Written By: Eileen Dabrowski | Jun 24, 2024 5:41:22 PM
The transportation industry is known for being non-stop, and attending conferences within the industry only compounds this stress. Conferences require attendees to network, learn, meet with clients and colleagues, while also managing their everyday workload.
One association sought to change this. The Transportation Marketing & Sales Association (TMSA) celebrated its 100 Year Anniversary at the ELEVATE Conference in New Orleans on June 9-11, 2024 and launched the first-ever Wellness Room, with the support of its volunteer base, as well as its Wellness Room Sponsors: Let’s Talk Supply Chain, Odyssey Logistics, Trailer Bridge and Atlantic Logistics.
To combat conference burnout, TMSA, along with sponsors and association volunteers, offered a unique and thoughtful initiative. ELEVATE offered the association’s first-ever Wellness Room, which was designed to cater to the diverse needs of adult conference attendees. This space offered more than just a retreat; it was designed to foster inclusivity, relaxation, and a safe, quiet space for all.
The goal of the Wellness Room was to provide a sanctuary crafted to embrace diversity and individual relaxation preferences. Diverse attendees of varying abilities found solace in this space whether someone needed a quiet moment away from the conference buzz, needed a soothing environment to decompress, or sought tools to help reduce anxiety, tension, and stress.
Central to the room’s appeal were the carefully curated tools provided to aid patrons in relaxing. Attendees were offered a calming, self-guided and personalized opportunity to reminisce and color a custom page featuring the beautiful streets of New Orleans, which served as the conference’s artwork. This not only encouraged creativity, but also served as a memento of the event.
For those needing sensory relief, earplugs were also provided, ensuring a reduction in auditory stimuli. Yoga materials enabled attendees to stretch and rejuvenate their bodies, while fidget spinners, stress balls and Play-Doh offered tactile engagement, promoting focus and relaxation.
According to TMSA DEI Taskforce Chair Eileen Dabrowski, one of the primary goals of the Wellness Room was to offer a myriad of ways to temporarily escape and recharge.
“Looking back upon all the transportation conferences I have attended, I would have given anything to have a safe, quiet, Zen-like space to take 10, hide, and re-center myself,” she said.
“Conferences can be overwhelming, and it was a breath of fresh air to know that I had a haven to escape to that would welcome me with open arms with no judgement. One of my ELEVATE Conference highlights was walking by and seeing industry peers and colleagues gathered in small groups or relaxing solo making unique Play-Doh animals, coloring, using fidget spinners, or unwinding in a corner with some ear plugs. That was EXACTLY what we hoped for when the idea first came to fruition.”
The impact of the Wellness Room extended beyond mere relaxation; it created an environment where attendees felt cared for and understood. In a high-stress environment like a conference, such spaces are crucial for mental well-being. As a new endeavor for the Association, organizers sought to understand the impact on attendees.
"Having a Wellness Room at TMSA ELEVATE was a first for us and I am really proud of the effort and support of this space," said Jennifer Karpus-Romain, TMSA Executive Director.
"While it's not something that everyone may need at a conference, it does create a space for those that do need a quieter space and some tools to help them get through the chaos of a hectic conference."
Conference Emcee Coleman Ruffin used the space whenever he had some down time and stated, “I was moving a million miles a minute; I used the wellness room whenever possible. It gave me a quiet and relaxing space where I was able to gather my thoughts and recharge my batteries to make sure I was maximizing my time at the conference.”
By incorporating a Wellness Room into the conference, TMSA demonstrated a commitment to mental health and well-being. This initiative not only highlighted the importance of self-care, but also encouraged conversations about mental health in professional settings. It set a precedent for future conferences to prioritize attendee well-being alongside professional development.
“I really enjoyed the Wellness Room and loved the variety of amenities and the ambiance,” said April Morone, Freight Sales and Operations Director at GoPro Freight.
“I hope this catches on at other conferences. It’s helpful especially when someone feels the need to take a breather from peopling.”
The TMSA Conference Wellness Room in New Orleans exemplified how thoughtful design and inclusivity can transform attendee experiences. By providing tools for relaxation and catering to diverse needs, the room became a haven for all participants. As conferences increasingly recognize the value of holistic well-being, spaces like these are becoming essential features, ensuring that attendees can thrive both professionally and personally.
In essence, the Wellness Room at TMSA served as more than a retreat; it was a statement—a statement of care, inclusivity, and the recognition of diverse needs in professional environments. The Wellness Room was made possible through the collaborative efforts of our Sponsors and the TMSA DEI Taskforce.
While the biggest collective effort for inclusion at ELEVATE was the Wellness Room, TMSA made strides to create a more inclusive environment throughout the conference.
Some examples of these initiatives include:
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