High Performance Meetings: Hilton puts well-being at the heart of seminars

Hilton is adding a wellness component to its meeting and event offerings. The American group has just launched High Performance Meetings, a structured framework designed for organizers of seminars, conventions, and conferences. This program was developed with the human performance consulting firm Tignum, which applies its methods to high-level athletes and executives in the MICE segment. The goal is to find participants who are focused upon arrival at the hotel, energetic during the event, and then able to apply what they have learned.

The launch of High Performance Meetings builds on the report Why We Gather, published in January by Hilton, where 67 % of the participants say they are less engaged when an event does not provide real breaks. According to this study, based on a survey by Ipsos in the United States, the United Kingdom and India, 55 % of those surveyed say they skip sessions to decompress because there are no planned breaks.« Well-being has become essential in the way people live and travel, and these expectations do not disappear when they attend meetings and events. », explains Amanda Al-Masri, vice president of wellbeing at Hilton.

Three stages and four pillars

The program breaks the participants« journey into three stages. First, the »Arrive Ready« stage aims to prepare them for the event through enriched communications and travel advice, followed by a personalized welcome at the hotel. In a second stage, »Stay Ready,« the focus is on the agenda of seminars and conferences, alternating between work sessions and moments of recovery. Finally, the »Return Ready” stage involves providing guests with thought-provoking tools to extend their learning.

Four pillars frame these stages. The participants« mindset is strengthened through meditation, breathing exercises and mindfulness. Essentially, the nutrition component relies on balanced menus, hydration and meal timing. Another pillar is movement, which includes stretching, active breaks and fitness classes included in the schedule. Finally, recovery relies on free time for relaxation and spa treatments.

A progressive deployment in the network

A practical guide will accompany this launch, with other tools expected next year. It is worth noting that the hotels participating in the program rely on their existing facilities and services, so the services may vary. Through High Performance Meetings, Hilton is extending its World’s Most Welcoming Events initiative, launched at the beginning of 2025.« Through World’s Most Welcoming Events and our research, we have spent years listening to participants and understanding what makes gatherings more meaningful. »This is a great opportunity for us to connect with our customers and to build relationships with them," emphasizes Kelly Knowlen, vice president of commercial engagement and special events at Hilton.