Successful Meetings - May 2009 - (Page 48)

THE CASE FOR SPAS THE BENEFITS OF SPA TREATMENTS ARE EVEN MORE APPARENT IN TOUGH TIMES, WHEN WELLNESS TAKES ON A WHOLE NEW MEANING | By Alexandra Haake | I 48 n an economic climate where the government is bailing out some of the nation’s most powerful companies while others are drowning, the topic of corporate incentive trips—and luxurious spa outings in particular—has become more sensitive. When insurer AIG spent $443,000 on an incentive trip, including $23,000 in spa treatments, following the announcement of its taxpayer-supported government bailout, the press had a field day. This incident exacerbated the notion that spas are a frivolous luxury of the privileged, but experts believe such a perception overlooks the value that spa treatments offer in reducing stress levels as they skyrocket in response to the current economy. In addition to serving as preventative healthcare, spa treatments also remain an effective perk to motivate, recognize, and reward employees who have excelled. “I would not cut these programs, and less so during the rough financial times,” advises Dr. Gabriela Cora, MD, and president of the Executive Health & Wealth Institute. “It’s going to be extremely important for people to remain sane, fit, and in great shape. I SM I May 2009 I SuccessfulMeetings.com http://www.SuccessfulMeetings.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Successful Meetings - May 2009

Successful Meetings - May 2009
Contents
Editor's Letter
News Update
Education
Management Matters
Meetings Law
Mouth For Sale
Visionaries
Gurus
Forging Ahead
The Road to Ruin
The Case for Spas
Foreign Affairs
Paper Purge
Carnival Spirit
Defending Meetings
Places + Spaces
Upstate NY
Anaheim
Minneapolis
San Diego
French Riviera
Park City

Successful Meetings - May 2009