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2023 Experience Wellness & Travel Media Event: Speakers & Presenters

by Mary Tjotjos

SPEAKERS & PRESENTERS 

Bev Maloney-Fischback

Founder & CEO

Wellness Media Company/Organic Spa Media

Bev Maloney-Fischback is the Founder and CEO of Wellness Media Company, parent company to Organic Spa Media, Wellness Travel University, and Wellness Travel Advisors. A global citizen of the world, with living experiences in Asia, Africa and Canada, Bev brings a unique perspective into the core message of wellness living. With over 35 years in the media and wellness industries, and tenures at esteemed media outlets like The New Yorker, Vogue, Gourmet, The Washington Post among others, Bev is recognized as an astute media and wellness lifestyle entrepreneur.

Liz Vaccariello

Editorial Director at Large

Organic Spa Media

  • Liz Vaccariello has made a career out of inspiring people to improve their health and happiness. Most recently she served as Editor in Chief of Real Simple, Parents and People. She has decades of experience in health journalism, most notably as SVP and editor in chief of Prevention, the country’s most trusted health magazine, where she co-authored the #1 New York Times bestselling Flat Belly Diet! (and 9 other best-selling self-help books). She started her national publishing career at Fitness magazine and has overseen the editorial direction of Shape, Health, Martha Stewart Living among other brands.

    • Moderator: Touchless Wellness Technology & Innovations

    MODERATORS

    Moderator: Mental Well-Being & Rejuvenating Travel

    Laura Begley Bloom

    Founder

    Begley Bloom Media

  • Laura Begley Bloom is the founder of Begley Bloom Media, a content-strategy agency that works with media, travel, and luxury lifestyle brands to create powerful storytelling. Media clients include Tripadvisor and Forbes (where she is a senior contributor), while corporate clients have included The Related Companies, Four Seasons, and Holland America. Laura also appears regularly on television as an expert guest and has spoken at conferences hosted by The New York Times, Harvard Business School, and more. Before launching Begley Bloom Media, Laura was the editor-in-chief of Yahoo Travel and the deputy editor of Travel + Leisure. Journalism is part of Laura’s heritage: Her great great grandfather was a Civil War correspondent for the Chicago Tribune.

    • Moderator: Nature + Outdoor Travel

    Jacqui Gifford

    Editor-in-Chief

    Travel + Leisure

  • Jacqui Gifford has been the editor in chief of Travel + Leisure, the world's leading travel media brand, since 2018. From 2013 to 2018, she served as travel director, special projects editor, and senior editor with T+L. Under her leadership, the brand has won two National Magazine Awards from the American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME) and a James Beard Award, in addition to numerous awards from the Society of American Travel Writers, the North American Travel Journalists Association, and Folio. She appears frequently as an expert guest on television programs, including NBC's Today, to share travel ideas and discuss trends within the industry. A graduate of Princeton University with a B.A. in English, Jacqui was born in Japan, and raised in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and New Hope, Pennsylvania. She has traveled the world extensively, and lives in New York City with her husband, Robert, and son, Bobby.

    • Moderator: Healing & Nutrition

    Lambeth Hochwald

    Contributing Editor

    Parade Magazine

  • Lambeth Hochwald is a New York City-based journalist who focuses on health, relationships and issues of importance to women. She's an active practitioner of #compassionatejournalism and reports stories through an empathetic lens.

    • Moderator: The Beauty Realignment

    Amy Keller-Laird

    Founder

    Club Mental

    Amy Keller Laird is the founder of Mental, at ClubMental.com, the first mental health lifestyle platform for women. She is the former Editor-in-Chief of Women's Health, EVP/Brand & Audience Development at Remedy Health Media, and Beauty Director of Allure. Amy is a thought leader in mental health, wellness, and beauty, and has appeared as an expert on Today, GMA, The Doctors, and Entertainment Tonight. She has OCD and has been named a Friend of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) for her journalistic work in mental health.

    Moderator: Clean Beauty - Is it Still Relevant?

