3 Ways to Make Your Meetings More Relaxed

With the wellness trend showing no sign of slowing, does going “meeting casual” enhance the attendee experience by allowing one to be more present and engaged? Visit Santa Cruz County thinks so. Meetings are about connecting, sharing ideas, solving problems, and being inspired. In a casual setting where wellness is a focus, individuals will feel comfortable and inspired to bring new and creative ideas to the table. Explore three ways to make your event more relaxed by taking advantage of low-key destinations, boutique resort meeting venues, and new select-service properties.

A Leisurely Destination

Most Americans are working around the clock, even on weekends and vacation – it’s all too easy. Business correspondence can be conducted over a tiny computer that stays by our side all hours of the day. Most working Americans spend over 10 hours a day on screens. That’s a lot of screen time! If you’re in charge of planning a meeting, try a location with scenery so stunning attendees won’t even want to pick up their device -- unless it’s to post an amazing #meetinggoals pic, of course! Destinations that’re traditionally considered for leisure travel, like Santa Cruz County can make for a lower stress event simply by context. Being away from the city hustle, with natural settings like the coast or mountains, allows busy professionals the opportunity to slow their pace. A mild year-round climate and scenic beauty makes it easy to incorporate the outdoors into your meeting program. Low impact physical activity can increase oxygen flow and lower blood pressure levels for meeting attendees. Try a small walking meeting along a cliff-side promenade overlooking the Monterey Bay, like Santa Cruz’s West Cliff Drive. Being in a leisure destination where people come to relax and vacation gets one in a different frame of mind, and adding an element of social responsibility can take your meeting or event to a whole other level. Outdoor activities like beach clean-ups, building bikes for kids, and putting together a picnic require one to roll up their sleeves and even offer the opportunity for personal transformation. It’s hard to be stuffy when you’re outside breathing fresh air and physically working for a greater purpose!

Boutique Hotel Venues

Once you’ve settled on a casual meeting destination, it’s time to select the meeting space. With the promotion of “clean” eating, beauty, and living by bloggers and social media influencers, it’s no surprise that boutique hotels are taking notice. Many resorts are selling more than a place to crash; they’re selling a lifestyle and an image. Boutique hotels are backing up this image with solid offerings for the wellness-minded clientele. High-end, natural shampoo and body products are just the beginning. Having already incorporated wellness basics, many full service resorts in Santa Cruz County are taking it a step further in regards to wellness and groups. Meditation alcoves built into the guest rooms at Chaminade Resort & Spa compliment their Mindful Meeting Package, which includes healthful amenities to enhance meetings and team building activities. The Dream Inn Santa Cruz offers poolside yoga classes. Travelling for meetings and conferences can be stressful, so to keep the body properly fueled; boutique hotel venues also incorporate healthful takes on convenience and comfort food. The Hotel Paradox offers meeting groups a DIY breakfast bowl, which provides options and customization to those with special dietary needs and preferences, without them having to make any special requests. Keep meal-planning for your event simple by replacing less than nutritious entrees with lean protein, healthy carbs, and fresh veggie sides, replacing soda with waters infused with fruit, and offer mocktails for those who want to skip the alcohol. A good balance of satisfying options with nutritional value will take the stress out of choosing what to eat and make attendees more alert and focused.

New, Limited-Service Properties

Smith Travel Research reports that many new hotels in the U.S. are currently under construction and opening through the next couple years. Many of these hotels happen to be of the select service category, which means the property features lodging with minimal banquet and dining facilities, but may have a small meeting room. Often, these properties are overlooked for conferences due to capacity limitations. However, planners working with small enough groups or breakouts can take advantage of these fresh new properties and their alternative meeting spaces. Areas like lobbies with communal high top tables, banquette nooks, and lounge areas are great options for brief brainstorms or for networking opportunities during a larger conference. Other bonuses of newly constructed spaces are the flexibility and convenience they offer, like meeting rooms equipped with modern AV equipment, wireless ready furnishings, and USB charging ports. New limited service hotels, such as the Fairfield Inn & Suites Marriott Santa Cruz are a perfect example of this, designed to please both business and leisure travelers. By utilizing a limited service property, a planner can reduce catering, labor, and vendor costs for meetings and banquet meals. The group can enjoy local restaurants that offer group dining and encourage spontaneous “dine-arounds” letting attendees explore on their own. Many limited service hotels have great overnight rates and loyalty options that can pay off later. By incorporating casual destinations, boutique resort meeting spaces, and new limited service properties, your next event can be a casual affair your guests will walk away from feeling good about. Visit Santa Cruz County’s Meeting & Groups Services Department is happy to assist you with planning a meeting that is relaxed and rejuvenating!