cal activity during the meeting or before and after can engage and liven up attendees. ∫
™Physi
Do-si-do
An easy and inexpensive way to get people moving is to include
a musical component. It can liven things up quickly and people can do as little as tap their feet and still feel the positive effects. Another idea is to play music and have someone lead your group through some simple stretches. “We recently introduced providing entertainment (fiddlers) just
prior to our morning keynote session and it was amazing to see folks dancing in the aisles at 8 am,” said Langevin.
Not the usual break
Dave McNamara, President of Element Oxygen Bars, works
with clients to provide a unique break alternative. “Many of my clients have discovered our oxygen therapy services while look- ing for a healthy living activity for their conference, tradeshow or corporate wellness event. Our customized setup delivers enriched
oxygen, infused with aromatherapy, leaving guests feeling refreshed and mentally alert,” said McNamara. Instead of your traditional morning or afternoon break with
food and phone calls, consider offering a healthier alternative. Gail Lampert, CMP, RYT, CEO of Unique Yoga Retreats and Breaks, provides groups short and simple yoga breaks. “I put on 15 minute yoga breaks instead of coffee breaks. They rejuvenate the body and clarify and energize the mind. They also provide a fun teambuilding experience,” said Lampert.
Venue considerations
When reserving the hotel for a meeting or event, ask them about
special considerations for your group. Contract low or complimen- tary rates for the onsite fitness center and discuss extending fitness center hours if necessary, for guests’ benefit. Langevin often does this to make things more convenient and accessible for her guests. “It’s helpful when meeting in a hotel to ask them to open the gym or the pool a little earlier than usual (for example, open at 5 am instead of 6 am). This allows those early birds to get their workout done before coming to the meeting at 7 am. The same holds true for those who prefer to workout later in the day - end the meeting by 4 pm so there’s ample time for folks to work out prior to dinner. We sometimes provide a sign-up sheet at the beginning of the meeting and make it a group activity and it seems that more people are inclined to participate that way,” said Langevin. Many times planners set up transportation between hotels and convention centers. Depending on the distance, consider provid- ing your attendees with maps and recommend walking. Of course you need to consider guests who may have physical limitations, but by offering fewer shuttles you can encourage the able-bodied guests to walk to their meetings. Connolly said, “Oracle saved major money while improving the
health of both their attendees and the planet by eliminating shuttle stops at those hotels within a few blocks of the Mascone Center.” Body, mind and spirit are intertwined and all are particularly important when planning conferences. By taking the time to plan a healthier and diversified event, you’ll create an engaged audience and more successful experience.
40
MIDWEST MEETINGS SPRING 2010
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116