Creating Hygge in a Post-Hug World

Hygge (say huu-ga) is a Danish word with no one-word translation – it refers to “a mood of coziness and comfortable conviviality with feelings of wellness and contentment.” This word is on my reference wall to remind me as I design events to focus on delivering  this “gift of attention” to our guests; it is what can make our events stand out and be memorable, an event they want to come to again because of how we made them feel.

With our SITE global conference in Vancouver in January 2020 we experimented with an R Lounge delivered by IHP whose core expertise lies in keeping workplaces and events healthy. This space focuses on wellness (vs illness) and allowed individuals to relax in their own recliners while enjoying a short guided meditation, taking space for themselves briefly during what can be an intense experience learning and connecting. This was really appreciated by participants who found it truly beneficial, even those true A-type extroverts who thrive in these busy environments were seen to be recommending this experience to their peers. Hygge One, check.

How else can we create hygge – the feeling of contentment that is a hug without the physical touch – in a post-hug event world? If the key ingredients are the following, I have some ideas and am keen to hear yours.

1. Togetherness. While a given in a typical event but in a physically distanced norm it becomes more about focus on shared experience more than on distance between chairs. What is happening that evokes emotion and opens hearts?
2. Indulgence. In the incentive travel world, this is one of the expectations, from accommodation to food and beverage experiences, to activities and entertainment / performance elements and all of this can continue – what does luxury mean to you?
3. Presence. Eye contact, truly listening to hear and not to reply, and taking the time to focus on the dialogue vs the (many) distractions, this is more rare than not and precious. Truly a hug for the soul. Let’s keep space for this.
4. Comfort. From knowing where we are going and how we will get there, ease of access and a warm smile on arrival to the weight of a duvet, the preparation with care of a favorite cocktail, a sunset dinner or a gift that delights, it all adds up to our comfort, and is what will ensure participants want to return.

With any luck, you have known this and will recognize hygge when you feel it. According to Meik Wiking (see below) “The true essence of hygge is the pursuit of everyday happiness and it’s basically like a hug, just without the physical touch,” he says. How will you bring this into your current days? And our new event experiences?

If you are interested in exploring more, check out this book by Meik Wiking,  The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets To Happy Living, and CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen.