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Strategy

Health and Wellness

by Smart Meetings

August 25, 2025

2024

Healthy F&B: Prebiotics & Probiotics Explained

Prebiotics and probiotics have been called the good guys in your gut and the food that feeds them. Find out what they are and how you and your attendees can benefit from eating them.

Hack the 32-hour Event Workweek

The world has changed since the 40-hour workweek was set by the Fair Labor Standards Act in 1940. Meeting professionals, who often work far longer than 40 hours, may see benefits from implementing the 32-hour workweek. Let’s take a look at the how-tos, the benefits and what AI can do to make the 32-hour workweek a possibility.

Healthy World: Ask for Induction

It’s been said gas stoves, even a pricey model, is as bad for your health as residing with a smoker. The answer: Induction cooking.

Supporting Employee Mental Health in the Workplace: Practical Tips for Meeting Professionals

Employee mental health should be of the utmost importance for companies that want successful business. Meeting professionals, often at the helm of high-stress projects, are uniquely positioned to influence their teams’ well-being.

The Convergence of the Events and Wellness Industries: Why Event Planners Should Care

The intersection of events and wellness presents a unique opportunity for us as event professionals to enhance our offerings and maximize return on investment (ROI) by integrating wellness into event strategies.

IRF Invitational Went All-in on Incentive Event Personalization

When more than 500 incentive travel experts met in the Bahamas at Baha Mar for Incentive Research Foundation’s Invitational 2024, it was personal. The annual gathering to discuss trends and connect with peers kicked off with a discussion about the power of designing programs that include personalized touches.

Healthy You: Are You Happy Yet?

Although the pursuit of happiness has been granted to every American as their inalienable right, it has been on the decline. Three books weigh in on the path to happiness.

The Magic of Collective Effervescence

“Collective effervescence,” the feelings of unity and connection that people have when they gather together, whether it’s for family celebrations or community events. This term was coined by Emile Durkheim more than 100 years ago, yet remains something event professionals should delve into, to make their business audiences feel connected and like they belong.

Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas Pilots Holistic Harmony Wellness Retreat

Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas has recently began a new spa and wellness program, called Holistic Harmony Wellness Retreat. The three women behind the program discuss what sparked its creation and what they hope to accomplish.

Wellness Experience in Arizona: Embrace the Challenges

At Smart Meetings Wellness Experience this week at The Wigwam Resort, we addressed physical and mental wellness, along with the deeper need for human connection.

Wellness on a Budget: Five Cost-Effective Ideas to Elevate Wellness in Your Meetings

Wellness is on the rise. And while many assume that enhancing wellness comes with a hefty price tag, the truth is, there are abundant cost-effective options available that are both fun and creative.

The ABCs of Onsite Childcare

Lack of childcare is a major consideration for many event professionals, causing them to miss out on work and/or events. For meeting professionals who are constantly playing this balancing act, onsite childcare for may not only boost their satisfaction but increase attendance more generally.

Essential F&B: Savvy Snacking

Is this the year of snacking? Several chefs and U.S. restaurants seem to think so, offering innovate snacks, and snack-based team-building activities, rather than meals for their diners.

Ravish: Diet Delish

It’s the month of new beginnings. A recent study by Oxford University found that those who dieted in January lost up to 30% more weight than those who tried in other months. Here are four hotels where you can savor the flavors without deep-sixing your diet.

2023

Well Done: Essential Considerations

In today’s fast-paced world, the importance of both physical and mental well-being has a newfound place in events of all types. Here are 5 questions to answer when choosing wellness offerings.

Pick Our Brain: Smart People Ask Questions

Wellness is an important topic for many in the meetings industry. In this column, Peer Support Specialist Janice Cardinale answers a couple of wellness-related questions.

Wellness Hacks: Deep Relaxation Trends

Introducing wellness programs may be as easy as leaning on the resources at your hotel partner’s spa. We asked the experts at three properties to share trends in wellness activations they are seeing in 2023.

