As we approach World Mental Health Day 2024 on 10 October, the importance of addressing mental health in the business meetings and events industry has never been more critical.
According to wellbeing not-for-profit EventWell, one in three event professionals struggle with their mental wellbeing every year, furthering the need for ongoing action.
Key industry figureheads share their insights on this year’s World Mental Health Day theme, of ‘prioritising mental health in the workplace’.
Sarah Ainsworth, CEO of Central Hall Venues, noted that working in a high-pressure industry can impact both mental and physical health if not properly managed, stating: “The Health and Wellbeing Team aims to support colleagues physically, emotionally, and mentally. Initiatives, already implemented by the group at Central Hall Westminster, include holding a mental health day and distributing a mental health survey to staff to help identify areas where we can offer further improvement / support.”
Rafael Azzopardi, head of events at Regent’s Events, shared that they are developing a wellness package for delegates through partnerships with experts, offering outdoor meetings, wellness activities, and breaks in their garden areas, as research shows that spending time outdoors reduces stress and improves mood and cognitive function.
Jacqui Greet, CSR manager, Ascot Racecourse, said: “To ensure the wellbeing of both our workforce and customers, we prioritise mental health support through various internal and external initiatives at Ascot, which serve a dual purpose to benefit guests and employees alike. As our employees are actively involved in supporting these projects, their participation helps raise awareness and supports a deeper understanding of mental health to create a more inclusive, supportive environment.”
Clare Arouche from the National Gallery emphasised that engaging with art, whether through creation or appreciation, can reduce stress and anxiety, while Jack Marczewski of Northstar Meetings Group stressed the importance of mental health in event planning, noting The Meetings Show’s partnership with wellbeing non-profit EventWell for the past four years.
Austin Eaton, head of marketing at Clean the World Europe and UK, said: “CTW Events has engaged with over 290,000 attendees globally through their events programme, with volunteers who truly buy into their values and vision to offer extraordinary team-building experiences that purposefully engage participants and positively impact the communities where they live, work, and play.”
