Hilton launched Signia, a new brand designed to cater specifically to the meetings and events industry, last week. The Signia Hilton portfolio promises to infuse state-of-the-art technology and design into the entire guest experience, with a strong focus on meeting space.

“In our 100th year of hospitality, we are more focused than ever on providing exceptional experiences to all of our guests — and that includes evolving those experiences to meet their changing needs,” said Christopher J. Nassetta, president and CEO of Hilton.

He continued, “We are proud to launch Signia Hilton, which exemplifies our innovative spirit and will raise the bar on what it means to deliver truly customer-inspired hospitality.”

Hilton officials say meetings and events spaces will be the showpieces of each Signia Hilton, and each property will have a minimum of 500 guest rooms and 37,500 square feet of meeting space — which will increase by at least 75 sq. ft. per additional room.

“Signia Hilton grew from feedback from top meeting professionals, owners, developers and guests,” said David Marr, senior vice president and global head of Hilton’s full-service brands.

He added, “After countless hours of collaboration, together, we created Signia Hilton, a brand that will resonate with travelers; wow meeting professionals; and set a new, elevated standard for the meetings and events industry.”  

Three locations have been tapped as first to bear the Signia Hilton brand: Orlando Bonnet Creek, Atlanta and Indianapolis.

Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, an existing property, will undergo a renovation to meet the new brand specifications. It’s expected to be the first Signia property to open.

The Indianapolis and Atlanta properties will be new builds that will anchor Indiana Convention Center and Georgia World Congress Center, respectively.

The 814-room Signia Hilton in Indianapolis will be the first of two hotel properties opening alongside the recently announced 235,000-sq.-ft. expansion of Indiana Convention Center. Together, these two new hotels will increase the number of rooms connected to the convention center via enclosed skywalks to 6,100 (across 14 properties). The renovations and new builds are expected to be completed in late 2022.

“Indy is proud to be one of just three cities in the U.S. to partner with Hilton on this new meeting planner-centric brand,” said Chris Gahl, senior vice president of Visit Indy. “The placement of this hotel as part of our overall convention center expansion will be game-changing for our destination.”

In December 2018, Hilton was named the brand for the new flagship build for the future Georgia World Congress Center Authority’s headquarters hotel. The GWCC is undergoing a $55 million expansion project, the venue’s first since 2002.

The new 30-plus story Signia Hilton Atlanta will have an estimated 950-1,000 rooms, 75,000 square feet of meeting space and an executive conference center connected to GWCC.

“Hilton’s new Signia brand enhances Atlanta’s position as a top meeting and convention destination,” said William Pate, president and CEO of the Atlanta CVB.

He added, “To be able to offer Hilton’s premiere meetings brand hotel, connected to the country’s fourth-largest convention center, creates an exciting new option for meeting planners and guests.”

Hilton officials say Signia will be a global brand with a footprint in major urban and resort locations. The majority of properties will be new builds.

For more information on the Signia Hilton brand, go here.