The Happiest Places to Meet in America

Using WalletHub’s list of the happiest cities in America, Smart Meetings gathered some of the top locations, venues and locations that are sure to bring a smile to your attendees’ faces.

Incentivize Attendees to Feel Better

The Caesars Entertainment Global Wellness program, in collaboration with Heka Health, concluded June 10. By the event’s conclusion, 1,077 participants had racked up 5.5 million points based on steps the distance from New York City to Los Angeles.

Retreat to the Great Smokey Mountains

A gem of modern creature comforts stands humbly off U.S. Route 19 along the edge of the rushing Soco Creek. The over 1,100-room Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort is owned by the Cherokee Nation with all services operated under the Caesars Entertainment brand in a partnership that helps the surrounding community thrive.

Cannabis Tourism: Now Mainstream for Meetings

Cannabis tourism among corporate groups may be on the rise, but it isn’t without its problems. Smart Meetings found out how the industry is responding.

Cannabis Tourism is Going Mainstream

Smart Meetings sat down with cannabis travel consultant and cannabis advocate Brian Applegarth to discuss the integration of cannabis into the tourism industry and what meeting professionals should know.

2022

South Florida Meetings: Health, Wellness and Productivity

The South Florida lifestyle has always incorporated health and wellness, leading to more attendee involvement, and more productive meetings.

Healthy You: The Memory Games

It doesn’t take Inspector Clouseau to figure out modern humans have a memory gap; and meeting profs have more to remember than ever. Never forget there is something to be done about it.

How Micro-stimulants Can Boost Conference Participant Wellness

The pandemic has driven event planners to rethink their strategies for events of all sizes so that health is at the forefront of almost every decision—a trend that is likely to continue and, if executed carefully, could also help optimize content delivery in the age of TikTok-sized attention spans.

Go. Just Go.

There’s plenty of bad news in the world. Putting our heads in the sand will not stop that. Trouble is, as we know, the vast majority of the good in the world doesn’t make the news. It must be seen, must be experienced, to be known. And that means we must travel. This is a story about how good travel and tourism can save us.

Healthy World: Walking the Talk

Sustainability is on the lips of the meetings world everywhere. As aspiration and inspiration, let us praise venues that lead the pack.

Meetings MBA: Emotions Drive Motivation

How can your employee recognition program tap into that link between emotion and motivation for better results? Here are 3 ways to make it happen.

5 Major Wellness Trends for Meeting Planners to Know Now

From what products to put in gift bags and what type of resort to choose, to what experiences groups can enjoy together to maximize wellness, these trends are what spa, resort and wellness pros are talking about now.

Healthy You: Biohacks for Planners

You’ve heard the term biohacking and will continue to hear it—experts say it’s not a fad but a phenomenon that will continue to evolve.

Smart Meetings Armed Attendees with Revolutionary Strategies to Pursue Happiness

Meeting professionals gathered at Smart Meetings Mid-Atlantic Experience were treated to a crash course in finding personal and professional freedom while building a network that will serve their careers for years to come.

Wellness and Sustainability Top Agenda for Accor Reorganization

A three-day event by Accor was a sneak peek at a major reorganization of the global hotel company coming this fall, which includes sustainability and wellness.

Don’t Worry, Be Happy

There seems to be so much more to be worried about these days. Professionally and personally. All to the backdrop of a world seemingly going to Hades in a handbasket faster than ever. While eliminating all worry from your life may be an absurd idea, there are ways for you to decrease the worry and increase the happy.

The Spa: From Luxury to Preventative Medicine

In 2021, the global wellness industry’s estimated worth was $4.5 trillion and is projected to continue a 5-10% increase year-over-year, culminating in a worth of $9 trillion by 2040. Lacey Matsumoto, Four Seasons Resort Lanai’s new spa director for its Hawanawana Spa, is seeing the impact first hand.

Teed up to Blow Off Some Steam

Golf and spas are arguably the epitome of relaxation. Resorts with astounding golf courses and luxurious spas are spread across the country, from South Carolina to the islands of Hawaii.

