Written by CadmiumCD Contributor Pamela Shigeoka
The term self care is thrown around a lot these days, and it’s used to mean everything from seeing a therapist to crashing on your couch and watching Netflix. Self care is important, though, in helping reduce stress and keeping yourself mentally and physically healthy. Business travel can be especially stressful and can lead to adverse health effects, so it’s important for event planners to take self care into consideration when putting together a conference. Let’s take a look at a few ways to help your attendees reduce stress so they can get more out of your event.
Location Matters
When choosing a location for your event, look into what options that location has for helping visitors decompress. Is there outdoor space where they can get some fresh air? Are there comfortable areas where they can sit between sessions, or can you install those areas? If you’re holding your event in a hotel where attendees might be staying, does the hotel have a gym where they can get in a little physical activity? All of these give your attendees options when they’re starting to feel stressed out and need a break.
Create a Quiet Space
Airports around the world have started installing quiet rooms, where passengers can go and get away from the hustle and bustle of travel. Philadelphia International Airport, for example, installed a quiet room intended as a place where people can find some peace and solitude in the middle of a whirlwind of activity. Hamad International Airport in Qatar includes recliners for resting and soft lighting so travelers can unwind.
Consider bringing this idea into your conference by creating a quiet space where attendees can go to regroup and relax during the day. If you’re in a very large space, you could devote two or three rooms to being quiet spaces, so attendees can take breaks easily. Comfortable seating, soft lighting, and quiet can go a long way in helping reduce stress.
Give Attendees Planning Options
The earlier and more easily attendees can plan out their event schedule, the less stressful the event will be for them. Using a robust information management system, complete with a mobile app, is essential to making sure your attendees have all the information they need at their fingertips.
Make your schedule and exhibitor list available before your event. Attendees will feel less stressed if they have enough time to plan out their days. Your event’s mobile app should also include any important information attendees might need while on the show floor, such as a map of your event space as well as anything required of attendees, such as information about continuing education credit.
Why Should Events Facilitate Self Care?
We’ve been told for decades that we need to reduce stress, and more and more companies are looking into ways to help their employees take care of themselves physically and mentally. Stress can reduce productivity, so industries have a vested interest in facilitating stress relief and self care. But more importantly, too much stress can adversely affect people’s health and focus. At an event, everyone benefits if attendees—along with speakers, exhibitors, and staff—have opportunities to relax and regroup during the event. You can help everyone get the most out of your event’s content by providing options to relieve stress.
About Pamela
I am a freelance writer who enjoys dipping my toes into a wide variety of writing subjects. I have an M.A. in English but found that teaching wasn’t for me, so I’m applying my training to writing instead. I’ve been blogging for ten years and have written everything from book reviews to pop culture essays to business topics. In my spare time, I enjoy writing fiction, playing games, and learning new crafts. I live in Corvallis, Oregon, with my husband, daughter, and dog.