel’s proximity to the USS Midway– the United States’ longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century between 1945 and 1992.
“Meet Me at the Midway” encourages planners to integrate an authentic experience that brings the city of San Diego to life. By hosting an event on the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier and Museum with catering services by the Marriott Marquis, planners can custom design meetings fueled by fun and creativity. “The Midway,” located on the San Diego Bay at the edge of the downtown skyline, provides a truly exclusive experience for groups and individual with a venue that offers 360-degree views of the San Diego skyline, Coronado Island and Coronado Bay Bridge.
Several inventive catering packages are available through the Marriott Marquis that showcase the hotel’s versatility as San Diego’s premier event venue, including:
Package 1: The Flight Deck: Guests jet from the Marriott Marquis and on to the USS Midway to be faced with an expansive collection of meticulously restored aircraft on the mid-level hanger deck. Guests are led atop the flight deck where the Midway’s famous “41” control tower sits at the center while the venue comes alive with energy, music and excitement. Attendees receive a pair of aviator sunglasses and enjoy a selection of BBQ favorites, with tours of the Midway as an optional add-on.
Catering highlights include:
• The Pilot – The hero of the menu, the main course featuring BBQ favorites
• The Wingman – Side dishes to complement the main dish
• Off-Duty – San Diego Craft Beer Station
• Ahoy – Chilled local seafood station
• Loving Feeling – The sweetest part of every menu, dessert
Package 2: Mystery on the Midway: For an interactive team building experience, the USS Midway plays host to the ultimate mystery event where every attendee aboard the 1940’s aircraft is a suspect. The flight deck transforms into an exclusive, members-only dinner club with leather lounge areas, cocktail tables, luxurious booths, and classic dine-arounds to allow plenty of opportunity for mixing, mingling and gathering clues. Entertainment begins with a cool jazz trio, leading to a sultry torch singer at dinner hour, and growing to a hopping Big Band experience by the end of the night. As the mystery game is underway, all clues point to creative catering stations dripping in locally inspired foodie favorites.
Catering highlights include:
• The Foreshadow – Charcuterie including an assortment of local meats and cheeses, in addition to fresh honey sourced from the hotel’s rooftop beehives
• The Scene Of The Crime – Artisan pizza, pastas, and other signature Italian dishes
• Plot Twist – Handcrafted cocktails including old school Manhattans and Gin Fizzes
Package 3: Something to Swing About: Guests are taken back to the era of big bands and USO Shows to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the USS Midway being commissioned. The Midway’s flight deck is adorned with décor reminiscent of classic Naval uniforms, iconic “Bomber Jackets” and vintage artillery boxes. USS Midway docents lead attendees on exclusive tours of the ship to share stories of service, while classic WWII era postcards prompt guests to write a thank you note to our servicemen oversees. Entertainment ranges from 1940s movies being projected on the control tower or giant blow-up movie screens, to swing dancers and a Rosie the Riveter aerialist that liven up the night. A fireworks show to end the evening serves as the final salute to a classic era.
Catering highlights include:
• The Classics – American staples including build-your-own burgers and hot dogs with all the fixings
• Battle Buddies – Potato salad, macaroni salad and assorted mixed greens
• Good Time Charlies – Boozy milkshakes, spiked coffees, and an array of seasonal desserts
Custom catering is provided by the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina and the experience logistics are handed by Access DMC. Menus and components of the event can be tailored to the group’s individual needs. Planners can choose from one of the above packages, or create a unique experience all their own for a minimum of 300 attendees.
