Meeting Well: Boost Attendee Moods With Outdoor Activities

Meetings can be draining. From early morning educational sessions to late-night networking, participants typically are “on” for most of the day. Incorporating outdoor wellness activities that leave participants feeling refreshed and inspired is a great way to give them a meaningful break.

According to the American Psycho­logical Association, spending time outside can reduce stress, boost moods and even improve memory. Following are five ways to add a dose of ecotherapy to your meetings.

Hanging out in the woods

The practice of forest bathing, also known as shinrin-yoku, originated in Japan in the 1980s but has since spread across the globe. More than just a walk in the woods, forest bathing is about being present in the moment and taking in the natural environment via the five senses.

If time allows, add a foraging component to the experience. A naturalist can lead the group on a peaceful stroll through the woods and point out edible flowers, fungi and other plants that can be collected and used for a meal.

Sand sculpting

If your meeting is near the beach, block off some time in the sand. Similar to forest bathing, dipping your feet in the sand and taking in the fresh ocean breeze activates the senses and forces you to slow down. Bring in a professional sand sculptor for an extra dose of awe. Participants can get in on the action by splitting up into teams and learning how to create their own works of impermanent art.

Wildlife encounters

Therapy dogs are always a hit at conferences but instead of bringing animals to the exhibit floor, take your group outside so they can get a glimpse of the local wildlife in their natural habitat. Some hotels have beekeeping, falconry or turtle-rescue experiences available on their properties. Or, head to a local sanctuary where attendees can learn about and feed rescued animals such as horses, wolves, llamas and more.

Stargazing

If the daytime agenda is too packed, consider adding a nighttime activity, such as stargazing. More than 40 destinations within the U.S. National Park System have been certified as International Dark Sky Places that offer ideal conditions for viewing the cosmos. Many offer astronomy programs like telescope viewing and Milky Way photography workshops. 

Bioluminescence kayaking

Another nighttime activity that is sure to amaze is a bioluminescence tour. Destinations such as Florida, Puerto Rico and Costa Rica offer guided kayak outings in the evening, where each stroke of the paddle results in a mesmerizing blue glow, caused by chemical reactions from the plankton and comb jellies in the water. 

Meeting Well is sponsored by Caesars Meetings & Events.