I don’t do yoga. I don’t do it alone, at 6 a.m. with strangers and especially in places where I can see my boss in a downward dog position. But at the same time, I like to think that wellness is a key priority for me as a person, and I’m developing deep respect—and connection—with events and venues that find holistic and innovative ways to weave wellness into the overall event experience.

When Caesars Entertainment invited meeting and event planners to experience wellness programming at the iconic Taliesin West by Frank Lloyd Wright near Phoenix, Ariz., it was hard not to be intrigued.

The event was part of the six-city Wellness Roadshow tour with stops across the U.S. from Seattle to Washington, D.C., to not just educate meeting planners on the value of wellness in events but also to showcase the framework and the thought process for incorporating wellness elements into event design and letting them experience it for themselves.

Wellness articles brought to you by

Building on the success of the inaugural Caesars Entertainment Wellness Forum that took place in Las Vegas in June 2024, these small-group events blended the energy of unique settings, inspiring speakers, thoughtful food choices and immersive wellness experiences to offer planners a new toolbox, and a different lens, to create the next generation of events.

The stop in Phoenix was no exception, nestled in the desert foothills in Scottsdale, the winter home and laboratory of Frank Lloyd Wright renowned for its unique take on seamless connection with nature. It provided a perfect setting grounded in intentionality, imagination and innovation.

“We picked this place because we know intention is key to bringing wellness into your meeting rooms,” said Kelly Gleeson Smith, senior vice president of sales for Caesars Entertainment. “Whether it’s through our wellness menus, our Sober Curious Crew for mocktails or zero-proof beverages or thoughtful gifting, we can extend those wellness options to you.”

David T. Stevens, the event’s emcee and co-founder of Olympian Meeting, a wellness consulting firm for events, meetings and conferences, started by addressing the connection between wellness and ROI, which is top of mind for planners.

“What if I told you that you could raise your net promoter score by a point or more and not spend any additional money,” Stevens said. “Wellness is going to improve you NPS.”

According to a recent Future of Wellness study by top global management and consulting firm McKinsey & Company, the wellness market has reached $480 billion in the U.S. and $1.4 trillion worldwide, with some 82% of U.S. consumers now considering wellness a priority in their everyday lives. Moreover, according to the Lululemon Global Wellbeing Report 2024, 21% of respondents felt an increase in a sense of belonging when working out with other people, 18% felt a boost when spending time with others in nature and 15% when taking group fitness classes. At the same time, some 89% felt like they are on the wellness journey alone.

“We have a massive opportunity to make the world a better place through wellness,” Stevens said.

Among specific ideas for getting started, Stevens suggested including questions about what types of activities would appeal to your audience in registration forms and making sure to provide the “other” option. From there, it can be anything from food options to wellness challenges, group workouts, breathwork, quiet spaces with essential oils and specialty teas, outdoor activities and even floating meditation.

Fortune 500 speaker Nolan Nichols, founder of A Million Dreams, which specializes in interactive keynotes, invited attendees to explore wellness on a personal level and see it as a continuous journey, with steps like keeping a gratitude journal, finding stories in the everyday, compartmentalizing negative moments and prioritizing relationships for transformational impact over time.

As the sun set over the mountains, planners made their way to the beautiful open space—the Prow—in the heart of Wright’s landmark. They were invited to experience a sound bath delivered by a practitioner of Svetlana Esposito, an activity new to most in attendance.

“It’s about being intentional and engaging all senses,” said Reina Herschdorfer, Caesars’ director of marketing, meetings and events. “When we intentionally incorporate well-being into gatherings, we create not just moments, but meaningful experiences that foster deeper connections.”

As the scent of orange blossoms filled the air, sounds, some deep and moving, some light and shimmering, transformed the space with vibrations, and even birds joined in. It was a deeply personal and yet shared experience that shifted perceptions and brought on a sense of awe.

“It was as if the sound washed over us,” said attendee Kim Barnes with Global Synergies. “We talk about productivity but maybe it’s more about learning more about yourself and creating a whole-person experience.”