Designed to support delegate wellbeing, the Relaxation Zone offered chair massages alongside a creative poetry space, encouraging delegates to pause and reflect during a busy programme.

Participants were invited to contribute to a collaborative “poetry wall”, sharing words, phrases and reflections inspired by the conference. These contributions were later developed into a collective poem, presented at the conference closing ceremony and now being compiled into a commemorative booklet for delegates.

The initiative proved highly successful, with 422 delegates visiting the space over four days. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with 97% of respondents reporting they were extremely satisfied with their experience.

Delegate feedback highlighted the impact of the space:

“The highlight of the conference by a long shot.”

“It was so refreshing to have a space for poetry at this science meeting… it reminded us that we are all creative beings.”

For The Wee Retreat CIC, the partnership supported their wider mission as a Community Interest Company, reinvesting profits to improve access to wellbeing services.

“Providing the Relaxation Zone for the Ocean Sciences meeting was an incredible opportunity for us. We pride ourselves in making wellbeing accessible for everyone, and this allowed delegates to pause and look after their wellbeing while supporting our social mission.”

“Vicky Hope and The Wee Retreat were excellent partners for our wellness initiatives. We collaborated on ideas and worked together to deliver them successfully.”

This collaboration highlights how conferences in Glasgow can connect with local organisations to deliver positive outcomes for both delegates and the wider community.