    Kate Sandoval

    Beauty Director

    Oprah Daily

  • Kate Sandoval Box is the beauty director at oprahdaily.com and Oprah Quarterly, where she oversees its award-winning beauty content, including the annual Beauty O-wards, her Kate’s Beauty Picks column, celebrity Beauty Talks, and Oprah Road Tests. She has nearly twenty years of industry experience as a journalist, brand consultant, and beauty expert, with numerous national TV appearances. Nearly twenty years ago, she began her editorial career at O, The Oprah Magazine, then went on to hold beauty editor roles at Cosmopolitan, Latina, and Self before becoming the long-time beauty director of Shape, Parents, and Parents Latina. As a busy mom to two young children, she loves to write about how beauty affects our mental health, confidence, and connectivity—and the power of a great multitasker.

    • Moderator: Trends in Wellness & Sustainable Travel

    Vivienne Tang

    Founder & CEO

    Destination Deluxe

    Vivienne Tang is the founder of wellness and travel publication Destination Deluxe, which handpicks the best resorts, retreats, spas and beauty brands for the global nomad. She has made a name for herself in the wellness and travel field, and has been in lifestyle publishing for the last 23 years. She was previously Editor-in-Chief of AsiaSpa and Fashion Editor of Prestige Hong Kong. She is a frequent speaker at events and conventions and has held talks and panel discussions at the Global Wellness Summit, World Spa & Wellness Asia, Thailand Spa and Well-Being Summit, PATA Adventure Travel and Responsible Tourism Conference and Mart, Cosmoprof Asia Spa Conference, Hong Kong International Literary Festival, Swire Women’s Network, and Female Entrepreneurs Worldwide.

    Moderator: The CBD Conversation

    Jed Wexler

    Executive Director

    Luxury Meets Cannabis Conference (LMCC)

  • Since 2018 Jed has been the executive director of LMCC, the invite-only biannual B2B trade event connecting leading CBD & Cannabis Wellness CPG brands — to top retailers, editorial press, and investors from around the world. In 2023 LMCC was named one of BeautyMatter’s “Top Global Wellness & Beauty Trade Shows” as well as Trade Show Executive Magazine’s, “Leading Trade Shows in North America.”Prior to that Jed worked with top global trade shows (MAGIC, EmeraldX) and numerous retail brands (HarperCollins, BlueFly) to accelerate their marketing, digital, programming, content, partnerships, revenue, and experiential initiatives.  His industry insights have also been featured in WWD, Wall Street Journal, FORBES, The New York Times, and others. 

    • PANELISTS

    Panelist: The Beauty Realignment

    Julie Bach

    Executive Director

    Wellness for Cancer Charity

    Julie is a thought leader within the global spa and wellness industry and has spent 20 years as a cancer advocate to facilitate greater access to integrative wellness modalities. She was named Leading Woman in Wellness by the Global Wellness Summit in 2017 for her dedication to creating a more inclusive well world. Bach is the Executive Director of Wellness for Cancer with a presence in 60+ countries and which launched the first global well-being app by the wellness industry for individuals touched by cancer.  Julie’s work is an integration of her life’s experiences in the corporate world of strategy, technology, and change management; coupled with her experiences with wellness as a health coach and teacher of yoga, meditation, mindfulness and resiliency.

    Panelist: Clean Beauty - Is Organic Still Relevant?

    Karen Ballou

    Founder & CEO

    Immunocologie

    Karen Ballou is the Founder and CEO of Immunocologie skincare and a partner at Lucas Brand Equity, an equity firm that acquires beauty brands. A beauty industry leader, entrepreneur, and master esthetician, Karen founded Immunocologie skincare after battling Hodgkin's lymphoma. Immunocologie skincare is an innovative and holistic skin health company that strengthens the skin's microbiome and immuno-skin protection system through mineral delivery science. Karen sources ingredients and new technologies for Immunocologie skincare from around the world and works to empower women by creating jobs within their communities. This allows her to create sustainable, distinct, and efficacious products. 

    Panelist: The CBD Conversation

    Anne Biging

    Co-Founder & CEO

    Healing Hotels of the World

    Anne Biging is co-founder and CEO of Healing Hotels of the World, a unique hospitality brand that features the most exclusive and authentic hotels and resorts in the field of holistic healing. She proved to be a visionary when she brought Healing Hotels of the World to life in 2006, anticipating people’s desire to experience a profound, personal transformation towards a healthier, fulfilling lifestyle, way beyond the average wellness vacation. Healing Hotels of the World unites more than 90 hotels under its roof, making them known to a global audience.

