January is a time to reset priorities, and wellbeing is firmly in focus. While organisations increasingly invest in employee wellbeing day to day, it is often overlooked in one of the most demanding professional environments: conferences.
Wellbeing at conferences is no longer a “nice-to-have”. In the UK, 15.4 million working days are lost each year due to stress, depression and anxiety - 57% of all working days lost to ill health. At the same time, FTSE 100 companies that prioritise wellness and engagement outperform competitors by 10%.
If wellbeing matters in the workplace, it matters at your conference.
What Wellbeing Means in a Conference Setting
Conferences are designed to inspire and connect, but they can also be intense. Packed agendas, unfamiliar environments, constant networking and performance pressure can quickly lead to mental fatigue. For those experiencing anxiety, stress or burnout, this can be overwhelming. But even without existing mental health concerns, the pace and stimulation of a conference can impact focus, energy and engagement.
A wellbeing-led approach creates an environment where attendees can remain present, productive and engaged - throughout the event, not just at the start.
Sound Baths: A Growing Corporate Wellbeing Trend
Sound baths are increasingly being adopted in corporate meetings, conferences and wellness programmes. Organisations including Google, WME and Gucci have integrated sound healing to help manage stress, improve focus and strengthen connection.
A sound bath is a guided experience using instruments such as gongs, singing bowls and chimes to immerse participants in sound. These vibrations encourage deep relaxation and mental reset, particularly valuable in high-pressure event settings.
Benefits of Sound Baths at Conferences
Stress Reduction
Sound vibrations activate the body’s relaxation response, helping to lower cortisol, heart rate and blood pressure.
Improved Focus
By calming mental overload, sound baths support clarity, concentration and sustained attention.
Enhanced Creativity
The meditative brain states induced by sound baths can unlock new ideas and fresh perspectives.
Stronger Team Connection
Shared relaxation experiences build trust, empathy and a sense of collective calm.
Emotional Wellbeing
Sound baths provide a safe, inclusive space to release tension and rebalance emotionally.
Integrating Sound Baths into Your Event
Sound baths are flexible and easy to incorporate into conference programmes.
- Session length: 45–60 minutes
- Best timing: Morning grounding, lunch breaks, mid-event reset or end-of-day wind-down
- Space: A quiet meeting room or breakout area
- Setup: Mats, blankets and pillows; chairs available for accessibility
- Delivery: Led by certified sound healers, tailored to your event goals
No prior experience is required, making sound baths accessible to all attendees.
A More Considered Conference Experience
As organisations rethink how events support people, wellbeing-focused conferences represent a smarter, more sustainable approach.
Sound baths offer a practical way to reduce stress, enhance engagement and create calmer, more focused environments - without compromising on ambition or outcomes.
By embedding wellbeing into conference design, events can deliver greater impact, better connection and a more meaningful experience for every attendee.
