To address the increasing demand for healthier options at conferences, SilverNeedle Hospitality is launching “Healthy Minds, Healthy Thinking,” a new MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) program.

Watermelon salad

This program is being launched in response to a survey of 85 event organizers, in which 93% indicated that healthy food choices were a significant factor in their venue selection process.

“‘Our Healthy Minds, Healthy Thinking’ program came about because of a real need in the MICE sector,” explained Iqbal Jumabhoy, Managing Director and Group CEO of SilverNeedle Hospitality. “Our program’s creative approach to healthy menus and activities will allow attendees to fully enjoy the benefits of attending events at our hotels.”

The program emphasizes healthy eating, thinking, and exercise. Recognizing that 90% of meeting attendees become restless and lose focus over time, the program provides organizers with helpful advice on how to keep attendees engaged.

Healthy bites

The program includes menus designed to enhance brain function by incorporating nutritious superfoods like avocados, blueberries, and kale. Healthier cooking methods such as grilling, barbecuing, and poaching are used with less salt, fewer trans fats, and more cold-pressed oils.

Vietnamese rice paper rolls, fresh fruit platters, health bars, and smoothies are also available, with a fruit and vegetable juice bar provided upon request.

“Healthy Minds, Healthy Thinking” promotes creative breaks, light exercise, and mind games to maintain high levels of energy and focus. Over 45% of survey respondents have already incorporated active sports and team-building activities into their recent events.

SilverNeedle Hospitality offers a variety of activities to maximize the value of every minute. Longer conferences can include customized team-building exercises like Survivor or Amazing Race competitions, cooking classes, and unique experiences like swimming with dolphins.

The program will initially launch across SilverNeedle Hospitality’s Australian brands, including Chifley, Grand Chifley, Country Comfort, Australis, and select Sundowner hotels. The three SilverNeedle Collection hotels in Thailand and Laos will follow shortly after.

For more details about the new program, visit here.

*All images from SilverNeedle Hospitality

*Key Research Outcomes of SilverNeedle Hospitality’s MICE Survey

Food and Beverage

• 93% of conference organizers identified healthy food and beverage options as essential for their attendees, with 80% noting an increase in requests for them.

• Fresh fruit and salad were the most popular healthy options at 37%, followed closely by gluten-free choices at 35%.

• When choosing a venue, food and beverages ranked fourth in importance at 13%. Location was most important at 29%, followed by facilities at 26% and capacity at 15%.

• 52% of organizers favored pre-set menu packages, while 33% preferred customizable menus.

Activities & Team Building

• Nearly 75% of conference organizers have requested team-building activities at least once, with active sports and games being the most popular at 45%.

Focus in meetings

• Almost 90% of attendees experience restlessness during meetings and conferences, but only 72% employ techniques to help them refocus.

• Taking breaks (37%) and team building (21%) were the most effective strategies for improving concentration. Healthy food and exercise combined were the second most effective at 33%.

• Nearly 80% of conference organizers believe their staff and clients would appreciate tips and strategies for staying focused during meetings.

Other Research Outcomes – MICE Survey

• 56% of conferences/events are held in major cities, with 29% in regional areas.

• For 50% of organizers, the most crucial factor in choosing a venue is understanding their needs and effective communication.

• 96% of delegates have different accommodation and function requirements, with 59% contacting the hotel directly for accommodation rates.