Results from a Healthy IMEX Challenge

The fitness mindset was prevalent at IMEX America 2022 in Las Vegas. From 5Ks on The Strip and Orangetheory HIIT workouts to morning yoga and meditation, attendees got moving someway or somehow.

2021

New Ultra-Luxury, No-Gaming Vegas Hotel Will Focus on Wellness

A press conference this week introduced plans for Majestic Las Vegas, a no-gaming, no-smoking, luxury 720-suite property that will stand directly across from the newly expanded Las Vegas Convention Center.

A Wellness Revolution

With COVID-19, health, stress relief and wellbeing have been catapulted into the limelight. As the industry continues to rebound, spas and healthy activities have become a vital part of a successful event, albeit with the integration of significant safety protocols.

Well-being is Where It’s At

Meetings can be among the best ways to maximize well-being for hospitality professionals. Here are the top life lessons from the plague year.

Curing Covid Brain with Meditation

Feeling anxious? You’re not alone. Meditation can bring planners back to the now. Headspace’s former Chief Medical Officer Dr. David Cox shares his meditative hacks.

How to Increase Wellness Options in the Lives of Meeting Professionals

Catering to attendee wellness might result in happier, healthier outcomes at your events. Here’s how to whip out all the best wellness options.

Healthy World: The Future Is Now

The 2020s may be looked back upon as the inflection point marking the beginning of a healthier world with healthier people. From electric vehicles to changes in diet, here is what to expect.

The Antidote for Zoom Fatigue

Avoiding Zoom fatigue is fairly easy. Here’s how event tech expert Brandt Kreuger improves his clients’ presenter setups.

It’s a Wrap: All the Health and Wellness from 2020

We’re heading ‘round the bend to 2021. We tracked how a scary virus highlighted the crucial practice of health and wellness in the home (and) office.

How to Overcome Covid Brain

After more than a year of being told that being around other people could literally kill you, feeling comfortable in a ballroom of strangers will not be as easy as flipping a switch. Read on for tips on curing Covid brain and calming yourself, your team and your attendees’ meeting jitters.

Q&A with Rachel Sheerin on Banishing Burnout and Reinventing Joy

If you’ve lost that loving feeling for your work, that’s burnout—and you’re not alone. Motivational keynote speaker and event emcee Rachel Sheerin shares her tips.

Healthy You: Pay Attention

Your attention is a limited resource. Nevermind multitasking. Here’s what you should know about the detriments of multitasking so you can stay healthy.

Lake Nona Wave Hotel Wants to Turn Your Group into Superhumans

Through dining, entertainment and fitness facilities, Lake Nona Wave Hotel is building healthier teams—in body and mind. Check out the rock wall, tech shuttles and water park pictures inside for your inspo.

2025

Fitness, Not Fads

What the next gen actually wants at events We keep saying our events should be inclusive. Then we build programs around late nights, heavy pours and passive sitting. That is […]

Mindfulness? There’s an App for That

Scientific research has demonstrated that regular mindfulness practice can reduce stress, enhance emotional regulation, improve focus and promote overall well-being. In our fast-paced, digital world, mindfulness apps serve as accessible tools for cultivating these valuable skills.

Healthy You: Hydration Fixation

We’re all half water. We all need to replenish daily what our bodies expend. Gen Z, especially, has a hydration fixation. They’re said to be drinking more water than any […]

Well Done: Get Out(side)

For meeting planners, integrating nature into conference programming isn’t just a trend—it’s a powerful strategy for improving engagement, wellness and innovation.

Incorporating Sports into Meetings: A Game-Changer for Event Planners

Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront. Director of Sales and Marketing Kate De Master collaborates with planners to curate experiences that align with their meeting goals. Drawing from the vibrant sports culture in Jacksonville, De Master shares her top recommendations for incorporating sports in events to create meaningful connections and lasting impressions on attendees.

