Now more than ever, companies increasingly recognize the importance of employee well-being. As a Destination Management Company (DMC) that understands the significance of nurturing wellness in the corporate setting, we'll explore wellness in events and how partnering with a DMC can transform your next event into a wellness-driven experience.
As part of our commitment to authentic wellness experiences, we sat down with Kelly Bishop, the Founder & Chief Positivity Officer of Wellevate Experience, to learn how to incorporate and explore true wellness in corporate programs. She expressed how integrating wellness into corporate events is more than just creating a checklist. It's an approach to a holistic experience that nourishes the mind, body, and soul of attendees.
When most people hear wellness at events, they immediately think of scheduling yoga sessions or filling attendees' schedules with new-age relaxation methods. After speaking with Kelly, it becomes clear that wellness in events is much more about intrinsic wellness than extrinsic activities. True wellness can only be present in events when planners create space for attendees to self-reflect, remain positive, and focus on internal growth.
In an interesting revelation, Kelly expressed that one of the most positive transformations from the pandemic is how society has shifted to recognize their employees as whole persons in corporate settings- rather than expecting them to leave other parts of themselves at the door.
Finally, corporate settings are beginning to welcome employees as multifaceted individuals who can prioritize their work, the meeting or event at hand, and themselves. Attending a corporate program shouldn't mean leaving those parts of us at home, whether that be our families, our hobbies, our dietary choices, and beyond. This, Kelly explains, is true wellness in events. When attendees feel this is at the core of the planning process, they can truly grow, remain present, and be ready to receive all the program offers.
As all meeting and event professionals know, this industry is very 'go-go-go'. Once they have organized all the meetings and social gatherings, event professionals have become accustomed to having their schedules filled from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.
They have come to accept that during the program, they may not have time to exercise, read, or do whatever refreshes and replenish themselves. Needless to say, this also leads to grabbing the first piece of food they can find to ensure they don't go hungry—usually without considering whether it is nourishing food that will fuel them properly through the program.
At ETHOS Event Collective, our mission is to change that. Through intentional planning, both planners and attendees can maintain a better balance, ensuring they remain fully engaged throughout the program. This way, when they return home from the event, they won't feel exhausted for days, allowing them to enjoy quality time with their loved ones.
This positive change in the event industry begins with Kelly educating people on how it's possible. Then, planners need to put this strategy into their programs. After that, it's up to attendees to implement it. Through this blog, we hope Kelly's tips and tricks will be integrated into programs so attendees feel empowered to prioritize self-care.
WELLNESS begins with the planners
The truth is that planners must be mindful of what they're offering the attendees and what experience we want them to walk away with. The planners are responsible for creating space for attendees to care for themselves during the conference.
Self-reflection
Self-reflection doesn't come naturally to everyone, but it is a powerful tool for personal growth and well-being. Incorporating moments of introspection into corporate events can profoundly impact attendees. Whether dedicating time to journaling, setting achievable goals, or engaging in micro-mindful experiences, these practices provide valuable opportunities for individuals to pause, reflect, and reconnect with themselves amidst the hustle and bustle of professional life.
One effective strategy is to hire an event emcee who can infuse the gathering with a wellness theme or flare, guiding attendees through small but impactful experiences throughout the meeting. These experiences may include breathwork sessions, workshops on stress management, or interactive exercises designed to promote mindfulness and relaxation. By integrating self-reflection activities into the event agenda, organizers create meaningful opportunities for attendees to prioritize their well-being and leave the gathering feeling rejuvenated and inspired.
Eat right
Prioritizing nutrition is another essential aspect of promoting wellness during corporate events. Mindful eating habits can significantly impact energy levels, focus, and well-being. Instead of serving traditional breakfast fare like croissants and sweets, organizers can opt for whole foods with high nutritional value that provide sustained energy without causing sugar spikes. By offering a diverse range of inclusive options, such as gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free alternatives, event planners ensure that all attendees can partake in the culinary experience without worrying about dietary restrictions.
One allergen-free option can make a significant difference, allowing individuals to feel included and empowered to make healthy choices that align with their needs. This thoughtful approach to catering supports physical well-being and fosters a sense of inclusivity and consideration for attendees' diverse preferences and requirements.
Remaining connected with home
If attendees will be away from home for an extended period, staying connected with their loved ones back home is paramount. To foster this connection, organizers can introduce activities that encourage attendees to create personalized cards or messages for their families. This provides a meaningful way for participants to share their experiences and ensures their families feel included in the event.
Moreover, recognizing the challenges of time differences and busy schedules, organizers can offer practical solutions such as providing souvenirs or gifts from the event's location, like books or souvenirs, that attendees can bring back home.
These items serve as reminders of the experience and become part of new nightly routines, fostering a sense of connection and continuity even across geographical distances. By integrating these thoughtful gestures into the event program, organizers demonstrate a commitment to supporting attendees' well-being professionally and personally, ensuring they feel connected and grounded throughout their time away from home.
Tieing in a giveback
Incorporating a giveback initiative into corporate events is a powerful expression of corporate social responsibility and a fundamental aspect of fostering wellness among attendees. These group efforts in acts of kindness and community service help participants experience a sense of fulfillment and purpose.
