Effective Wellness Incorporation in Corporate Events
Corporate events are evolving, and planners are discovering that even small adjustments can lead to significant enhancements in attendee wellness. While luxurious retreat packages are popular, there are simpler, yet impactful, ways to promote well-being during gatherings.
Julie Finn, director of conference services at The Inverness Denver, highlights a noteworthy trend: the introduction of regular breaks. “We see breaks being given every hour now, which was something that was unheard of before,” she notes. This property recommends 15-minute breaks for every 45 minutes of programming, often including options like chair massages or brief hand massages during those intervals.
According to Cvent’s Andrews, popular wellness offerings do not have to be expensive. “You can have a wellness room with yoga mats and hire a yoga instructor for very cheap,” she says. In fact, transforming a breakout room into a wellness space is achievable by adding a few plants, a diffuser, and lowering the lights, making a substantial impact at a minimal cost.
At the Scottsdale Resort & Spa in Arizona, director of sales and marketing Tim Keough has noted increasing requests for unique wellness activities, ranging from puppy yoga to chakra alignment sessions. One of the most sought-after features is the creation of “meditation rooms” or “quiet, reflective spaces.” Keough explains, “Planners are prioritizing private spaces designed to offer a separate environment to step away, refocus, re-energize, and ultimately engage during their meetings.”
Andrews concurs that these dedicated spaces enhance attendee engagement. “In the past, if you wanted this sort of quiet zone, you had to go to your hotel room,” she explains. “Now, if you’re offering that at your conference, you’re prolonging the life of the attendee on-site.”
As wellness becomes a central focus, some venues are introducing creative programming that would have seemed unusual in corporate settings just a few years ago. At the Grand Hyatt Nashville, an aspiring country music artist who works as a barista at the hotel leads interactive songwriting sessions focused on creativity and mindfulness. “He’s brought his talents to this class that meets people where they are,” notes Hyatt’s Abrams. This allows participants to reflect on their experiences and transform those reflections into meaningful lyrics that resonate with both the individual and the group.
At Miraval Resorts, known for their wellness-oriented approach, corporate clients are exploring adventurous team-building activities. Susie Klein, director of business development, recalls a recent group endeavor wrapping up their meetings with a collective 100-person cold plunge. “Talk about memorable,” she says, emphasizing the camaraderie experienced by all attendees, including the president.
Additionally, at Noble House Hotels & Resorts’ Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa near San Diego, unique offerings combine leadership exercises with horticultural therapy. Jeff Livingston, senior area director of sales and marketing for Noble House, describes sessions focused on goal-setting through activities like arranging succulents. “The tactile and calming nature of it resonates well with groups,” he concludes.