IMEX Frankfurt: Lessons in Wellness from the European Way of Living

Attending IMEX Frankfurt, David T. Stevens received a firsthand lesson in how this approach translates to our industry. It’s not perfect—but there’s plenty to celebrate and a lot for the meetings and events world to learn.

The Importance of Getting Away: Why Event Planners Need to Step Back to Move Forward

Recently, I had the privilege of attending a retreat in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, with a group of women entrepreneurs. This retreat, focused on business strategy, deep dive sessions and personal growth, reminded me just how vital it is for planners like us to step away from the chaos and reset.

Caesars Wellness Roadshow Event Resonates

The Caesars Wellness Road Show took place in seven cities across the United States. The company educated meeting professionals about the its curated wellness menus of catering and content options.

2024

Ask the Pillow Concierge: Tips for a Good Night’s Sleep on the Road

Travel is one of the perks of a meeting prof’s life. Except when it isn’t. Unlike the harsh reality of TSA PreCheck lines that are longer than general queues, the […]

Healthy F&B: Prebiotics & Probiotics Explained

Prebiotics and probiotics have been called the good guys in your gut and the food that feeds them. Find out what they are and how you and your attendees can benefit from eating them.

Hack the 32-hour Event Workweek

The world has changed since the 40-hour workweek was set by the Fair Labor Standards Act in 1940. Meeting professionals, who often work far longer than 40 hours, may see benefits from implementing the 32-hour workweek. Let's take a look at the how-tos, the benefits and what AI can do to make the 32-hour workweek a possibility.

Healthy World: Ask for Induction

It’s been said gas stoves, even a pricey model, is as bad for your health as residing with a smoker. The answer: Induction cooking.

Supporting Employee Mental Health in the Workplace: Practical Tips for Meeting Professionals

Employee mental health should be of the utmost importance for companies that want successful business. Meeting professionals, often at the helm of high-stress projects, are uniquely positioned to influence their teams' well-being.

The Convergence of the Events and Wellness Industries: Why Event Planners Should Care

The intersection of events and wellness presents a unique opportunity for us as event professionals to enhance our offerings and maximize return on investment (ROI) by integrating wellness into event strategies.

IRF Invitational Went All-in on Incentive Event Personalization

When more than 500 incentive travel experts met in the Bahamas at Baha Mar for Incentive Research Foundation’s Invitational 2024, it was personal. The annual gathering to discuss trends and connect with peers kicked off with a discussion about the power of designing programs that include personalized touches.

Healthy You: Are You Happy Yet?

Although the pursuit of happiness has been granted to every American as their inalienable right, it has been on the decline. Three books weigh in on the path to happiness.

The Magic of Collective Effervescence

"Collective effervescence," the feelings of unity and connection that people have when they gather together, whether it’s for family celebrations or community events. This term was coined by Emile Durkheim more than 100 years ago, yet remains something event professionals should delve into, to make their business audiences feel connected and like they belong.

Wellness Experience in Arizona: Embrace the Challenges

At Smart Meetings Wellness Experience this week at The Wigwam Resort, we addressed physical and mental wellness, along with the deeper need for human connection.

Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas Pilots Holistic Harmony Wellness Retreat

Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas has recently began a new spa and wellness program, called Holistic Harmony Wellness Retreat. The three women behind the program discuss what sparked its creation and what they hope to accomplish.

Wellness on a Budget: Five Cost-Effective Ideas to Elevate Wellness in Your Meetings

Wellness is on the rise. And while many assume that enhancing wellness comes with a hefty price tag, the truth is, there are abundant cost-effective options available that are both fun and creative.

The ABCs of Onsite Childcare

Lack of childcare is a major consideration for many event professionals, causing them to miss out on work and/or events. For meeting professionals who are constantly playing this balancing act, onsite childcare for may not only boost their satisfaction but increase attendance more generally.

Essential F&B: Savvy Snacking

Is this the year of snacking? Several chefs and U.S. restaurants seem to think so, offering innovate snacks, and snack-based team-building activities, rather than meals for their diners.

