MPI’s Monthly Wellness Spotlight Brought to You by Caesars Entertainment.
While digital detoxes have their place, technology can also be a powerful ally in enhancing wellness—especially in the context of events, according to Reina Herschdorfer (MPI Oregon Chapter), director of marketing, national meetings and events for Caesars Entertainment.
"We’ve seen firsthand how tech can elevate the attendee experience," she says. "From immersive virtual reality mindfulness zones and hydration tracking stations to wearable wellness devices, AR-enhanced nature walks and digital wellness challenges, technology enables us to create personalized, en-gaging and restorative experiences. When thoughtfully integrated, these tools don’t distract—they empower attendees to be more present, more connected and more in tune with their well-being."
TECH-DRIVEN WELLNESS TOUCHPOINTS
A good example of utilizing tech to drive event attendee wellness took place during the Caesars Entertainment Wellness Forum last year at Caesars Palace Las Vegas, where the company hosted 150 of its top meeting planner partners.
"While the three-day event featured dynamic speakers and live activations, we also layered in subtle, tech-driven wellness touchpoints," Herschdorfer says. "We partnered with 42Chat to deliver curated, personalized wellness text messages—gentle reminders to breathe, stretch or take a mindful pause. These messages also included links to resources on affirmations, sleep techniques and more. We had fun with it, too—welcoming guests and sending them off with themed, feel-good content. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and the engagement rate was exceptionally high."
Integrating text-based wellness messaging can be a simple, yet powerful enhancement to a live event, according to Herschdorfer.
"The process began with curating a series of short, thoughtful messages—reminders to pause, hydrate, breathe or reflect—timed to align with the event flow," she says.
"The delivery felt personal, fun and non-intrusive. Attendees appreciated the gentle nudges to prioritize their well-being amidst a packed agenda, and they could pick and choose from the information sent via our personalized chatbot, Zenny YogaPaws. One key takeaway for next time: We’d love to expand the personalization even further—perhaps allowing attendees to select the type or frequency of messages they receive."
Caesars Entertainment also collaborated with Tabl’eau filtered water to help keep attendees hydrated while also tracking consumption data.
"Even more impactful, the analytics revealed how many plastic bottles were diverted from landfills thanks to this initiative—underscoring how tech can support both personal and planetary wellness," Herschdorfer says.
FLEXIBILITY AND FUN
The Wellness Challenge, powered by Heka Health, has become a signature wellness activation for Caesars Entertainment concurrent with industry events hosted by the likes of MPI, PCMA, IMEX and ConferenceDirect, as well as the company’s own client gatherings.
"We’ve been running it for nearly a decade, and its success lies in its flexibility and fun," Herschdorfer says. "The app is fully customizable and co-branded, allowing participants to track steps and wellness activities—whether it’s a three-hour event or a three-day conference. Activities can include walking, yoga, meditation, journaling or even watching a short inspirational video. A live leaderboard adds a gamified element, encouraging friendly competition among individuals or teams. Prizes are tied to participation and performance, making it a fun, inclusive way to promote movement, mindfulness and connection. Success is measured not just in steps taken, but in the energy, engagement and camaraderie it sparks."
Hershdorfer believes it’s the small wellness touches like these, utilizing technology, that can make a big impact.
"We see great potential in evolving this approach for future events," she says.
