Wellbeing in events

That’s why, at Brighter, we believe delegate wellbeing isn’t just a nice-to-have, it should be an integral part of your event.

When delegates feel cared for, they engage more deeply.

Comfortable environments, thoughtful scheduling and moments of calm allow attendees to be present, absorb content and connect with others.

Whether it’s a quiet zone for reflection or healthy catering options, small touches can make a big impact.

Events are an extension of your brand. Prioritising wellbeing sends a clear message: you value people.

From ergonomic seating to inclusive programming, every detail contributes to a delegate’s experience - and their perception of your organisation.

Happy delegates are productive delegates. They network more, participate actively and leave with positive memories.

That translates into better feedback, stronger relationships and a higher return on investment for everyone involved.

But what does delegate wellbeing look like?

It could be balanced agendas which factor in time for breaks and movement or nutritious food and menus which energise.

Quiet areas and wellness spaces for down time or neurodiverse needs are so important, as well as activities such as guided breathing or wellness activities, while faith rooms are also built into our events.

The bottom line is ensuring accessibility for all physical and cognitive needs – that can make or break the success of your event.

Launched earlier this month was an Access All Areas: Closing the Accessibility Gap in Events report – commissioned by Business of Events and ICC Wales.

In it, it reveals how some venues perceive their accessibility provision and how delegates truly experience it.

Having surveyed 1,000 event-going delegates, the research discovered that nearly one in three identified as having a visible or non-visible disability, and of those, 93% reported encountering barriers to participation.

Statistics included inaccessible layouts (28%), lack of accessible toilets (24%), untrained staff (25%), overstimulating environments (27%) and missing accessibility information (17%).

These are all taken into account when Brighter embarks upon an event project – it is our top priority to ensure everyone is taken into consideration during the planning processes.

In the report, more than 100 venues were also surveyed.

More than 80% said they provide step-free access, more than 90% reported having accessible toilets and 75% claimed their staff have had disability awareness training.

But the findings did suggest a disconnect between venue confidence and delegate experience with more than half of venues said they have a formal accessibility or inclusion policy in place.

You can read the report in full here.

We weave wellbeing into the fabric of every experience - it forms the foundation of our planning - we work with our clients to design events that feel good, do good and leave delegates better than when they arrived.

Let’s face it, when people are treated well and feel good, they do great things.

‍