Planning Events with Wellness in Mind: A New Paradigm

In the ever-evolving landscape of event planning, a new trend is here to stay: prioritizing wellness. No longer just a niche consideration, wellness-centered events are now expected, with attendees seeking experiences that enhance both their physical and mental well-being. Much more than a fitness class or mental health hotline, planning with wellness requires knowledge and creativity. Whether you’re an event planner, a destination management company (DMC), or a large venue, it’s time to take note and align your strategies with this new focus. Here are some tips:

1. Understand the Wellness Movement

The emphasis on wellness is rooted in a larger societal shift. Following the COVID pandemic, people are more conscious of their health, seeking balance in their hectic lives and valuing holistic well-being. In fact, 50% of people consider wellness their top priority. People are choosing events that offer a break from routine, provide rejuvenating experiences, and contribute positively to their mental, emotional, and physical health – in addition to the vocational and social aspects of the work trip.

2. Design

Choose spaces that promote natural light, have good ventilation, and offer quiet spaces for relaxation. Consider the natural patterns of daily life, and create opportunities to network and socialize naturally. Areas to focus on work, call family, relax, or laugh and connect should be throughout.

The use of biophilic design that includes plants, natural materials, and calming color palettes can enhance the sense of well-being.

When planning activities, opt for locations that connect attendees with nature — parks, gardens, beachfronts, or mountain retreats. The natural setting can be therapeutic and energizing.

Learn about color psychology and work with your lighting vendor to create patterns of light that mimic circadian rhythms. Together, color and light set mood, energy levels and focus.

3. Infuse Wellness into the Event Agenda

Wellness isn’t one yoga class or one fun run. Instead, it’s a strategy that is applied across program schedule, food & beverage, activities, parties, and more. Carefully consider your guest demographics, length of travel, and duration of event to space your content and offerings.

– Physical Activity: Incorporate short, guided physical breaks, such as stretching or yoga sessions. Consider dress code and work schedules – mid-afternoon yoga at an event where everyone is in a suit is not the best option. However, an after-hours cycling class or early morning self-defense sessions could be a good choice.

– Mental Breaks: Schedule mindfulness or meditation breaks, especially during intensive seminars or conferences. Consider in-app reminders, specialists to lead 2-minute reflections between sessions, and spaces to decompress, re-focus and relax.

-Schedule: Consider the typical schedule of your guests. Did you know that Russians go to sleep and wake up later than Australians? Many Latin American countries take afternoon siestas, and other Europeans eat dinner much later than Americans. Consider peak wakefulness times when scheduling key sessions, and offer options for rest, nutrition and connection at times relevant to your group.   

– Nutrition: Collaborate with catering teams to offer balanced, nutritious menus. Focus on whole foods, limit processed items, and provide a variety of vegetarian and vegan options – not just one! Fun, interactive stations like smoothies or juice, fruit displays, and healthy charcuterie tables contribute to sustainable energy levels and avoid post-meal fatigue.

– Hydration Stations: Ensure attendees have easy access to water stations, infused with fruits or herbs for added appeal. Add a twist with teas, sparkling water, or juices for something different.

4. Create Engaging Wellness Workshops

Organize workshops that focus on mental health, stress management, or personal growth. Engage experts in fields like nutrition, art, a new skill, fitness, and mindfulness to lead sessions. This not only adds value but also enhances the overall appeal of the event and offers a great way to network naturally.

5. Tech & Wellness

For hybrid or virtual events, make use of wellness apps, virtual yoga sessions, or online meditation breaks. Even in a digital setting, prioritize attendee well-being by encouraging activity, stretching and hydration. Consider a pre-event wellness challenge that wraps up during the virtual event, or in-app mindfulness reminders and reflection journals.

6. Offer Wellness Amenities

For multi-day events, offer wellness services that revitalize and restore. Offer refreshing treatments, massages, guided nature hikes, or wellness gift baskets for attendees. This not only boosts the event’s appeal but can also foster local collaborations and reduce stress levels.

7. Prioritize Mental Well-being

Ensure there are spaces or professionals available for attendees who might feel overwhelmed. Having a quiet, sensory-friendly zone can be beneficial. Emphasize the importance of mental health in your event literature, and offer resources for assistance.

The emphasis on wellness isn’t a passing trend; it’s a reflection of a broader societal understanding of the importance of holistic health. By integrating wellness into events, planners, DMCs, and venues can not only meet but exceed attendee expectations, setting the stage for memorable, meaningful, and revitalizing events.