Need a break? Your conference attendees do too! At your next big event, give them something fun and creative to do.

How do you turn boring breaks into enhanced experiences? The experts at The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club have some ideas for you.

From snacks to games to something unexpected, check out these seven creative break ideas for your next conference.

To learn more about how The Madison Concourse Hotel can make your event spectacular -- down to every last detail -- view our meetings & events offerings.

Do Goodery

Nothing brings people together like helping the community. At your next event, give your attendees an opportunity to give back.

Set up a station for folks to help make care packages for local children's hospitals. Be sure to include fun activities like coloring books, card games, and stickers.

Similarly, you can assemble care kits for local homeless shelters. Simple items like toothbrushes, hand wipes, and socks can go a long way in making someone’s life better.

Breathe In Breathe Out

You don’t need much time to sneak in a quick wellness session! Try offering a beginner’s yoga class. Attendees can stretch their bodies and their brains after long periods of being seated.

Meditation sessions are a great option too. All it takes is a brief overview of mindfulness techniques and you’re off to nirvana (or something like that).

If you’d like to really take care of your attendees, consider showing the introverts some love. Attending a big conference can be very draining, and introverts especially need time and space to “recharge.” Create an introvert zone where talking is prohibited and comfortable lounge space offers a quiet oasis.

Old Dog Meet New Trick

At conferences, attendees spend a lot of time learning new things. But during the breaks, the learning doesn’t have to stop!

Try offering mini learning opportunities as creative palette cleansers. These sessions can be fun and totally unrelated to the overall conference. Learn how to decorate cupcakes, how to assemble a cheese board, or how to knit a scarf. Anything goes as long as it’s fun and engaging.

Snack Attack

Snack time! Your attendees will be hungry and ready to eat during conference breaks. Your job is to provide fast and filling options that will boost energy and prevent that mid-day slump.

Tame the hunger monster by offering fruits, vegetables, salads, and protein options. Add some local flavor, like an artisan meat and cheese board for Wisconsin, for example.

For extra creative points, give your attendees something they won’t soon forget, like sushi burritos, Korean BBQ tacos, or mac-and-cheese pizza (like Ian’s).

Don’t forget about food allergies and dietary restrictions! Make sure your snacks are clearly labeled and you have something for everyone to enjoy.

Get Crafty With It

Crafts are a great way for your attendees to embrace their creative side, interact with others, and take home unique goodies! Plus, there are so many different mini craft projects to choose from, you are sure to find something perfect for your group.

In Madison, we are inspired by Revel, a DIY craft studio. They offer all kinds of craft activities designed for small groups like candle-making, crocheting, painting, string art, and so much more. Pick a theme that jives with your conference and get crafty with it!

Papa-Paparazzi

Photos are a great keepsake from big events. Plus, your attendees can share them on social media with your conference hashtag! But don’t just settle for a traditional photographer, have some fun with it!

You could set up a selfie station, a retro photobooth, or a red carpet walk. Whatever you choose, be sure to give your attendees plenty of fun props to play with! You can’t go wrong with giant sunglasses and fluffy feather boas.

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

A little competition can really shake things up! Give your attendees the opportunity to team up and play games during the breaks.

Organize a scavenger hunt around the venue or (even better) around the local area. Incorporate taking photos or videos of crazy tasks for points. Prizes help, but bragging rights are valuable too.

Other ideas include a massive rock-paper-scissors tournament or a bigger and better exchange contest. The more people who can participate, the better!

Take A Break From Boring Breaks

Remember, details matter! Breaks between sessions don’t have to be empty space. Fill ‘em up and enhance the experience for your conference attendees.

The event experts at The Madison Concourse Hotel can help! Contact us today to start planning your next event.