Mark Coote
During the pandemic, staff wellbeing was the priority for most businesses. Inevitably, a kind of ‘wellbeing fatigue’ set in.
“Haven’t we heard it all before?” you might ask. “Do we still need to put wellbeing on our conference agenda?” Yes – but in a more sophisticated way.
In 2024, we don’t need mental health ‘awareness’. Most professionals are well aware of New Zealand’s high rates of mental distress. They’ve heard many presentations about the importance of self-care — and asking for help.
Now, audiences want new insights on topics ranging from financial wellbeing to the science of sleep. Identify the biggest barriers to your audience’s wellbeing, and shine a spotlight on those areas.
As a speaker, I have a four-word motto for live events: “It’s all about Monday.”
It’s easy for a delegate to feel inspired when they’re sitting in a conference on Friday afternoon. But when they’re back at their desk on Monday morning — facing an avalanche of emails — what will they remember?
The mark of a successful wellbeing session is that attendees leave with practical nuggets they can instantly apply in daily life.
For example, my most popular keynote this year, “Tell Me The Good News”, is about how we can reframe negative information. It’s a topic that’s highly relevant in the current economic climate.
When selecting wellbeing speakers, ask yourself: “Will this session add value? How will our attendees apply this content?”
Mark Coote
For some attendees, being stuck in a dark conference room for two or three days may be detrimental to their wellbeing.
As an MC, I’m privileged to work with event organisers who want to give their audiences energy — not deplete it.
Instead of a one-hour keynote, how about a live interview on stage, driven by real-time questions from the audience? Could a panel discussion help us to avoid ‘death by PowerPoint’?
There’ll be a long line for the buffet — do we need to give more time for meal breaks and networking? We love to see bowls of lollies on the tables, but can we offer alternatives that help to avoid a mid-afternoon slump?
Small changes add up and help to maximise audience engagement and attention.
The integration of Māori practices into events is no longer just a symbolic gesture. It is a meaningful reflection of an organisation’s cultural capability. Sandra Julian from Arinex and Founder of Auaha talks about creating genuine engagement.
Event manager Raewyn Tse shares her top tips for attracting delegates to an event.
Brett Jeffery explains how to reinvent your association gatherings to ensure they are well worth the time, effort, and cost to members.
Event manager Chris Peak offers tips on maximising the sustainability certification process.
Sponsors and exhibitors play a huge part in the success and feasibility of any conference. Avenues Event Management general manager Chris Evans shares some strategies to help maximise return on investment for these partners.
Now in its second year, New Zealand’s Life Science Summit aims to create a better government understanding of the biotech sector.
When it comes to luring delegates from the Asia Pacific region, you need to go above and beyond.
Women medical professionals came together in Wellington to build networks and address challenges.
Sustainability was top of mind at the New Zealand International Education Conference KI TUA held at Tākina Wellington Conference and Exhibition Centre in August.
Arna Wahl Davies shares her top tips for planning a successful conference in a hybrid format.