SITE launched a new wellness community in early 2025.
This community will promote mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing in the incentive travel industry. Prioritizing wellness enhances member engagement, retention, and productivity, leading to more creative and effective professionals.
Our thanks to SITE members Deanna Griffith-House and Sarah Martin for serving as the inaugural chairs of this new community.
Here’s what inspired both of them to take on these volunteer leadership roles, and a sampling of what strengths and perspectives both women will bring to the community as it continues to flourish this year.
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Q: Why did both of you want to volunteer to serve as chairs of this new community?
DGH: I volunteered to chair SITE’s new wellness community because I believe that wellbeing is the foundation of success in the incentive travel industry.
As professionals who create meaningful and transformative experiences for others, we often overlook our own mental, physical, and emotional health.
My goal is to foster a supportive community that prioritizes wellness, encourages balance, and provides resources to help our peers thrive — both personally and professionally.
By integrating wellness into our industry’s culture, we can enhance not only our own lives but also the experiences we design for others.
This community strengthens SITE’s industry leadership, expands educational programming, and drives discussions on work-life balance and sustainable travel.
By supporting member wellbeing, SITE ensures long-term success for individuals and the industry.
SM: My passion for wellness stems from my personal journey of understanding the effects of event planning on health — particularly heart health and mental wellbeing. Through years in this fast-paced industry, I’ve witnessed firsthand how stress, long hours, and constant travel take a toll.
I’ve personally battled for a healthy heart and have faced debilitating anxiety, which led me to explore natural and sustainable solutions for managing stress, optimizing energy, and fostering overall well-being.
By chairing this community, I hope to share my experiences and the knowledge I’ve gained to help others in the industry create balance, resilience, and longevity in their careers.
Q: Why is wellness important in the incentive travel industry?
SM: The events and incentive travel industry thrives on high-energy, fast-turnaround environments that can often lead to burnout if wellness isn’t prioritized. From physical exhaustion to mental fatigue, the impact of non-stop schedules is significant.
By integrating wellness practices, whether through movement, nutrition, mindfulness, or better sleep — we can enhance creativity, performance, and overall experience, ensuring that professionals and attendees alike leave events feeling inspired rather than depleted.
Q: Can you both share a time when wellness at an event made a personal impact or positively shaped your experience?
DGH: At a past industry conference, a morning wellness session — offering guided meditation and light movement — completely transformed my experience. It provided a moment to reset, increased my focus, and fostered deeper connections with other attendees.
That intentional wellness touch made the event more engaging and productive, reinforcing the importance of integrating well-being into MICE experiences.
SM: One experience that stands out was an event where guided mindfulness sessions were seamlessly incorporated into the agenda. Instead of back-to-back sessions, attendees had time to pause, recharge, and engage in meaningful conversations. I left that event feeling energized rather than exhausted, reinforcing my belief that intentional wellness practices lead to deeper connections and more impactful experiences.
It also affirmed for me that simple shifts — like breathing exercises, stretching breaks, or nutrition-focused catering — can have a profound effect on engagement and overall well-being.
Q: What are your personal go-to self-care practices?
DGH: My go-to self-care practice is mindfulness and intentional breaks. Taking a few moments to reset, whether through deep breathing, a short walk, or a quiet moment with a book, helps me stay focused, energized, and balanced.
SM: Transcendental meditation (TM) has been a game-changer for me. It helps me manage anxiety, reduce stress, and maintain clarity even in the busiest of seasons.
Strength training and movement are also crucial for my wellbeing, as is prioritizing clean eating and hydration.
Most importantly, I’ve learned that rest is a form of productivity, and I now embrace practices that support energy recovery, from quality sleep to time spent in nature.
Q: Are there specific emerging wellness trends SITE should consider integrating into our programs?
DGH: Yes! SITE should consider integrating these emerging wellness trends into its programs:
- Mental health & mindfulness — guided meditation, breathwork sessions, and digital detox spaces to help attendees recharge and stay present
- Nutrition & sustainable catering — offering brain-boosting, plant-based, and anti-inflammatory foods to enhance energy and focus
- Movement & recovery — incorporating stretch breaks, mobility stations, and on-demand fitness classes to counteract travel fatigue
- Nature & biophilic Design — outdoor meeting spaces, greenery, and nature-inspired elements to improve mood and productivity
- Sleep & recovery focus — quiet zones, nap pods, and curated sleep resources to support wellbeing during busy events