    Panelist: Touchless Wellness Technology & Innovations

    Ross Bloom

    Chief Executive Officer

    The BioStation

  • Ross serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the biostation. Helping others transform their lives through healthy living is his passion. As a co-founder of the biostation, he has been able to turn his passion into a brand that changes lives every day. With Ross at the helm, the biostation has grown into South Florida’s preeminent integrative medical wellness brand, as well as one of the leading providers for hormone replacement therapy in the national market. His vision has led to extensive growth and expansion for the brand, growing from one location in 2014 to ten in 2022 with several additional locations in development.Prior to opening the biostation, Ross was Executive Vice President of First Choice Loan Services, leading an organization of 275 employees that produced more than $360 million in annual closings.

    • Panelist: Mental Well-Being & Rejuvenating Travel

    Patrizia Bortolin

    Wellness Project Manager & Director

    Dolce Vita Hotel Preidlhof

  • With over thirty years of experience working across the international wellness, travel and hospitality sectors, Patrizia Bortolin has worked with many of the world’s leading Spa Destinations, tour operators, travel companies and Wellness Resorts.  An award-winning Wellness Concept Designer, integrated Wellness Alchemist, Transformational Travel Designer, Happiness Coach, Bortolin is behind the worldwide success of some unique Wellness Brands. The Italian Specialist is renowned for her pioneering work at the nexus between travel, wellness and healing, for instilling a psycho-emotional journey aspect to the holiday experience and creating unforgettable Wellness Concepts.  Bortolin integrates holistic health , awareness and sensory experiences. These are applied with an innovative and original touch for today’s travellers who seek more authentic and meaningful experiences, and new, sustainable ways to enhance their well-being.  

    • Panelist: Trends in Wellness & Sustainable Travel 

    Emlyn Brown

    Senior VP, Well-Being

    Accor

  • Emlyn Brown brings more than 20+ years of international experience to Accor as the Global Senior Vice President of Well-being, and has held several progressive senior management positions throughout Europe, The Middle East, Asia & China. Over his career, Brown has led group operations of several leading luxury spa and fitness operators. During his time at Resense Spas, he held the position as global design director and was responsible for managing corporate strategies, wellbeing concepts, and related design services for the group. Prior to that, Brown was the director spa operations & development at GOGO Hospitality and also held senior positions at Six Senses Resorts & Spas, where he was the regional director for Europe and laterally the operations director for Asia. Prior to working within luxury hospitality, Brown held senior operating roles with Holmes Place Lifestyle clubs in Switzerland, Austria and Germany.

    • Panelist: Nature + Outdoor Travel

    Meaghan Carlson

    Vice President, Brand & Marketing

    Sensei Wellness

    As Vice President, Brand and Marketing, Meaghan Carlson tackles all of Sensei’s brand initiatives and marketing strategy, including overseeing the PR, advertising, website, marketing analytics, design and social media functions. She is also a corporate spokesperson for the company, interfacing with media on a regular basis and ensuring brand continuity across all guest touch points. Meaghan's 5+ year tenure at Sensei had included spearheading openings for both Sensei Lanai, a Four Seasons Resort and the newly opened Sensei Porcupine Creek in Greater Palm Springs. Meaghan brings over a decade of experience in marketing leadership roles at technology startups and award winning creative agencies advising iconic brands such as Disney, PayPal, Coca Cola and Diageo.

    Panelist: Trends in Wellness & Sustainable Travel

    Aline Clavellina

    CMO & Consumer Director

    Palmaïa - The House of AïA

  • Aline Clavellina is a seasoned marketing & innovation strategist with over 30 years of experience in these fields. Her professional career started as a Systems Engineer bachelor in Mexico City, followed by an MBA and postgraduate studies in Marketing leadership at Kellogg School of Management. She has also completed several professional development courses in digital strategy at Harvard BE. Aline’s work experience includes marketing roles at Procter & Gamble, Unilever, Bimbo bakeries, and Pepsi Bottling CA, among others, always leading or co-leading for their health/wellness divisions.
  • Last year in July, Aline decided to join the team at Palmaïa, a Wellness retreat located in the Riviera Maya that offers holistic practices connected with nature and a plant-based cuisine for its guests. There, Aline found the opportunity to combine her passion for wellness innovation with her desire to facilitate and help customers transition into healthier lifestyles. As the Chief Officer of Marketing at Palmaïa, Aline leads the brand positioning strategy and promotes the resort’s unique natural healing experience.

