The world of events, from bustling conferences to intimate hospitality gatherings, is constantly evolving. Attendees today seek more than just information and networking opportunities; they crave experiences that are enriching, transformative, and cater to their overall well-being. This is where the art of integrating wellness into events comes into play.
By strategically incorporating mindfulness practices, relaxation techniques, and healthy options, event planners can create a dynamic environment that fosters attendee engagement and cultivates a sense of well-being.
Our guest author for this article, Sepideh Eivazi, is a true visionary in this space. Sepideh, the mind behind Dawn of the Earth, a transformative wellness platform, is a passionate advocate for integrating wellness into events.
Her extensive background in the hospitality industry, including her work with Elevated Meetings and pivotal roles at Bellagio and MGM Grand, combined with her expertise in somatic breathwork, tapping/EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques), and custom tea blends, allows her to curate experiences that transcend traditional boundaries and leave a lasting impact.
An active participant in the Breath Initiative at the Global Wellness Institute and a certified professional in the Delos StayWell program, Sepideh is a leader in the wellness movement. She recently launched the Pause Movement for the hospitality industry, introducing innovative approaches to enhance mental and physical well-being for event attendees.
In this article, Sepideh dives deep into the power of wellness integration, exploring its impact on attendee experience, fostering community, promoting mental well-being, and ultimately, creating successful and memorable events.
Let’s delve into Sepideh’s insights and discover how incorporating wellness elements can elevate your next event!
Elevating Attendee Experience with Wellness Integration
In the realm of hospitality and events, the integration of wellness elements plays a pivotal role in enriching the attendee experience and creating memorable and transformative events. By incorporating mindfulness activities, relaxation techniques, breathwork exercises, healthy food options, and physical activities, planners can craft an engaging environment that caters to the well-being of participants.
Events often involve packed schedules, extended hours, and a deluge of information, which can lead to stress and exhaustion for attendees. Attendees often encounter busy schedules, information overload, and high-stress levels.
Offering wellness-focused activities provides a valuable opportunity for participants to unwind, recharge, and connect with their inner selves amidst the hustle and bustle of the event.
Mindfulness activities, such as guided meditation, breathwork, tapping, or yoga sessions, can help attendees cultivate a sense of calm, focus, and mental clarity, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the event experience with a refreshed perspective. This approach not only enhances the overall attendee experience but also demonstrates a commitment to creating events that are enriching, transformative, and aligned with the wellness-focused values of today’s participants.
Setting Apart with Value
Integrating wellness into events distinguishes them from conventional gatherings and showcases a dedication to the well-being and satisfaction of attendees. This enhances the event experience, offering added value and appealing to a wider audience seeking gatherings that prioritize wellness. By welcoming a diverse range of perspectives and backgrounds, new modalities can be introduced, fostering a deeper understanding and inclusivity.
Also, implementing sustainable practices such as recycled products, digital event materials, and eco-friendly amenities to promote environmental wellness and reduce the event’s carbon footprint.
Enhanced Productivity and Engagement through Wellness
Incorporating wellness activities, such as mindfulness sessions and physical exercises, into corporate events can have a profound impact on attendees’ focus, productivity, and engagement. By creating seating arrangements to ensure that attendees are comfortable throughout the event. Provide ergonomic chairs, standing desks, or designated relaxation areas. Offer workshops or seminars on topics such as stress management, mindfulness, healthy eating, or work-life balance. These sessions can provide valuable information and tools that attendees can apply in their daily lives.
Mindfulness sessions, for example, can help participants cultivate present-moment awareness, reduce stress, and enhance mental clarity. This can result in improved concentration, creative thinking, and decision-making abilities during the event. As a result, attendees are more likely to actively participate in discussions and activities, leading to a more engaging and productive event experience. Similarly, offering physical exercises or movement breaks can boost attendees’ energy levels, promote physical well-being, and combat the negative effects of prolonged sitting. Engaging in physical activity can release endorphins, which are known to improve mood and overall well-being. This can help attendees feel refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to fully engage in the event proceedings.
