SilverNeedle® Hospitality is launching an exciting health-focused MICE programme, 'Healthy Minds, Healthy Thinking' to meet the growing demand for healthy options.                                                

The programme has been launched to support the trend for healthy options, as SilverNeedle® Hospitality's in-house research shows conference organisers are demanding healthier catering and team-building activities.

“'Our Healthy Minds, Healthy Thinking' programme originated from a real need in the MICE arena,” said Iqbal Jumabhoy, Managing Director & Group CEO of SilverNeedle® Hospitality. “With our innovative take on healthy menus and activities, our programme will ensure delegates reap the full benefits of attending the events at our hotels.”

From the 85 industry event organisers surveyed, 93% said having healthier options on menus was an important consideration when it came to booking venues for their corporate functions and conferences. SilverNeedle® Hospitality will roll out the programme initially across their Australian branded properties of Chifley®, Grand Chifley®, Country Comfort®, Australis® and selected Sundowner®hotels, followed closely by the three SilverNeedle® Collection hotels in Thailand and Laos.

The 'Healthy Minds, Healthy Thinking' programme focuses on three key areas:  healthy eating, healthy thinking and healthy exercises. As SilverNeedle® Hospitality's research indicates 90% of respondents get restless and lose focus during meetings, the super-charged programme will come with a handy guide packed with tips and tricks on how organisers can mix things up to help delegates stay wide-eyed and focused.

With nutrition strongly linked to concentration, super food infused menus with a focus on a brain-healthy diet have been formulated. These menus feature the identified brain 'wonder-foods'  such as avocados, blueberries and kale and utilise  healthier cooking techniques such as barbequing, grilling and poaching with less trans-fats, less salt and more cold-pressed oils. Menu items such as Vietnamese rice paper rolls and fresh fruit platters, health bars and smoothies will help to tempt wayward appetites towards healthier eating options. A fruit and vegetable juice bar will also be available on request.

The 'Healthy Minds, Healthy Thinking' programme encourages creative power breaks, simple exercises and mind games to help keep energy and concentration levels high. The growing trend towards active sport/games during conferences was endorsed by over 45% of respondents who confirmed they have incorporated these into recent events; the most popular being team-building activities.

SilverNeedle® Hospitality is committed to making sure every minute counts and has thought outside the box to provide a programme of activities for MICE participants. For longer conferences, unique team-building experiences are available, including survivor or amazing race-style competitions, cooking classes, creative activities – even swimming with wild dolphins! 

For more information on the SilverNeedle® Hospitality Healthy Minds. Healthy Thinking programme, please visit www.silverneedlehotels.com.au/healthyminds or call 1300 272 132.

About SilverNeedle® Hospitality:
SilverNeedle® Hospitality is an innovative and progressive integrated hospitality investment, management and development company, with a focus on mid to upscale hotels and resorts that are intelligently designed and operated for the professional and leisure needs of the business traveller. SilverNeedle® Hospitality currently operates more than 60 managed and licensed properties with three properties under development, together accounting for more than 4,000 keys in Asia Pacific. Headquartered in Singapore, SilverNeedle® Hospitality has regional offices in Bangkok, Sydney and Bangalore.

The Nadathur Group, an investment firm owned by Nadathur S. Raghavan, co-founder of NASDAQ-listed Infosys Technologies, founded SilverNeedle® Hospitality. For more information, please visit www.snhgroup.com

 Key Research Outcomes of SilverNeedle® Hospitality's MICE Survey

 Food and Beverage

• 93% of conference organisers cited healthy catering options as important to their staff and clients with 80% noticing an increase in requests for healthy catering.
• Fresh fruit and salad, at 37% is the most requested healthy catering option. It is closely followed by gluten-free, 35%.
• Food and beverage, at 13%, ranked fourth as a factor in decision making when selecting a venue. The top three included location, at 29%;facilities, 26%;and capacity, accounting for 15%.
• 52% of conference organisers showed a preference for set menu packages whilst 33% preferred tailored menus.

Activities & Team Building

• Nearly 75% of conference organisers have requested team-building activities for at least one event. Of the activities requested, active sports/games are by far the most popular, accounting for 45%.

Focus in meetings

• Nearly 90% of delegates get restless in meetings and conferences but only 72% practice strategies to help them refocus.
• Strategies which delegates felt helped improve concentration the most were taking a break, 37%, and team building which accounted for 21%. Healthy food and exercise were considered the second most effective strategy, when combined, accounting for 33%.
• Nearly 80% of conference organisers believe their staff and clients would be interested in tips and strategies to help them stay focused and engaged in meetings.

Other Research Outcomes – MICE Survey

• 56% of conferences/events take place in capital cities and 29% in regional areas.
• For 50% of conference organisers the most important criterion, when choosing to proceed with a venue, is that their requirements are understood and there is a good level of communication.
• 96% of delegates have separate accommodation and function requirements, with 59% of these delegates contacting the hotel directly for accommodation rates.