“IS THIS MEANINGFUL, DOES IT SERVE A PURPOSE AND DO PEOPLE FEEL LIKE THEY BELONG?” Event organizers are increasingly recognizing the importance of integrating wellness into their programs, but what does wellness really mean in the context of corporate events? For some, the focus is on physical health through movement-based activities and healthy culinary options. For others, like Ham- ilton, Ont.-based Joanna Lean, director, client experience and events at ITM Events, it’s creating experiences that nourish attendees on multiple levels. This includes incorporating mindfulness and stress management tech- niques into workshops, considering diverse learning styles when designing agendas and providing opportunities for meaningful con- nections, while also allowing time for physical movement. Here are some of the ways she weaves wellness into corporate events using this holistic approach. Make Room for Movement Collaborating with clients to determine the attendee profile of their events, Lean strate- gically finds time for movement on agendas. For example, for one client, she adjusted a busy agenda to accommodate early risers by including an invigorating early morning walk. Not only does this incorporate physical move- ment, but it also promotes mental clarity and facilitates connection among delegates. “How you start your day is how you’re going to set your tone for the day for the conference,” she says, “but it also helps to facilitate connection, whether they’re connecting with nature…or they’re connecting with others.” If a pre-event activity is not an option, Lean suggests having longer breaks or rest periods during your event, and pushing the movement portion to the end of the day. Help them Refuel and Recharge When it comes to nutrition, Lean emphasizes a forward-thinking approach of going beyond the standard fare and providing more vegan and gluten-free options and offering non-alco- holic beverage choices. She notes how something as simple as bring- ing a specialty coffee and tea cart to an event can be beneficial for the overall attendee experience. Not only do they enjoy a bever- age customized to suit their preferences and dietary restrictions, but it can be a welcome break or recharge during a busy conference schedule, says Lean, and can serve as a micro-networking opportunity as guests line up for their favourite brew. Communicate Effectively Lean also emphasizes the importance of straightforward and transparent communica- tion with attendees regarding schedules and logistics to alleviate anxiety and stress levels and instill a sense of confidence and pre- paredness, especially when travelling to un- familiar locations. “You don’t want to inundate people with too much information, but you don’t want to be too quiet, especially if they’re travelling to a conference. Even within their own city, people have a lot of anxiety around getting to places.” She adds, “It doesn’t sound like much, but it does ease anxiety and helps with their mental health.” Create Inclusive Spaces To prioritize mental wellness and maximize attendee productivity and engagement, Lean recommends activities that not only stimulate the mind but also foster a sense of inclusivity and purpose. She highlights the importance of considering the various ways in which individ- uals learn, and incorporating keynotes, panels and workshops, as well as roundtables and facilitated conversations, into agendas. Of particular importance are networking events. “Not everybody is comfortable in an open networking situation where you have to walk up to somebody who you might not know and just have a chat,” she says. In which case, organized or facilitated networking can be a wellness tool to help ease that anxiety. Lean recalls the positive feedback her team received following a speed-networking session with mentors and local students at an associ- ation conference. “[The mentors] felt like they got to give back. We created a space where we could provide them purpose. They could really share their wisdom and knowledge with the students. And the mentees were so appreciative of being in front of these industry leaders, and grateful for the opportunities and everything they learned—it was a feel-good moment, and to me, that’s wellness.” Lean concludes by stressing the impor- tance of framing wellness under three pillars when crafting conference agendas: “Is this meaningful, does it serve a purpose and do people feel like they belong?” By incorporating this strategy, event planners can create expe- riences that leave a lasting impact on attend- ees’ well being, long after the event has ended. Unlocking Wellness EXPERT TIPS AND STRATEGIES FOR CORPORATE GATHERINGS 74 | Ignitemag.ca | Summer 2024