    • Panelist: Trends in Wellness & Sustainable Travel

    Nicholas Clayton

    President

    GOCO Hospitality

    Nicholas Clayton, the newly appointed President of GOCO Hospitality, is guiding the wider expansion of GOCO projects globally, including Glen Ivy Hot Springs. GOCO Hospitality is a pioneering consultancy, development and management company creating, designing and operating tomorrow’s spa and wellness hospitality concepts. Clayton is seasoned in hospitality and wellness with demonstrated success in embedding a culture of excellence at world-class hospitality destinations, such as the Capella Hotel Group in Singapore, Jumeirah Group in Dubai and has also managed operations of hotel properties within the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. Clayton's vision for GOCO Hospitality is to create, innovate and operate the future of wellness hospitality and create the ultimate wellness community with Glen Ivy's expansion.

    Panelist: Nature + Outdoor Travel

    Nancy Deaton

    Spa Director

    The Lodge at Woodloch

    Nancy Deaton, Spa Director, joined The Lodge at Woodloch in the Fall of 2006, their opening year.  Nancy was instrumental in ensuring the spa treatments, fitness options, outdoor adventure program, and creative discovery classes flourished in the luxury market through guest-centric service and top-quality products.  Since the opening, Nancy has spearheaded the evolution of The Lodge at Woodloch as a world-class destination spa by adding programming such as Forest Bathing, a spinning room, rowing room, FLOAT Therapy room, stand-up paddle boarding program, custom-designed Labyrinth, archery program, and managed a multi-million dollar spa renovation.  Prior to landing at The Lodge at Woodloch, Nancy was the spa desk Manager at The Equinox in Manchester, Vermont. Nancy has over 20 years of experience in the luxury spa and hospitality field that is only matched by her passion to provide an amazing experience.

    Panelist: Mental Well-Being & Rejuvenating Travel

    Dean Fenton

    U.S. Director of Tourism

    Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority

  • Dean is the U.S. Director for the Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority and has been marketing Caribbean tourism for over 20 years. He has represented his homeland since 2011. Known for his strategic thinking and ability to see the “big picture,” Dean thrives in dynamic environments requiring flexibility and results. He maintains solid relationships with promotional partners, travel advisors, tour operators, airlines, travel communities, trade, and consumer media. Dean is a graduate from Baruch College, CUNY and holds a bachelor’s degree in business management and marketing. Dean is also a published author and has written five books about “things that baffles us.”

    • Panelist: The Beauty Realignment

    Betsy Froelich

    Director, Marketing, Hospitality & Real Estate

    Kohler Co.

    Betsy has long been passionate about wellness, travel and design, and its impact on everyday life.  She has 15 years of experience with Kohler and currently provides marketing leadership for its resort businesses in the United States and St. Andrews, Scotland.  This includes Destination Kohler, home of Whistling Straits, Blackwolf Run, and the American Club. Other properties include The Old Course Hotel, Lodge Kohler, and five Kohler Waters Spa locations.

    Panelist: Touchless Wellness Technology & Innovations

    Jason Frohlich

    President

    ReLounge Wave Mat

    Serial wellness entrepreneur, marathon runner and Ironman 70.3 triathlete with extensive experience leading health companies and wellness initiatives across North America. He’s passionate about helping people live healthier and more fulfilling lifestyles and his mission is to help them address their neck & back pain using ground breaking touchless, bioelectrical technology. He’s got your back!

    Panelist: Trends in Wellness & Sustainable Travel

    Sheri Howell

    Vice President, Marketing & Communications

    Medjet

  • Sheri spent 14 years at MTV, where she helped evolve a "little niche music television channel" into one of the most internationally recognized brands in history. She brings over 20 years of experience in brand strategy, consumer marketing and public relations to her current role at Medjet. Former clients and project partners have included Walmart, Intel, Sports Illustrated, and Virgin Airlines among others, and her viral content campaigns, featuring celebrities like Miley Cyrus, Michael Stipe and will.i.am, have earned Emmy, Clio, Webby, CES Global Media and NAACP Awards, multiple Telly Awards, and a nomination for the Titanium Lion at Cannes.  

    • Panelist: The CBD Conversation

    Stephen Letourneau

    Chief Branding Officer

    Better for You Wellness

    Stephen Letourneau is the Chief Branding Officer and member of the Board of Directors for Better For You Wellness, a publicly traded plant-based science-focused wellness company. He is responsible for the ideation, creation, and development of brand ethos, product development, and leading the strategy surrounding the launching and growth of individual luxe skincare and wellness product lines.

