3 Things I Wish I’d Known Sooner About Menopause in Events

Menopause in events has been left out of industry conversations for far too long. Thankfully, celebrity advocates like Davina McCall, Mariella Frostrup, Gabby Logan, Lorraine Kelly, and Emma Thompson have thrust the topic into the mainstream. National Inclusion Week, on 15th - 21st September, is the perfect time for the sector to stop whispering and start shouting.

And let’s be clear. There’s much more going on than hot flushes and herbal tea. On a bad day, menopause in events can feel like dragging around a barrowful of bricks, in stifling heat, with your emotions going rogue.

So, this National Inclusion Week, the Venue Hunters are exploring how inclusive event planning and menopause-friendly venues make for superior experiences for all delegates, guests, and events teams.

Why Menopause in Events Matters So Much

The average age for peri-menopause is 45 - 55. This screams there’s a gigantic proportion of women balancing hot flushes with hospitality.

But volume hasn't translated to strength in numbers, leaving many women uncomfortable about sharing how menopause is affecting them.

But the times they are a-changing. And the issues around menopause in events are slowly but surely getting the attention they deserve, without the need for reinventing the wheel.

3 Fast Fixes Event Planners Can Achieve

Here are three key areas where real change (pun intended!) can be made:

1)     Menopause-friendly venues - Choose event spaces offering:

·        Chillout zones or quiet areas

·        Decent air flow and temperature control (not just a fan in a corner and a red-faced female of a certain age looking embarrassed!)

·        Flexible seating and room layouts for optimum comfort

2)     Inclusive event planning -

·        Bring menopause into the mainstream by inviting expert speakers

·        Build in natural breaks to avoid cramming the schedule

·        Normalise stepping out for a breather with no questions asked if there’s a need to stealthily exit the room at pace

3)     Practical perks:

·        Ensure toilets offer emergency sanitary products and bins (you’d be shocked how many still don’t)

·        Provide access to water, herbal teas, and handheld fans or misting sprays

·        Brief venue staff to understand the needs of the midlife women in the audience and on the crew

Change Happens When Event Planners Throw Down the Gauntlet

There’s no excuses, because this stuff is hardly leftfield.

Jo Fuller of The Merry Menopause explained to Conference News’ Heather Nicholls in her recent article Breaking the silence: How the events industry can lead on menopause support:

“Creating menopause-friendly workplaces and events doesn’t require revolutionary changes, rather, it demands thoughtful, consistent implementation of practical solutions.”

For this purpose, start by asking yourself:

·        Would someone struggling with menopause symptoms feel safe, comfortable, and considered at our event?

·        Are your chosen venues open to adjustments and conversations?

·        Are your teams and suppliers clued up and ready to support?

Now’s the time to act if the answer’s a hesitant “hmm... perhaps not”.

Inclusive Venue Finding Takes the Heat Off

At the Venue Hunters, we know the idea of contacting 37 different venues for menopause-friendly features sounds like a logistical nightmare. That’s where we come into our own.

We take the time, stress, and admin off your plate, and replace it with:

·        Expert venue knowledge, from chillout zones to gold standard ventilation

·        Bulk buying power, saving you money and effort

·        Inclusive event planning tips to ensure every delegate feels seen, heard, and comfortable

Want to address the issues of menopause in events?

Get in touch for FREE inclusive venue finding support. And let’s source venue options that live up to what you’re trying to achieve.