THE 3 Ps

My best tip for meeting planners is to approach wellness in three key categories— plan, posture and pace.

• First, find those pockets of time to proactively plan for moments of well-ness, such as physical exercise or eating healthy.
  
• Secondly, posture yourself so that you can recognize the hidden moments of wellness happening throughout the day, such as a conversation with a colleague, meeting a new friend or reflecting on special moments that took place during the day.
  
• Lastly, pace yourself and know that wellness is about consistency more than intensity.
  

NOLAN NICHOLS
Founder, A Million Dreams
Caesars Entertainment Wellness Menu Speaker

BEING ADAPTABLE IS KEY 

Staying committed to health goals is crucial for success as a meeting professional, to remain focused and sharp. Small steps towards consuming whole, nutrient-dense foods can lead to significant progress, paving the way for a healthier journey. Dedication, planning, perseverance, remaining committed to your goals and being adaptable are key, just like planning a meeting.

SANDI JACOBS
Founder and President, Life With Zest
Caesars Entertainment Wellness Menu Speaker

TAKE RESPONSIBILITY

Lead with purpose and intention. It’s vital for leaders to prioritize nervous system regulation to unlock their inner strength. When they take responsibility for their own well-being, they transform chaos into clarity, ensuring that every event leaves a lasting impact. They celebrate challenges as opportunities for growth and inspire their teams to elevate their own well-being.

SEPIDAH EIVAZI
Founder, Dawn of the Earth
Caesars Entertainment Wellness Menu Speaker

MENTAL FIRST

If we only take care of our physical health but ignore our mental health, that’s the equivalent of taking our car to the car wash but not to the mechanic. This is a not a sustainable formula for professional longevity. Here’s what we can do:

Create boundaries so your breaks and after work hours are protected from work-related tasks.

Plan winding down activities that help calm the after-work mind so you can sleep peacefully.

Insert a one- to two-minute meditation practice several times during the day. This can be as simple as 10 deep breaths and a thought of gratitude.

Develop positive social connections in the workplace.

PANDIT DASA
Leadership, Workplace Culture & Mindfulness Expert
Caesars Entertainment Wellness Menu Speaker

PART OF THE PROCESS

To stay focused and maintain energy during the planning process and onsite, take small breaks throughout the day to recharge. Incorporate essential oils like lavender for relaxation. For example, a portable diffuser that doesn’t require water and can be charged allows you to move it wherever needed. Music is another powerful tool—wear AirPods and listen to songs that energize you while working on projects.

In addition to these strategies, eat well by choosing nourishing, plant-based meals, and stay hydrated throughout the day. Prioritize sleep, bring your own down pillow, wear an eye mask and earplugs while aiming for seven hours of deep sleep so you can fully recharge. Meditate when you first wake up and go outside for some fresh air or a walk.

REINA HERSCHDORFER
Director of Marketing and Public Relations National Meetings & Events, Caesars Entertainment

BEYOND YOGA AND FUN RUNS

Planners often struggle to get wellness initiatives funded as a part of the event. Here is a tip: To increase the ability to provide wellness initiatives in your meeting, have a measurement tool that includes feedback on the initiatives. Wellness today is beyond yoga and fun runs. When wellness is integrated, attendees often rate the event more positively, which boosts satisfaction scores. When added to an event’s overall culture, wellness increases the return rate to the event, creating lifetime event influencers.

HOLLY DUCKWORTH, CAE, CMP
CEO, Leadership Solutions International

ALL ABOUT THE MINDSET

Prioritize self-care and work-life balance; when you nurture yourself, you’re better equipped to create unforgettable experiences for others. For me, this philosophy comes alive each morning when I take a few moments to breathe deeply, reflect on what I’m grateful for and shift my mindset from "I have to" to "I get to." 

OLGA ROSENBROOK
Senior Project Manager, Event Marketing Partners

PRIORITY ONE

As meeting professionals, we spend so much energy taking care of others that our own well-being can easily take a backseat. My top wellness tip is to prioritize our own self care. Start by setting aside just five minutes to breathe deeply, stretch or step outside for fresh air. These mindful pauses help recalibrate your energy and boost mental clarity, which can make a significant difference in how you show up. Prioritize yourself first and the results will ripple into your professional success.

KRISTINE IVERSON
Founder, Visionary, CROW Practice, Caesars Entertainment Wellness Menu Speaker

CHECK YOURSELF

Before you say or do anything, check your energy balance and make sure your head is cool and your belly is warm. If not, shake your head lightly to release tension from your neck and breathe out through your mouth. Be aware of your breathing and try to breathe naturally with your abdomen without much agitation around your chest. Just a few cycles of this natural abdominal breathing will help to recover a coolhead, warm-belly energy balance.

What affects others’ responses is not just what you do or say but also how you do or say it. Sometimes your energy matters more than your words.

DAMI KIM
Executive Director of Corporate Wellness, Body & Brain Wellness, Caesars Entertainment Wellness Menu Speaker

PERFORMANCE PLANNING

Wellness is essential to maintaining high energy, focus and productivity. I start by making sure that I stay hydrated and bring a reusable water bottle. Quality sleep is also key for me—I aim for seven to eight hours to recharge both my mind and body. Eating and drinking mindfully is a must and I opt for balanced meals that include lean proteins, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates, while avoiding excessive caffeine and sugar.

Pace yourself during long events—incorporate brief breaks to stretch, breathe or take a short walk. This helps reset and sustain your stamina. Finally, allow yourself a small splurge—whether it’s indulging in a favorite meal, snack or drink, this moment of enjoyment can boost your mood and keep stress levels in check.

KELLY GLEESON SMITH
Vice President of Sales National Meetings & Events, Caesars Entertainment