How to Lighten Up Your Conference with Laughter Yoga
November 1, 2019
Following an insightful session on leadership at IMEX, I was surprised to see a woman in a white doctor’s coat enter the room. “Everyone, stand up!” she said. Oh, great, I thought to myself — is this going to be one of those awkward, “go introduce yourself to someone new” activities? It turned out to be something much more fun.
Sarah Routman, founder of the company Laugh Healthy and a self-proclaimed “laugh doctor,” proceeded to lead our group in a new-to-me kind of exercise: laughter yoga. We practiced forced laughter, pretended to toss an imaginary laughing emoji up in the air, focused on our breathing through laughter and ended up actually laughing, quite hysterically, from all the antics. I think everyone in the room felt lighter after our five minutes with Routman were up.
They say that laughter is contagious, but Routman teaches that it’s also good for your health. She’s been trained as a certified laughter yoga instructor (yes, that’s a real thing!), and has also trained in Reiki and reflexology. A former school teacher, Routman now travels the country hosting laughter yoga sessions at events for companies from Hyatt to Cigna to Best Buy.
Laughter yoga was coined by a doctor from India named Madan Kataria, aka “The Laughter Guru,” based on science that shows laughter is healthy. The body cannot differentiate between fake and real laughter, says Dr. Kataria, so you enjoy the same physiological and psychological benefits — such as a reduction in blood pressure, a drop in stress levels and a more positive outlook on life — from both kinds. “What soap is to the body, laughter is to the soul,” reads an old Yiddish proverb.
You can’t help but smile being in the presence of Routman for even a few minutes, even before she begins her techniques for sparking chuckles. Event planners can work with her to lead workshops ranging from three minutes (perfect to kick off or end an educational session, as she did at IMEX) to one hour, for groups as large as 1,000 people.
The best part about laughter yoga? It requires zero skill, equipment or workout clothing (meaning there are few reasons attendees could say no!). Routman has recently been featured at The National Wellness Conference, The Minnesota Hospice and Palliative Care Conference and The American Association of Orthopaedic Executives Conference.
If you’re curious about laughter yoga and how Routman leads sessions, sign up for her free laughter call that takes place at 9AM CST every Monday morning. Talk about a great way to start the week!
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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