Health & Wellness Forum Inspires Planners to Incorporate Healthy Event Options
July 26, 2018
With the increasing demand for health and wellness activities during trade shows and conferences, it couldn’t be a better time for an industry event dedicated to helping planners learn how to incorporate these popular elements at their meetings, trade shows and conferences.
As a grassroots educational event focused on health and wellness in the meetings and events industry, the Health & Wellness Forum (HWF) offers industry education, networking and experiential learning to help corporate event planners, association executives and meeting professionals transform meetings and convention facilities with attendee wellness options.
Launched Jan. 18-20 at the Hotel at Midtown in the Midtown Athletic Club in Chicago, the annual event is produced by MeetingHealthy, a company dedicated to educating the meetings and events industry on the benefits of incorporating health and wellness into face-to-face events.
“Meeting professionals are more interested than ever in incorporating healthy options such as nutrition, yoga, fitness, corporate social responsibility, ergonomics and other wellness options onsite for meeting attendees and tired business travelers,” explained Kristina Tarantino with MeetingHealthy, who organizes HWF along with fellow event planners, Nikki Faul and Rachael Riggs.
She continued, “We have found that many (event) professionals are very interested in weaving health and wellness into meeting design but they may not know where to begin, thus, why HWF has become an interest of so many. We want to give inspiration, tips, tools and education so meeting professionals can feel confident when initially incorporating these ideas into the agendas.”
The second annual HWF, set to return Feb. 7-9 to the Hotel at Midtown, has plenty on tap for planners eager to implement healthy practices and options into their event programming, including morning “sweatworking” classes; educational sessions taught by industry leaders covering a variety of health-related topics; networking opportunities and an expo; professional and meditation breaks, as well as a hands-on dinner education session with Midtown Chef Amanda Barnes demonstrating how to create a sustainable menu and mock cocktails for events.
While learning from the chefs, personal trainers and other health professionals, attendees will also have full access to the club during the event.
Sponsors already committed to HWF 2019 include Hotel at Midtown, EventDex, Profbox, Experient and Tourism Vancouver, one of the event’s founding sponsors.
According to Tarantino, attendees will leave HWF feeling inspired and energized to tackle the new year, set career goals and intentions, and help attendees do the same.
“The (event) industry’s latest trend is wellness in meetings, however, we believe it is more than a trend, it is a way of life – it is a movement,” Tarantino said.
She continued, “At the 2019 HWF, we will again bring education from inside and outside the industry to create an immersive environment for learning through knowledge-share and hands-on experiences. We want to disrupt, inspire and change the way we all meet!”
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Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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