White space, “unplugging”, nutrition and mindfulness are all elements of well-being, a topic that is increasingly topping the to-do list for event strategists and meeting planners, and one that is explored in detail at IMEX America this year.
The show, taking place October 10 – 12 in Las Vegas, shines a light on all aspects of well-being with events, expert advice, activities and dedicated education sessions.
The importance of setting aside time for deliberation and insight is explored by Juliet Funt, CEO of WhiteSpace at Work, in her MPI keynote Activity is Not Productivity. According to Juliet, white space – uncommitted, flexible time with no agenda – is “the golden key to your company’s success.”
Building on this, a dedicated new white space area gives attendees the opportunity to sit and reflect on education sessions, with the chance to explore them further.
Further insights into health and well-being are delivered through the comprehensive education program which has a dedicated health and well-being track with sessions on food trends, stress, meditation and mindfulness. Author and presenter Kathy Gruver delivers a session on Navigating nutrition: what to add and subtract for better health, and Debra Zabloudil, founder of the Learning Studio, will discuss Mayhem or mindfulness: increase your emotional intelligence and balance.
All attendees can also enjoy a daily dose of well-being at the Be Well Lounge, sponsored by Hilton. Mindfulness trainer Lee Papa and her expert team at Mindful Makeovers™ believe “business and mindfulness go hand in hand” and will offer regular sessions on mindfulness and meditation every day.
On Wednesday October 11 the popular #IMEXrun returns, with hundreds of individuals and teams expected to take on the 5km route along the Strip.
Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX Group, explains: “It’s widely recognized that physical activity contributes to well-being in both our business and personal lives. We’re finding that, increasingly, meeting professionals are keen to maintain healthy habits when traveling – as well as wanting to better understand how and what to incorporate into their own events and meetings.
“The wide range of well-being innovations at IMEX America this year support this by enabling attendees to energize and recharge so they’re on top form to make the most of and enjoy their time at the show – they’re also a valuable source of ideas for their own events.”
A survey carried out by MPI for IMEX focused on stress at work. MPI surveyed a number of meetings professionals on their ability to unplug and found that while only 5% of the meetings professionals surveyed admit to feeling no stress at work, a huge 95% struggle to separate work life from personal life.
Carina Bauer concludes: “There are many ways in which event organizers can integrate health and well-being into their activities, and they don’t have to blow the budget or completely overhaul their program. Small, simple changes such as providing healthier snacks, opportunities for physical activity and time out for reflection are all that’s required – and, we believe, the various well-being initiatives at the show will be inspiring.”
To attend IMEX America as an attendee buyer, please register here.
