When did you start Skye Lifestyle?
January 2009
What inspired you to create Skye Lifestyle?
I saw a gap in the meetings and incentive market, while working for Tourism Australia in Los Angeles, as Business Events Manager. No-one was offering a wellness component to their conference and incentive itineraries, which prompted me to create my business to bridge this gap. I wanted to create the opportunity, to offer conference and incentive delegates the chance to maintain a life and work integration while travelling on business.
What wellness experiences do you offer?
Skye Lifestyle is a national team of fitness and wellness instructors, that offer activities including but not limited to Yoga, Chair Yoga, Stretch, Relaxation, Massage, Meditation, Tai chi, Zumba, Pilates, Running, Walking Tours, Boxing, Circuit and Boot-camp. Other activities can be included, and Skye can create these experiences on an ad hoc basis.
What is the most popular wellness experience you offer?
Chair Yoga and Meditation are the most popular.
Chair Yoga is very popular due to the fact the conference delegate do not need to change their clothes, and they can enjoy this session in their corporate attire. This session can easily be achieved in a 30-minute breakout window at either morning or afternoon tea.
Meditation has become more popular, as there is much more understanding around the benefits of learning how to breathe, and manage stress in everyday life.
What are the benefits of your classes?
Many companies are starting to realise the enormous benefits of corporate wellness. By introducing yoga, fitness and other mind body programs, companies create a positive, happy, productive and more alert conference group.
What is the importance of corporate wellness programs?
As the needs of travellers evolve, it has become evident that when wellness activities are included, delegates are more alert, retain more and are more likely to attend future conferences.
Mindfulness and well being are hot trends in Australia right now, how do you incorporate this into business conferences?
Working closely with Hyatt Hotels around Australia, Skye Lifestyle can customise the wellness and fitness needs of the client within the conference agenda. This ensures delegates have the chance to integrate a life and work balance. We work closely with the booking agent or client directly, to determine what the theme of the event is. Or what is the desired outcome for the staff at the end of the conference is, allowing us to customise the wellness event accordingly.
Do you cater to all levels of fitness?
All our wellness programs are accessible and can be tailored to all levels. Students with pre-existing conditions or injuries are also catered for.
Our aim is to encourage all delegates to participate, and we welcome people who may never have tried fitness or group exercise before. We often find it is these people who see the greatest benefits.
What makes addressing wellness different from other event trends & activities?
If the human element of a business breaks down, then the business breaks down. Companies are only as strong as the health and well being of their employees. It is important to address the human element, while taking into account the practical needs of the business. By incorporating wellness in a holistic approach within a conference event, should improve overall performance of the staff and the business.
