While our industry has become increasingly enthusiastic about promoting health and wellness at events, do conferences actually integrate these practices?
Kelly Bishop, founder of Wellevate Experiences, joins Skift Meetings Editor Barbara Scofidio and Executive Editor Andrea Doyle to discuss the gap between activity wellness ideals and practical applications.
focus
- healthy washing: Many events ostensibly embrace health (e.g., offering sugary smoothies marketed as healthy drinks) but provide no real benefits to attendees.
- Intentional health: The timing of the event must be well thought out (for example, don’t schedule a group run in the early morning after a late-night party).
- The evolution of food and drink: Shift to healthier, portion-controlled options with an emphasis on sustainability and dietary diversity, including collaborations with chefs.
- Healthier planners, healthier meetings: Event organizers must prioritize their health and wellness; only then can they fully support a healthy attendee experience.
- low cost: Simple elements like a quiet room and gentle movements can enhance a meeting for free.
- Fun = Healthy: Social wellness through shared activities such as dance, laughter, and yoga promotes connection and engagement.
Episode summary
While wellness is a growing concern among planners, do conferences actually integrate these practices? Are they truly meeting the well-being needs of attendees? This episode provides practical examples of intentional and effective The event also features healthy dining concepts that stay within your budget.
Health is not just about the participants; Event planners need to prioritize their own self-care to avoid burnout. A well-rested and balanced planner can create a richer experience for attendees. They also need to consider the importance of participants’ mental health choices. Here, quiet spaces, meditative breaks and diverse seating are options worth considering.
Budget is often the reason companies don’t include more wellness content in their campaigns. The episode ends with actionable low-cost strategies, such as contacting attendees to find someone to lead yoga or breathing exercises.
