Nature’s Stage: Redefining Meetings with The Forum
At The Forum, we’re deeply inspired by Priya Parker’s “The Art of Gathering.” Her opening line, “The way we gather matters,” perfectly encapsulates the essence of her book and at The Forum this is what we do best – creating memorable events for our clients.
Parker emphasises the importance of the venue in shaping the outcomes of an event, noting that “venues come with scripts.” This means that the setting influences how formal or casual attendees will be. She advises seeking a setting that reflects the purpose of the gathering.
Most companies rely on regular meetings for communication and decision-making, but these gatherings can often be boring or unproductive. However, good meetings are still crucial. Choosing the right setting can significantly impact the mood, purpose, and engagement of attendees.
“A global trend we are embracing is the need to bring the outdoors into our meetings, conferences, and events. Attendees reap numerous benefits for this and as a result, clients are seeing productive and positive outcomes of their events,” says Glynis Hyslop, Managing Director of The Forum.
Some of the benefits of bringing the great outdoors into the planning of a conference or meeting include:
Natural Light: Exposure to natural light has been associated with enhanced mood, productivity, and overall well-being. Exposure to sunlight helps regulate the body’s circadian rhythm, leading to better sleep patterns and increased alertness during the day. Venues with ample natural light, such as spaces with large windows, glass doors, or outdoor areas like gardens or terraces. Ensure that the seating arrangement allows attendees to benefit from the natural light without glare or discomfort.
Fresh Air: Fresh air can boost oxygen levels in the body, improving brain function and overall health. It can also help reduce feelings of fatigue and increase focus and concentration. It is important to select outdoor spaces that are conducive to meetings, with comfortable seating and minimal distractions. The weather also needs to be taken into consideration and a backup plan in place.
The Setting: The outdoor setting with open spaces, trees, and greenery enhances creativity and engagement, making meetings more enjoyable. This can lead to more innovative thinking and productive discussions.
The Perfect Break: A picnic or nature walk can provide the perfect break from the usual meeting format. It can also help participants relax and recharge, leading to a more productive next session. The outdoor break encourages participants to connect with their colleagues in a more informal setting.
A break in the normal routine: Changing the location and format of meetings can stimulate creativity and encourage new perspectives. It can also help prevent boredom and increase engagement among participants. Experiment with different meeting formats, such as walking meetings, outdoor brainstorming sessions, or al fresco dining
“We believe that integrating these different elements into your outdoor meetings can enhance the overall experience for participants and assist companies in achieving their meeting objectives more effectively,” says Hyslop.
The Forum offers unique venues that integrate the outdoors into events, enhancing the experience for guests. The Forum Embassy Hill, bordering Cape Town’s Cecelia Forest, provides opportunities for forest walks, scenic views, and relaxing breaks in numerous outdoor spaces. The Forum White Light in Lanseria, Johannesburg, offers a countryside setting, while The Forum The Campus, in Bryanston, features light-filled courtyards, a sports field, a mashie golf course, and a Padel court coming soon. Say goodbye to dull meeting rooms and hello to fresh air, natural light, and innovative outdoor settings. Let’s redefine productivity and creativity together. Book your outdoor meeting experience with The Forum today!
+27 (0)87 365 3888