    Panelist: Touchless Wellness Technology & Innovations

    Francisco Levine

    Chief Business Officer 

    Bryte Beds

  • Francisco Levine’s purpose is to transform and improve hotel guests’ sleep, by introducing Bryte’s Restorative Sleep Experience, creating a new standard for sleep in hotels. Former CEO of Atton Hotels (sold to Accor Hotels in 2018) and McKinsey&Co trained consultant; Francisco relocated from Chile to Southern California and joined Bryte as its Chief Business Officer. Holds an MBA from UCLA and sleeps like a teenager.

    • Panelist: Touchless Wellness Technology & Innovations

    Connor Martin

    Senior Sales & Business Development

    BioCharger

  • Connor joined the BioCharger Sales and Business Development team in 2021, but has been using and training with the BioCharger NG since it was created in 2013. Having grown up with the inventor’s son, Dakota, he had a front row seat to the development and evolution of the BioCharger technology and the growing community of BioCharger users.

    • Panelist: Nature + Outdoor Travel

    Roma Maxwell

    VP, Marketing & Communications

    Rancho La Puerta

    Roma Maxwell is VP of Marketing and Communications for the life-changing wellness resort and spa, Rancho La Puerta, in Tecate, Mexico. During her 18+ years, the property has consistently topped the “World’s Best” by the readers of Travel + Leisure. Roma’s passion lies in introducing programs and experiences that transform guests' lives. Recently, she played an integral role in launching The Residences at Rancho La Puerta, a wellness residential community. Roma is a member of the Global Wellness Summit (GWS), the International Spa Association (ISPA), and the Wellness Committee of Virtuoso Travel Network. She is a firm believer in Rancho La Puerta’s philosophy of mind, body, and spirit. In her free time, she is often seen running the hills of her neighborhood and “chauffeuring” her beloved children between ballet competitions and tennis tournaments.

    Panelist: Mental Well-Being & Rejuvenating Travel

    Erica Merrill

    Director of Business Development

    Air Partner

  • Erica brings her decade of wellness expertise to the corporate travel space, where he has over two decades of experience. From managing corporate travel accounts to being a road warrior herself, Erica has learned the toll travel can take on an individual’s wholistic wellness in absence of education and strategy.  It’s from this unique lens Erica is helping drive Air Partner’s wellness initiative both internally and externally.Erica’s expertise in corporate travel includes business development and account management in hotels, Travel Management Companies, reservation technology and private air charter services. 

    • Panelist: The CBD Conversation

    Sarah Mirsini

    Founder

    MāSK Skincare

    Sarah's 20+ years of passion for wellness and plant medicine made her come up with the idea of MĀSK. Sarah, struggled with acne from her early teens. From changing her diet, to trying countless of skincare brands, she discovered CBD oil through a holistic path she was taking in reclaiming her health. The more Sarah worked to live her most vibrant live, the more she realized that self-acceptance was at the heart of her health—inside and out. After graduating from The Integrative Wellness Academy, she dug deeper in the Cannabis world and discovered the healing powers of Cannabinoids. She believes in a holistic lifestyle where the inside counts just as much as the outside. Growing up on the islands of Greece and the mountains of Norway, she utilized the tools she was taught to form not just a lifestyle, but a brand.

    Panelist: Mental Well-Being & Rejuvenating Travel

    Mahesh Natarajan

    Chief Operating Officer

    Ananda in The Himalayas

  • Mahesh Natarajan is Chief Operating Officer at leading wellness retreat Ananda in the Himalayas. He drives Ananda’s business vision and goals, and leads the wellness strategy, product development, research and innovation. With 15 years now at the helm of Ananda and a prior experience of another 15 years of experience in strategic consulting and brand building across industry leaders like Accenture and Oberoi Hotels, Mahesh’s goal is to build on the success of Ananda and create a multi-faceted global holistic wellness company.  He leads expansion of Ananda’s footprint internationally and aims to extend Ananda’s deep expertise in wellbeing into new brands and strategic developments. As spokesperson for the company, Mahesh represents Ananda in media and at wellness industry and forums.

