2023 Wrapped: DCi’s Top Event Highlights From This Year
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n the United States, the wellness market has grown by 5 to 10 percent per year, with 82 percent of consumers in the country claiming wellness as a top priority in their everyday lives, according to a recent survey. Over the last few years, we’ve seen the demand for wellness experiences balloon in every sector — and the meetings and events industry is no exception. Now more than ever, event planners are prioritizing attendee health and wellness, weaving in activities that allow them to recharge their batteries.
Blending movement, community, and connection is a surefire way to leave guests feeling refreshed and inspired — not to mention raving about your brand or business. At DCi, our team of expert event planners knows this better than anyone. From cold plunges to yoga on the beach, we’ve put together a few tried-and-true ways to incorporate movement, team-building, and lots of fresh air into your next event.
1. Pickleball
This racquet game, which combines elements of tennis and table tennis, is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. It’s also become one of the most-often requested activities clients ask for when planning their events. Pickleball is popular because it allows a wide range of people to participate — regardless of their individual skill levels. It’s engaging, fun, and easy to play. Our team at DCi created and produced an Americana-themed experience for the final night at Petco Park in San Diego, including two-sized pickleball courts where guests could pick up a paddle themselves.
2. Puppy Yoga
Animals are known to lower blood pressure — which makes adorable pups the perfect complement to this already relaxing practice. Smaller-breed puppies can exercise (read: play and roam free) side by side with their human partners for an experience that rejuvenates the mind, body, and soul. At DCi, we’ve seen the positive effect animals can have on guests. Case in point: A finance client asked us to include many wellness activities as part of their agenda, but it’s safe to say that puppy yoga was one of the event’s biggest hits!
3. Fun Runs
Start your event off on the right foot (or the left!) with a morning 5K run or walk. Not only is it a great way to get your guests up and moving, but it also creates a perfect environment for socialization and a little bit of friendly competition. Above all else, it can also be used as a way to raise money for charity or raise awareness for a specific cause. DCi, for example, designed a custom 5K route that began and finished at the event hotel. The route was inclusive of ADA athletes to ensure that everyone could participate.
4. Evolve with Pvolve
It’s no secret that celebrities are often hired to provide entertainment at corporate events, so why not ask a famous trainer to lead a fitness session? There are lots of fun and beginner-friendly group workout sessions to incorporate into your event — from a heart-pumping Zumba class to an easy, full-body Pilates workout. Alternatively, take it a step further and introduce your guests to an entirely new type of way to break a good sweat. For example, our team at DCi recently presented Pvolve — a mix of low-impact movement with resistance-based equipment. It’s Jennifer Aniston’s favorite workout, and celebrity-endorsed fitness programs are always a big hit with attendees.
5. Breathwork, Meditation, and Cold Plunges
There are so many new trends that have emerged in the wellness realm — especially those centered around slowing down and practicing mindfulness. A few of these health trends include a renewed focus on meditation, breathwork, forest bathing, cold plunging, and so much more. For a client seeking an on-property wellness activity, DCi recommended the Wim Hof Method – a breathwork class that teaches guests how to use oxygen, combined with variations on cold exposure, to harness the power of the breath. (See our notes below on the details of hosting a cold plunge.)
6. Retro Fun
The need for nostalgia is strong, and retro activities are becoming more and more popular. When a client asked for a roller-skating party, for example, DCi designed a Barbie-inspired on-site skating rink featuring the iconic hues of Southern California. Hosting a retro-inspired affair? Lean into the theme with a cotton candy station and a roaming photo booth that captures guests in action throughout the event. Step it up a notch by bringing in a roller-skating professional to teach your guests the basics while showing off their groovy skills.
Tips, Tricks, and Advice for Planning Successful Wellness Activities
Brainstorming wellness activities is a fun and creative experience, but the key to real-life success is in the details. Based on our years of experience, here are some tips and tricks that will help you design an event your guests will love:
1. Create an inviting post-workout environment:
Especially if your guests are doing a physically demanding activity, treat them to a retreat where they can cool down with cold-pressed local juices. (It replenishes them and supports local businesses, too!) Other cool-down activities can include lounge chairs, massage staples, a live DJ, or snack-filled goody bags. To take the area to the next level, partner with a celebrity chef to offer nutritious bites and shakes, or feature active accessories from name brands like Asics, Nike, New Balance, and more.
2. Do your research:
Be sure to understand the local laws as they apply to location permits and environmental regulations. DCi, along with our supplier and vendor partners, works to maintain good relationships with park officials, which helps any approval processes move more quickly. Recently, we were able to obtain a permit for an in-nature sound bath/meditation class within one of San Diego’s most popular hiking destinations.
3. Plan out the logistics:
This tip specifically speaks to cold plunges, which are tremendously popular right now. For clients who want to include this type of event, it’s important to consider the logistics of both bringing in the ice, water, and plunge tanks, as well as removing them. Activities like this require proactive planning and communication with both the vendors and the venue to ensure that the disposal plan aligns with local guidelines and minimizes environmental impact.
We hope that these ideas have inspired you to let us create a custom wellness activity for your next event that will reinvigorate and recharge your guests. If so, reach out to our team to get the ball rolling.
