Best of 2024: Health & Wellness
Listen to audio The way health and wellness is integrated into the events industry continues to evolve. There has been a major shift in wellness over the past few years, from simply enjoying a nice spa day (who could say no to that, though?) to prioritizing people's daily well-being. Last year's health stories focused on growing concerns, from neurodiversity and accessibility to how people build well-being at work and in life. How can planners help attendees feel a true sense of belonging through event design? What is the business case for consistent wellness programming at events? The health stories of 2024 already have the answers. Neuroinclusion: activities for everyone The term “neuroinclusion” builds on the concept of neurodiversity, the understanding that neurodivergence is not pathological, but merely cognitive differences, incorporating the understanding that neurodiversity is always present in the audience into event design. Megan Henshall, head of global event solutions and strategy at Google and co-director of the Google Experience…
9 Ways to Make Meetings More Friendly for Neurodivergent People
Making your conference more welcoming to neurodivergent attendees might be easier than you think. Neurodivergent people used to have to suffer in silence at large group meetings and events—or simply choose not to attend to avoid trouble. Fortunately, there is now greater recognition that the brains of those with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, dyslexia, Tourette syndrome, or other causes process sensory and informational data differently from neurotypical brains. Different people may need some adjustments to fully participate in meetings and events. Fortunately, achieving these accommodations is not difficult. Here are some of the steps meeting planners, venues, and destinations are taking to make meetings more suitable for neurodivergent attendees, as well as neurotypical attendees who may also appreciate some of the same considerations. Create a quiet room. Large meetings and events can overload everyone’s senses, so why not designate quiet areas where attendees can take a break away from the noise and crowds? These spaces should be away from the…
FICP Annual Senior Conversation on Meaning
Listen to audio Meeting planners in the finance and insurance industries face complex demands. Many plan internal and customer events, incentive trips and sales meetings. Their role is to lay the groundwork for executive planning sessions and bring remote teams together. The stakes are high and rules must be followed. In response to these evolving challenges, a record-breaking number of people attended the 2024 FICP Annual Meeting this week at the redesigned Sheraton Hotel in downtown Denver. Learn more: From Checkboxes to Strategies: Implementing and Leading Sustainable Event Practices Topics include AI adoption, succession planning, contract negotiation, neurodiversity affordances, transportation management, and sustainable procurement. The big stage features drones, magic and insights into the leadership needed to manage what comes next. Boot from the shadows Former NFL player Justin Fossett Former NFL player Justin Fossett shares the mindset tips he needs to succeed on and off the field. From childhood homelessness to the ups and downs of college and professional…
Embracing Neurodiversity: The Heart Behind Heartspace
I have always been drawn to stories of resilience and the pursuit of authenticity. Last week, I had the pleasure of speaking with Shanee Silver, co-owner and event director of Heart Space Events. Her journey resonates deeply with me, not only because of the challenges she faced, but also because of her commitment to building a space with joy, connection, and inclusivity at its core. Shawnee's story is about breaking free from an environment that didn't foster her creativity and forging a path that allowed her and others to truly thrive. Here's what she shared about why she started Heart Space, the values that drive its mission, and what's next for this inspiring business. JK: Why did you start Heart Space? SS: “We’ve all been through industries that are often toxic, and yet we still do the work we love,” Sheaney explains. “We wanted to express ourselves and lead a more authentic path. Heart Space was created to create moments…
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