An Open Conversation About Mental Health

As the challenges of modern society grow more complex, leaders and conference suppliers across all industries are grappling with a crisis that often goes unspoken—mental health and wellness. As the CEO of Visit Baltimore and President of the RCMA Board of Directors, I’ve witnessed firsthand how the COVID-19 pandemic has intensified the stress and burnout of leaders in the hospitality and religious spaces. During the lockdowns, religious leaders were called upon to offer spiritual guidance while contending with their isolation and lack of support. The pandemic has only magnified existing challenges, such as health concerns, financial instability, loss of loved ones, and societal unrest. These pressures have taken a toll on leaders everywhere and underscored the critical need for mental health awareness across the board.

More and more, I find myself talking to my peers about mental health and wellness from a leadership perspective. Faith-based leaders are dealing with these challenges within their congregations, and our suppliers in the DMO space face similar struggles. Three years ago, Visit Baltimore had no room in the budget for mental health, but our leadership team knew this needed to be addressed. In 2024, we prioritized it, dedicating a line item for this critical need and continuing this into our upcoming fiscal year.

While I don’t consider myself an expert in the mental health space, I am proud to share that we are taking concrete steps to address this ongoing crisis from the top down while engaging experts in this space. We’ve brought in mental health coaches for senior leaders to begin these conversations and self-care experts for our entire staff, who also lead wellness initiatives for their peers, including “brain breaks,” breath work sessions, smoothie-making workshops, line dancing, yoga classes, and more. This is not just about leadership; it’s a way for staff to open conversations with peers, suppliers, and vendors, establishing best practices for caring for ourselves and each other.

Leaders can often feel like the loneliest group, but it’s time we break the stigma. Open conversations about mental health are critical for creating a supportive and welcoming environment for staff and members. I urge religious leaders to prioritize their well-being, utilize available resources, and continue these important conversations within their communities.

AL HUTCHINSON
CEO of Visit Baltimore
Chairman of the RCMA Board of Directors