A convention centre in Singapore became the first in Asia to be given
Healthy Venue Gold status after offering delegates a range of wellness and healthy
eating options.
Sands Expo and Convention Centre at Marina Bay Sands was given the nod of
approval by the World Obesity Federation, which runs the Healthy Venues accreditation
scheme.
As part of a concerted drive to make conferences and events healthier, the
venue has reduced by 30 per cent the oil, sugar and salt content on its menus
and introduced ‘standing conferences’.
It has also introduced fitness and relaxation sessions, including yoga and cycling.
Ong Wee Min, VP Conventions & Exhibitions, said: “Wellness has become a
key agenda in today’s events. The accreditation and the reinvention of Marina
Bay Sands’ banquet services is a culmination of the lessons learnt during the pandemic,
giving organisers the confidence to revitalise their delegates’ journey with wellness
across multiple touchpoints.”
The accreditation is the third industry award the venue has won in recent
weeks.
Last month the resort became the first meetings and events venue in the
world to be Healthcare Meetings Compliance Certificate Verified. It has also
added the Events Industry Council’s (EIC) Sustainable Event Standards for Venues
(Platinum) honour to its growing lists of achievements.
Furthermore, the Singaporean venue has pledged to train all its client-facing
staff on the EIC Sustainable Event Professional Certificate (SEPC) course by
the end of the year.
Amy Calvert CEO events industry council said: “As our industry continues its
journey of recovery and works to build a sustainable future, it is critical
that organisations invest in upskilling and supporting their workforce. Marina
Bay Sands acts as an excellent example, of how an organisation can empower team
members to tackle what is one of the biggest issues facing us today.”
Written By
James Lancaster
AMI editor James
Lancaster is a familiar face in the meetings industry and international
association community. Since joining AMI in 2010, he has gained a reputation
for asking difficult questions and getting lost in convention centres. Proofer, podcaster, and panellist - in his spare time, James likes to walk,
read, listen to music, and drink beer.
