Encourage Healthy Behavior Among Conference Attendees

Events can be a bit of a whirlwind—and whirlwinds don’t tend to have to healthy habits.

But since World Obesity Day took place earlier this week, it’s important to note that event venues are in a good place to help. The charity World Obesity offers up an accreditation designed to encourage healthy habits at conference venues—which, of course, see huge audiences daily.

“Each year in the United States alone there are an estimated 225 million visitors to conventions, conferences, congresses, trade shows and exhibitions, incentive events and corporate/business meeting,” the British obesity group states on its website  (opens in a new tab). “All too often these events (even if they are about health issues) are unhealthy affairs with poor access to healthy food and limited opportunities to exercise.”

One organization that has taken this point to heart is the Vancouver Convention Centre, which highlighted the ways it’s trying to make its venue health-friendly—by setting up hydration stations, leaving places for attendees to stand, and (of course) encouraging healthy eating options.

“Hundreds of millions of North Americans attend conventions, conferences, trade shows and exhibitions each year and the convention center wants to do its small part in nudging the folks who come to Vancouver for their meetings toward healthier lifestyles,” the convention center states on its website.

Check out the website  (opens in a new tab) to see an infographic on the topic of healthy behavior at events.

Creative Idea of the Day

We’re running on #GreenCaffeine  (opens in a new tab) at IMEX America. Pack your reusable travel cup and join us! https://t.co/ToQgufrmWW  (opens in a new tab) #IMEX16  (opens in a new tab) #sandseco360  (opens in a new tab) pic.twitter.com/mDHIpXZ8Xu  (opens in a new tab)

— IMEX (@IMEX_Group) October 7, 2016  (opens in a new tab)

Next week, the events industry meetup IMEX gets underway—and if you happen to be headed there, you should remember to bring a reusable cup. You’ll need it for the lattes. IMEX is running a contest based on a green habit that’ll go over particularly well in the conference setting.

Check out the IMEX site  (opens in a new tab) for the full scoop.

Other Links of Note

Talkin’ transparency: At Association Success, consultant and author Jamie Notter makes a pitch for the value of total transparency  (opens in a new tab). “Making things more visible increases the quality of decisions that get made throughout the organization,” he writes.

Build out your swag bag: The Event Manager Blog offers a few suggestions  (opens in a new tab) for interesting conference swag.

Don’t bury the lead: Even if you’re not a journalist, it’s advice worth heeding. David M. Patt of Association Executive Management breaks things down  (opens in a new tab).

(iStock/Thinkstock)