M & C Magazine - December 2016

88 Meetings & Conventions • mcmag.com December 2016

Guide to Excellence

While meetings often force participants into a predominately rested – and often uncomfortable – physical position, minds are shoved into overdrive. Breaks are undeniably necessary for unplugging briefly so that it’s easier to mentally reboot and regain focus for the next items on the agenda.

Fitness plus

More recently, planners are requesting that hotels creatively incorporate health and wellness aspects into their overall programs.

The focus has become one of maintaining or even jumpstarting fitness-oriented lifestyles to generate productivity on the road that flows into daily routine.

“Previously, planners might have sprinkled accents of healthy foods into a mid-day break,” says Rick Blackburn, VP of Convention Sales

& Destination Services, Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Now they want to pull the overall message throughout the conference, even to the point of including it within the meeting content.” Blackburn cites the SITE Classic 2016 at La Quinta Resort & Club as a perfect example. “The keynote speakers’ topics at SITE Classic promoted happiness in the workplace, and health and fashion tips for professionals,” he says. “It’s important to note that the meeting participants are the ones driving this growing trend.” Aside from accommodating employees with food allergies, vegan/vegetarian diet preferences, and gluten-free restrictions, planners are skewing toward “brain food” menus that fuel mental clarity. “When we hosted SITE, our menus not only reflected health and wellness, but were also able to cater to every dietary restriction that was being presented to us,” says Andrew Cooper, La Quinta’s executive chef. “Meeting planners and attendees want breaks that keep them energized for the day’s remaining sessions and post-conference events.”

Beyond F&B

“In addition to food options, exercise or rejuvenating breaks are also on the demand,” says Blackburn. From meditation and breathing exercises to plucking items from an on-site organic garden for pre-dinner mixology class, the options are boundless.

At Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa, breaks morph into stretching classes, chair massages, juicing sessions, and mini-aromatherapy experiences. During the latter, master aroma therapists engage attendees on an individual basis to introduce essential oils that boost energy levels and restore alertness. Beyond stimulation, these encounters can address stress, depression, and sleep issues.

L’Auberge Del Mar brings yoga and meditation into the fold with San Diego fitness guru Kim Kelly at the helm. The

Once upon a time, session breaks found attendees hustling outside for a quick smoke, rushing to restrooms, yawning as they replenished java and catching a sugar rush via gooey pastries.