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Here’s How to Stop Fretting and Start Promoting Better Mental Health at Events

The hot topic of mental health at events ties in nicely with this year’s World Mental Health Day  theme (on 10th October) - It is time to prioritise mental health in the workplace. Now, you might think of going to events as being ‘out of office’. But, if they’re part of your job, then they ARE your temporary workplace. And truthfully, conferences can sometimes feel like running a marathon in a suit!

 

Long days. Endless meetings. Squeezing in networking between sessions. After parties. It might sound glamorous. But it’s a recipe for burnout if you’re not careful.

 

World Mental Health Day is the ideal time to rethink how to be more mindful of mental health at events, and aiming to leave your stakeholders reinvigorated, not wrecked! 

A young businessman in a grey suit and glasses, covering his ears and suffering poor mental health at events, surrounded by a crowd of businesspeople thrusting pens, phones and tablets at him.

Keep It Chill


Burnout is real for conference delegates. It’s that all-consuming fatigue sneaking up after days of overfilling their schedules and pushing through until they’re completely drained.

 

So, what can you do, as an event organiser, to combat event burnout and support good mental health at events?

 

·        Encourage careful scheduling - Remind attendees to pace their days, rather than cramming too much in and causing themselves unnecessary stress.

 

·        Mandate downtime - Schedule intentional breaks between key sessions to give attendees a breather.

 

·        Offer flexible attendance - Provide one-day attendance options when possible, enabling delegates to go home in the evening.

 

·        Go easy on the loopy juice – You want everybody to have the best time. But, don’t make alcohol the focus of the social side of your events, and ensure non-alcoholic options are easily available.

 

So far, so good. But these suggestions are just the tip of the iceberg. Today, organisers are digging much deeper into mental health at events to align with their audience’s values and DEI strategies.

A small group of smartly dressed male and female businesspeople, chatting and lauging over a coffee.

Better Mental Health at Events Includes Accessibility for All

 

Conferences and events can be sensory overload, with bright lights, noise, and crowds. It’s rough for people with mental health challenges or neurodivergence. So, think about making your events more mentally accessible, with:

 

·        Quiet zones - Designate low-light, quiet areas where attendees can take a break.

 

·        Hybrid options - Offer virtual attendance for people who find in-person events overwhelming.

 

This sort of attention to detail really demonstrates you’re putting wellness at the front and centre of your events. But it doesn’t end there.

A sign on a table saying QUIET ZONE with a businessman on a comfortable chair in the background.

Serve Up Self-Care

 

Incorporating wellness activities supports mental health at events by helping attendees stay centred. This is why you might want to make the following wellness-friendly additions:

 

·        Include sessions on living a more harmonious life - Host workshops on work: life balance and mental wellbeing.

 

·        Make time for mindfulness - Offer short yoga, meditation, or breathing sessions.

 

·        Introduce creative outlets - Provide arts and crafts classes and organised outdoor walks (even netwalking) for attendees to unwind and refresh.

A man and woman painting with watercolours at easels.

At The Venue Hunters, we’re here to support your efforts towards better mental health at events. After all, it’s fast becoming an essential criterion. So, you really need to drill down into making your events kinder on the mind and the soul if you haven’t already started.

 

Get in touch for our expert FREE venue finding service, supplier sourcing, and heaps of hints and tips about happier, healthier events.

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