When it comes to incorporating healthy experiences in events, the saying “meet people where they are” was the touchstone for a series of seven Caesars Entertainment Meetings & Events Wellness Roadshows crossing the country. To educate meeting professionals about the company’s curated wellness menus of catering and content options, gatherings are happening from Washington, D.C., to Scottsdale and Columbus, Ohio, to Atlanta, Georgia.
I caught up with the action at Chateau Lill just outside Seattle, Washington, and found an accessible, luxurious presentation of ideas optimized for groups large and small.
The Business Case for Alert and Focused Attendees
David T. Stevens, co-founder of Olympian Meeting, made the argument that leveraging the popularity of the $480 billion wellness industry to encourage everyone show up their healthiest, most focused self wherever they are on their journey is in the best interest of every event organizer.
That does not mean that every event needs a 6 a.m. yoga class, fun run or weight lifting session. His advice? Ask attendee as part of registration what wellness means to them and what they would like to participate in.
Read More: Caesars Demonstrates the Power of Wellness at Inaugural Global Wellness Summit
“Wellness is a journey not an end,” he said. Incorporating movement and mental health activities improves how people feel, how much they remember and their productivity.
Bonus: Group activations can also help to address the loneliness epidemic being experienced across the country.
A Million Reasons to Add Movement to the Agenda
Nolan Nichols, founder of A Million Dreams, reinforced the message that baby steps can add up when it comes to wellness. “Consistency beats intensity” one moment at a time, he said.
When a healthy practice such as walking, journaling or just noticing is done daily, it can result in thriving rather than surviving. Healthy habits can also help make corrections in real time.
Read More: Wellness at Work: How Meeting Planners Can Enhance Productivity, Engagement and Retention
Nichols suggested what he calls the GLADS approach.
Each day do something that incorporates:
Gratitude
Learning
A Feeling of Accomplishment
Delight
And something that Scares you
Acoustic Experiences Align Audiences
The day was as much about interactive experiences as it was about lectures. A sound bath activated singing bowls and bells to promote relaxation, stress reduction and a sense of shared well-being.
The comforting touches also included soft seating options, chair massages and Tableau filtered water.
