OREANDA-NEWS. November 22, 2013. The North Park Auditorium and the IT Future Center were hubs of innovative wellness and knowledge-sharing under the theme of “Innovating for the Future.” Broadcast live via video streaming companywide, the opening ceremony of the wellcare conference included international keynote speakers and expert panel interactions.

Opening the event, Motassim Al Ma’ashouq, vice president of Medical Services, welcomed attendees to the conference and presented awards to the winners of the 2013 well leaders. Al Ma’ashouq was then presented with the first published edition of “A Wellness Roadmap for the Middle East.” The book provides a guide to implementing a fully integrated wellness model in Middle Eastern companies. The book, which will be printed in Arabic and English, explains the value of prevention and wellness in the context of business and community.

Al Ma’ashouq commented: “Health and well-being are not just important on a personal level. The achievements of every individual in improving his or her own health and well-being contribute directly to Saudi Aramco’s 2020 strategic intent … including Saudi Aramco being the world’s leading integrated energy and chemicals company. To reach our goal, we need a healthy and productive workforce, and our vision is that this energy and health will also extend to encompass our community.”

During the first session, Samantha Horseman, wellcare administrator, shared the accomplishments and future vision of Wellcare. “At ‘well people 2020’, you will be able to take stock of your lifestyle and reflect upon your vision of health and well-being by taking part in the interactive and innovative exhibitions, engaging keynotes and breakout sessions,” Horseman said. Attendees were introduced to the wellcare academies: eatWELL, readWELL, workWELL, quitWELL, seeWELL, hearWELL, dataWELL and studyWELL.

Keynote speaker Sean Sullivan, CEO and president of the Institute for Health and Productivity Management (IHPM), provided a global and regional update on the launch of the Middle East IHPM chapter.

Presenting the 2013 International Corporate Health and Productivity award to Saudi Aramco wellcare for leading the IHPM Middle East North Africa Chapter, Sullivan said, “We presented the award to the Saudi Aramco wellness program because of its unique aspects, which are critical to its success: wellness champions within the workforce, evidenced reduced risk migration and the support of the executive leadership.”

Keynote speakers Brent Baier, CTO and Founder of Iron Will Innovations Inc., spoke about the latest developments in wellness technologies and products, and Mark Catchlove, director of the Herman Miller insight group, talked about the steps necessary to take in creating a healthy workspace in his presentation “The Living Office” concept.  

Following the opening ceremony, the well people 2020 conference breakout sessions were packed with interested and engaged attendees ready to take the next step on their road to wellness.

Ensuring a holistic approach, the themes of the sessions were based on the following wellness dimensions: occupational, environmental, physical, social, emotional and intellectual.

Attendees also paid a visit to the wellcare exhibition, which showcased the latest technologies in the field of health, well-being, safety and environment.