News & Information

This year’s Annual Wellness Summit in Austin, Texas was like no other. Together, we reflected on where we’ve been, both as individuals and as an industry, and explored how those lessons can propel us forward as we continue to navigate the challenges of today’s world.

The event was filled with meaningful connections, valuable networking opportunities, and rich conversations on topics such as technology, culture, holistic health, and more. The takeaways were many, and the memories are unforgettable. Here are the highlights:

Technology and Innovation

We are all well aware of the constantly changing world around us, especially in the area of technological innovation. This year’s conference took a look at how technology is reshaping the future of wellness, including sessions on the ethical considerations and potential use cases of artificial intelligence (AI) in wellness and ways we as wellness professionals can transform data into meaningful change. Keynote speaker Nina Hersher, M.S.W., addressed how we as individuals can cultivate a healthier relationship with technology in the digital age.

Culture and Community

Have you ever had one of those days where everything feels off, but you still feel like you have to put on a “sunshine and rainbows” face at work—as if you couldn’t really show up as your authentic self? In her breakout session, Chase Sterling, founder and CEO of the Wellbeing Think Tank and principal consultant of HHP Cultures, reminded us that optimism doesn’t have to mean glossing over challenges. Instead, she shared how a balanced approach can create space for authentic connections while still honoring life’s ups and downs. Many other sessions echoed this theme, highlighting the power of building supportive, inclusive environments where real connections can flourish, and where well-being can truly thrive.

Multidimensional Approach

From exploring our daily habits with Monu Khanna, M.D., to learning how blending Eastern and Western practices can benefit us with Amitha Kalaichandran, M.D., it was reaffirmed that health and wellness is truly multidimensional. Alice Burron, Ed.D., focused on ways we can meet employees where they are at, improving health literacy and overcoming barriers to well-being. We learned that it takes a balanced, hands-on, holistic approach, emphasizing all Six Dimensions to truly address what matters most and make the greatest impact.

Nutrition as Medicine

The foods we choose have a big impact on our health—sometimes for the better, and sometimes not so much. Elizabeth Machnica and Purnima Mohan showed us how strategic nutrition interventions can support long-term health, emphasizing the power of collaborative partnerships. Theresa DeLorenzo explained the science behind food choice, including the gut–brain connection and how our microbiomes impact (and are impacted by) food choice.

Leadership and Strategy

Leadership support is foundational to the success of any workplace wellness initiative, and this message was reinforced throughout the week. Our speakers took it a step further, exploring the role of leadership in areas like building a strong employer brand with Lucas Mack and keeping employees safe at work with Lindsay Maurer. Attendees learned strategies for getting leadership buy-in and ways to cultivate strong, engaged wellness champions within their organizations. Furthermore, Joel Bennett, Ph.D., provided practical guidance on career growth, introduced an innovative framework, and shared ways to align competencies and benchmarks to support collaboration and personal development.

Engagement and Problem-Solving Through Experience

All work and no play? Never! The Annual Wellness Summit was a perfect mix of topical education, opportunities to connect through fun networking events, and plenty of movement breaks in between. Some breakout sessions went even further, utilizing playful improvisational techniques to build community and foster interpersonal skills, diving into the ways in which experiential learning can lead to highly effective team building. Who knew that tossing and catching invisible bouncy balls with strangers could be such a bonding experience?

Environmental and Nature-Based Wellness

Despite the heat, those attending the Summit made sure to get some much-needed exposure to nature. During an invigorating preconference session, “More Green Time, Less Screen Time,” attendees were able to learn about the benefits of spending more time outdoors and strategies for implementing nature for improved well-being while surrounded by the beautiful natural landscape of the Barton Springs Nursery. Those who wanted another chance to get more nature in during the conference had the opportunity to take a morning hike around Barton Springs, led by keynote speaker Mark Campbell.

Burnout and Resilience

No one held back when discussing the uncertainty in today’s world. Joseph Gleed and Brittany Badger Gleed, co-owners of Renova Wellness & Consulting, reminded us that there is no courage without fear and no resilience without challenges. They shared that thriving teams can be built by focusing on safety, a shared sense of purpose, flexibility paired with accountability, meaningful recognition, and a sense of belonging. They even gave us actionable strategies to put it all into practice!

Keynote speaker Jarik Conrad closed out the conference with an important reminder: In order to be effective in our roles as health and wellness professionals, we cannot neglect our own well-being. He left us feeling empowered to make positive change—both for ourselves and for those we serve.

At the 2025 Annual Wellness Summit, we learned, we laughed, and we even line danced—but most importantly, we left with new friendships and fresh ideas to carry us forward in our mission. Together, we are wellness.

If you missed out on this year’s experiential event—or you’re already excited to come back—we hope you’ll join us in 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. Save my seat for 2026!