Need a
stress-relieving theme for a corporate meeting or a
product launch that will keep attendees present to the end? Create
a spa atmosphere, suggests Marie Scalogna, president of Spa Chicks
on the Go (212-252-5471;
www.spachicksonthego.com), a New York
City-based company that brings the spa ambience to even the
drabbest of spaces.
Some of Scalogna’s suggestions for a spa-themed event:
" Set up the room with candles, flowers and massage chairs. If
fire codes prohibit lit candles, use the battery-operated
varieties.
" If budget permits, hire a designer to build curtained
treatment rooms along the edges of the meeting area.
" Eschew the harp music typically associated with spas and try
something light and progressive, like Norah Jones or Everything but
the Girl.
" Hand out waffle-weave robes and logoed spa slippers.
Comfortable clothing should be worn underneath, to keep the event
professional. For a meeting, “any degree of nakedness is bad,”
Scalogna says.
" In tight spaces, use “floating” therapists who circle the
room, massaging feet and necks. Offer chair massages as well as
more obscure therapies such as Reiki and reflexology. Manicures and
pedicures are popular, too.
" Hire a caterer who specializes in light, healthful fare.
Scalogna avoids catering fees by stocking up at SoHo’s gourmet
market, Dean & DeLuca.
" After an open spa session, massages should stop and the
meeting should commence. Follow up with dessert. (Scalogna prefers
brownies.)
" After the event, hand out gift bags with items such as
moisturizers, foot creams or eye pads that can be refrigerated.
“Everybody gets excited about the goodie bags,” says Scalogna.