The Rise of “Bleisure”: Extending Conference Stays for Leisure Time

In the evolving landscape of business travel, a new trend is gaining momentum: "bleisure." This portmanteau of "business" and "leisure" represents the growing practice of extending business trips to include personal time for relaxation and exploration.

At Treetops, we're at the forefront of this trend, offering the perfect blend of professional facilities and leisure activities to make the most of your bleisure experience.

Understanding the bleisure boom

The concept of combining business and leisure travel isn't necessarily new, but since the post-pandemic era, it's seen unprecedented growth:

60% of business trips now include a leisure component

Millennials are driving this trend, with 94% likely to take bleisure trips

Companies are increasingly supportive, recognizing the benefits for employee well-being

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DETAILS

Why Treetops is ideal

Seamless transition: Conference facilities and leisure amenities in one location
Year-round appeal: From golf in summer to skiing in winter
Natural beauty: Northern Michigan's landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for relaxation
Diverse activities: Options for every interest and energy level
Convenient location: Easy access from every corner of the Great Lakes state, just minutes from the M32 exit off I-75.

Benefits for attendees

Cost-effective: Extend your stay without the expense of a separate vacation
Work-life balance: Combine professional development with personal rejuvenation
Cultural exploration: Experience Northern Michigan's unique and distinct outdoor culture and attractions
Stress reduction: Add a buffer between work responsibilities and returning home to the daily grind

Benefits for employers

Increased attendance: The bleisure option can boost conference participation
Employee satisfaction: Offering bleisure opportunities can improve morale
Enhanced productivity: Well-rested employees are more engaged during a conference
Talent attraction: Bleisure opportunities can be a valuable perk for recruitment

Making the most of your stay

Pre-conference: Arrive early to acclimate and enjoy resort amenities

Post-conference: Extend your stay for relaxation and exploration

Weekend bookends: For mid-week conferences, the option to add weekend stays on either end create greater opportunities

Popular activities at Treetops

Golf: Play a round on one of our five championship courses
Spa treatments: Unwind with a massage or facial at our luxurious spa
Outdoor adventures: Hiking, biking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing… it just depends on the season
Culinary experiences: Wine tastings, cooking classes, or orchard-to-table meals

Planning your bleisure trip

Communicate with your employer: Ensure they're on board with your extended stay
Book in advance: Secure preferred accommodations and activities
Balance your schedule: Plan leisure activities that won't interfere with conference commitments
Invite travel companions: Consider bringing family or friends for the leisure portion

Treetops' bleisure packages

We offer specially designed packages for bleisure travelers:

Conference + golf: Extend your stay with discounted green fees

Meetings & massages: Add spa treatments to your business trip

Winter work-ation: Combine remote work with skiing lift tickets

Case study: Tech conference success

When the Michigan IT Association hosted their annual conference at Treetops, attendee satisfaction scores increased by 35% after introducing bleisure options. Participants particularly appreciated the opportunity to bring families for a post-conference weekend of outdoor activities.

Conclusion

The rise of bleisure travel represents a shift towards a more holistic approach to business trips.

At Treetops, we've embraced this trend, offering the perfect blend of professional facilities and leisure opportunities. By extending your conference stay, you're not just attending a meeting – you're investing in your well-being and experiencing the best of Northern Michigan.

Ready to plan your bleisure trip to Treetops? Contact our group events team today to create the perfect balance of business and pleasure for your next conference visit.