Miami, Florida, November 4, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The Global Wellness Summit (GWS), the premier gathering of leaders in the global wellness industry, today released the full program for its historic 20th annual event, taking place from November 10-13 at Angsana Laguna Phuket in Thailand.

The event celebrates the past 20 years of exceptional growth in the industry and analyzes the lessons learned. At the same time, it brings together numerous top-tier experts to develop forecasts for the next 20 years. The comprehensive program, under the motto "Science, Art, and the Soul of Well-being," underscores that the wellness industry is once again at a turning point.

Science and the renewed focus on longevity and a healthy lifespan have significantly shaped the industry in recent years. World-renowned physicians and researchers are discussing why longevity itself is at a turning point – with new calls for less hype and more evidence-based approaches. They also venture a prediction for a future that will be more inclusive than purely clinical, more collective and accessible than individualistic and elitist.

With a focus on more scientific—and less science-fiction-like—approaches to healthy, long life, a distinguished team of experts will discuss how the "art" and "soul" of well-being will shape an equally powerful and dynamic future for the industry. Keynote speeches will explore how art, music, film, and new forms of immersive entertainment can positively influence well-being. At the same time, renowned designers and real estate developers will discuss innovations in how spaces, destinations, and even cities can transform human well-being—whether through environments specifically designed to foster interpersonal relationships or to regulate our nervous system.

The speakers will explore how the "soul" of well-being—ancient wisdom systems, spirituality, the search for meaning, deep human connection, and nature—is not only regaining importance in an age of clinical over-optimization but is also being radically reinterpreted. Crucially, innovators will also demonstrate how science, art, and the soul of well-being converge in new concepts and goals.

Every day, participants experience the art and soul of well-being firsthand – from the profound teachings of a revered Buddhist monk on the future of the industry, to a moving singing ceremony by Thai schoolgirls, to film premieres from the BBC, ArtLink, and Louie Schwartzberg, as well as new music from Myndstream. In addition, Susie Ellis, who is stepping down as CEO of GWS, will be honored with a moving tribute for her visionary role in shaping the modern wellness industry.

To give the summit a meaningful and inspiring atmosphere, it will be opened by Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalakshana, Queen of Thailand.

“The program was designed to offer a deep dive into the diverse ways in which science, art, and spirituality will shape the wellness industry of the future,” said Nancy Davis, Chief Creative Officer and CEO of GWS. “Equally important to us, however, was providing attendees with a meaningful and moving experience through performances, music, films… and many surprises. We put together a diverse program featuring visionary thinkers and unforgettable moments.”

The 2026 summit places a particularly strong focus on the ongoing transformations in the areas of medical well-being, longevity and healthspan; hospitality and travel; as well as design, art and the built environment.

The keynote speeches will outline what evidence-based and women-friendly pathways to a healthy, long life look like; why a more inclusive approach to medical well-being represents the future; and how a new focus on healthspan is revolutionizing everything from health insurance to workplace health management.

Kenneth R. Pelletier, MD, PhD, clinical professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, and an expert on longevity decades before it became an obsession: “Long Life and Prosperity: Facts and Fantasy in Human Longevity”

Andrea Maier, MD, PhD, Director of the NUS Academy for Healthy Longevity and leader of the team that is among the 20 finalists of the $101 million XPRIZE Healthspan competition: “Health Optimization: Integrating Consumer-Oriented Health and Precision Geromedicine”

John Schoonbee, MD, Global Medical Director, Swiss RE: “An insurance giant is focusing on wellness”

Tanupol Virunhagarun, MD, CEO of Group 8 (BDMS Wellness Clinic, BDMS Wellness Resort, BDMS Silver), Bangkok Dusit Medical Services: “Scientific advancement of well-being in the new age of wellness”

Christopher Asandra, MD, founder and medical director of AsandraMD: "The conversation about women's health that nobody wants to have"

Dan Buettner, founder of Blue Zones: “I built it, sold it, and bought it back… What’s next?”

George Gaitanos, PhD, Chief Operating and Scientific Officer, Chenot: “Longevity redefined: A dynamic state of everyday health”

Anna Bjurstam, founder of Wahayla: “Beyond the hype: Rethinking longevity and the wellness business”

Simone Gibertoni, CEO, Clinique La Prairie: “Authentic expansion: Bringing Clinique La Prairie to Phuket”

Melody Nakhle, Amway's global marketing chief: "Beyond longevity: A new understanding of a good life"

Denise Bober, Senior Vice President Human Resources, The Breakers, Palm Beach: “From entry to retirement: Longevity in working life”

Diego Carrete, Chief Wellness Officer of First Abu Dhabi Bank: “Focus on wellness”

Julie “DJ Hesta Prynn” Slavin, DJ and licensed clinical therapist, music therapy: “A Silent Revolution: A Plea to Putting Hearing on Your Longevity Playlist”

Experts will explore everything from cutting-edge, immersive “welltainment” offerings to a new global movement that places indigenous cultures and crafts at the heart of well-being, as well as the insightful ways in which architects, designers, and developers are rethinking the built environment with regard to human health.

Thomas Heatherwick, founder and design director of Heatherwick Studio: “The Architecture of Indifference: What Boring Buildings Do to Us”

Deron Triff, founder of Project VELUM: “Immersive Entertainment: The scientifically sound plan for the next generation of well-being”

Tal Danai, founder and creative director of ArtLink: Film premiere – “Stories that move us”

Jonathan Emery, CEO of Aldar Development: “Building cities, caring for individuals”

Bernhard Bohnenberger, co-founder and CEO of Discover Collection: “Is it possible to create a place where people feel they belong?”