This not only enhances the overall experience of the event but also contributes to the well-being of participants, fostering a positive and supportive atmosphere.
Fostering Community and Connection through Wellness
Wellness activities play a vital role in building a sense of community connections among attendees at corporate events and within the hospitality industry.
In corporate events, incorporating wellness activities such as group meditations, yoga sessions, or nature walks can create shared experiences that bring participants together. These activities provide a platform for attendees to engage with one another in a relaxed and informal setting, promoting conscious networking, collaboration, and relationship-building. Participants can bond over their shared interest in well-being, creating a sense of camaraderie and unity within the event environment.
Furthermore, wellness activities can break down barriers and facilitate meaningful interactions among attendees from diverse backgrounds. Engaging in activities like group meditations or team-building exercises promotes teamwork, communication, and trust, fostering shared experiences can lead to lasting connections and a sense of belonging among attendees, enhancing the overall event experience and strengthening professional relationships.
Promoting Positive Mental Well-being
In the corporate world and hospitality industry, events can be demanding and high-pressure situations, potentially leading to increased stress, anxiety, and burnout among attendees. Recognizing the importance of mental well-being in such settings, integrating wellness practices into events can have a profound impact on enhancing the overall experience and promoting a healthier mindset among participants.
For corporate events, where professionals often face tight deadlines, heavy workloads, and challenging expectations, incorporating wellness activities such as mindfulness sessions, relaxation, and breathing techniques, or mental health workshops can provide attendees with valuable tools to manage stress, improve focus, and foster emotional resilience.
Moreover, creating a community within corporate events where attendees feel safe and encouraged to open up, share their experiences, and engage in meaningful conversations without fear of judgment can help reduce feelings of isolation and promote a sense of belonging. This sense of community fosters a supportive network where individuals can connect, empathize with one another, and build meaningful relationships, ultimately creating conscious business relationships.
Sepideh Eivazi, the visionary behind Dawn of the Earth, a wellness platform, artfully integrates somatic breathwork, tapping/EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques,) and custom tea blends to curate a transformative experience for the mind, body, and soul. Drawing from her extensive event industry background, which includes pivotal roles at Bellagio and MGM Grand in operation and Sales, as well as with Elevated Meeting Solutions, Sepi now infuses events with a touch of wellness that transcends traditional boundaries.
An active participant in the Breath Initiative at the Global Wellness Institute and a certified professional in the Delos StayWell program, she has recently launched the Pause Movement for the hospitality industry. Alongside her co-host Sarah Reuter, she leads the way by introducing innovative approaches to enhance mental and physical well-being, setting the stage for an intentional week ahead with a series of weekly events as part of the Pause Movement.
Sepi passionately shares her expertise to empower individuals through the profound benefits of Somatic breathwork on the body and connecting them to their nervous system to regulate stress and promote a state of calmness. Through education and inspiration, she aids in reducing stress, easing anxiety, boosting energy levels, enhancing focus and productivity, and promoting overall vitality.
Sepi’s commitment to curating meaningful and sustainable amenities that activate the senses and promote well-being is evident in her attention to detail and dedication to creating transformative experiences. Living in Iran gave her the opportunity to develop a deep understanding of herbs and teas, allowing her to curate exquisite blends that offer both delightful taste experiences and profound healing benefits. Her passion for herbs and tea extends beyond their flavors and aromas. She recognizes the potential of tea as a powerful tool for connection, self-care, and mindfulness. By crafting custom tea blends and offering wellness packages that include items like lavender bags, palo santo, and sage, she enhances the sensory experience for the participants with tools to support their physical and emotional well-being.
Sepi advocates for the integration of wellness into events as essential for enriching attendee experiences. Her vision is to curate experiences that leave the audience moved, touched, and inspired.
