Revamping Conference Agendas: Enhance Engagement with Wellness Breaks
Writer Dakota Murphey shares insights about a significant transformation in the conference industry, where event organizers are beginning to realize that the traditional model of passive attendance is no longer effective.
For many years, conferences operated on a predictable format, where a speaker stood at a podium delivering information to rows of attendees. However, this method is losing its effectiveness, particularly among Gen Z participants.
As attention spans decrease and the competition for engagement grows, it’s essential for conferences to adopt new strategies that prioritize active involvement, wellness, and experiential learning. In light of World Mental Health Day on October 10th, here are ways event planners can prioritize mental health through enhanced wellness breaks that alleviate fatigue, reduce stress, and promote connection.
The rise of experiential events
There is undeniable value in gathering individuals for shared experiences that inspire connection, creativity, and collaboration. These experiences can vary widely, from interactive workshops replacing lengthy keynote speeches to brainstorming sessions encouraging participants to share their expertise. Incorporating wellness activities, like yoga or swimming sessions, into the schedule can significantly help attendees enhance their learning potential.
Furthermore, community-based activities are increasingly important, as conferences incorporate elements that link attendees to the local culture of the host city. This creates a unique sense of place and shared exploration, making the overall experience richer.
The aquatic advantage
Innovative amenities can greatly enhance attendee engagement by providing surprising experiences and fostering genuine connections. For instance, poolside events present a refreshing alternative to conventional conference settings, promoting a relaxed atmosphere where attendees can network more authentically.
Such informal environments diminish the formality often present in traditional settings, allowing for more open dialogue and creative thinking. Being near water stimulates different areas of the brain, potentially enhancing creativity and problem-solving skills.
Compact solutions like endless pools or swim spas offer guests a unique energy boost that outshines caffeine. Companies like Compass Pools have become recognized for their innovative materials, including specialized non-porous composites that ensure hygiene and ease of maintenance for an enjoyable aquatic experience.
Taking the event outdoors
Utilizing outdoor spaces and natural environments can be a powerful way to combat attendee fatigue and elevate the overall experience. Studies consistently show that nature exposure boosts mental clarity, reduces stress, and enhances cognitive function—all essential elements for maximizing conference value.
“Forest bathing” sessions, inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, are increasingly finding their way into conference agendas. These sessions provide attendees the chance to unwind and reconnect with their surroundings through mindful walks.
Walking meetings in nearby parks or gardens present a vigorous alternative to traditional conference rooms, promoting dynamic discussions and increased productivity as participants engage in both movement and fresh air.
Power of collaborative art
Wellness breaks need not solely focus on physical activities to be effective. Engaging in collaborative projects can reduce fatigue while fostering community and creativity.
Creative collaboration naturally facilitates conversation in ways that structured networking often fails to achieve. Organizations like Artful Collective offer workshops, such as group portraiture, where participants work together and exchange canvases to complete the final artwork. Collaborative murals, digital art projects using augmented reality, and workshops that creatively reinterpret theoretical topics can reveal hidden talents among attendees, surprising both participants and planners.
In addition to enhancing the immediate experience for guests, these artistic endeavors create memorable talking points and photographic moments that can extend the event’s reach on social media, leaving attendees with a sense of contributing to something greater.
The future of conferences is fluid
As we look ahead, it’s evident that the events industry will continue to shift away from a one-size-fits-all approach toward more personalized and impactful experiences. The emphasis on attendee wellbeing and engagement must take precedence. Future conference schedules should prioritize human needs for movement, social connection, and mental stimulation, moving away from rigid, traditional timetables.
What innovative strategies do you think will shape the future of conferences?
