Wellness for Events and Planners: Taking Care of Your Attendees and Yourself

By: Lauren Featherstone, 360DG Account Executive, Palm Springs & Arizona

In our fast-paced world, it would be easy to measure success solely by the numbers. Yet, industry leaders now see attendee health and wellness as vital to the success of a corporate event. After all, the heartbeat of every company is its employees. Let’s explore some practical strategies for incorporating wellness practices into events and, while we’re at it, into our own lives as planners.  

Health and Wellness for Corporate Event Attendees

As a corporate event planner, you’re not just creating outstanding events; you’re crafting tailor-made experiences that support the well-being of participants. Industry trends have made it clear that prioritizing health and wellness for attendees is an essential part of the event planning process. Here are a few tips to consider for your next event.

1. Energize Your Event With Physical Activity

We’ve all noticed those sleepy, glassy-eyed faces during general session. Prevent the traditional conference slumber by starting with a physical group activity. Get creative. Try a lively fun run, a dose of centering yoga, or even a mid-session dance-off to revive spirits. 

2. Craft Event Schedules With Participant Well-Being In Mind

Creating a nurturing space for attendees starts with building a schedule that incorporates wellness into the event framework. For example, in between regular programming, schedule a yoga class, or let the sunshine in with an outdoor breakout session. Speaking of breaks, don’t skimp on them during the general sessions. You can even try an “unplugged” lounge for much-needed relaxation or, think outside the box with a puppy cuddle session to elevate those serotonin levels. 

This philosophy was put into practice yet again at this year’s IMEX America with a designated Quiet Space lounge. Even more, a selection of 20 sessions was offered that focused on wellness for events, including daily mindfulness practices, wellbeing drop-ins, and cardio workouts. Among other offerings, Google Xi partnered with The Neu Project and Marriott International, collaborating with Storycraft Lab to design a Resilience Room. This dedicated space aimed to enhance the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of attendees, offering tools and resources to manage sensory needs. IMEX’s approach serves as a prime example of how the industry is recognizing and integrating health and wellness as essential components of successful events.

3. Include Healthy Eating Options In Menu Planning

Farewell, boring mid-meeting snacks (ahem, greasy potato chips)! As you plan the menu for your event, imagine meals that not only satisfy the taste buds but also supercharge energy, attention, and productivity. It’s science. We’re talking proteins to strengthen immunity, carbs to boost energy, fats to feed the brain, and veggies which are chock-full of micronutrients, all in perfect harmony. 

Don’t forget to include food for people with dietary restrictions. There are plenty of options out there for vegans & vegetarians and those who require dairy-free or gluten-free options. Want to really turn the volume up on health and flavor? Try adding an energizing juice bar!

Wellness Strategies for Corporate Event Planners

As a planner, you spend your time checking off lists, making things happen, and serving your clients. That’s why you’re successful. But without rest, you face burnout and often forget to prioritize your own wellness. Scheduling time to care for yourself will give you the boost you need to really deliver. Here are some practical ways to schedule health and wellness into your daily routine.

1. Morning Glow-Up With Vitamin D

Have you tried starting your day with a 15-20 minute outdoor stroll? Not only does it boost your Vitamin D levels, but it gets your body moving. You’d be surprised how much this morning glow-up helps to set the tone for the day.

2. 45 Minutes of Joyful Movement

Picture this: 45 minutes of moving your body in a way that makes you smile. It’s not just exercise; it’s a dance party in your living room, a run through the park, or a yoga flow that leaves you feeling invincible. Because, happy planners create extraordinary events.

3. Start Your Day With Gratitude

Starting your day with gratitude is like a shot of espresso for the soul. No time to journal? No problem. Master the art of stacking habits – think of three things you’re grateful for during your morning walk. It’s a small act that makes a big difference.

4. Nourishment On Autopilot

A nutritious breakfast is a game-changer, and you can take it a step further with weekend meal prep. Imagine starting your workday with a delicious and energizing meal, no morning rush and no stress. Add an 8 oz glass of water to your morning routine and you’re golden. 

5. NSDR: The Afternoon Pick-Me-Up

Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR) is a secret weapon against the midday slump. Ten minutes of mindful breathing and body scanning in the afternoon, and you’re ready to conquer the rest of the day. It’s not only a break; it’s a rejuvenation session.

How Does 360DG Encourage and Support a Culture of Wellness?

At 360 Destination Group, wellness is seen as a core value, ensuring our team thrives both during the buzz of event planning and in quieter times. Leadership is proactive about mental well-being, encouraging mental health days. Recognizing the importance of rest and rejuvenation, we are offered a generous PTO plan and maintain internal staffing levels above industry standards. This corporate wellness approach not only supports a healthy work-life balance for employees but also fuels their creativity and dedication to excellence in every event we craft.

In the world of corporate event planning, the true art lies in crafting experiences that resonate deeply, providing value that extends beyond the event itself. As companies increasingly embrace employee wellness within their culture, we, as event planners, have a golden opportunity to mirror this shift. It’s essential we champion health and wellness, not just for our attendees but as a standard for our own practices. This holistic approach ensures that every event is not only a momentary success but also a contributor to lasting well-being.