Integrating Wellness and Sustainability: Insights from the 2024 Conference

The Wellness & Sustainability Panel at the 2024 Cayuga Annual Conference explored the intersection of wellness and sustainability in the hospitality industry. Moderated by Susan Barry, the panel brought together experts Holleigh Alexander-Ramsey of Spalign Concepts, Candace Lynch of Zents, and Corey Clark of Honeycomb Strategies to share their experiences and actionable insights.

Are Wellness and Sustainability Partners or Opponents?  

The panelists agreed that wellness and sustainability are deeply interconnected, though they can sometimes conflict. Candace emphasized that while wellness often involves organic, biodynamic ingredients and clean products, the resources used in sourcing and packaging can be at odds with sustainability goals. For instance, she highlighted the challenge of balancing luxurious, functional packaging with eco-friendly materials.  

Corey pointed out that storytelling plays a vital role in harmonizing these efforts. In events, sustainability initiatives often require signage or tools to communicate their impact, ensuring attendees recognize the efforts being made. However, the production of these communication materials must also align with sustainable practices.  

Holleigh added that in spas, single-use items like plastics present a significant hurdle. Solutions such as reusable containers and pre-portioned products can mitigate waste while preserving the guest experience.

Innovations Driving Change  

The panel showcased innovative practices across wellness and sustainability. Corey highlighted the use of compost haulers in event spaces to divert food waste, educating attendees and reducing environmental impact. In one example, a San Diego conference center introduced food donation practices for the first time, creating a lasting cultural shift among employees.  

Holleigh discussed advances in spa technology, such as robotic massage systems and mindfulness pods, which reduce reliance on staff while providing guests with unique wellness experiences. She also noted the rising popularity of mental health and sleep-focused treatments.  

Candace shared her experience developing Zents’ Antara collection, a hemp-based luxury spa line that incorporates locally sourced ingredients and sustainable packaging. The collection’s products are designed to offer wellness benefits like pain relief and stress reduction while minimizing environmental impact.

Practical Tips for the Industry  

When asked for actionable advice, the panelists shared these key takeaways:  

– Start Where You Are: Candace encouraged businesses to begin with small, impactful steps toward sustainability, such as using bulk refillable products or eliminating single-use plastics.  

– Ask Questions and Educate: Corey suggested engaging suppliers and exploring case studies to identify sustainable solutions tailored to individual properties or events.  

– Unplug for Wellness: Holleigh stressed the importance of creating boundaries and prioritizing self-care, encouraging both hospitality professionals and guests to find moments of peace amid busy schedules.  

Trends to Watch  

As demand for wellness and sustainability grows, the panelists highlighted several emerging trends. From integrating spa and fitness operations under a single wellness umbrella to offering technology-driven treatments like hyperbaric chambers and cryotherapy, the hospitality industry is evolving to meet guest expectations.  

Corey also noted that event clients increasingly demand eco-conscious venues, with some requiring carbon footprint data before confirming attendance. This shift underscores the growing importance of sustainability credentials in attracting business.  

The panel concluded with a unifying message: By embracing innovation, educating stakeholders, and starting with manageable steps, the industry can deliver meaningful experiences that benefit both guests and the planet.  

About the author

Susan Barry, President and Queen Bee of Hive Marketing and partner with Cayuga Hospitality Consultants, executes B2B marketing and commercial strategy projects for hotel owners, management companies, brands, investment groups and vendors. Thinking about trying something weird? We work with hospitality companies to deploy smart commercial strategy ideas. Special projects that don’t fit neatly into an org chart are our specialty. The hospitality industry relies on Hive Marketing when they need an injection of creativity through the lens of extensive hospitality industry experience. Reach out for sales, marketing, and revenue ideas that you’ve never heard before, executed with panache.