By Chuck Gillespie, CEO of National Wellness Institute
The 46th National Wellness Conference is in the books. This year, we had a combination of in-person and virtual learning and connecting. Our speakers, breakouts, panels, and small group sessions saw a lot of engagement and conversations. As usual with all NWI virtual events, the Chat was fast, furious, and fascinating.
We were fortunate to have Gallup’s Jon Clifton in person for his presentation. He moderated a group session following his presentation for those who were in Indianapolis. We also had former U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Jerome Adams, drop by and join us for dinner. Prior to dinner, he led a great conversation about the crises of addictions, infant mortality, health inequities, messaging, and the fight with the new COVID variants. Jimmie McMillian, who presented on the first day of the conference offered a great addition to our theme for this year. He stated “I love that the theme for this year is to be curious and intentional to be well. But also remember to be humble.” Thanks, Jimmie for that reminder.
The virtual events were equally engaging, thanks to the attendees’ participation. The questions asked, the connections made, and the opportunities to work closely together are why we continue to find ways to enhance and evolve the conference. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of the National Wellness Conference. Mark your calendars now for the 47th National Wellness Conference. We will be in Orlando, Florida, June 27-29, 2022! See you there.
So what is next? Well, watch for a white paper that will be distributed this fall authored by all the WellLeader participants. The focus will be around wellness needs as they related to access, quality of life, and messaging. NWI will continue to ask each of you to be curious and intentional about how you are championing your wellness strategies. For example, do you feel that you and your committee have the competencies needed to deliver a multidimensional, multicultural, high-level wellness initiative?
Also, watch for more about our Certified Wellness Practitioner (CWP) designation. CWP is the standard for ensuring you, your committee, and your vendors have the competencies needed to drive and evolve wellness strategies for your audiences. CWP is the gold standard for wellness professionals all over the world.
As I reflect on the 46th National Wellness Conference, one thought keeps running through my mind. Wellness is a team sport. Watching the curious faces of people trying to take everything they can from others who have years of experience was fun to watch. It is like taking a drink of water from a fire hose. But what I also know is that wellness leaders are very willing to give their time to you to help. I would suggest maybe too generous, but that is what makes this industry so special. So please know that you have a support network all over the world ready to help. So continue to be curious, intentional, and humble so we can all work collectively to create a culture of wellness for everyone, everywhere!
