Creating Calm: A Look Inside the AFR Wellness Lounge at 2025 NACE Experience
In today’s fast-paced event environment, wellness has moved from a “nice-to-have” to a genuine expectation. Attendees crave moments of rest and reset amid jam-packed schedules—and forward-thinking planners are responding by creating dedicated wellness spaces that elevate the overall event experience.
At 2025 NACE Experience Conference in Milwaukee, WI, attendees had the chance to step away from the hustle and bustle of sessions and celebrations to recharge in a thoughtfully designed Wellness Lounge, sponsored by AFR Furniture Rental (Website | Instagram).
Transforming Space Into Sanctuary
The lounge, situated just off the registration area and main ballroom, was a welcome oasis. AFR Furniture Rentals styled the space, seamlessly transforming the Milwaukee Hilton’s vintage art deco setting into a modern spa-like retreat. Crisp white couches, wicker basket nest chairs, marble accent tables, and green accents with plants and footstools created an airy, restorative aesthetic.
Touches of intentional design—from fidget toys and calming misters to tabletop puzzles—offered small but meaningful ways for attendees to decompress. The space also provided opportunities for branding that felt natural rather than intrusive, highlighting how thoughtful design can align sponsor support with attendee wellbeing.
Wellness in Action
Beyond beautiful furniture and styling, the lounge delivered hands-on rejuvenation. Partnering with Spa in Your Space (website | Instagram), the room offered oxygen treatments and massages, drawing consistent crowds of attendees eager for a mindful pause. Whether it was a ten-minute shoulder massage between breakout sessions or a few deep breaths with oxygen aromatherapy, these offerings were not only popular—they were essential.
Why It Worked
The Wellness Lounge became one of the most talked-about features of the conference because it met a real need: balance. In a week filled with learning, networking, and celebration, it created a calm environment that made the rest of the event more enjoyable and sustainable for attendees.
For event professionals, the takeaway is clear: wellness spaces add measurable value. They enhance the attendee journey, showcase sponsor creativity, and align with the industry-wide trend toward holistic, human-centered event design.
Bringing It Home
As you plan your next event, consider how you can integrate wellness into your floorplan. Whether it’s a fully branded lounge or a smaller breakout area with comfortable seating and quiet activities, these spaces leave a lasting impression.
At NACE Experience, AFR Furniture Rentals showed us how the right design elements can completely transform a venue corner into a true retreat. It’s a model worth replicating—and one your attendees will thank you for.