Staying well at corporate events
Health and wellbeing at events is a growing focus as part of efforts to combat burnout, seek genuine human connection, and reject exhausting, over-scheduled agendas.
From organic food options to chair yoga and mindfulness, the modern business conference is a far cry from the boozy corporate beige events of the past. As the modern workplace tackles wellbeing issues such as mental health, burnout, and stress, these same issues have seeped into the planning of business-related events. Whether it’s a one-day seminar at a hotel or a five-day global summit at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, event planners are increasingly incorporating health and wellness initiatives into professional gatherings to reduce stress, boost morale, and increase engagement.
“The fact is that attending a conference can be overwhelming,” says Kate Cooksley, owner of Soul Works, a Christchurch business that provides wellness options for delegates, such as massage and mindfulness, for events at venues like Te Pae. “There’s lots of networking. You’re on your feet, you’re learning, you’re talking and concentrating. In the evening, there are dinners and drinks to attend on top of travel from other cities and countries. The fast pace can be exhausting. By incorporating wellness at conferences, it gives people a chance to reset, reconnect, and catch their breath. This can be as simple as just a five-minute shoulder and head massage or 10 minutes of breathing and meditation at the start of the day with a few chair yoga stretches,” Kate says.
Wellness at events includes:
• Mindful catering:
Plant-based, local, and organic food options replace sugary snacks for stable energy.
• Energy management:
Planners design schedules with movement breaks and quiet spaces so delegates stay alert instead of depleted.
• Nervous system reset:
Incorporating activities like guided breathwork, meditation, and stretching helps people decompress during busy days.