    • Panelist: The Beauty Realignment

    Cathy O'Brien

    Chief Executive Officer

    Naturopathica

  • Cathy O’Brien is the Chief Executive Officer of NATUROPATHICA, the leading holistic wellbeing company known for its healing SPAS and services, and responsible and effective botanical skincare and body care. As CEO, Cathy is responsible for accelerating Naturopathica’ s growth in the clean beauty and wellness space, driving product and service innovation, expanding into new channels and markets, and continuing to build on the brand’s industry-leading spas and healing centers.

    • Panelist: Touchless Wellness Technology & Innovations

    Tammy Pahel

    Chief Wellness Officer

    Alchemy Wellness Resorts

    Pahel has been innovating her entire career for over 30 years and has been continuously elevating the spa and wellness experiences. With her forward-thinking approach and strategic partnerships with leading global wellness technology brands, she has brought over a million dollars in cutting-edge technology named touchless wellness experiences during a time when people are seeking different types of wellness services. Pahel strategically developed new revenue streams, increasing profitability, and continuing to enhance the guest experiences. A wellness expert, having opened over 13 different spas and wellness spa resorts. She is presently the VP of Spa & Wellnesss of the ground-breaking and independently owned Carillon Miami Wellness Resort.   As mentioned, Tammy has a talent for not only bringing cutting-edge wellness, fitness, and spa treatments to market, but she has the magic touch of making each of her wellness projects profitable!!   She is also one of the founders of a new consultancy & management company, Alchemy Wellness Resorts, so she has a global approach.  Tammy has participated in Wellness Panels at the Hotel & Spa Forum Paris, Global Wellness Summit & Forbes Annual Summit.

    Panelist: Clean Beauty - Is it Still Relevant?

    Manon Pilon

    Director of Research & Development

    Deme & CO

  • MANON PILON, Renowned Author of 2 books, Speaker, International Educator and medical spa consultant, with more than 38 years of medical spa industry experience. Recognized educator, Medical Spa Owner and operator, medical aesthetician, international director of education and R & D Director for Derme&CO, Laboratoire Nelly De Vuyst, Laboratoire Europelab. Pilon conducted seminars throughout the world, educating medical specialists, medical spa management, spa and med spa owners, dermatologists and, estheticians as well many other medical professionals. She has acquired several awards for achievement in the spa and medical spa field. She is an invited guest speaker at several skin care conferences worldwide, notably in Canada, USA, Paris, London, Dubai, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Geneva, China, Taiwan, Bangkok, Dubai, Singapore, Thailand, Malaisia,  Sydney and more.

    • Panelist: Mental Well-Being & Rejuvenating Travel

    Laszlo Puczko

    CEO & Co-Founder

    HTWWLife

  • László has been working in the field of travel, hospitality, leisure and health for 25+ years. He is an experience curator, strategist, mentor, and wellbeing intelligence expert. He has gained experiences in private as well as in public sector environments. He has been active in every aspect and domain of the health, wellbeing and travel spectrum, i.e. medical and wellness tourism, wellbeing and hospitality, spas and leisure experiences. He has lectured and run masterclasses in 40+ countries. He is a hot spring enthusiast and holds a Diploma in Forest Bathing! Faculty Member of the Medical Wellness Association and Member of the FEMTEC’s Commission of Tourism & Health, Member of the Global Experts Network of IGCAT, and Research Associate at the Wellness Tourism Association.

    • Panelist: Clean Beauty - Is Organic Still Relevant?

    Alysia Reiner

    Actress & Zero Waste Eco Emissary

    Izzy Beauty

    Award-winning Alysia Reiner is best known as SAG award winning "FIG" on 7 seasons of Orange Is the New Black, and originating the role of Agent Sadie Deever in Ms. Marvel ( Pan Asian Critics Choice Best Ensemble Cast).  She just finished her 5th season as Sunny on  Better Things ( nominated for a Critics Choice in 2023) , her second season as Kathryn in STARZ’s Shining Vale starring with Courtney Cox and Greg Kinnear, as well as 2 seasons as KIKI on THE DEUCE. A few other filmed adventures include getting married in the Oscar winning film Sideways, getting naked in an Emmy Award winning episode of Broad City, and going head to head against Viola Davis on How To Get Away with Murder, and she just starred in The Feeling That the Time for Doing Something has Passed ( Cannes 2023) and O HORIZON with David Strathairn and Maria Bakalova.

