Summit program 2026
Thursday August 27
Welcome to Wellness Evening
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In Conversation
5:30 pm
The Business of Wellness
An Investor's View of the Future
Radek Sali - Light Warrior
Friday August 28
Conference Program
Morning
9:00 am
Casey Beros - MC, Health Journalist, Author
Welcome!
Ancient Wisdom, Enduring Wellbeing
Exploring the connection between Country, culture and wellbeing.
Delta Kay – Explore Byron Bay
The Wellness Economy in Motion: What Tourism Leaders Need to Know
The latest global wellness tourism trends and market insights shaping the future of travel.
Katherine Droga - Global Wellness Institute’s Wellness Tourism Initiative
Wellness by Design
What Does It Take to Create a Wellness Tourism Destination?
Stephen Mahoney - Executive Director, Industry Support & Partnerships, Destination NSW, Kylie Bushby - Industry Development Destination Sydney Surrounds South, NSW
The Science of Ageing Well: Why Healthspan is Reshaping Travel
Discover how healthy ageing, preventative wellbeing and longevity are influencing traveller behaviour and creating new opportunities across tourism.
Dr Stacy Sims – Global Female Sports Physiologist & Nutrition Scientist, Moderator: Katherine Droga - Well Traveller
Morning Tea
10:30 am
Beyond Relaxation: What Today's Wellness Retreat Travellers Really Want
Gain insights into the motivations and evolving expectations of travellers seeking transformative wellness experiences.
Janine Cottle – Escape Haven, Melanie James – Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, Moderator: Katherine Droga - Well Traveller
The Return of Ritual: Reimagining Spa and Wellness Experiences
Discover how rituals, sensory experiences and intentional design are reshaping modern wellness and deeper guest engagement.
Megan Larsen - Sodashi, Moderator: Samantha Dunn
The Sound of Wellbeing
Discover how music, sound and vibration can reduce stress, deepen connection and create memorable wellness experiences.
Dr Sandra Garrido - School of Psychology, Zara - Mellow Habits, Moderator: Lizzy Dayne Morrissey - MissusM Creative,
Lunch
12:30 pm
Move to Think: Brain-Changing Movement
Discover and experience how brain-changing movement can boost focus, energy and mental clarity using simple, interactive techniques grounded in functional neurology.
Ellice De Giovanni - Eligned
Turning Interest into Bookings: How to Convert Wellness Demand into Business Growth
Liliana Lopez – WeTravel
Nature as Medicine: Creating Experiences that Restore and Reconnect
Explore how nature can create meaningful wellbeing journeys and deeper visitor connections.
Kate Gibson - The Hike Collective, Tim Jack Adams - Green X7, Paul Tribe - Tribe Journeys, Moderator: Elle Halliwell - Journalist
Growing Wellness Demand: How to Reach Today's Wellness Traveller
Discover the marketing strategies, partnerships and channels that are helping wellness businesses attract the right visitors, build stronger brands and drive sustainable growth.
Cassie Leturgie - Byron Yoga Centre, Pascale Rocher - Crystalbrook Collection, Jemima Miller - Pixel Primed
Moderator: Kate Duncan - Wellbeing Magazine,
Wellness Prize Giveaways
Afternoon Tea
3:00 pm
Building More Than a Bathhouse: Lessons in Community, Connection and Growth
Explore the rise of social wellness and what tourism businesses can learn from experiences that foster belonging, connection and loyal communities.
Russ & Shae Raven - Sol Elements Bathhouse, Moderator: Theme Rains - Synthesis Organics
Wellness for Everyone: Simple Ways Every Tourism Business Can Respond to Demand
Discover practical ideas and wellness touchpoints that businesses can implement regardless of size, location or budget.
Trudy Johnston - Crystal Castle, Tiffany Horton - The Farm Byron Bay, Sonja Sorich - SOMA by Lorna Jane, Moderator: Cassie Carey - Investable Wellness
Closing Reflections: Key Takeaways & Future Opportunities
Join us as we reflect on the day's key insights, opportunities and the future of wellness tourism, leaving you inspired and equipped to take the next step in your business, destination or community.