Early risers going for a brisk walk outside the GBTA APAC Conference 2023 venue, Shangri-La Singapore. Photo Credit: GBTA
Meeting organisers are increasingly incorporating healthy lifestyle
offerings into their events, with jogging tours being a significant
activity often seen at business events.
This not only revitalises participants through physical activity but
also enables international attendees to experience the city in an
environmentally friendly manner, even amidst tight event schedules.
At the GBTA APAC Conference 2023, recently held in Shangri-La
Singapore, a 45-minute early morning jog/brisk walk activity was
organised for conference delegates at 6 am.
Among the participants was American Express Global Travel global
client GM, Alastair Cameron. He said: “The reason I participated is
twofold. I did the running tour at GBTA Brussels earlier in the year and
it was a great way to see the city and meet some of the participants in
a different environment. Also, I feel it’s really important to get out
of the hotel and understand your surroundings. I really enjoyed hearing
about some of the locations and Singapore’s view on regeneration.
Lastly, it’s a great chance to sweat out some that jetlag before the
flight home!”
Claymore Thistle business development manager, Leona Lees, said: “As I
am just in Singapore for two days for the GBTA APAC Conference, I was
keen to see something of Singapore and this walking tour afforded the
opportunity to take in some sights whilst learning a little of the
history as we went.
“As a company who relocate people around the world, we are used to
trying to orient new people to new surroundings. I found this walking
tour to be pleasant, the time of day meant I could get to work straight
after and I had learnt something before 7am. An added bonus was chatting
to others on the tour and meeting new people. I would highly recommend
this to anyone visiting Singapore.”
ECO Rent A Car, India Ground Transportation, director, Aditya Loomba,
said: “The morning walk is a great way to kickstart your day. It was a
3-km walk and our guide, Patrick, showed us some interesting sights
around Orchard Road and I also got to meet some interesting people
during this one-hour activity.”
Run, jog, or walk at events
Another long-standing example is IMEXRUN, which is open to all
delegates participating in the annual IMEX Frankfurt. The next edition
will take place on 15 May 2024, during which attendees can participate
in a 5km run along the banks of the River Main. Its website states:
“It’s our way of helping you get the best possible start to a busy day
at the show. Open to all IMEX participants, whether you’re planning to
sprint, jog or walk to the finishing line.”
During the recent Sustainable September initiative organised by the
Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Business Events Alliance, alliance
partners in the precinct came together for the Jog For A Cause, a
fundraising activity for the National Kidney Foundation that saw 200
participants jog around the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Park,
alongside kidney health screenings for all participants.