Meeting, Presentation...Massage??

Not long ago, my boss decided to send me to a conference that was being held at an upscale hotel in downtown Chicago. Being that it was only a one-day conference, I decided I'd make my trip worth the drive and take in a little shopping on the Magnificent Mile before heading home. Imagine my husband's surprise when I returned home without one parcel. I had heard of spa services being offered in conference, event and meeting settings but had yet to have the pleasure of attending any. That is, until my trip to Chicago. Not one minute was spent splurging on the Magnificent Mile, you see, because I was too busy soaking up the complimentary spa services in-between seminars.

Understandably, offering spa services is an element that has the capability of "working" in only a certain type of meeting and/or event setting. Offering such services can have a very positive impact on an event. Arm yourself with the knowledge of when and how to go about it and I can guarantee you that your event will not be soon forgotten.

Benefits of Incorporating Spa Services

Before you begin strategizing ways to go about implementing spa services into any meeting or event, you must first question whether the benefits the services provide will out-weigh the extra expense.

• It creates a refreshing mentality - no one is going to be grouchy after receiving a 15 minute chair massage
• Attendees will feel appreciated and taken care of
• The spa services will physically recharge the attendees and leave them feeling relaxed - more open to receiving the message
• It will keep attendees on-site of event, rather than leaving the facility and possibly returning late or not returning at all
• It's a great way to thank your attendees for attending and/or their hard work
• It keeps the meeting or event motivating and positive

Most executives will agree that adding an extra cost onto an event budget is well worth having attendees who are more positive, engaged and appreciated over those that become negative, tired or mentally "check-out" during the course of the event.

When and How to Incorporate Spa Services

Obviously, there are going to be meetings or events that are simply not conducive to providing such services and others that will conform to fit it quite nicely. Deciding when to incorporate the services directly corresponds to how you will go about doing it.

For the Off-Site Meeting/Event

• Any lengthy event or seminar is conducive to implementing spa services, as there will be plenty of time to take advantage of them. Attendees will welcome these mental breaks.
• These types of events are usually held in hotels. During the planning stages, look into hotels that have spas in them and inquire as to what sort of deal can be made for utilizing the in-house spa exclusively for your event.
• Even for meetings or events that are scheduled to just take place over the course of a few hours, you can utilize a spa service that is less involved - maybe just hand massages. This requires less effort by the message therapist thus will cost less money but will still provide some luxury to your attendees.

For the On-Site Meeting/Event

• Staff meetings are a great environment to offer spa services in. Of course, you obviously aren't going to invest in a message therapist for the staff meeting that takes place every week. Reserve this special treatment for meetings here and there as a way of thanking employees for their hard work.
• Spa services can be incorporated into staff meeting settings fairly easily. There are plenty of massage therapists at local salons all over who will agree to transport their equipment for a fee.
• For smaller, off-site events and meetings having a massage therapist available to give 15 or 30 minute chair massages is a reasonable cost for an element that will be greatly appreciated - not to mention add a positive tone to the event
• Avoid implementing the services into any event or meeting that is focused on a serious or detrimental matter (i.e. the company's numbers are at a record low)

I will admit that at first glance, it appears a bit on the extravagant side but when you consider all that attendees put into taking part in various events and the surprising fact that it can be very affordable, incorporating spa services into an event or meeting may prove to be an effective way of ensuring your message is well received.