‘Wellbeing’ has become an increasingly important consideration not just for venue managers and conference organisers, but for delegates and the meetings industry as a whole.
This week, our members offer their ‘healthy tips’ which will benefit event guests and ensure your seminar receives maximum attention with minimum distraction.
Here’s how some of our venues are currently working to place healthy meetings and events at the top of the agenda:
Step-up at the Museum of London
Hitting the recommended 10,000 steps a day can be a tricky task at a conference or event, particularly when potentially seated for 6-8 hours of the day.
However, the Museum of London has the solution. Use the lunch break, or take some time pre or post conference, to explore the incredible exhibits and collections at the museum and you’ll hit your 10,000 steps in no time! #healthyliving
Meditate with Old Masters at The National Gallery
With 85% of UK adults experiencing stress regularly[i], you must allow for ‘me time’. Delegates can break away from their busy schedules for a short time by stepping into the silence of the National Gallery before opening hours. The Gallery’s breathtaking architecture and world-famous collection will revive body and mind.
Yoga is another excellent way of lowering anxiety and improving your quality of sleep. Strike your favourite yoga pose and watch London wake up from the Gallery’s open Portico Terrace, which boasts magnificent views over Trafalgar Square. Or, why not meditate next to the old masters in one of our iconic picture galleries? Even if you’re not a yogi, you can still enjoy the Gallery in peace. Be whisked away on a journey of art discovery by one of our expert historians.
Food for thought at the Royal College of Physicians
Healthy sustainable food is at the heart of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) Meetings and Events’ menus.
This summer, RCP is adopting a range of sustainable initiatives in its event menus, demonstrating how this venue is leading by example.
Initiatives include everything from increasing the number of vegetable-led dishes on the menus to combat environmental change, to purchasing high welfare meat and dairy products and serving sustainably caught fish to ensure the future of fish stocks and marine environments.
Furthermore, in the ongoing commitment to offering wholesome, healthy food, RCP offers balanced menu options, reasonable portions and dietary-specific options to cater for customers’ needs. This includes lighter alternatives with sandwiches and dishes under 500 calories available.
A wholesomely holistic approach from RIBA
Increased focus on the wellbeing of delegates means that conferences and larger meetings will have certain ‘boosters’ such as yoga sessions, mindful menus and outdoor areas for people to network in.
One standout business event that RIBA has hosted was a conference put on to impress and motivate team members, including CEOs and Vice Presidents. The venue’s catering team worked closely with the client to provide a bespoke, healthy menu with bowl food, food stations and finger bites, including cherry tomatoes, feta and olives with crostini and salt cod croquettes.
The company also brought a luxury coffee maker, managed by a member of the RIBA events team, and handed out amazing gift bags showcasing the healthy products of recently won clients.
Naturally light and inspiring at Lincoln’s Inn
Lincoln’s Inn has added a contemporary new space to its portfolio of venues with its brand-new Ashworth Centre, available for bookings from 1 November 2019.
To coincide with the opening of the bright, inspiring centre, delegates can choose from a healthy breakfast or snack as part of an exciting, fresh meetings menu. Among the options are a banana, date and coconut protein bar, and a coconut, yoghurt and red berry compote with a granola crunch.
Guests will see healthy vegan options for their meetings, with uncompromised taste and quality. To optimise concentration and healthy brain power, the team of chefs have developed an amalgamation of ingredients with naturally occurring sugars from fruits, boosting energy without relying on artificially enhanced flavourings.
To find out more about Unique Venues of London and its membership visit: https://www.uniquevenuesoflondon.co.uk/