[ON LOCATION] BARBARA SCOFIDIO
The 7th Annual Meet Well Summit at Opal Sands Resort & Spa in Clearwater Beach, FL, was the perfect mix of educational conference and meeting planner retreat.
The latter of the two is a recent addition to Meet Well. When the conference was first conceived, healthy meetings were low on the priority list for many companies and associations. The pandemic changed all that, putting a spotlight on attendees’ (and planners’) mental health. Planners began providing more “white” space for attendees to rest, rather than overscheduling them; and ensuring that meetings are accessible to all, including neurodiverse attendees. More and more meeting organizers are making it their mission to help people continue their personal health routines when they travel for business.
The mission of Meet Well is to share best practices for all of the above. This year’s speakers were an absolute inspiration—Rachelle Stone & Vimari Roman on beating burnout, John Ayo on healthy travel habits, Rachael Riggs on incorporating wellbeing into events and Jennifer Squeglia on the new era of healthy F&B.
There was time built into the agenda for attendees to focus on their personal wellbeing, whether that meant yoga classes, beach walks or dolphin spotting in this spectacular setting. At the opening reception, everyone had a chance to create their own signature perfume and learned how scent is an integral part of the attendee experience.
With the help of our host hotel, Opal Sands Resort & Spa, we shared ideas for creative, healthy, tasty F&B, from fresh flowerpot salads to a fabulous kombucha break featuring locally sourced kombuchas.
Everyone left refreshed, with new tools for meeting well.
Many thanks to our Sponsors: The Don CeSar, Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau, Perdido Beach Resort, Royal Caribbean International, Stein Eriksen Lodge, Sunseeker Resort, Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach, Velas Resorts, Visit Orlando, Virgin Voyages, Visit Park City; and Partners: Attend Safe, Scentrifugal Events and Visit St. Pete Clearwater; and our host hotel: Opal Sands Resort.
Next year’s Meet Well will be held Aug. 7 to 9 at the new Sunseeker Resort in Charlotte Harbor, FL.
“This conference was just what I needed, feeling re-energized and full of wellness tips that will positively impact my day-to-day life.” —Liz Graves, Customer Success Manager, Meetings & Incentives Worldwide
“This is one of my favorite events that I have ever attended. I like the opportunity to check out for a couple of days, focus on myself, and experience the quality education. I also believe that many of us that attend can find ways to collaborate and possibly work together in the future.” —Laura Bergersen, CMP Director Global Events, Innov8 Meetings and Events
“What a fabulous reset with like-minded individuals who are passionate about the industry and need to be selfish with taking care of themselves to balance happiness.” —Jill Roth, Meeting Planner & Owner, Jill Roth Events