As wellness and mental health have come to the forefront, today’s attendees and exhibitors value unique experiences to not only network but also recharge before, during and after events. To meet this growing demand, Caesars Entertainment, a public company with more than 50 resorts across the U.S., has launched a meetings wellness menu to fuel the mind, body and soul of event participants.

Beyond healthy food and beverage options, the gaming and hospitality company is providing a wide range of wellness activities and services — from tai chi and guided outdoor hikes to chakra readings and animal therapy. The company can also arrange wellness speakers.

The wellness menu is rolling out first at its properties in Las Vegas, said Reina Herschdorfer, director of marketing and public relations, national meetings and events. 

In Las Vegas, Caesars brands include Caesars Palace, Paris, Harrah’s, The Cromwell, Planet Hollywood, Horseshoe, Nobu, Linq and Flamingo. Caesars resorts in Atlantic City, NJ, and Reno, Nev. will likely follow.

On Oct. 15, the day before IMEX America’s Smart Monday opened in Las Vegas, Caesars provided a sneak peek of the offerings to trade show and meetings industry media. Here’s the inside scoop.

Wellness in action

To showcase its new wellness menu, Caesars worked with Pink Jeep Tours to transport a group of trade journalists to experience Nevada’s first and largest state park, Valley of Fire, about 50 miles or a 1-hour drive from the Strip.

The group was led on a guided hike, taking in the natural beauty of the giant, crimson rock formations, maze-like canyons and animal-shaped peaks. Along the way, knowledgeable guides from Pink Jeep Tours provided context about the area’s indigenous tribes, the region’s storied history and the iconic landscapes where numerous Hollywood films like Star Trek Generations were filmed.

After exploring the ancient petroglyphs at Atlatl Rock, the group was guided through a series of meditative exercises facilitated by Dami Kim, Tao Guide, Body & Brain, which provides a program called Brain Education, a comprehensive system of mind-body training for developing the brain’s capacity to create physical, emotional and mental health.

Following the excursion, the group sampled tastes at Guy Savoy, the fine dining restaurant serving elegant French cuisine, located in Caesars Palace. Caesars showcased its personalized scent gifting experience, where fragrance technicians guided guests to choose from a curated selection of top, middle and base notes to create their own unique fragrance.

The final stop on the wellness journey was Qua Baths & Spa, a 50,000-square-foot venue where guests could indulge in an array of skincare and massage services. The group enjoyed rejuvenating massages, as well as the Roman baths, arctic ice room, sauna and steam rooms.

With four days and nights of IMEX America ahead, the wellness preview was a welcome warm-up to a full schedule of events at the largest gathering of event professionals in North America with nearly 15,000 confirmed participants. 

Wellness activities and services

Caesars offers spas, fitness centers and pools at most of its hotel properties. While a number of events are offering yoga and organized walking/running, Caesars can help take your wellness up a notch with unique wellness activities, including:

·  Vibration class: The technique involves standing and holding positions or performing exercises to increase neuromuscular performance, as well as improve strength and balance.

·  EFT Tapping: Emotion freedom techniques (EFT) tapping is a mind-body method of tapping acupuncture points on the hands, face and body with fingertips while focusing on an issue or feeling the participant is hoping to resolve.

·  Scentscaping: Fragrance technicians moderate a scent experience that transforms and complements the environment.

Related: TASTE TRENDS: 4 WAYS TO LEVEL UP ALCOHOL-FREE OPTIONS AT EVENTS

F&B options

From breakfast to beverages, Caesars offers a full array of healthy menu items. A sampling of Caesars’ curated menu features:

·  Healthy breakfasts like an overnight oat station

·  Themed refreshment breaks with gluten-free options like matcha green tea, honey, cashew milk, frozen grape “ice cubes” and honeycomb

·  Plated lunches and dinners like Tamari Seared Salmon Salad and Grilled Butternut Squash Steak

·  Cold lunch buffets with Mediterranean options like farro tabbouleh salad and shawarma chicken

·  Themed lunch buffets like the Flavors of Asia with cucumber salad, miso whitefish and steamed jasmine rice

·  Hors d’oeuvres like Hamachi crudo and roasted baby carrot “pigs in blankets:

·  Receptions with Farmers Market Stations that can include crudite jars, thai beef salad box and apple and endive salad

·  Stations with made-to-order poke.

Check out the full wellness menu:

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