Conferences and Exhibitions are a great place to meet in person, network with other professionals and find out about the latest updates and innovations in your sector. As well as organising engaging seminars and ensuring delegates have time to view your exhibition spaces, it is becoming increasingly important to allow for moments of relaxation.

Recently we have seen a trend towards adding sessions which promote health and wellbeing at large-scale events. Whether this takes the form of early morning running clubs, offering quiet zones or choosing healthier menu options, there are many ways to ensure your delegates’ mental and physical wellbeing is nurtured.

Read on as we explore some of our top health and wellbeing ideas for your next conference or event.

 

Encourage Delegates to get Active Outdoors

The health benefits of getting outside and breathing in fresh air are numerous. As well as being good for our physical health, walking or running outdoors can help boost your mood, decrease stress levels and improve concentration.

This is why we believe it is important to encourage delegates to take advantage of the 400 acres of Telford Town Park which sits adjacent to our venue. Delegates could enjoy an early morning 5K run; take part in networking walks or just make time for fresh air before their Gala Dinner. Our Event and Projects Managers are also on hand to help advise on the best walking or running routes through the park should you need assistance.

 

Telford, Awarded Tree City of the World

In 2025, Telford was again recognised as a Tree City of the World for the borough’s commitment to investing in and conserving green spaces. With over 80 different species of trees, the park is an ideal spot for tree bathing.

Also known as Shinrin-yoku or forest bathing, tree bathing is a Japanese practice of spending time in a forest or natural environment to relax and connect with nature. This involves slowing down, engaging your senses, and being present in the forest atmosphere.  It encourages you to use all your senses to experience woodland, taking time to look around you and feast on the natural sights and sounds.  The walking routes of Telford town park are ideal for Shinrin-yoku and your Account or Event Manager will be happy to provide a guide to identified pathways and routes.

 

Start with Morning Stretching

A beneficial method to start the day involves providing yoga sessions for attendees. In addition to alleviating muscle discomfort, it serves as an excellent way to calm the mind and mentally prepare your delegates for the learning experience ahead.

Depending on your event schedule, you could also choose to set up a dedicated yoga room to enable delegates to take part in sessions across the day. The Atcham Suite is a particularly good space for turning into a health and wellbeing zone.

 

Prioritise Breaks

When you are devising a conference or seminar programme, it can be tempting to fill the day with lots of sessions to boost your delegates’ learning opportunities. However, if your audience is sitting for too long, they may take in less and less information as the sessions go on.  Consider dividing your seminar sessions into hour long blocks to enable delegates to stretch their legs, get refreshments or network with colleagues.

If your conference also has an exhibition space, then don’t forget to plan in plenty of time for delegates to view these areas. Providing a good mix of seminars, exhibition viewing and relaxation time will help to ensure delegates don’t feel as if they are rushing from one place to another.

 

Offer a Quiet Room

Many Event Organisers recognise the value of creating a dedicated quiet room or relaxation zone for delegates. A quiet room is an ideal space to escape the noise of a busy events venue, especially if participants feel overwhelmed by large crowds of people.  A relaxation zone is more open and engaging but set away from your main conference or exhibition. In this space delegates may catch up with emails or just relax with a cup of tea or coffee from a dedicated refreshments stand. The Gallery is an ideal relaxation zone, especially if you combine it with turning the adjacent Atcham Suite into a yoga space.

 

The Importance of Sleep

We all know that sleeping poorly can affect not only our physical health but also our mental wellbeing. This in turn can affect our productivity at work. A great way to incorporate a wellbeing element into your seminar programme is with a sleep or relaxation workshop. Inviting an expert in the field to offer tips and techniques for gaining a better night’s sleep is a great legacy piece.

 

Health Screening Checks

Large conferences and exhibitions are the ideal places to offer health screening checks such as blood pressure or diabetes tests. Whilst many employers might already offer these in the workplace, they could consider inviting their testing company to their event to help capture a wider audience. As part of the testing process, delegates can also receive useful lifestyle improvement advice.

 

The Importance of Diet

One of the easiest ways to promote mental and physical wellbeing at your event is by serving healthy and nutritious food. Including dishes which incorporate plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, wholegrains and proteins will ensure delegates are nourished and able to focus in seminar sessions, especially those after lunch.

 

Host Your Next Event at TIC

Our Midlands events venue has everything to ensure health and wellbeing is at the heart of your next conference or event.  We offer over 15,000m² of flexible events space, including three large halls and 17 breakout rooms, which can be transformed to suit your needs. Plus with the 400 acres of Telford Town Park on our doorstep and a swimming pool and fitness centre at the on-site Holiday Inn, your delegates physical and mental health is well catered for.

Our in-house experts in Event Management, Event Production, Security and Food & Beverage will also work with you to ensure that every aspect of your event runs smoothly.

For more information about hosting an event at Telford International Centre or to arrange a site tour, please contact our team on sales@tictelford.com / 01952 281500.