    She has been at the forefront of environmentally aware living since her first earth day as a teen, is the first ever  zero waste eco-emissary for IZZY ZERO WASTE BEAUTY, on the board of earth day initiative, started a food waste campaign for the NRDC & SAVE THE FOOD, and has led countless organic living and eco- initiatives. 

    Panelist: Nature + Outdoor Travel

    Kathy Rivard

    Spa & Wellness Director

    Blackberry Mountain

  • Excited by the world of wellness and motivated by the opportunity to help others, Kathy’s hospitality career began when she was 18 years old. She quickly put her esthetics and cosmetology training to work, opening her own day spa at the age of 21 and expanding to three locations by 26. From designing and launching a 30-treatment room resort spa, fitness and aquatics center to serving as a regional manager for Este Lauder in New England, Kathy honored her calling to support the teams around her and follow the exciting developments of skincare and spa experiences throughout her career journey. Kathy joined the Blackberry Farm team in 2020 as spa director for the Wellhouse. Soon after, her role expanded and she also became director of Blackberry Mountain’s spa, Nest. In her role, she is responsible for the development of team for both Blackberry facilities as well as helping to define the individuality of the two properties’ wellness philosophies. More than 30 years into her hospitality and wellness career, Kathy remains inspired by the ever-changing industry and the opportunity to grow Blackberry’s wellness brand with innovative treatments, classes, equipment and products. When she’s not at work, Kathy’s self-care priorities include a nice glass of wine, quality skincare, spin classes and time with family and friends.

    • Panelist: Clean Beauty - Is It Still Relevant?

    Sabrina Rowe Holdsworth

    Celebrity Hairstylist & Founder

    NTRL by Sabs

  • Sabrina Rowe Holdsworth is a native New Yorker and third generation hairstylist following in the footsteps of the matriarchs of her family. As an ambassador to her community, Sabs’ diverse chair allows her to understand the core needs of her clients on an intimate level. With the launch of NTRL by Sabs, her beauty brand provides the same dedication and care servicing all hairtypes in Sabs’ orbit by providing sustainable beauty options for everyone; women, men, and non-binary from naturally textured to straight.

    • Panelist: Healing & Nutrition

    Stefanie Sacks

    Founder & CEO

    WTFork.com

    Stefanie Sacks is a nationally recognized Culinary Nutritionist, author, educator, speaker, consultant, and leading authority on eating to prevent illness and restore health. She is also the Founder of WTFORK.com the no B.S. Roadmap to Healthier Choices, inspired by her book What the Fork Are Your Eating. Stefanie received her Master of Science in Nutrition from Teachers College, Columbia University, is a Certified Nutrition Specialist®, Certified Dietitian Nutritionist, and a graduate of the Natural Gourmet Institute for Health and Culinary Arts. For decades, Stefanie has helped transform the way people eat using hands-on experiences to inspire and educate, while offering practical tools for food lifestyle change. As a chef, nutritionist, and innate healer, she empowers people to eat and live to their full potential.

    Panelist: The CBD Conversation

    Antonia Schreiber

    Owner

    The Windham Spa

    Whether writing for industry trade magazines, traveling the world, or practicing Organic and Biodynamic farming Antonia is in constant pursuit of the extraordinary and higher education. As owner and founder of The Windham Spa Antonia brings 20 years of experience in the treatment room as a NYS Licensed Massage Therapist, Cosmetologist specializing in Aesthetic Science, and Electrologist all while being under 40. Outside of the spa her collaborations include The United States Olympic and Paralympic Bobsled and Skeleton teams, historic Kür Baths of Europe, Union Cycliste Internationale, and the New York State Department of Education.

    Louie Schwartzberg

    Award-Winning Director, Producer & Cinematographer  

    Louie Schwartzberg is the director of Gratitude Revealed and an award-winning cinematographer, director and producer who has spent his notable career providing breathtaking imagery using his time-lapse, high-speed and macro cinematography techniques. His other work includes Fantastic Fungi, which was the #1 documentary on iTunes for 4 weeks, the Disneynature film Wings of Life, narrated by Meryl Streep, the 3D IMAX film Mysteries of the Unseen World, narrated by Forest Whitaker, and the hit series Moving Art. Louie has just launched his own 4K streaming channel, The Louie Channel, presenting curated positive content designed to cultivate wonder and awe and a connection with the earth and one another. Schwartzberg is a visual artist who breaks barriers, connects with audiences, and tells stories that celebrate life and reveal the mysteries and wisdom of nature, people, and places.

