Actividades: A new cult Apparently, it all started with Carl Honoré’s book “The praise of slow”. The book refers to the world movement that challenges the cult to speed and is against the old saying “time is gold”. It is not only a philosophical premise but a realistic vision of what is going on around us. If until now people have been “living fast”, the slow movement intends to find the equilibrium. In opposition to the “fast life” paradigm, alternative therapies appeared, such as new age culture, yoga, reiki and feng shui, that is, any possible way to connect the human being with its inner self. It is all about slowing down the process and enjoying the present as much as possible. Slow Meetings As for meetings and events, generally their aims are the opposite to those of the slow movement, that is, to speed up the process, offer attendants a complete working session in the shortest time possible (it is said that people’s attention can only be held for 20 minutes), make the best out of their time and make sure they can combine working sessions and other activities… It may be time to start practicing “slow meetings and events” in which slowing down speed is key, as well as avoiding stress and enjoying things with more intensity and without rushing. Also, it is an important factor to consider that people attend many events and meetings these days, and event organisers have a challenge to “convince” people to come to their events. Slow Food One of the aspects where the “slow effect” has already established is food. Slow Food aims to recover the pleasure of a good meal, and encourage the fine gastronomy and wine, as well as to rediscover the richness of aromas and flavours. Slow Food can also be applied to events. For example in a meeting or convention, after an intense working session, why not take attendees for an outdoor lunch to continue the meeting in a more relaxed and casual atmosphere? Choose a venue in an agrotourism or restaurant where locally cultivated food is served, for attendees to enjoy homemade dishes and home-brewed wines. For a more relaxed atmosphere, invite local farmers, chefs and wine cultivators to join attendees at the table to encourage conversation on how products are cultivated, how dishes are prepared and how wines are produced. Tea is the best example of “slow drink”. In coffee-breaks and meetings encourage attendants to try exotic teas or with relaxing qualities as an alternative to coffee. For coffee adicts, get attendees to enjoy different exotico flavours. Slow Cities Nowadays, there are many cities that want to link to the new “slow” culture. Slow Cities have turned into a philosophy of life: their inhabitants enjoy nature and value the smallest pleasures in life such as eating, talking, or better still, doing both at the same time. Choose a “slow city” for your next convention or conference and communicate attendees the features of a “slow city” (pedestrian crossings in abundance, special care of gastronomy and local culture, and the effort to maintain a calm and welcoming atmosphere, as noise and pollution-free as possible). Explain to them why the meeting is being held there as well as what they can enjoy and benefit from. Slow Travel One of the key factors of “slow travel” is to enjoy travelling as much as the destination, that is, choosing the train to contemplate the view or the bicycle for a more direct contact with the city. Avoid flying as well as the obsession to make as many kilometres as possible in the shortest time. Slow travel suggests walking around and encourages travellers to enjoy small details, such as a beautiful façade, a cosy cafe or a typical local restaurant… Instead of organising different activities for your next convention or conference, invite attendants to go for walks being guided by their impulses or by what locals may suggest to them. Forget maps and make attendees enjoy a more proximate city and in a more relaxed manner.