Latest news with #summerEvents
Skift
15-07-2025
- Health
- Skift
Keeping Cool and Connected: Attendee Wellbeing Strategies for Summer Outdoor Events
Ensure attendee wellbeing at summer outdoor events with tips on heat, hydration, accessibility, and real-time engagement. It's 2:45 PM. The outdoor breakout session under a tent is running long. Someone near the front is fanning themselves with a printed agenda. Your phone battery is at 11%. And the networking energy you planned for this moment? Gone. Sound familiar? When you're organizing a summer event with outdoor components, things can go sideways quickly if you don't think ahead about attendee well-being. From heat and fatigue to Wi-Fi issues and sensory overload, the risks are real. And today's attendees are clear about what they expect: comfort, care, and options that support how they show up. Wellness at outdoor events is no longer just a hospitality "nice-to-have". It's a core part of creating a high-quality experience. Why Attendee Wellbeing Must Be a Priority for Outdoor Events Image from Skift India Forum A good agenda won't matter much if people are dehydrated or overheated. When attendees aren't physically comfortable, it's hard for them to stay mentally present. Add in outdoor distractions, long walking distances, and limited shade, and even the best programming can lose its impact. Wellness matters because it affects everything else. Attention spans. Energy levels. Willingness to participate. If people feel drained, they check out early or disengage entirely. As the organizer, your role is not just to plan the schedule. It's to create the conditions for attendees to actually benefit from it. What Can Go Wrong Outside (if You Don't Plan Ahead) These are the most common outdoor challenges you'll need to plan around: Heat and sun exposure (see how soaring heat impacts events) Risk of dehydration Long walks with limited seating or shade Sensory overload from crowd noise, traffic, or music Accessibility issues on grass, gravel, or uneven ground Spotty Wi-Fi and charging access Lack of quiet or private spaces Wind, rain, and storms Each of these impacts attendee focus and satisfaction. According to the 2025 Cvent planner sourcing report, 26% of planners say a poor attendee experience would deter them from returning to a venue in the future, highlighting the direct business implications of neglecting wellbeing. The good news? Each one is manageable with thoughtful planning. Tactical Wellness Strategies You Can Implement Today Photo Credits: Panasonic Let's get specific. These are field-tested ways to build wellness into your summer outdoor event, even on a tight timeline or budget. 1. Make Physical Comfort Easy Provide plenty of shaded areas using tents, umbrellas, or existing tree cover Place water refill stations near every major gathering zone Offer cooling towels or portable fans at check-in and wellness stations Set up misting areas near high-traffic spaces if your venue allows Stock sunscreen in shared spaces and bathrooms Example: Panasonic's Dry Mist System, showcased at CES 2024, used a micro-mist curtain to reduce heat stress in open-air environments. If you can only do one thing: Put shade and water within easy reach of every session area and lounge zone. 2. Reduce Mental and Physical Fatigue Break up long sessions with movement-friendly transitions Avoid full-sun exposure for keynotes or breakouts if possible Create rest zones with seating that feels close to the action, not off to the side Build in buffer time between sessions to allow people to recharge Example: Some planners integrate brief wellness activations like 10–15 minute brain-boosting exercises or somatic breathwork sessions between meetings to help attendees recharge both mentally and physically. Dami Kim, director of Body and Brain Corporate Wellness, recommends brain-boosting exercises to improve focus, while Sepideh Eivazi, of Dawn of the Earth and the Global Wellness Institute, offers breathwork to reduce stress and increase energy. What this looks like: Bean bags under trees, a mobile lounge cart with fans and snacks, or hammocks in a quieter corner. 3. Serve Light, Energy-Supporting Food and Drinks Choose foods that feel fresh and easy to digest in the heat: fruit, wraps, salads, popsicles Clearly label all dietary options and allergen information Keep snacks and drinks stocked beyond just meal windows Tip: Offer branded electrolyte packets or chilled fruit-infused water as a low-cost, high-impact touch. For inspiration, check out 25 Health Cautious Catering Ideas for Your Meetings and Events 4. Keep People Engaged and Equipped Set up mobile charging stations throughout the space Provide printed maps and schedules as a backup to apps Use clear signage and wayfinding to minimize walking confusion Train staff to help with tech, logistics, and comfort questions on the fly Add a Wellness Response Team: Assign a few staff or volunteers to check on guests, refill hydration stations, and spot people who may need a break. Give them badges or shirts so they're easy to spot. What Not to Do Some common mistakes are easy to avoid once you know what to watch for: Putting hydration stations far from breakout areas Scheduling anything in the midday sun Relying only on digital tools in a space with weak connectivity Ignoring terrain challenges for guests with mobility needs Forgetting quiet or private spaces for nursing, prayer, or sensory recovery Waiting until someone complains before adjusting your setup Relying on long-term weather forecasts Not having a backup plan For more on weather-proofing your event, see Don't Let Climate Change Blow Your Event Away. Monitor Attendee Wellbeing You don't need to guess how attendees are doing. Build in systems to gather quick feedback and adjust fast. Monitor key zones: Are people lingering or leaving? Are the shaded seats full? Empower staff to fix issues on the spot, whether it's restocking water or moving a session into shade Ask volunteers to report what they hear and see Try this: Set up a 'What Would Help You Right Now?' board with sticky notes or a live comment screen. Update your response plan every few hours based on the input. Wellness Drives Engagement and Outcomes When people feel good, they stay longer. They network more. They absorb what you've worked hard to deliver. Prioritizing wellness during an outdoor event isn't just thoughtful but strategic. You don't need a spa tent or a massive budget to get this right. You need intention and visibility. And you need a team that's empowered to care for people in real time. Because when attendees feel taken care of, they take more away from the experience.
