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Think about ways you can get people moving and offer snacks that will keep their minds and bodies alert and energetic. ∫
that people prefer not to eat a heavy lunch anymore so I’m careful about what I select for that time period (consider using fish, soups or salads).” Breaks are infamous for sweet and salty treats. If you only give
your attendees a few options, they are likely to experience a brief sugar and carbohydrate rush only to find that they are lagging soon after. Think about ways you can get people moving and offer snacks that will keep their minds and bodies alert and energetic. “As part of making events healthier and greener, one option is to substitute a planned afternoon walk au plein air for the usual cook- ie and coffee break (this option can also save money). Or, holding the afternoon break outdoors with tea and fresh seasonal fruits is a simple way to break up the monotony of ballroom walls while giving attendees a healthy dose of sunshine and air,” said Midori Connolly, CEO & Chief AVGirl, Pulse Staging and Events.
Group activities
Physical activity during the meeting or before and after can en-
gage and liven up attendees. There are several ways to incorporate this into events. Check with the meeting site or hotel to discover what’s avail-
able. For instance, check the availability of local or onsite walking trails, climbing walls, gymnasiums and other teambuilding and rec- reational areas and activities offered. “In Stevens Point, the Ramada Hotel and Convention Center is conveniently located directly across the street from the Schmeeck- le Reserve, a 280-acre nature reserve with five miles of hiking trails. I have worked with several groups to plan guided walks through the reserve. One of our biggest annual conferences plans a 5k run/walk every year in conjunction with their conference,” said Sara Brish, Director of Sales and Marketing at Stevens Point Area CVB. Planz tries to incorporate extra time in her agenda so her group
can relax and refresh on their own time. “Building a long break in the afternoon (a two hour lunch break for example) into your agenda allows guests time to eat, work, workout or sleep; whatever they need to be refreshed coming back to the meeting. These items are at little or no cost to the company/association and the attend- ees appreciate the TLC.” When brainstorming ways to include group activities, it is im-
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portant to remember that people have different comfort levels as well as individual physical limitations. If you are doing a group exercise, make sure everyone can participate and make sure that people are comfortable to decline without being singled out. Also check with your company and the venue to make sure planned ac- tivities are in compliance with insurance policies. Covington has experienced both the benefits and challenges of
doing this, “I’ve seen companies we’ve worked with incorporate physical activities into the teambuilding. For instance, one compa- ny had a relay race early in the morning before the general session. The drawbacks I see with physical activity like that, though, are: 1. Making it optional without making people feel excluded when they elect not to participate, and
2. Protecting your company against liability associated with injury during strenuous physical activity.”
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