David Delrahim, founder of COCUN Wellness Resorts and Communities, Proudputh Liptapanlop, managing director of Proud Real Estate, and Ari Peralta, director of Arigami, discuss: “Wellness Cities of the Future: Cultural Capital and Wellness-Oriented Urban Development”

A diverse selection of speakers will examine how age-old concepts such as well-being, spirituality, meaning, human relationships and nature are not only facing a renaissance, but a fundamental reinvention.

Ho Kwon Ping, founder and chairman of the Banyan Group: “From paradise to purpose: The evolution of the wellness hospitality industry”

Ajahn Jayasāro, Buddhist monk, spiritual teacher, author: “What remains when we stop improving ourselves?”

Anna Bjurstam, together with Ronald Akili, co-founder of Desa Potato Head (Bali), and Huy Hoang, founder of Shishi-Iwa House (Japan): “The Anti-Resort: Can hospitality have its own perspective?”

Lisa Von Tang, founder and creative director of Lisa Von Tang, together with Colin Low, CEO of the investment firm Patience Lifestyle, and Lexie Rodriguez, VP Lifestyle of the Capella Hotel Group: “Community building: The new currency of hotel brands”

Krip Rojanastien, Chairman and CEO of Chiva-Som International Health Resorts: “Can a wellness destination retain its soul while expanding?”

Neil Jacobs, founder of Wild Origins: “The next chapter in global hospitality”

Shunya, co-founder of Tianren Culture, Hong Kong: “The inner world: The spirit of well-being”

Renee Moorefield, PhD, founder and CEO of Wisdom Works Group, in conversation with Eva McLellan, global healthcare leader and co-founder of the Unlocking Eve Foundation: “Cultures that thrive in a fragmented world”

Ramona Chiriac, Vice President Global Impact, Therme Group: “Wellness for millions, not just for millionaires”

Lindsay Madden-Nadeau, Senior Director Wellness Strategy & Development at Red Sea Global, in conversation with choreographer Bilal Allaf: “The art of well-being: movement, memory and the wisdom of place”

Marina Efraimoglou, owner and founder of the Euphoria Retreat in Greece: “Why longevity needs an Ithaca”

Jessica Jesse, founder and CEO of BuDhaGirl, founder of Zen Collective: “The Architecture of Intention”

SCIENCE + ART + SOUL: THE NEW CONVERGENCE

From new business models to new government guidelines – the keynote speakers will shed light on the far more inclusive future of well-being.

June Cohen, author, media and technology pioneer: "The Great Remembering: How Powerful Ancient Practices Reinvent Modern Wellbeing"

Pongsadhorn Pokpermdee, MD, PhD, Director General of the Department of Traditional and Alternative Thai Medicine, Ministry of Public Health: “Thailand’s Wellness Future: Ancient Knowledge, Modern Medicine”

William E. Heinecke, founder and chairman of Minor International: “The hospitality empire that refuses to stand still”

Narong Pattamasaevi (father), founder, chairman, Montara Hospitality Group, Poonsri Pichayaphanich (mother), vice chairman, Niyom Pattamasaevi Foundation and Kittisak Pattamasaevi (son), president, CEO, Montara Hospitality Group: “A family’s legacy of care: Trisara, Tri Vananda & More”

Jiří Dvořák, MD, PhD, Professor of Neurology, Schulthess Clinic Zurich and BDMS Wellness Clinic: “Lifespan. Healthspan. Playspan”

The keynote speeches will highlight the profound, overarching changes in the wellness sector.

B. Joseph Pine II, bestselling author, speaker, business consultant and co-founder of Strategic Horizons, will explain the rise of the “transformation economy and its impact on the wellness economy”.

Ingo Schweder, founder and CEO of GOCO Hospitality, Rakesh Patel, CEO and founder of Alta Capital Real Estate, and Professor Gerry Bodeker, member of Green Templeton College, Oxford University, will address the following topic: “Beyond the wellness boom: Where is the industry really headed – and who will shape its future?”

Dave McCaughan, founder of BIBLIOSEXUAL, will reveal lessons from 20 years of wellness advertising, while Kelly Kovack, founder and CEO of BeautyMatter, and Nick Vaus, founder of Free The Birds, will analyze the last 20 years in the beauty and wellness industry and make bold predictions for the next 20 years.

New study: The Global Wellness Institute publishes the “Global Wellness Economy Monitor 2026”, its most comprehensive report to date, providing new data and insights into the global wellness market.

Unparalleled networking: From 160 “Table Topics” at lunch with industry leaders to expert-led discussions after dinner, and on to fantastic open-air dinners and beach parties, Summit 2026 offers attendees countless networking opportunities.

About the Global Wellness Summit: The Global Wellness Summit brings together leading minds and visionaries to actively shape the future of the $6.8 trillion global wellness industry. In addition to an annual conference held at different locations around the world, the GWS also hosts in-person events such as the Wellness Real Estate & Communities Symposium and the New York Media Event, where the "Future of Wellness" report is presented—a forecast of the year's key wellness trends that is frequently cited in the media. The GWS also offers virtual events, including wellness masterclasses. The 20th annual Global Wellness Summit will take place from November 10–13, 2026, in Phuket, Thailand.