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
East Lancs gallery to host free activities this summer
A series of free summer events is promising to liven up the holidays with hands-on activities for all ages. The Platform Gallery in Clitheroe will host free drop-in sessions every Sunday throughout the summer, offering everything from Brazilian samba drumming to storytelling and crafts. Gallery supervisor Claire Philips said: "We've got an exciting series of craft-based sessions to get the imagination running and give visitors of all ages the chance to learn some new skills. "They're going to be great fun so why not come along and get involved? "They're free and indoors so perfect for a rainy summer Sunday, or if you're stuck for something to do during the school holidays whatever the weather." The Platform Gallery's Summer Sunday Events agenda (Image: The Platform Gallery) The events are open to everyone, though some require advance booking due to limited spaces. All children must be accompanied by an adult. The programme begins on July 20 with a samba drumming workshop from 1pm to 3pm, followed by printmaking on July 27 from 12pm to 3pm. On August 3, visitors can enjoy an afternoon of folklore storytelling from 1pm to 3pm. A felting session will take place on August 17 from 1pm, but booking is 'essential'. On August 24, iCYCLE staff will lead a cycling-themed event for ages 14 and up, covering road safety, confidence building, and routes in the area. READ MORE: Ryanair cancels 170 flights as 30,000 passengers face travel disruption Business leaders urge Lancs leaders to 'prioritise growth sectors' BAE Systems boost to Lancashire economy revealed The series concludes on August 31 with a fused glass workshop for ages 16 and over, requiring advance booking. To find out more or reserve a place, email or call 01200 425566. The Platform Gallery, next to Clitheroe railway station, is open Monday to Friday 10am to 4.30pm, and Saturday 10am to 4pm.
BreakingNews.ie
20-06-2025
- Climate
- BreakingNews.ie
In photos: Crowds enjoy sunshine on year's hottest day ahead of busy weekend of events
Crowds enjoyed the sunshine and flocked to beaches on Friday on what was the hottest day of the year so far. Temperatures reached 29 degrees Celsius in several of Met Éireann's weather stations, including Finner in Co Donegal and Mount Dillon, Co Roscommon. Advertisement Crowds at Portmarnock Beach in Dublin on what was the hottest day of the year so far. Photo: Collins Photo: Collins Natasha Pintos from Ballymun with her children, Archie and Harlow, on Portmarnock Beach. Photo: Collins A group from Blanchardstown, calling themselves 'The Rodgers', on Portmarnock Beach. Photo: Collins Portmarnock on Friday afternoon. Photo: Collins The good weather comes ahead of a busy summer weekend of events across the country. Oklahoma musician and songwriter Zach Bryan has three sold-out concerts in Dublin's Phoenix Park on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, while a sold-out Kingfishr concert will take place in Fairview Park in Dublin on Saturday evening. From left: Misha Magee, Lauren Kilbride, Grace Dowling, Maria Grassick and Sophie Kelly from Naas arrive ahead of the Zach Bryan concert in the Phoenix Park, Dublin. Photo: Sam Boal/Collins Baily Carlton and Caitlin O'Sullivan from Co Kerry ahead of the Zach Bryan concert. Photo: Sam Boal/Collins From left: Calum Kehoe, Niamh Hennessy, Caoimhe Sheey and Gavin Dowling from Carlow ready for the Zach Bryan concert. Photo: Sam Boal/Collins It's also a eventful weekend for sport, starting with the Lions v Argentina game at the Aviva Stadium on Friday evening. Nicky and Amy Baker from London ahead of the Lions match against Argentina. Photo: Sam Boal/Collins Photos Finlay Jones (15) from Scotland ahead of the match against Argentina. Photo: Sam Boal/Collins Harry Buchanan (10), Louis McElroy (12) and Tom Buchanan (12) from Belfast ahead of the Lions match against Argentina. Photo: Sam Boal/Collins Four GAA matches will take place in Croke Park on Saturday and Sunday, while tens of thousands will make their way to the most northern county for the Donegal International Rally. Advertisement Gardaí said they will be out helping to keep people safe at each of the large public events scheduled across the country this weekend. Explained Zach Bryan at Phoenix Park: Everything you need to... Read More Assistant Commissioner Paul Cleary said: "This weekend is packed with lots of activity and with the summer weather also looking promising, we look forward to helping to welcome thousands of people into Dublin to make the most of their weekend. "We want you to enjoy yourselves if socialising or attending any one of the exciting sporting and music events happening in the city, but to please be mindful of others and how your behaviour may impact their experience. "This summer's public events would not be able to go ahead were it not for the gardaí that will be working above and beyond this weekend and for the remainder of the summer to keep people safe. "Should you feel unsafe or need our assistance in any way over the weekend, please contact us or stop anyone of us on our high-visibility patrols across the city, and in an emergency or immediate danger always dial 999/112.'
