Marriott International is changing the rules about how commissions are paid to independent meeting planners and other group intermediaries. After January 1, contracts for meetings convening after June 1 will include a clause that says commissions will be paid only to U.S. and Canadian intermediaries accredited by the International Airlines Travel Agent Network, the International Air Transport Association, or the Airline Reporting Corp.

The new rule does not apply to any meeting contracted before January 1 or to any meeting held before June 1, according to Stacie Canova, director, intermediary partners, Marriott International. Intermediaries may contract with Marriott without accreditation, but they must have it by the time the meeting takes place in order to qualify for a commission.

The requirement applies to groups convening at both Marriott-owned and franchised properties. The only exception, according to Canova, is Ritz-Carlton hotels and resorts, where she expects the program to start later this year. Intermediaries booking Marriott, JW Marriott, Renaissance, Courtyard, Residence Inn, SpringHill Suites, Fairfield Inn, and TownePlace Suites properties will need accreditation to be paid a commission.