Ravish: Diet Delish

It's the month of new beginnings. A recent study by Oxford University found that those who dieted in January lost up to 30% more weight than those who tried in other months. Here are four hotels where you can savor the flavors without deep-sixing your diet.

2023

Well Done: Essential Considerations

In today’s fast-paced world, the importance of both physical and mental well-being has a newfound place in events of all types. Here are 5 questions to answer when choosing wellness offerings.

Pick Our Brain: Smart People Ask Questions

Wellness is an important topic for many in the meetings industry. In this column, Peer Support Specialist Janice Cardinale answers a couple of wellness-related questions.

Wellness Hacks: Deep Relaxation Trends

Introducing wellness programs may be as easy as leaning on the resources at your hotel partner’s spa. We asked the experts at three properties to share trends in wellness activations they are seeing in 2023.

The Happiest Places to Meet in America

Using WalletHub’s list of the happiest cities in America, Smart Meetings gathered some of the top locations, venues and locations that are sure to bring a smile to your attendees’ faces.

Incentivize Attendees to Feel Better

The Caesars Entertainment Global Wellness program, in collaboration with Heka Health, concluded June 10. By the event’s conclusion, 1,077 participants had racked up 5.5 million points based on steps the distance from New York City to Los Angeles.

Retreat to the Great Smokey Mountains

A gem of modern creature comforts stands humbly off U.S. Route 19 along the edge of the rushing Soco Creek. The over 1,100-room Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort is owned by the Cherokee Nation with all services operated under the Caesars Entertainment brand in a partnership that helps the surrounding community thrive.

Cannabis Tourism: Now Mainstream for Meetings

Cannabis tourism among corporate groups may be on the rise, but it isn't without its problems. Smart Meetings found out how the industry is responding.

Cannabis Tourism is Going Mainstream

Smart Meetings sat down with cannabis travel consultant and cannabis advocate Brian Applegarth to discuss the integration of cannabis into the tourism industry and what meeting professionals should know.

2022

Teed up to Blow Off Some Steam

Golf and spas are arguably the epitome of relaxation. Resorts with astounding golf courses and luxurious spas are spread across the country, from South Carolina to the islands of Hawaii.

Results from a Healthy IMEX Challenge

The fitness mindset was prevalent at IMEX America 2022 in Las Vegas. From 5Ks on The Strip and Orangetheory HIIT workouts to morning yoga and meditation, attendees got moving someway or somehow.

The Spa: From Luxury to Preventative Medicine

In 2021, the global wellness industry’s estimated worth was $4.5 trillion and is projected to continue a 5-10% increase year-over-year, culminating in a worth of $9 trillion by 2040. Lacey Matsumoto, Four Seasons Resort Lanai’s new spa director for its Hawanawana Spa, is seeing the impact first hand.

Don’t Worry, Be Happy

There seems to be so much more to be worried about these days. Professionally and personally. All to the backdrop of a world seemingly going to Hades in a handbasket faster than ever. While eliminating all worry from your life may be an absurd idea, there are ways for you to decrease the worry and increase the happy.

Wellness and Sustainability Top Agenda for Accor Reorganization

A three-day event by Accor was a sneak peek at a major reorganization of the global hotel company coming this fall, which includes sustainability and wellness.

Meetings MBA: Emotions Drive Motivation

How can your employee recognition program tap into that link between emotion and motivation for better results? Here are 3 ways to make it happen.

5 Major Wellness Trends for Meeting Planners to Know Now

From what products to put in gift bags and what type of resort to choose, to what experiences groups can enjoy together to maximize wellness, these trends are what spa, resort and wellness pros are talking about now.

Smart Meetings Armed Attendees with Revolutionary Strategies to Pursue Happiness

Meeting professionals gathered at Smart Meetings Mid-Atlantic Experience were treated to a crash course in finding personal and professional freedom while building a network that will serve their careers for years to come.

Healthy You: Biohacks for Planners

You’ve heard the term biohacking and will continue to hear it—experts say it’s not a fad but a phenomenon that will continue to evolve.

Go. Just Go.

