David T. Stevens named Chair and Reina Herschdorfer named Vice Chair, joined by global industry leaders supporting the initiative’s mission
LAS VEGAS – Launching just ahead of Global Meetings Industry Day on May 6, the Global Wellness Institute (GWI) has announced the formation of its new Meetings and Events Initiative, a global effort designed to help the industry apply wellness as an evidence based performance driver through practical, measurable event design strategies.
The initiative will be led by David T. Stevens, Co Founder of Olympian Meeting, as Chair, with Reina Herschdorfer, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for Caesars Entertainment Meetings & Events, serving as Vice Chair.
They will be joined by a distinguished group of industry leaders contributing expertise and guidance to the initiative:
• Dr. Senthil Gopinath, CEO, ICCA
• Stephanie Harris, President, Incentive Research Foundation (IRF)
• Tahira Endean, MSc, CITP, CMP, CED, Head of Program, IMEX
• Dena Lowery, President, Opus Agency
• Rachel Benedick, Chief Revenue Officer, Meeting Professionals International (MPI)
The launch underscores the growing recognition that meetings and events directly influence organizational performance. When wellness is intentionally integrated into event design, it supports stronger business outcomes, higher attendee satisfaction, increased engagement, improved content retention, a greater sense of belonging, and enhanced overall wellbeing. The Meetings and Events Initiative is focused on advancing practical, evidence based strategies that deliver these results consistently across the industry.
The global wellness economy is valued at $6.8 trillion, underscoring its scale as one of the world’s largest and fastest growing sectors. This initiative will serve the full meetings and events ecosystem, including corporate and association planners, trade show organizers, event marketers, agencies, DMCs, hoteliers, executives, and international event leaders.
Its work will be guided by a practical framework built around the 4 M’s: Mindfulness, Movement, Meals, and Meaning, with a first year focus on developing a best practices playbook for application across markets and event types.
“Meetings and events already shape human wellbeing, whether we mean to or not,” said David T. Stevens, Chair of the Meetings and Events Initiative. “This initiative is about helping our industry take that responsibility seriously and turn it into action. Wellness must become practical, credible, measurable, and operational.”
“This initiative creates an opportunity for the meetings and events industry to move forward with greater clarity, stronger standards, and a more intentional approach to designing experiences that support both people and performance,” said Reina Herschdorfer, Vice Chair of the initiative. “I am honored to help shape this work alongside the distinguished industry professionals contributing to this effort. Their leadership and influence are instrumental in driving meaningful change, and together with the broader global wellness community, we have the potential to significantly advance the future landscape of meetings and events.”
The Global Wellness Institute describes the Meetings and Events Initiative as an effort to help the industry apply wellness as an evidence based performance multiplier by turning it into practical event design strategies that improve attendee experience, strengthen belonging, support public health, and drive better business results.
To learn more about the Meetings and Events Initiative, visit globalwellnessinstitute.org/meetings-and-events-initiative.
About Meetings and Events at Caesars Entertainment, Inc.
The largest casino-entertainment company in the U.S., Caesars Entertainment, Inc. offers meeting and event planners one dedicated team, united nationwide, committed to providing the most successful meeting experiences possible. With one call or email, planners have access to more than 50 properties, with more than 2.1 million square feet of meeting space and more than 50,000 guest rooms. Mix and match properties and venues within a destination under a single contract and minimum. Enjoy elite perks, rewards and privileges with our Caesars Rewards Meeting Diamond Program. For more information, please visit http://www.CaesarsMeansBusiness.com.
About Caesars Entertainment, Inc.
Caesars Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: CZR) is the largest casino-entertainment company in the US and one of the world’s most diversified casino-entertainment providers. Since its beginning in Reno, NV, in 1937, Caesars Entertainment, Inc. has grown through development of new resorts, expansions and acquisitions. Caesars Entertainment, Inc.’s resorts operate primarily under the Caesars®, Harrah’s®, Horseshoe®, and Eldorado® brand names. Caesars Entertainment, Inc. offers diversified gaming, entertainment and hospitality amenities, one-of-a-kind destinations, and a full suite of mobile and online gaming and sports betting experiences. All tied to its industry-leading Caesars Rewards loyalty program, the company focuses on building value with its guests through a unique combination of impeccable service, operational excellence, and technology leadership. Caesars is committed to its employees, suppliers, communities, and the environment through its PEOPLE PLANET PLAY framework. To review our latest CSR report, please visit www.caesars.com/corporate-social-responsibility/csr-reports. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-522-4700. For more information, please visit http://www.caesars.com/corporate. If you think you or someone you care about may have a gambling problem, call 1-877-770-STOP (1-877-770-7867).
About Olympian Meeting
Olympian Meeting™ is a wellness first corporate events agency and consultancy co founded by David T. Stevens and Ariadni Pereira, helping organizations design meetings, events, and hospitality experiences that improve human performance, deepen engagement, and drive measurable business outcomes. Through event strategy, production, wellness activations, content, speaking, and strategic partnerships, Olympian Meeting works at the intersection of science, strategy, and experience design to make wellness practical, credible, and operational for the future of events. Learn more at https://www.OlympianMeeting.com .
About the Global Wellness Institute
The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to empowering wellness worldwide through research, education, and collaboration. Recognized as the leading global research and educational resource for the wellness industry, GWI is known for introducing major industry initiatives and convening regional events that bring together leaders to chart the future. GWI works to positively impact global health and wellness by educating public institutions, businesses, and individuals on how they can prevent disease, reduce stress, and enhance overall quality of life. Its mission is to empower wellness worldwide.
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