This positive mindset is further reinforced by the initiative's lasting impact, which creates roots that extend beyond the event itself. When these initiatives are integrated into events held in new destinations, attendees can immerse themselves in the local culture while making a tangible difference in the lives of others.
Working with local nonprofits for giveback initiatives also provides an opportunity to learn more about the community's needs and challenges, promoting empathy and understanding among attendees. As a result, these initiatives enhance the attendee experience and contribute to their holistic well-being by nurturing a sense of connection, purpose, and social consciousness.
Schedule for the event
Crafting a thoughtful schedule for corporate events involves more than filling every hour with activities. It's about recognizing attendees' diverse needs and preferences and allowing them to prioritize their well-being.
Rather than starting at the crack of dawn and continuing late into the night, a balanced schedule includes ample free time for attendees to engage in self-care activities, whether they're early birds or night owls.
This intentional approach acknowledges the importance of allowing individuals to refresh and regroup their minds, ensuring they can fully engage and derive maximum benefit from the event's offerings. By providing opportunities for attendees to take breaks, recharge, and customize their experience, organizers foster an environment that promotes holistic well-being and supports attendees in achieving optimal performance and satisfaction.
The Attendees Part
As attendees, we must apply the insights and knowledge gained from the event and implement them in our daily lives. It's a fundamental truth that we must take care of ourselves before we can begin to care for others. By prioritizing self-care and well-being, we enhance our lives and become better equipped to support those around us.
Taking care of and supporting each other
Divide and conquer responsibilities and duties, allocating time to connect and network.
Collaboration and mutual support play a vital role in this process. By dividing and conquering responsibilities and duties based on our individual preferences, likes, dislikes, habits, and routines, we create a more efficient and harmonious environment.
Allocating time to connect and network allows us to forge valuable relationships, exchange ideas, and cultivate a supportive community that mutually encourages personal and professional growth. Ultimately, by embracing these principles and practices, we lead healthier, more purpose-filled lives while contributing to the well-being of those around us.
Make travel easier
Making travel peaceful for yourself as an attendee is crucial to ensure you arrive at the event feeling refreshed and ready to engage. To get a head start on preparing, consider extending the pre-event preparation period to two weeks to better manage your schedule. While you're away, engage in physical movement, even if it's just a short workout, to get those endorphins flowing and foster positivity, setting a positive tone for the event.
Prioritize sleep, nutrition, and daily routine before and during the event to keep yourself grounded. And, of course, safety should be considered during travel by arranging group rides to hotels or traveling in groups. Do your due diligence by researching in advance to reduce stress and have peace of mind when stepping into unfamiliar territory. This means having a working knowledge of how you'll be getting around, sharing your travel plans with others, and having a backup plan if something changes. By implementing these strategies, you can streamline your travel experience and create an environment that maximizes your event experience.
The DMCs Role
Time-Saving Benefits: Event planners can streamline their workload by entrusting wellness responsibilities to our seasoned team at ETHOS Event Collective. With our expertise in curating wellness experiences, planners can free up valuable time to focus on other crucial aspects of event management, confident that the wellness components are in capable hands.
Sourcing Meaningful Takeaways: Our team gains more profound insight into your attendees, which allows them to source meaningful takeaways that align with the wellness theme of corporate programs. Whether selecting locally sourced products, arranging wellness workshops, or providing personalized gifts, we ensure attendees leave with tangible reminders of their experience and actionable insights to integrate into their daily lives.
Time Management: Our DMC understands the importance of effective time management in executing successful corporate events. By leveraging our industry connections and logistical expertise, we optimize schedules to maximize wellness opportunities without sacrificing productivity or attendee engagement. From coordinating transportation to scheduling wellness activities, we ensure that every minute of your event is efficiently utilized to create a well-rounded and impactful experience for attendees.
Partnering with a trusted DMC like ours can elevate your corporate events by infusing them with wellness-focused experiences that inspire, rejuvenate, and empower attendees. From leveraging local expertise to crafting customized wellness itineraries, our team is dedicated to creating memorable and impactful events, prioritizing employee engagement and well-being. Let us help you unlock the wellness advantage for your next corporate gathering. Connect with our experts today to learn how they can design a tailored wellness experience that leaves a lasting impression on your attendees.
This year, Kelly will join us at our Women's Leadership Summit in Savannah, GA, to enrich the experience for our female leaders attending. With a focus on rejuvenation and holistic growth, Kelly encourages attendees to approach the summit with an open mind, ready to engage, learn, and explore new aspects of themselves. She emphasizes the importance of women taking time for self-care, as it's often neglected while prioritizing others.
Throughout the summit, Kelly will delve into the power of maintaining a positive mindset and seizing opportunities with optimism. By remaining positive, people can escape negative patterns and create a supportive atmosphere in their personal and work lives. Through interactive sessions and discussions, Kelly aims to empower attendees to identify areas for positive change within themselves and their team cultures, fostering a ripple effect of positivity that enhances workplace dynamics and inspires collective growth.
Follow us on Social Media for updates about our Women's Leadership Summit this March!