By Lisa Simundson
More people are pushing for healthier experiences when traveling on business and the industry has responded in what can only be called a groundbreaking shift toward wellness and well-being.
Staying ahead of these trends is critical for planners looking to strengthen connections and maximize ROI while also demonstrating to companies and attendees that their welfare tops the priority list.
Following are some key trends from MyWellCo to keep in mind when planning for 2024 and beyond.
• Sustainable and Conscious Travel: CSR has become more important than ever, as businesses seek to reduce their carbon footprint and attendees yearn to make a positive impact in the communities they visit. More groups are requesting mindful events and initiatives supporting local areas.
• Wellness Technology: With the ever-present advancements in wellness technology—including the Apple Watch, Oura Ring and Whoop & Fitbit bands—today’s attendees are tracking every step, REM sleep wave and heartbeat. It’s up to event hosts and venues to see that delegates get the necessary rest and healthy F&B they need to stay refreshed and motivated.
• Event Fatigue: Running on fumes, guzzling coffee to stay coherent, running from session to session—the breakneck scenarios of the past are being replaced by movement breaks, mindful pauses and relaxation zones.
• Better Food Choices: Farmed salmon enhanced with pink dye? Pass. Let attendees know your F&B is mindful of their well-being while also supporting local vendors and small businesses. Don’t forget those with dietary restrictions.
• Less Yoga, More Teambuilding: Add yoga fatigue to event fatigue: It’s great, but it’s no substitute for intentional, group-centric activities that encourage connection and teamwork. Something deceptively simple like “Find the Lie” will have participants brainstorming and laughing in no time. It simply requires attendees to share three things about themselves—one being a lie—and challenging the group to figure out which is which.
