Mental health is a societal issue that requires proactive support and intervention. With one in five people globally experiencing a mental health issue at some point in their life, and depression and anxiety costing the global economy US$1 trillion annually in lost productivity, business events can ease this crisis by optimising support for attendees. 

Arinex has been working with associations and suppliers to ensure wellbeing is prioritised at events and there has been a sharper focus on initiatives that promote this in the last 18 months. Integrating mental health check-ins and wellness practices into the planning of conferences and creating specific spaces onsite where people feel safe and supported, ensures that everyone — whether they’re a delegate, exhibitor, speaker, or event staff — can perform at their best.  

Here are three recent examples Arinex helped bring to life;
1. Welfare checks for onsite staff. The 3rd World Congress on Alcohol and Addictions (ISBRA 2024), hosted in Melbourne in September, took proactive steps to ensure the mental health of event staff before the conference even began. Considering the sensitive content of the event, welfare checks were conducted with all venue team members at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, ensuring that everyone involved was prepared for potential triggers.
2. The Elephant in the Room. At the Australian Society of Anaesthetists’ National Scientific Congress (ASA NSC 2024) in Darwin, a creative and symbolic initiative was used to address mental health within this medical profession. Within the exhibition space, a large inflatable elephant was installed- symbolising the proverbial “elephant in the room” – to spark conversations around mental healthiness, breaking down barriers and creating a platform for individuals to share their experiences and seek support.
3. Onsite and virtual clinical psychologists. The 23rd World Congress on Safety and Health at Work in November 2023 took mental health support a step further by offering free, onsite and virtual psychology consultations for delegates. Recognising psycho-social health and safety hazards, the World Congress was able to address mental health in real-time and eliminate barriers related to cost and accessibility of support. With the industry advocating for best practice in workplace health and safety, the counselling room ensured that attendees had an opportunity to discuss their triggers with professionals throughout the event.  

Why mental health matters at business events
Mental health and wellness centred initiatives can take many forms, from offering onsite access to expert counselling services, to simply starting conversations. These actions foster an inclusive environment where people are encouraged to seek support when needed, and mental health becomes a topic that is not just addressed in theory but also put into practice and embedded into the culture of the event. 

In addition to supporting the well-being of individuals, these efforts also contribute to the overall success of the event. When attendees and staff feel supported, they are more likely to engage fully with the content, confidently share learnings, feel safer to socialise and network, and contribute positively to the overall legacy of the event and are more likely to return in future. Wellbeing initiatives therefore not only enhance the individual experience but also elevate the event as a whole.