There’s plenty of bad news in the world. Putting our heads in the sand will not stop that. Trouble is, as we know, the vast majority of the good in the world doesn’t make the news. It must be seen, must be experienced, to be known. And that means we must travel. This is a story about how good travel and tourism can save us.

Healthy You: The Memory Games

It doesn’t take Inspector Clouseau to figure out modern humans have a memory gap; and meeting profs have more to remember than ever. Never forget there is something to be done about it.

Healthy World: Walking the Talk

Sustainability is on the lips of the meetings world everywhere. As aspiration and inspiration, let us praise venues that lead the pack.

South Florida Meetings: Health, Wellness and Productivity

The South Florida lifestyle has always incorporated health and wellness, leading to more attendee involvement, and more productive meetings.

How Micro-stimulants Can Boost Conference Participant Wellness

The pandemic has driven event planners to rethink their strategies for events of all sizes so that health is at the forefront of almost every decision—a trend that is likely to continue and, if executed carefully, could also help optimize content delivery in the age of TikTok-sized attention spans.

2021

Lake Nona Wave Hotel Wants to Turn Your Group into Superhumans

Through dining, entertainment and fitness facilities, Lake Nona Wave Hotel is building healthier teams—in body and mind. Check out the rock wall, tech shuttles and water park pictures inside for your inspo.

How to Overcome Covid Brain

After more than a year of being told that being around other people could literally kill you, feeling comfortable in a ballroom of strangers will not be as easy as flipping a switch. Read on for tips on curing Covid brain and calming yourself, your team and your attendees’ meeting jitters.

Q&A with Rachel Sheerin on Banishing Burnout and Reinventing Joy

If you’ve lost that loving feeling for your work, that’s burnout—and you’re not alone. Motivational keynote speaker and event emcee Rachel Sheerin shares her tips.

Healthy You: Pay Attention

Your attention is a limited resource. Nevermind multitasking. Here's what you should know about the detriments of multitasking so you can stay healthy.

The Antidote for Zoom Fatigue

Avoiding Zoom fatigue is fairly easy. Here’s how event tech expert Brandt Kreuger improves his clients’ presenter setups.

Healthy World: The Future Is Now

The 2020s may be looked back upon as the inflection point marking the beginning of a healthier world with healthier people. From electric vehicles to changes in diet, here is what to expect.

How to Increase Wellness Options in the Lives of Meeting Professionals

Catering to attendee wellness might result in happier, healthier outcomes at your events. Here's how to whip out all the best wellness options.

Curing Covid Brain with Meditation

Feeling anxious? You're not alone. Meditation can bring planners back to the now. Headspace's former Chief Medical Officer Dr. David Cox shares his meditative hacks.

Well-being is Where It’s At

Meetings can be among the best ways to maximize well-being for hospitality professionals. Here are the top life lessons from the plague year.

A Wellness Revolution

With COVID-19, health, stress relief and wellbeing have been catapulted into the limelight. As the industry continues to rebound, spas and healthy activities have become a vital part of a successful event, albeit with the integration of significant safety protocols.

New Ultra-Luxury, No-Gaming Vegas Hotel Will Focus on Wellness

A press conference this week introduced plans for Majestic Las Vegas, a no-gaming, no-smoking, luxury 720-suite property that will stand directly across from the newly expanded Las Vegas Convention Center.

It’s a Wrap: All the Health and Wellness from 2020

We’re heading ‘round the bend to 2021. We tracked how a scary virus highlighted the crucial practice of health and wellness in the home (and) office.

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Hi, Tech!

David Lytle

Dec 23, 2025

Fitness, Not Fads

Guest Author (David T. Stevens)

Work Smart: Measuring ROI

Guest Author (Chuck Kapelke)

Jan 14, 2026

It's Time to Be Irrational: Reclaiming Experimentation in Event Strategy

Guest Author (Brent Turner)

Jan 9, 2026

Smart Tech: No Vanilla Event Ideas

Guest Author (Dahlia El Gazzar)

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