    Panelist: Healing & Nutrition

    Hillary Sheinbaum

    Wellness Journalist & Author 

    "The Dry Challenge: How to Lose the Booze for Dry January, Sober October, and Any Other Alcohol-Free Month"

    Hilary Sheinbaum is a New York based journalist and the author of "The Dry Challenge: How to Lose the Booze for Dry January, Sober October, and Any Other Alcohol-Free Month" (HarperCollins), a judgment-free guide to giving up alcohol for a month-long period. As a prominent figure in the sober-curious space, Hilary was dubbed "the Dry January M.V.P." by The New York Times in 2023. Hilary has contributed to The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Bloomberg, and The Huffington Post, among other top tier publications. She has appeared on Good Morning America, CBS, NBC, and more.

    Panelist: Healing & Nutrition

    Karina Stewart

    Founder & Chief Wellness Officer

    Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary

    Karina Stewart is a renowned authority on holistic health and wellbeing. An acclaimed speaker and innovator, Karina has more than 40 years of experience in the study and practice of diverse Asian healing and spiritual traditions. She has a Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine, has studied Hellerwork, cranial-sacral manipulation, yoga, and Taoist philosophy and practice, and designed and directed medical detoxification protocols.  She is the creative force behind Kamalaya’s uniquely synergistic and transformational experience, a profound expression of her and her husband John’s life journeys and their deep commitment to service and positive contribution.  

    Panelist: The Beauty Realignment

    Ruth-Ann Thorn

    Founder

    N8iV Beauty

  • Ruth-Ann Thorn is the founder of N8iV Beauty. An enrolled member of the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians and has been a key player in the fine art industry for over three decades.

    • Panelist: The Beauty Realignment

    Katherine Tomasso

    National Director of Education

    Yon-Ka Paris

  • Katherine Tomasso is the National Director of Education for YON-KA Paris. With over 25 years of experience in the skincare, beauty, and wellness industries, she is driven by the potential of innovative treatments that arise from the combination of bioactive natural ingredients, energetic massage techniques, and aesthetic technologies, all of which revolve around a holistic approach to care.
    In her role, Tomasso is responsible for developing YON-KA's national educational programs. She is dedicated to elevating the standards of post-graduate education for licensed aestheticians and body therapists.

    • Panelist: Trends in Wellness & Sustainable Travel

    Marion Walsh-Hedouin

    Vice President, Public Relations & Communications

    Minor Hotels - Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas

    With a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry, Marion Walsh Hedouin has played a pivotal role in shaping the image and reputation of Minor Hotels and its eight global brands, including Anantara, Avani, Tivoli, and NH Collection. In her position, Marion has helped develop and expand Anantara Spas’ reputation as a leader in the wellness category, including the introduction of Anantara’s signature Balance Wellness Retreats and the brand-new BDMS medical wellness clinic at Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort.  Throughout her career, Marion has successfully developed and executed comprehensive communication strategies that have elevated the presence of Minor Hotels and its diverse portfolio of brands. Her keen understanding of media relations, crisis management, and brand storytelling has helped position Minor Hotels as a leader in the hospitality industry. As the Vice President of Public Relations & Communications, Marion continues to spearhead the company's efforts in crafting compelling narratives, managing brand reputation, and engaging with global audiences. Before joining Minor Hotels, Marion, an Irish national, held key positions with InterContinental Hotels and celebrity chef Alain Ducasse in Hong Kong, Paris, and New York.

    Panelist: Healing & Nutrition

    Marci Zaroff

    Founder & CEO

    ECOfashion Corp

  • Marci Zaroff coined the term “ECOfashion" in 1995 and is an internationally-recognized ECOlifestyle expert, educator, innovator, serial entrepreneur, and Author of "ECOrenaissance: Co-Creating A Stylish, Sexy and Sustainable World," (Simon & Schuster.) Founder/CEO of ECOfashion Corp—a “Greenhouse of Brands”—including B2B turnkey sustainable fashion and home manufacturer METAwear, regenerative/organic cotton farm project RESET, affordable, size-inclusive, mass market organic lifestyle brand Farm to Home, and new D2C (e)co-creation retail platform YesAnd.