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In advance of the wellness theme in the next issue of MPI’s magazine, The Meeting Professional, we asked a variety of event pros the following question.

How do you personally maintain wellness working in a hectic industry with an often-rigorous travel schedule?

After over two decades in this industry, I've learned that I cannot carve out the same routine each time for each event. I look for small things that I can utilize anywhere whether that’s movement of my body, staying hydrated, listening to some music or a good podcast and sticking to a sleep schedule. It is also OK to not be “on” the entire time ourselves as planners, and I have allowed myself to take a few minutes in isolation if I am feeling overwhelmed. Practice what I’m preaching.

Jennifer Lucio Vargas, CMP
Founder, President & Chief Executive Officer, 305 COMMUNICATIONS & EVENTS LLC
MPI South Florida

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Routine is my secret to staying well in a hectic industry. I have a few non-negotiables when I’m traveling, and the biggest one is an early morning workout. Those quiet hours before the day begins help me recharge, clear my head and create some balance amid a very busy schedule. In many ways, it’s my own personal resilience space—a dedicated time to reset so I can bring my best energy to the people and experiences I’m supporting

Kate Walsh
Chief Business Officer, Hello! Destination Management

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For me, wellness is not a luxury; it is part of professional responsibility. I prioritize strength training, walking, mountain biking, racing and activities that require complete focus so my mind can disconnect from work and reset.

I also stay disciplined about preventative health: regular checkups, massage, chiropractic care and tracking my fitness over time. The meetings industry asks a great deal of people, and every profession has its pressures. 

I believe leaders need to model sustainable performance. If I am not physically and mentally healthy, I cannot show up at my best for my team, clients or community.

Motorsport teaches you that smooth is fast. I think wellness works the same way in that sustainable performance, recovery and consistency create better outcomes than trying to run at redline all the time.

Heather Dow, CPhT, CAE, CPC(HC)
Senior Manager, Events & Management Plus Inc.
Director, MPI Foundation Global Board of Trustees

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For me, it’s about consistency and small daily choices rather than big gestures.

I take the stairs instead of the elevator, and once or twice a week, I go for an early morning walk in the hills or a short run before work. Whenever possible, I walk to work, a 55-minute journey that helps me start and end the day with clarity. These simple habits help me reset, stay grounded and maintain balance.

When I travel, I try to keep the same mindset: staying active, walking as much as possible, hydrating and protecting time for rest whenever I can.

Equally important is the way I approach life and people in every context—at work, at events and in my personal life with family and friends. I strongly believe that kindness and gratitude are not just values but daily practices that can positively influence every aspect of our lives. Taking the time to acknowledge others, expressing appreciation, showing empathy and creating genuine human connections can have a profound impact on both personal well-being and professional relationships.

In a people-driven industry like ours, kindness helps build trust, while gratitude fosters a sense of belonging and purpose. These simple yet powerful attitudes contribute to healthier environments, stronger teams and more meaningful experiences. I believe they are just as important to well-being as physical activity, nutrition or rest.

Ultimately, my belief is simple: Managing energy is just as important as managing time. When we take care of ourselves and when we approach others with kindness, respect and gratitude, we create environments where people can truly thrive. Wellness is not only about feeling better; it is about enabling others to perform better, connect more deeply and create more meaningful experiences together.

Giuseppina Cardinale
Key Account Director, Starhotels
MPI Italia Chapter