Sepidah Eivazi says she was able to reclaim her authentic self due in part to her discovery of somatic breathwork. She would go on to share what she learned far and wide, including at Caesars Entertainment’s inaugural Global Wellness Summit in June in Las Vegas.

Promoting wellness best practices is Eivazi’s way of empowering others to "break free from the cycle of stress and burnout in their lives."

"It’s about creating spaces where healing, sustainability and genuine connection can flourish," says Eivazi, a wellness advocate and founder of Dawn of the Earth, a platform combining somatic breathwork with custom-made teas.

Eivazi grew up in Iran, where she developed a deep understanding of herbs, which she now uses to create healing, toxin-free blends. She also integrates Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) into her practice, helping individuals release emotional burdens and find balance.

"With extensive experience in the event industry, including roles as a hotelier and as director of global accounts with Elevated Meeting Solutions, I uniquely merge wellness with event planning," Eivazi says. "My approach creates experiences that are both memorable and deeply nourishing. As a member of the Global Wellness Institute’s Breathe Initiative, I educate others on the power of breathwork, and through my commitment to sustainability, I plant a tree for every tea blend sold—nurturing both people and the planet."

Her interest in wellness began as a personal journey to heal from the challenges she faced growing up in Iran.

"Discovering somatic breathwork was a turning point—it allowed me to release deep-seated trauma and reclaim my authentic self," she says. "This experience fueled my passion to share these powerful healing practices with others. As a former hotelier and current event planner, I’ve seen firsthand the intense stress our industry demands. Holding so much tension to perform and support our clients often forces us into a constant state of fight, flight or freeze, which is damaging to our nervous system and mental well-being. Understanding this, I felt a strong calling to merge wellness practices with event planning, creating experiences that not only leave a lasting impression but also nourish the mind, body and spirit."

Eivazi is a featured speaker on Caesars Entertainment’s wellness menu, which features healthy F&B options and wellness activations that meeting planners can utilize to create more holistic, wellness-focused events. The June wellness summit was a great opportunity to share wellness learnings with an exclusive meeting planner audience.

"Recognizing the high-stress environment of the event industry, we collaborated to introduce mindfulness and relaxation techniques throughout the event," Eivazi says. "I had the honor of speaking about the power of tapping, also known as EFT, in building self-confidence. This method is incredibly effective in breaking negative thought patterns and promoting mental clarity. Through breathwork, we can release trapped emotions at a cellular level, bringing the body to a state of calm and emotional balance. Additionally, I provided sustainable wellness boxes as room amenities, which included lavender bags sourced from Ojai, Calif., and hand-crafted Palo Santo, both designed to calm the mind and alleviate mental ailments."

Knowing meeting professionals work long hours and travel frequently, Eivazi suggests they prioritize micro-moments of self-care throughout the day.

"Even in the busiest schedules, small, intentional practices can make a big difference in maintaining your well-being," she says. "One simple, yet powerful, practice is conscious breathing. Take a few moments between meetings or during travel to practice deep, mindful breathing. This helps regulate your nervous system, reduce stress and bring you back to the present moment."

Staying hydrated and choosing nourishing foods is also key, Eivazi says.

"Travel and long hours can disrupt your eating habits, so try to carry healthy snacks and drink plenty of water," she says. "Your body will thank you, and you’ll have more sustained energy throughout the day. Lastly, whenever possible, incorporate some movement into your routine. Even a short walk or stretching can do wonders for relieving tension and re-energizing your body."

Eivazi is happy to see event organizers increasingly recognizing the importance of creating spaces where attendees can decompress and recharge.

"For example, incorporating dedicated wellness zones where attendees can engage in activities like breathwork sessions, guided meditations or even quick yoga breaks has become more common," she says. "These practices help attendees stay focused, reduce stress and enhance their overall experience."