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Maybe the word “conference” does not automatically elicit visions of health, wellness, and self-care. Maybe it makes you think about networking, speakers, and corporate communication. But conferences have been getting more interesting, more engaging, and just more fun for years, especially when we have anything to do with planning and designing them.
Recently, we took the idea of an engaging and enjoyable conference to the next level when designing an event for the Black Mamas Matter Alliance. This was a totally different style of conference and one that is really on trend right now. It started with a smaller number of attendees that allowed for a more intimate atmosphere. The all-day event included Instagrammable moments of affirmation, local vendors, a technological showcase, and even a healing sound bath.
Getting to Know This Organization
The Black Mamas Matter Alliance is a national network of Black women-led and Black-led birth and reproductive justice organizations and multi-disciplinary professionals, working across the full spectrum of maternal and reproductive health. Through events held in different cities, the organization aims to raise awareness of issues Black women face during and after pregnancy. Events also highlight mom-entrepreneurs (aka mompreneurs), especially those working in the tech realm – more on that coming up.
Plenty of Pampering
This year’s conference took place at The Gathering Spot and conceived it as a spa-like retreat that focused as much on well-being as providing information. The décor palette included creamy neutrals, rosy pinks, and soothing lavender paired with rich, deep purples and greens. From the perimeter décor to the step-and-repeat, we featured nature-inspired pampas grass, palm fans, and greenery with light floral accents, all complemented by mauve carpet runners.
These soothing design elements were repeated on the stage, where plush lounge seating met rounded end tables. The table curves were mirrored in the stage décor, which was also accented with Art Deco lines and gold finishes. Behind it all was a branded backdrop featuring the same calming palette.
Seeking Joy
An important goal of this conference was to engage and uplift attendees, so there were numerous interactive features that allowed everyone to be part of the day.
In addition to the floral step-and-repeat, guests were invited to take photos at the Black Mama Joy Affirmation Wall. There, we placed another mauve carpet runner and created a coordinating 8-by-8-ft. custom printed layered backdrop with words of positivity. There were about three dozen smaller painted signs for attendees to pose with, offering words like “radiant,” “resilient,” and “revolutionary,” allowing guests to choose what brings them joy and capture the moment with photos that could be shared on social media. In the Podcast Listening Lounge, guests relaxed within velvety seating and chose from featured podcasts. This space included a 12-by-8-ft. custom printed backdrop with a curving top – think bubble bath – and natural greenery and pampas grass.
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Delightful Sounds
During the conference, BMMA showcased many apps that are available to assist mothers with challenges they face. We promoted these with custom tabletop signs featuring QR codes that were placed on highboys draped in soft linens and accompanied by on-theme florals. A local vendor market offered the chance to shop for one-of-a-kind products.
While the event honored Black mothers and encouraged celebrations of joy, it also highlighted Black maternal health issues. Following an intense session that included a panel on maternal mortality, we reset the energy in the room with a sound bath. This hour of healing included a group sound bath with Tibetan and crystal singing bowls and shorter individual sound baths provided by Ottavia Tay Lang.
Was it a conference or a spa-like day highlighting well-being? Perhaps it is time to expect both.
