Healthy Meetings Toolkit, Part I

In the meetings world, the connection between well-being and personal performance is in the spotlight. Last month, our ProMeetings team was in Las Vegas for IMEX America, where we were excited to see “Be Well” initiatives* at this annual mega trade show for the incentive travel and meetings industry. Healthier attendee experiences can boost energy and focus—and they can be part of every event you plan for your group. This month, we share our team’s top ideas to “Stay fit and stay focused.” Check back in December for part II, with our tips to “Eat well and meet well.” *Didn’t make it to IMEX America? Check out its Be Well program here.

Look and listen during your site visit.

Make sure any venue you’re considering is committed to providing “well space” for your meetings. In addition to ergonomic furnishings, good lighting and acoustics are essential. So choose conference spaces that emulate the quality of natural light (or, even better, feature a source of natural light) with extra illumination over work areas to promote focus and productivity. For your acoustics checklist, make sure surfaces are designed to absorb sound, HVAC systems operate quietly and there are no outside or traffic noises to distract your group.

Do a digital detox—and get off your duff.

Hours spent plugged into devices and concentrating on learning presentations can leave your group mentally tired and physically achy from sitting most of the day. Some experts claim that “sitting is the new smoking” (learn more about its risks in this Forbes article), so choose a destination that makes it easy for your group to refresh their minds and stretch their muscles. Morning yoga or stretch breaks, energizing bike rides, a stroll on the beach, revitalizing spa treatments or a challenging round of championship golf are just a few ways our conference guests unplug and make the most of every day on Kiawah Island.

Keep the fresh air/fresh ideas connection in mind.

Artificially heated and cooled meeting rooms can sometimes lead to less-than-optimal air quality and slower-working brains. Make sure you can adjust temperatures to your group’s preference and that ventilation is plentiful. Consider taking your breaks outdoors, or even moving your meeting to an outside venue during pleasant weather. Kiawah Island’s Grand Lawn, complete with Atlantic Ocean views and breezes, is a favorite spot for our conference guests to meet and mingle.

Create balance in a fast-paced schedule.

All of us instinctively feel better and less stressed when we have access to nature (this article explains that the more tech-driven our lives become, the more we need nature). Seek out calming meeting spaces that incorporate elements of nature in decor and art or with live, indoor plants. Conference destinations like Kiawah Island that are surrounded by nature and wildlife create a feeling of respite and personal relaxation that is an integral part of meeting wellness. Count on our ProMeetings team to help you stay fit and focused during your next event. We’re committed to your healthy lifestyle while staying and meeting on the island. Kiawah’s energizing environment includes ten miles of pristine beach, five championship golf courses, two tennis complexes, a five-star spa and endless recreation and eco-adventures.