Angela Minardi has been interested in wellness her entire life, having danced since the age of 2 and participating in organized sports since the age of 4.

“All my jobs and career have had some type of health, wellness or sports focus,” she says. “I knew that I wanted to start my own company after working at CVS Health and founding the Fit Club, a colleague resource group at the corporate headquarters in Rhode Island.”

Minardi, founder and chief experience officer of Fit City Adventures—which elevates human connections through wellness events and healthy team-building experiences—has 25 years of experience in health marketing and events with large companies such as Google, Kaiser Permanente and the American Heart Association, and also loves participating in outdoor activities like pickleball and hiking with her Bernedoodle, Penny. Therefore, it makes perfect sense that she’s partnering with MPI to produce a variety of wellness activations at the World Education Congress (WEC), June 2-4 in San Antonio.

We spoke with Minardi about getting people to connect and focus in meaningful ways at events, why wellness is more of a priority than a perk and the fun wellness activations attendees can expect at WEC 2026.

Tell us a little bit about the mission of Fit City Adventures.

I started the company in 2019 to show groups their city in a fun and fit way, release endorphins and make memories that will last a lifetime. My goal was getting people out of the “bored” room and connecting in a meaningful and health-focused way at conferences and events. I started the company in my hometown of San Diego where tourism is the No. 3 industry. Now in 50 markets, Fit City offers 100+ options, from fitness classes and meditations to beach Olympics and ebike tours.

What sparked your interest in promoting the benefits of wellness?

Throughout my consulting career, I was able to work at companies like Google Health and see the programs on campus and saw the need for more wellness and team building. I was on a bus in Morocco when I came up with the idea for Fit City, on a bus tour where my group and I wanted to go on a city run but did not really know where to start. I decided to create this “lifestyle concierge” concept as soon as I returned home.

Why is it important to promote wellness onsite at events?

Conferences, meetings and events are nonstop. Agendas are packed from early morning to late evening, and attendees are traditionally eating and drinking more than normal and sleeping little. Over the last two years, wellness has become the No. 1 trend to build into events, as event planners know that happy, rested and productive attendees are more engaged and can get the best ROI out of the show, leaving energized with core memories and connections. Wellness is a $500 billion industry and 82% of consumers now prioritize it daily in their lives.

Wellness is for everyBODY, and offering variety throughout the day is important, as well as mindful moments and brain breaks. That might look like massages, puppy petting, Zen den meditation lounges, juice bars, b12 shots or dance classes.

Conference wellness offers opportunities for attendees to try something new outside of their routine and sponsors an option to brand a unique activation. Wellness is not just a perk, it’s a priority, and it’s expected at all events.

Tell us a little bit about the wellness experiences you’re bringing to WEC 2026.

We are offering puppy yoga with adoptable rescue pups; a beautiful multi-sensory sound bath with custom-made travel essential oils; and a stretch, breath and meditation session to re-energize and re-center attendees. We will also have a booth where we’ll be making essential oils and dog toys for our rescue pups and would love everyone to stop by to make those and learn more about the 100+ events for their groups or how to be a hotel partner and build a team building bank with Fit City. We’re excited to see everyone in San Antonio!

Fit City Adventures offers a presentation called “Top 5 Wellness & Event Trends to Elevate your Event and Your Life” for MPI chapter events. To learn more, contact angela.minardi@fitcityadventures.com.