The secret to your conference’s success - and the good news is it’s free

​Natural light. It’s our best asset to improve learning yet it is often neglected when planning conferences and conference spaces.
​
We know the benefits that natural light and fresh air can have to learning in the classroom, yet why don’t we make it a priority when planning conferences and workshops?

According a recent study entitled Effect of Daylighting on Student Health and Performance, natural light creates a healthy learning environment. 

It found:

• Daylighting promotes a vitamin D generation and circadian regulation
• Poor daylighting causes discomfort, which reduces learning and it is detrimental to the physical and mental health of students
• Daylighting also enhances mental performance, decreases depression, improves sleep, and can help treat Seasonal Affective Disorder
  
  

An infographic, The Impact of Daylight & Fresh Air in Classrooms, released last year by Whitesales, noted:

• The general benefits of daylight & fresh air circulation include improved levels of concentration and higher academic achievement
• Specific benefits of access to daylight include increased serotonin production, improved mood and emotion and lowered feelings of anxiety
• Specific benefits of fresh air circulation include improved cognitive function, improved mental health well-being and improved blood pressure
  ​

Too often the success of a conference is judged on how well the registrations, logistics and production went and not enough on how much information and content was absorbed by delegates.

Whether it is a plenary with natural light, catering breaks outside or incorporating outdoor walks and stretch breaks into your program, it doesn’t cost anything to maximise the benefits of this simple but important natural resource to improve performance.

Next time you are sourcing a venue, ask yourself ‘is this the best environment for learning?’
​
Next time you are planning your conference program, ask yourself ‘have we incorporated enough natural light and fresh air to to create the best learning conditions?’.